Dental Floss: Less than 1 per cent of Tanzanians use it

[Mzalendo]

Dental Floss
Less than 1 per cent of Tanzanians use it

by Dr. Mazaheir Punja

Dental floss, a piece of thread used for cleaning the proximal contact areas in between teeth has been in use since the early per-human times as evident from the marks found in the teeth remains of the fossils.

If you are regular with your dental check ups, you must be aware of how dentists stress on using the floss at least once a day. All dentists just love dental floss. I can still remember my dentist telling me as a child: "You don’t have to floss all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep." Yet less than 1 per cent of Tanzanians used dental floss on a regular basis.

The modern reinvention of the dental floss was back in 1815. This was in the form of a thin silk thread, the same used as a surgical suture today. Since then it has undergone changes and improvements in all the forms. Today, you can get dental floss in all different materials (from nylon to various super synthetics such as Gortex and Teflon), in different shapes (from thread to tapes), in different diameters (with or without fluffy stuff) and with different amounts of wax and flavouring.

Dental floss has many uses. You can use it to slice up cheese, remove biscuits that are stuck to the baking biscuit sheet, repair a backpack or a tent when you are on the road and if you are really obsessive, you can clean crevices in the turned legs of your wooden furniture. Anesthetics use them sometimes to secure the location of the endotracheal tubes. You may be surprised, but it can also kill someone or help a prisoner escape from jail.

But of course the main use of dental floss is to clean those little nooks and crevices between teeth that can’t be reached with your toothbrushes and dentifrices. You floss for the same reason that you brush your teeth i.e. to mechanically remove the build up of bacteria from your teeth and gums.

The encrustation of bacteria (plaque), if left for a long time mixes with saliva and mineralizes into a hard substance popularly known as calculus or tartar. Bacteria inside the calculus produce toxins which irritate your gums causing gun diseases like gingivitis (bleeding gums) and later into more serious periodontal diseases which can lead to tooth driving, mobility and eventually tooth loss.

By removing plaque in the proximal areas, flossing doesn’t only prevent periodontal diseases but also class II type of dental caries (Tooth decay in between teeth).

Finally, another good reason for flossing and getting rid of these encrutations of bacteria is that in some cases you can also get rid of bad breath (halitosis). Bacteria in the oral cavity break down food particles left in the mouth and create volatile sulphur compounds which produce fulminating smell.

Today on average, 92 percent of Tanzanians have gingivitis, 55 percent dental caries, 30 percent periodontal diseases and 14 percent bad breath (halitosis). All these can change if one could just use a thin half of milimeter of threat to regularly clean teeth. I think it’s high time and we should start using dental floss.

[Mariam]

leave my people alone! They use toothpicks!!! mitishamba n.k.

[Sie]

Mariam, per the dentists toothpicks may loosen gums and subject one to the risk of gum disease and periodontal disease which are risk factors for heart disease... may be it's time to change

[Mariam]

Hahaa! Sie, I concur, and thanks for bringing that into light...and now we know the culprit that could help us explain the last paragraph on the article; "Today on average, 92 percent of Tanzanians have gingivitis, 55 percent dental caries, 30 percent periodontal diseases and 14 percent bad breath (halitosis)"... so it's not that people are not aware of the bacteria in the mouth whose harm is enhanced by food residuals but they need the know-how...substitute toothpicks with dental floss, since they do use toothpicks in good faith, - hygiene and protection I guess! more education to people huuh?!

[Mariam]

by the way, this came to mind, just an idea don't crucify me people!...If they are able to advertise businesses such as that of condoms in radios and televisions, why not launching massive advertisments on dental floss?! and give out all these advantages and disadvantages of using/not using it...the latter could be a more profitable business as well think about how many times one would use the floss per day!...what do you think?

[Mkakati]

I don't think you can equate gingivitis with AIDS.
People can live and function even if they are toothless
Also from a business stand point its easy to scare people to buy condoms compared to buying floss.

[Sie]

Mkakati, it is widely known that visits to the dentist in Tanzania (for the majority) happens when we need to go pull out a tooth which means preventive measures that involve regular cleaning by a dental professional are inadequate and hence the high possibility of dental diseases, even if the statistics provided above are not entirely accurate.

Also, even though AIDS and Gingivitis are not the same disease they both have the potential for causing death. AIDS will attack the immune system and subject one to killer diseases and Gingivitis will cause periodontal disease and subject one's heart to bacteria which lead to heart disease (also a killer disease). Public health in both cases, is crucial.

The main difference I see is that gingivitis is Reversible with good dental care (periodontal disease, I am not so sure) another reason why information on gingivitis and it's risks should be made public.

[Mariam]

Sie, I could never explain it better than you! I just hope this information will reach as many people as possible, Knowledge Is Power! What a regular TZs would think s/he could get ouch! heart attack because they couldn't take a proper care of their, uuh, teeth?! and not just heart attack but gum diseases may mess up your brain, cause frequent migrane, e.t.c. b'se your nerve system is all connected...just little things we ignore may as well be reasons why in countries for example America, the life expectancy is approximately 77 years while in Tanzania is ~40 years! apart from the hardship of life but there are what seems to be minute things within our reach, that if we follow could significantly give us a few years bonus to live...I think.

Mkakati, I am not equating gingivitis to AIDS, but hey they both pose healthy hazards and are life threatening...and in business point of view, I am selling my idea for free, just be innovative and create a demand and leave the supply to surprise you , you may maximize your profits by selling dental floss the same way you may for condoms or liptsticks...

In regards to the validity of the statistics presented, honestly I have no grudges about it, as a matter of fact, (and with all due respect to my people shall I say), I think the 14% ratio for stink mouths is underestimated , the cluster was probably taken in upper scale neighborhoods...I agree you could live even after loosing all your teeth or possessing the dental formula of a mouse...Nevertheless, how many causes of deaths are unaccounted for in places like Tanzania and other developing countries? many!...we now know one source of heart attack!! Soooo, should we contract Martin Lawrence and Tchina Arnold to stunt a dental floss commercial?!

