President Obama Delivers Powerful Speech on Health Care and Ends Controversy

President ObamaSpeaking to an address of a joint session of congress tonight, President Obama delivered a powerful and inspiring speech primarily addressing the Health Care debate and ended many of the criticisms that had been made falsely.

Early in his speech he received a standing ovation from all of congress when he vowed that he would not cease to work for jobs until every American who wanted one, had one. A second roar of applause came when he announced that the Recovery Act was putting the nation back on track. However, his emphasis was on the future and Health Care Reform and he made his position quite clear when he said that “I am not the first President to take up the issue, but I will be the last”.

The plan that he outlined made it clear that no one would have to lose their current coverage or be forced to change doctors. The plan would make it illegal for insurance companies to drop or lessen coverage when a patient becomes ill and would also make it illegal for a company to deny coverage due to preexistent conditions. The proposed plan would also put a limit to how much patients would have to pay out of pocket for their care and cover screening and preventative care.

To address the requirement to obtain coverage, the President made it clear that a hardship waiver would be available for those who still could not afford to pay for coverage or for small business who can not offer coverage.

He addressed the unfounded controversies that have been circulated including the ridiculous accusations that health care reform would be plan to kill off senior citizens or cover illegal aliens. He called the Republican and news pundits on the carpet for making such wild and unfounded claims by saying strongly that “it is a lie.” He further cleared up the issue that health care reform would not add a single cent to the national debt.

He further addressed the issue of holding insurance companies accountable to the American people for their behavior and unethical treatment of the consumers. He challenged the Republicans to end the games and bickering and wild claims that he is trying to take over health care and work together to address whatever legitimate concerns that they might have. Additionally, he addressed the needs of seniors and assured them that he would protect Medicaid and end fraud and addressed a move to solve the dilemma caused by malpractice issues.

There was a moment of tension when a long haggler from the floor began to shout at the President calling him a liar to the shock and dismay of most of those watching including Speaker Pelosi. But the passion of his speech clearly over shadowed the tension as he closed with the parting words of the belated Senator Ted Kennedy who wrote shortly before his death, that health care is not an issue of politics, not a mater of policy, but a matter of principle that reflects the moral character of our nation.

It was a moving and powerful speech that challenges us all to rise above the hysteria and propaganda and do what is right for the nation. He cleared up the controversy and left little room for anyone to oppose his clear cut plan that addressed all of the former complaints. When it comes to the fact that millions of Americans are dying every year for lack of health care, President Obama said it best when he stated that “It is heartbreaking, it is wrong, and no one should be treated that way in the United States of America.”