HEALTH CARE BILL PASSES: Summoned to success by President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled Congress approved historic legislation Sunday night extending health care to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and cracking down on insurance company abuses, a climactic chapter in the century-long quest for near universal coverage.
"This is what change looks like," Obama said a few moments later in televised remarks that stirred memories of his 2008 campaign promise of "change we can believe in."
Widely viewed as dead two months ago, the Senate-passed bill cleared the House on a 219-212 vote. Republicans were unanimous in opposition, joined by 34 dissident Democrats. (AP)
NOW WHAT? Few issues since the Vietnam War have generated as much heat as the health care debate, which prompted street corner rallies in Raleigh, packed town halls from Wilson to Durham and prodded both sides to mobilize.
But the question with Sunday's historic House vote for President Barack Obama's health care plan is how it will play in the November elections.
In a moderately conservative state like North Carolina with its traditional skepticism of the federal government, the issue poses risks for the Democrats. Public opinion polls suggest that the majority does not support the president's plan, although voters say
they like some parts of it. (N&O)
JUST (SOME OF) THE FACTS, MA'AM: Some North Carolina police departments routinely withhold incident reports that don't include criminal allegations, citing a section of state law that's intended to keep criminal investigations private.
Raleigh, Cary and other towns contend that even the police reports that don't lead to criminal investigations or charges still begin as criminal cases and include criminal intelligence, and therefore are protected under the state public records law.
Media lawyers and other open-records advocates say the agencies interpret the law incorrectly. (N&O)
Comments
The Idiot terrell
March 22, 2010 - 10:30am — riverrdHow in the world can one person be so full of lies and hate as this "person" ? Get a clue, you and your fellow Flat-Earth Believing, Knuckle-Dragging, Mouth-Breathing Neo-Con repoblicans LOST!! No one believes you or your lies. Just Go Away!
I'll vote against McIntyre
March 22, 2010 - 10:27am — aftercancerIf I wanted a republican representative I'd vote for one. So instead I will vote against the lame democrat we have, by not voting in the race at all.
And Mr. Terrell, I am sick to death of reading lies about abortions being paid for under health care reform. It is s lie plain and simple. Current federal law does not allow federal dollar to pay for abortion, the executive order says the same thing as does the bill. Tell the truth, you may win a few more votes.
State House 33 Democratic candidates Gill and Allen
March 22, 2010 - 10:11am — PaulTerrellState House 33 Democrats support this government takeover of our healthcare system. They also support the allowance of elective abortions under this plan and the $500 Billion in cuts of Medicare. To me it is sickening that anyone would support the execution of unborn system based on the old mighty dollar. As with the 4 Democrats on the Wake County Commission they have chose money over a human life.
The Democrats will not stand up and fight for your rights not to purchase healthcare. If you choose not to buy healthcare insurance you will be fined. And if you refuse to pay you will have your wages garnered or in some situations you will be jailed. The Democrats continue to chip away at your rights endowed upon you from God and The US Constitution. Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats stated even last night that they are giving you additional rights. If someone thinks they can give you rights, then they think they can take them away. That is tyrrany.
Will you help me bring some sanity, responsibility, and transparency back to State House 33?
http://voteterrell.com