[Sie]

Yes Mariam I think we need one strong commercial to start with or maybe just fliers or leaflets to be distributed in public places.
You know what, even the SonicCare toothbrushes are something worth mentioning when talking of dental care. They make a big difference and they are worth saving money for.

[Mariam]

http://www.cnn.com/video/partners/clickability/index.html?url=/video/health/2007/03/05/nurenburg.child.tooth.death.cnn

Dentist: Death From Tooth Infection Preventable
http://wjz.com/health/local_story_060091917.html

(WJZ) PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. Dentists say the recent death of a Prince George's County boy who died from a tooth infection could have been prevented, but many parents don't know where or how to get help.

Many Maryland children don't get to go to the dentist, and for 12-year-old Deamonte Driver, missing visits became deadly last week when a tooth infection spread to his brain.

"The brain is not that far away from the teeth. You have teeth right here and brain right here. It's not that far for bacteria to spread to other tissues," said Dr. Norman Tinanoff, Univ. of Maryland Dental School.

A rare death that Dr. Tinanoff says could have been prevented, even though the family's Medicaid had lapsed.

"Most dentists who would see a child in pain would treat a child no matter whether they're reimbursed or not reimbursed," he said.

To find that dentist, most families go to the dental school or public clinics, but Tinanoff says in Maryland, there are too many patients and not enough denists, especially now that parents are hearing about Deamonte's death.

"My thoughts were to make sure she was always on time for appointments and that she would have her routine checkups so that nothing like that could happen to my child," said Martina Jones.

Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease nationwide and kids who don't have dental insurance are twice as likely to develop cavities, but they're far less likely to get the treatment they need. Doctors say that's in part because many parents don't know how to cut through the Medicaid red tape.

"There are huge barriers for poor parents. That's one thing we have to look at. We have to make it easier for them to access care," Dr. Tinanoff said.

Click here for more information about access to adequate dental care.

Toothache Kills 12-Year-Old Boy
http://www.drudge.com/news/91196/toothache-kills-12-year-old-boy

By the time Deamonte's own aching tooth got any attention, the bacteria from the abscess had spread to his brain, doctors said. After two operations and more than six weeks of hospital care, the Prince George's County boy died.

Deamonte's death and the ultimate cost of his care, which could total more than $250,000, underscore an often-overlooked concern in the debate over universal health coverage: dental care.

Comments:


Sorry, but the Republicans are the ones who have fought Medicaid tooth and nail...

In this case they killed this boy...they were penny wise and pound foolish...what would have cost $80 ended up costing $250,000...

Half a Trillion for a vanity war in Iraq and not one red cent for our own children....

There should be no uninsured children in America...

Shame on you....

Posted by Scarey
What a sad story. The fact that we have children dying in this country due to lack of health care is disheartening.

Posted by taxman

I am a Registered Republican. While I do not think Bush is "evil" as others here, I do agree that he seems to forgive waste regarding fighting Iraq, but funds for Medicaid are scrutinized for waste, ad nasuem. Staying in Iraq is important to me. But not so is decent health care for working people (not just the poor).

Bush is but one part of Medicaid and its funding. However, he could provide some leadership and use the bully pulpit to push real health care for all as he pushes for funding for Iraq.

Posted by clintonallen at 2007-02-28 09:46 AM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron.
--Dwight Eisenhower 1953 speech

Posted by Scarey_e at 2007-02-28 09:55 AM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Bad New just out

New Home sales down 37 percent in January

Existing single family home sales down 16 percent in January,,,

these are terrible numbers

Posted by Scarey_e at 2007-02-28 10:03 AM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

sorry the 37 percent is for the West only


Posted by Scarey_e at 2007-02-28 10:12 AM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

I am listening to Bernanke testifying...he is using the same sing song voice as Greenspan....

gloomy very gloomy

We are in "the calm before the storm" referring to the deficit....he says...

I think the only answer is to euthanize the population when they reach age 65...

or demand married couples have at least 4 children...

Posted by Scarey_e at 2007-02-28 10:22 AM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

All of Congress and all members of the president's administration should lose all health care benefits and be allowed only those that are provided to all other Americans. Then they should get exactly what we get, nothing more nothing less. It should also apply to pensions and pay raises.

Posted by danni at 2007-02-28 03:08 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

""I think the only answer is to euthanize the population when they reach age 65...""

Should I feel threatened??? That isn't that far off for me. Could we maybe make it 75. I doubt I will care that much after that.

Posted by danni at 2007-02-28 03:09 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Now that the Dems hold congress and the senate, let's see how long it takes them to do something... but that would take a 5 day week

Posted by PRob at 2007-02-28 03:12 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

80 bucks


404,000,000,000 spent in Iraq (so far)

If I made 50,000 per year, I'd have to work 8 million years to earn that amount.

Posted by RastaCyborg at 2007-02-28 03:15 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

One of the lesser-known aspects of the "Air Pelosi" controversy is the degree to which the fuss is payback for the House speaker's decision to hold legislators to a five-day workweek instead of the three- or four-day schedule adopted by the Republicans in the past.

Posted by RastaCyborg at 2007-02-28 03:17 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

"A routine, $80 tooth extraction might have saved him. If his mother had been insured."

Or if she had $80.

Or if she was willing to pay $10 a month for 8 months.

No, it isn't her fault she didn't take her kid to the dentist, it's rich peoples' fault for not paying more taxes to give her free health insurance.

Posted by JOE at 2007-02-28 03:23 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

If he would have used that tooth to pull himself up by the bootstraps we all would have won.

1. He would have yanked the tooth out.
2. He could afford the insurance for his welfare queen mother's Cadillac.

Now THAT'S American!

Posted by IraqiBukkake at 2007-02-28 03:23 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

I wonder if they had a TV that cost more than $80 in their home?

Posted by pray4mojo at 2007-02-28 03:29 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Or if she had $80.

Or if she was willing to pay $10 a month for 8 months.

No, it isn't her fault she didn't take her kid to the dentist, it's rich peoples' fault for not paying more taxes to give her free health insurance.

Hey my man...you tell me what you would have rather done, Mr. Fiscally responsible?

Pay the 80 bucks that they don't have to get the tooth taken care of?

Pay the 250k that they don't have to pay for brain surgery and medical care as the result of the tooth?

You're paying either way...that family isn't. Which do you prefer? Though I'm sure your answer is to deny medical care to poor people.

Posted by IraqiBukkake at 2007-02-28 03:29 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

OK, both kids have bad teeth... One has six the other has a severly abcessed tooth that eventually kills him... They could not get to a dentist.... And this is all bush's fault because of the war in IRAQ... Interesting...

Outside of the sarcastic attitude above It is a shame that this child died. I am against the government providing a universal health care for adults capable of work though...

If you are 17 and under, disbaled, or over 65 I think the government has a responsibility to assist... outside of those categories... NO, I pay my own insurance, have to wait sometime 2 weeks to get into my dentist. One that takes my insurance. Why should i pay for someone else. I have worked hard to get where I am... Why should i be responsible for another adult that is just as able as I... Sorry I'm not for it...

Posted by armyof1 at 2007-02-28 03:33 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Please read the article... the STATE said, "blah blah blah"... and understand how things work. The STATE is responsible for this sort of thing.

Posted by PRob at 2007-02-28 03:34 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

""No, it isn't her fault she didn't take her kid to the dentist, it's rich peoples' fault for not paying more taxes to give her free health insurance.""

Just wondering, if this child could be brought back to life, would you pay a little more tax to make it happen???
Or would it be more fun to just make hateful comments about his grieving mother?

Posted by danni at 2007-02-28 03:34 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

$80 turned into $250,000.

Now multiply that by the 45,000,000 uninsured in America that wait until the condition becomes so bad that they go to the ER for treatment.

Universal coverage would lower our health care costs, but of course that would be against the status quo of mega profits for health insurers so it is communist.

Preventative care is much cheaper than ER care. My own idiot brother is tantamount to that. Instead of taking his high blood pressure medication (which has a $1 co-pay.... 1 fricking dollar) he waited until he had a stroke. The bill until to date is $314,000 and climbing.

Posted by JimmyWallback at 2007-02-28 03:35 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Why do I have to pay for some poor slobs health care?

Sincerely,

The right.

Posted by JimmyWallback at 2007-02-28 03:36 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

The only way to 'fix' healthcare is to massively expand the government. ANY argument to the contrary is simply a function of neo-con corporate greed.

- The Left

Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 03:39 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

YEAH!

Now to be fare, this woman also had another kid with "a mouth full of rotten teeth".

While I agree that universal healthcare is a wiser way to spend those premiums I am paying for but never use (more noble to care for the young and old and better than buying some fat ass a new vacation home) taking the other facts of this story into account leads me to believe this woman sucks as a mother regardless.

Now this is not an excuse or a way of marginalizing this kid's death, its sad and needless, however something tells me that even with access to healthcare this woman still would be a suck-ass mother!
A toothbrush is not that expensive and teaching you kid's good personal hygiene is just common sense!

There are numerous instances one could use to illustrate the need for universal healthcare for the very old and very young; this is NOT one of them!

Posted by Redneckville at 2007-02-28 03:42 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Who said that the only way to fix health care is to expand the government?

You are right though neo-cons and corporations are greedy and heartless; neither could care less about the poor in this country. If it were up to them we would deny health care to the poor just to kill them off.


One more point this is a kid who died not an adult who had been abusing the system his whole life. This kid didn't even have a chance to make something for himself, but who cares, he was black, and on welfare, he wouldn't have amounted to anything anyway, right neo-cons?

Posted by taxman at 2007-02-28 03:45 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

This is classic!


This woman has a kid who has a toothache and she doesn't do shit about it.

The tooth gets so bad that her kid dies and suddenly it's somebody else's fault???

If only we had government-run healthcare this never would have happened?


Jesus!

Does personal responsibility EVER enter into any equation for some of you?

Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 03:46 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Who said that the only way to fix health care is to expand the government?


Dude. Look up on this thread.

Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 03:49 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Basically, it's up to the American people to decide if we want Universal Health Care.
The conservatives decided that every man, woman and child in this country should pay $1600 (so far and not including interest) to pay for Bush's Iraq adventure, but they get all upset when liberals suggest we should all chip in for universal health care.

Posted by RastaCyborg at 2007-02-28 03:50 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

If only we had government-run healthcare this never would have happened?
Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 03:46 PM

YEAH! You mean we don't?

Define "Government Run".

Posted by Redneckville at 2007-02-28 03:51 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

""The only way to 'fix' healthcare is to massively expand the government. ANY argument to the contrary is simply a function of neo-con corporate greed.

- The Left""

Any attempt to do anything about health care to make it affordable for all is just a commie pinko idea of someone who hates America.
America can afford needless cruel wars but not health care.
Profit is another word for God to many Republicans.

Posted by danni at 2007-02-28 03:53 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Ahh the personal responsibility mantra, the favorite of the right.

Once again this was a kid who died, he is responsible for his own death?

I never said the mother wasn't at some fault here, but we still have a duty to make sure that children in this country are clothed, fed, housed, and receive proper medical treatment. I am not saying we have to give money to their parents - some of whom probably aren't deadbeats like you are thinking - but we can come up with ways to take care of our children.

Some people are so fucking heartless. I hope to God the shoe is on the other foot for you guys one day, I really do.

Posted by taxman at 2007-02-28 03:54 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

If only this had been a white kid, then maybe people would feel differently.

Posted by taxman at 2007-02-28 03:56 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

"If only this had been a white kid, then maybe people would feel differently."

I didn't look at the race of the kid before commenting. That you would bring it up is pretty stupid.

Posted by JOE at 2007-02-28 03:58 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

You don't have to think about race, all it takes is the reference to welfare and the right assumes the kid is black.

Posted by taxman at 2007-02-28 04:01 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

This has nothing to do wit greedy people. The article says:

A routine, $80 tooth extraction might have saved him. If his mother had been insured.

The article makes it sound like the only way he could have gotten his tooth pulled is if he had insurance. Anyone can walk into a dentist's office and be treated. If you don't have insurance, you pay the full costs of your procedure, which in this case was $80. Even if you don't have the $80, most places will send you a bill and you can pay it little by little.

I can't believe I'm explaining dental billing procedures to a bunch of people who are playing dumb just so they can pretend like they have a reason to support government-run healthcare and raising taxes.

Posted by JOE at 2007-02-28 04:01 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

We have plenty of white veterans who the president and the REpublicans don't give a crap about so race doesn't necessarity make any difference. It is just mostly about tax cuts and greed.

Posted by danni at 2007-02-28 04:02 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

"all it takes is the reference to welfare"

Who said anything about welfare? The only information I had before I posted was that the people didn't have insurance and didn't think they could afford an $80 dental procedure.

Posted by JOE at 2007-02-28 04:02 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

JOE I think everyone already knows that but the article just sparked a debate about healthcare in general.

Posted by danni at 2007-02-28 04:03 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Do I dare say it..."God helps those who help themselves"

Flame away

Posted by Raymee at 2007-02-28 04:04 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Anyone can walk into a dentist's office and be treated.

Joe, while that may be true in suburbia, that isn't necessarily true with inner city providers. Especially if this woman had skipped out on bills before.

I don't have to play dumb to come up with reasons for gov't run health care, there are countless children who receive poor health care today on top of being malnourished and under-educated.

What's more we don't need to raise taxes to provide these necessities. We just need to cut spending in other places. See the Eisenhower quote above.

Posted by taxman at 2007-02-28 04:05 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Danni I think race does play an issue, but you are correct as to the greed and heartless factor.

Posted by taxman at 2007-02-28 04:10 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

I never said the mother wasn't at some fault here, but we still have a duty to make sure that children in this country are clothed, fed, housed, and receive proper medical treatment. I am not saying we have to give money to their parents - some of whom probably aren't deadbeats like you are thinking - but we can come up with ways to take care of our children.


When you use the word "but", you are effectively canceling out whatever you said that preceded it within the context of the point you are making. So, let's re-print your post eliminating via editing what you've eliminated via your use of the word "But":


we still have a duty to make sure that children in this country are clothed, fed, housed, and receive proper medical treatment. we can come up with ways to take care of our children.


OK, now that is a more accurate depiction of what you were conveying. Typically ANY opposition to government assistance is pooh-poohed as 'greedy, cold-hearted, etc'. There are plenty of ways to assist the poor that have nothing to do with government. Yet, ANY suggestion to the contrary in some Left-leaning circles is met with this:

Some people are so fucking heartless. I hope to God the shoe is on the other foot for you guys one day, I really do.

Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 04:10 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

""Do I dare say it..."God helps those who help themselves"

Flame away""

And apparently God doesn't give a crap about children who couldn't help themself. If that's your god then I feel sorry for you.

Posted by danni at 2007-02-28 04:11 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Joe,

You are absolutely correct.


I just contracted a guy who is taking on the work I provide (about 15 hours per week) in addition to his full-time work to pay for his daughter's braces - his insurance doesn't cover orthodontics. He just signed a 2-year contract to the tune of $230 per month to pay for her braces.

Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 04:13 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

9 Billion dollars of lost Iraqi Funds would buy a lot of basic health care...

edition.cnn.com

or for 400 billion dollars (total cost of WAR)
we could have insured

242,050,996 children for one year



nationalpriorities.org

Posted by donnerboy at 2007-02-28 04:13 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

""There are plenty of ways to assist the poor that have nothing to do with government.""

Look out, here comes the pitch for religious organization being given tax dollars to do what government just can't do. We'll just give the money to churches and let them decide who gets it for what. Yay God!

Posted by danni at 2007-02-28 04:14 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Jeff you're the one who brought up personal accountability, obviously you don't even think something should be done to help impoverished children in this country, even if it is outside the government realm.

Posted by taxman at 2007-02-28 04:14 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

BTW Jeff don't ever fucking edit my posts again or you won't receive any responses from me ever again.

Posted by taxman at 2007-02-28 04:18 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

How do Great Britain and Canada manage with their health care for ALL.....

It's the MEAN GREEDY fucking Republicans...

They fought Social Security, the fought Medicare and Medicaid, they fought every measure to make work places safe, and they don't give a fuck about the environment as long as they are feathering their nests...

George Bush and all the CONS like you are responsible for this boy's death...and George you are responsible for over 3,000 lives wasted in you VANITY WAR...

Posted by Scarey_e at 2007-02-28 04:18 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

I said it before.... read the article. The STATE is responsible for wellfare.

As regards universal health care. Ask my family in Canada. The time between an MRI being designated "appropriate" and the actual MRI.... 173 Days.


Posted by PRob at 2007-02-28 04:21 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Anna will be buried in the Bahamas...

Posted by Scarey_e at 2007-02-28 04:22 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

TAXMAN, what did Jeff EDIT....

Anyone who edits reposts should be banned from the DR....

Posted by Scarey_e at 2007-02-28 04:24 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

""As regards universal health care. Ask my family in Canada. The time between an MRI being designated "appropriate" and the actual MRI.... 173 Days.""

Considering that we already pay far more than Canadians, per capita, for health care there is no reason to expect such slow service. Our Medicare system doesn't require such waits and I personally think we should just expand Medicare to cover everyone.

Posted by danni at 2007-02-28 04:25 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

""As regards universal health care. Ask my family in Canada. The time between an MRI being designated "appropriate" and the actual MRI.... 173 Days.""

Considering that we already pay far more than Canadians, per capita, for health care there is no reason to expect such slow service. Our Medicare system doesn't require such waits and I personally think we should just expand Medicare to cover everyone.

Posted by danni at 2007-02-28 04:25 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Sounds as if the mother wasn't riding the system. It appears from the article that she works, but none of her jobs provides health care, and the family was in a Medicaid lapse. It's just sad that poor people have to live the way they do.

I don't wish to sound judgemental, however I find it interesting that the right-wing has somewhat "adopted" religion and the moral high ground in this country, yet most of what I read here from the right tends to be very less than compassionate. It's always "Not my problem," or "They shoulda done (what I would do)" without taking into consideration the vast disparity between your culture and that of poor and uneducated human beings.

The sad fact is that between events such as this (and yes, the mother ultimately is responsible for her children) and the horrid Katrina response, the U.S. comes up very short in terms of civilized behavior in comparison to other industrialized western nations.


Posted by evashogouki at 2007-02-28 04:26 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Taxman-

"What's more we don't need to raise taxes to provide these necessities. We just need to cut spending in other places. See the Eisenhower quote above."

Good luck getting government to do that. As of now, if you are an advocate of government healthcare, you are an advocate of raising taxes. There is no way you could ever get the government to actually cut spending enough to finance such a massive project. I'm not saying it wouldn't be possible, of course it would, but it will never happen.

"Joe, while that may be true in suburbia, that isn't necessarily true with inner city providers. Especially if this woman had skipped out on bills before."

I don't go to dentists in suburbia, i go to them in a heavily populated urban area. You can always find a dentist willing to treat you without insurance, they will send a bill to your home. I have done this many times, and I know that it is possible, especially for a procedure as mundane as a tooth removal.

Posted by JOE at 2007-02-28 04:27 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

An MRI in Canada taking 173 days...I know better....it must have been for a face lift or something like a cyst removal ...

What a lie....

Posted by Scarey_e at 2007-02-28 04:27 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Another question that arises naturally from this story is, Where is/was the father or fathers?

Too many women take on the role of mother and father, and allow the father to skip along and impregnate the next 'ho.'

Statistically, this is the scourge of the black community (highest rates of single mother households). Strong black women and weak, childish black men who shirk responsibility.

Posted by evashogouki at 2007-02-28 04:29 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Congrats Republicans. You could care so little about your fellow man you got one of them killed. I know it's not your problem because you have a good job and can support yourself. Republican is the party of greed and to say otherwise is a lie. Maybe if you weren't so greedy with every last penny we wouldn't have this type of unfortunate incident. Tonight when you sit your fat ass down in front of your big screen just remember a child died so you could afford it.

Posted by byrdman at 2007-02-28 04:30 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

This is classic!


This woman has a kid who has a toothache and she doesn't do shit about it.

The tooth gets so bad that her kid dies and suddenly it's somebody else's fault???

If only we had government-run healthcare this never would have happened?


Jesus!

Does personal responsibility EVER enter into any equation for some of you?


Well, she's only working 3 jobs...certainly not showing much responsibility.

Well, she only made 25 phone calls to try and find a dentist that takes Medicare...not very responsible there.

Once she did find a dentist and made an appointment, to get the oral surgery done it would take 3 months...have anything to do with personal responsibility? I suppose, she could have threatened a dentist that doesn't take Medicare with violence if they didn't fix her son's teeth.

Oh, ok...here it is. "Then the family went through a crisis and spent some time in an Adelphi homeless shelter."

String the bitch up.

Posted by IraqiBukkake at 2007-02-28 04:31 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Funny flag byrdman.

Posted by JOE at 2007-02-28 04:32 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

to Joe..and others like him...

Not sure were you live but I have lived in a lot of places and Dentists are NOTORIOUS for not accepting Health Insurance and for insisting on immediate payment for services.

Why? Because they can. Only recently was any form of dental insurance offered for even the Federal government employees.

It has been a joke around here that our eyes and our teeth are apparently not a part of our bodies because they are never covered by any plans we are offered. Even now you must pay for dental and Vision care Insurance out of your own pocket.

In this area we were unable to get a Dentist to accept any type of Insurance payments until this year.

Also, I find it creepy and dishonest for anyone that says the mother is at fault. I have three children and health insurance and a steady job and I still have trouble keeping up with all the appointments etc required to manage them properly.

I can only imagine the difficulties faced by a poor unemployed (black) mother in meeting the medical needs of growing (black) boys amid all the other problems she is faced with daily.

lack of clothes, transportation, food, telephone, or even a warm bed and a shower, etc.

Yet you fat cats with your computers and internet access sit in judgement of her?

You make me sick.

Shame on you all.

There is really only one way you ill ever really learn. I hope your God teaches you a lesson.


Posted by donnerboy at 2007-02-28 04:42 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

I have read through this thread. As a broker of employee benefits I can tell you that dental insurance is a LOSER!!! For what is charged it doesn't make any sense to have it. I would self-insure that exposure.

Why in the hell would I pay a premium to transfer the huge risk of $80???

Where else are you doing that Scarey? Most employers I work with have gotten rid of dental insurance to cover the increase in medial premiums. Most would have done it sooner if they felt they could get out of it.

Agreed it is a great employee benefit but we are talking about a mother who could have fixed this with a small amount of money.

same problem....Americans who claim to value health care but don't really value health.

Posted by eberly at 2007-02-28 04:46 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

I didn't sit in judgment of her. I only said that it isn't just the lack of insurance that was the sole preventer of her getting the kid's tooth pulled. Are we not allowed to talk about this without being accused of judging people?

Posted by JOE at 2007-02-28 04:52 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

The War In Iraq Costs

$404,233,241,315

Instead, we could have insured
242,055,833
children for one year.

Posted by donnerboy at 2007-02-28 04:52 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Well, she's only working 3 jobs...certainly not showing much responsibility.

It didn't say she worked 3 jobs. It talked about 3 jobs she had held in the past...

And Yes i do care that this poor kid died. I stated above that we have a responsibility to protect kids in this country.

We do not have a responsibility to protect people who are just as able as we are however. It has nothing to do with taking care of your fellow man, or showing compassion it has to do with ones self. My dad worked 2 jobs when i was a kid to put food on the table and my mom worked one full time job to help with the other bills. My family couldn't afford to put me through college. I joined the service served my 4 years, got my education, and now have a good job. PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHERE IT SAYS THAT SINCE I DID IT I AM NOW REPSONSIBLE FOR SOME POS THAT WONT...

SORRY LIBS if you want to spend your tax dollars taking care of those that don't want to help themselves then have at it but DO NOT TELL ME I HAVE TO... I have been there, poor with no money... I pulled myself out because I did not want to be in that situation. We all have that opportunity... that is what is great about this country.

Posted by armyof1 at 2007-02-28 04:52 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

The War In Iraq Costs

$404,233,401,166

Instead, we could have insured
242,055,928
children for one year.

Posted by donnerboy at 2007-02-28 04:53 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

The War In Iraq Costs

$404,233,599,541

Instead, we could have insured
242,056,047
children for one year.

costofwar.com

so while we talk talk talk

children die die die

Posted by donnerboy at 2007-02-28 04:55 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

I think I read today that the government will take in 1.3 TRILLION THIS YEAR...

And we are well on our way to spending half a TRILLION on George's Vanity/Revenge Loser....

We have already lost...this money should have gone back into our economy instead of the twisted bunch of companies that spring up out of Haliburton and Blackwater....


DIDN'T ANY OF YOU LISTEN TO BLACKWATER TESTIFY BEFORE CONGRESS...

They explained a ponsi scheme of 3 and 4 companies each one adding 35% so that the cost have more than doubled by the time these BASTARDS bill you and I, the taxpayers...

Posted by Scarey_e at 2007-02-28 05:00 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Armyof1 this wasn't a 32 year old man that died it was a kid. You just don't care abut kids do you? It is one thing to have no pity on adults but you don't even have pity on kids who can't fend for themselves.

Posted by byrdman at 2007-02-28 05:01 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Also, I find it creepy and dishonest for anyone that says the mother is at fault. I have three children and health insurance and a steady job and I still have trouble keeping up with all the appointments etc required to manage them properly.

I can only imagine the difficulties faced by a poor unemployed (black) mother in meeting the medical needs of growing (black) boys amid all the other problems she is faced with daily.

lack of clothes, transportation, food, telephone, or even a warm bed and a shower, etc.

Yet you fat cats with your computers and internet access sit in judgement of her?

You make me sick.

Shame on you all.

There is really only one way you ill ever really learn. I hope your God teaches you a lesson.

Posted by donnerboy at 2007-02-28 04:42 PM


OMG I must be a horrible person... Your Right donner the republicans and fat cats that run this country should take sole responsibility for this child whos mother did not take care of him properly.

KNOCK IT OFFF... I am not saying the mother is solely responsible, however, she does bare some of the blame. After all they are her kids... The fact that she could not find a dentist that accepted the Government's insurance is sad. in this case it cost a child his life unnecessarily. And dont take this as an attack but if our congress would knock off the BS of nonbinding resolutions and actually do some damn work( DEMS, REPUBS, LIBS INCLUDED IN THiS) maybe these types of issues would get resolved... it is not solely their fault either though. However, they are more interested in show and flashy referendums than actually helping this country...

LEAVE THE DAMN RACE CARD AT HOME... There are just as many white, asian, and hispanic kids that face the same types of issues so get over it...

Posted by armyof1 at 2007-02-28 05:01 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

If for no other reason, this is a story that needs to be told over and over again. Preventive care and health maintenance, such as regular check-ups, is so important. How cost effective is it to let the uninsured become chronically (or even mortally) ill by witholding basic and preventive care?

Posted by townncountry at 2007-02-28 05:01 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Armyof1 this wasn't a 32 year old man that died it was a kid. You just don't care abut kids do you? It is one thing to have no pity on adults but you don't even have pity on kids who can't fend for themselves.

Posted by byrdman at 2007-02-28 05:01 PM |

Where in any of my postings do ever state that i dont have pity for kids. I have said over and over and over again that our government has a repsonsibility to take care of them. They deserve a chance to make a better life... OMFG, KIDS ARE THE FUTURE OF THIS COUNTRY... IF, you would actually read my posts instead of jumping to conclusions you would see that...


Posted by armyof1 at 2007-02-28 05:04 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

TC i agree, this story needs to be read to every member of congress over and over again. Maybe they would make a change but I doubt it. It wouldn't pull them enough votes. Which is all they care about now. Hell there is an election next year. Doctors need to determine the healthcare for patients not the darn insurance companies.

Posted by armyof1 at 2007-02-28 05:07 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

obviously you don't even think something should be done to help impoverished children in this country, even if it is outside the government realm.


No, that is not obvious. Nor is it an accurate reflection of how I feel about helping the needy.

Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 05:07 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

BTW Jeff don't ever fucking edit my posts again or you won't receive any responses from me ever again.


Ooooohhh!


My editing was to clear out what was non-pertinent to your original post.


Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 05:09 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Not sure were you live but I have lived in a lot of places and Dentists are NOTORIOUS for not accepting Health Insurance and for insisting on immediate payment for services.

What dentist ever takes health insurance? Dental coverage is always separate where I live......always.

Posted by eberly at 2007-02-28 05:10 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Yet you fat cats with your computers and internet access sit in judgement of her?

You make me sick.

Shame on you all.

There is really only one way you ill ever really learn. I hope your God teaches you a lesson.

Okay, now that is uncalled for.


Posted by eberly at 2007-02-28 05:13 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

I have to laugh at this whole thread. Although the main subject of the article is quite sad, it depicts our problem in this country.

There is absolute no reason why we do not have universal health care, none. The only reason the right are fighting this is the money they have invested in those private industries.

This issue will get greatly worse as the years go on if we as a nation don't take care of our people.

The right have NO moral or ethical ground to stand on here, they are standing on a idealogical position so they can gain more money and profit. This is the real sad commentary of the RNC and its' supporters.

Posted by moneywar at 2007-02-28 05:15 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

You are a horrible person...

if you cannot place yourself in the shoes of the poor for a moment and realize how difficult these things can be and how we have a RESONSIBILITY to help them.

Race is an issue because...

Hispanic and black, non-Hispanic children are disproportionately represented among the ranks of the uninsured. More than 22 percent of Hispanic children and about 13 percent of black, non-Hispanic children are uninsured, compared to 7.5 percent of white, non-Hispanic children

The War In Iraq Costs

$404,237,938,717

Instead, we could have insured
242,058,645
children for one year.


Posted by donnerboy at 2007-02-28 05:16 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

BTW Jeff don't ever fucking edit my posts again or you won't receive any responses from me ever again.


Ok, so you get all kinds of pissed off that I had the temerity to edit one of your posts to prove a point, and you go apeshit. You then proceed to erroneously assign positions to me depicting me as a vile, heartless asshole:

obviously you don't even think something should be done to help impoverished children in this country, even if it is outside the government realm.


1. Consider naming yourself pot or kettle.

2. Have a beer and chill out.


Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 05:16 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

RESPONSIBILITY

Posted by donnerboy at 2007-02-28 05:17 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Jeff you decide the what is pertinent and what is not in my posts? When were you granted that authority. I like debating with you but if you are going to be underhanded by amending my posts, that will have to end.

Posted by taxman at 2007-02-28 05:18 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

I didn't amend your post Jeff.

Posted by taxman at 2007-02-28 05:18 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

What dentist ever takes health insurance? Dental coverage is always separate where I live......always.

Posted by eberly at 2007-02-28 05:10 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag:

Wow! Such ignorance!

Removing wisdom teeth is a medical issue and can be used as such.

The coverage from medical to dental is in the small print, some people read it.


Posted by moneywar at 2007-02-28 05:18 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Although I'm all for a sensible health insurance plan for all Americans I really have to agree that the mother here bares the brunt of the responsibilty for her child's death. Sounds cruel, I know, it even sounds cruel to me, but it's true.

How ignorant can you be these days? My God, even kids in Kindergarten learn about oral hygiene.

I don't know what the tooth looked like but it may have just needed to be lanced which you can do with a pin if needs be. Or pull the tooth out. Anything.

insurance be damned, if a kid's tooth is THAT bad, then a good parent will find a way to get the problem fixed and worry about the money later. Out of love. Period.

This Washington Post article is just exploiting the sad death of this little boy to trumpet it's own agenda, by the way. That's pretty sad, too.

Posted by bellaspapa at 2007-02-28 05:20 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Republicans only want good health for their families while Dems want everyone to be healthy. This thread clearly illustrates that.

Posted by byrdman at 2007-02-28 05:20 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Tax,

obviously you don't even think something should be done to help impoverished children in this country, even if it is outside the government realm.

This is a good statement.

Jeff J.'s may not think this but his actions portray this.

His intentions are not in line with his actions.

Posted by moneywar at 2007-02-28 05:23 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

There is absolute no reason why we do not have universal health care, none.

You've gotta love such aboslutist statements. There are PLENTY of reasons to oppose universal health care, and they've been laid out countless times on these threads.


The only reason the right are fighting this is the money they have invested in those private industries.

Translation: You disagree with my desire to massively expand the government, therefore your ONLY motivation and reason for doing so is greed.


This issue will get greatly worse as the years go on if we as a nation don't take care of our people.

Except that every remedy attempted by people who view the role of government like you have produced abysmal results. Look at the war on poverty, the promises of the sexual education and the notion of vastly increasing the scope of 'rehabilitative criminal punishment'.


The right have NO moral or ethical ground to stand on here,


Sure we do.


they are standing on a idealogical position so they can gain more money and profit.

Actually, it is YOUR side that is using this tragedy as fodder to support YOUR big power-snatch via governmental collectivism. Pot meet kettle.


This is the real sad commentary of the RNC and its' supporters.

This is disgusting use of this kid's tragedy to try and score political points.

Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 05:23 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

What dentist ever takes health insurance? Dental coverage is always separate where I live......always.

Posted by eberly at 2007-02-28 05:10 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag:

that is because some bean counter in some windowless room somewhere decided that your teeth and your eyes are not part of your body.

This article clearly shows that your teeth can have a major (fatal?) effect on your overall health...therefore your teeth should be covered under your health insurance...


Posted by donnerboy at 2007-02-28 05:26 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Jeff you decide the what is pertinent and what is not in my posts? When were you granted that authority. I like debating with you but if you are going to be underhanded by amending my posts, that will have to end.



I didn't amend your post Jeff.


I think your point is banal, however if it really bothers you that I ammended your post, I won't do it in the future. Sometimes we just have to pick our battles and this isn't one that is worth fighting for me IMO.


Jeff J.'s may not think this but his actions portray this.

His intentions are not in line with his actions. - $War

This is nothing but an attempt to try and paint me as vile simply because my counter-arguements to your collectivist Utopia bother you.



Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 05:27 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Hispanic and black, non-Hispanic children are disproportionately represented among the ranks of the uninsured. More than 22 percent of Hispanic children and about 13 percent of black, non-Hispanic children are uninsured, compared to 7.5 percent of white, non-Hispanic children


Ok donner you want to look at numbers ok. What is the population density in this counrty.

According to the Census Bureau, 2005 American Community Survey the US population is as follows:

* White American, 74.7%, or about 215.3 million (the definition of White includes European Americans, North African Americans, Middle Eastern Americans (e.g. Arab Americans), Central Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans who reported as White in the 2000 Census)
* Black or African American 12.1% or 34.9 million
* Asian American 4.3% or 12.5 million,
* American Indian 0.8% or 2.4 million
* Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 0.1% or 0.4 million
* Two or more races 1.9% or 5.6 million
* Other 6% or 17.3 million


So by these #s

13 percent of black, non-Hispanic children are uninsured, which equals 4.5 million,

compared to 7.5 percent of white children which equates to 16,125,000... YEA thanks for spouting the numbers. LOOK IT UP....

YOUR RIGHT MAN RACE DEFINITLY HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT...

Posted by armyof1 at 2007-02-28 05:27 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Removing wisdom teeth is a medical issue and can be used as such.

bullshit. If they are pulled then it is dental...not medial. IN any case, if they are cut out then it is major medical.....and a dentist doesn't do that....an oral surgeon does.

got anything else to insult me with?

Posted by eberly at 2007-02-28 05:29 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Bella,


I agree 100% with what you said.


However, brace yourself to be labelled as all sorts of nasty things because nobody is ever responsible for their own actions according to some.

Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 05:29 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

JeffJ you don't have a leg to stand on. You despise offering any type of insurance. We had a discussion about that fact a few weeks back.

Posted by byrdman at 2007-02-28 05:29 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Sheets,

Your satire is weak - go read some Professorbates' posts and then practice.

Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 05:30 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

No satire involved. I am just speaking the truth about you and most of the greedy rethuglicans who post here.

Posted by byrdman at 2007-02-28 05:32 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

We do not have a responsibility to protect people who are just as able as we are however. It has nothing to do with taking care of your fellow man, or showing compassion it has to do with ones self. My dad worked 2 jobs when i was a kid to put food on the table and my mom worked one full time job to help with the other bills. My family couldn't afford to put me through college. I joined the service served my 4 years, got my education, and now have a good job. PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHERE IT SAYS THAT SINCE I DID IT I AM NOW REPSONSIBLE FOR SOME POS THAT WONT...

SORRY LIBS if you want to spend your tax dollars taking care of those that don't want to help themselves then have at it but DO NOT TELL ME I HAVE TO... I have been there, poor with no money... I pulled myself out because I did not want to be in that situation. We all have that opportunity... that is what is great about this country.

You're going to pay either way. Either 80 dollars or 250k. Which would you rather pay?

Say it with me class...

You are paying either way...it's your choice: 80 dollars or 250k?

Since you're at it, tell me how a 12 year old child is "just as able as we are"? While you're in your ivory tower talking about what a horrible person this child's mother was, (which includes her making 25 phone calls to find someone to take their Medicare, I like how you glossed that over) a child has died AND the taxpayer is going to pay for the 250k instead of the 80 bucks necessary.

If you were so concerned about your vast fortune, you'd be interested in getting out the ounce of prevention to those who should have it (children and the elderly) instead of who to point the finger at when the pound of cure fails.

Posted by IraqiBukkake at 2007-02-28 05:33 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Greed has nothing to do with it. It has to do with the priciple of it. Why should we be responsible to pay for adults when they are more than capable to do it for themselves.

Dont role me into your REPUBLITHUG category though... I have stated that there needs to be support for children, the disabled and the elderly. They need the help. Able bodied adults though. WHY SHOULD MY HARD WORK TAKE CARE OF THEM!!!!

Posted by armyof1 at 2007-02-28 05:35 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

If you were so concerned about your vast fortune, you'd be interested in getting out the ounce of prevention to those who should have it (children and the elderly) instead of who to point the finger at when the pound of cure fails.

Posted by IraqiBukkake at 2007-02-28 05:33 PM

Apparently you have not read all of my posts or your are a complete and total moron... Im going to assume the first. Read my posts it will answer most of your questions...

Posted by armyof1 at 2007-02-28 05:38 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

You are paying either way...it's your choice: 80 dollars or 250k?


Some greedy neocon bean counter did the math and decided it would be cheaper to pay the 250K compared to paying the 80 bucks multiple times. If a child dies no big deal to the rethuglicans because it was not their kid.

Posted by byrdman at 2007-02-28 05:39 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Currently, most carriers I am familiar with here charge approximately $65/mo for dental coverage for a family. That coverage included about a 80% co-insurance payment on "preventative" services such as cleanings semi-annually (x-rays once annually). Basic and Major services come with a $50 deductible and a maximum annual benefit on this coverage is usually $1,000 a year.

I am good friends with 3 dentists.....they will take pretty good cash discounts if they don't have to submit insurance paperwork. I've done the math and it is a waste of money to pay for dental insurance for my family at those rates. For preventative services for my entire family of 4 I won't pay (in cash) more than $650/yr.

granted, my family has pretty good teeth and if we knew we would need additional services each year then I might consider insurance but if you actually have preventative services performed then the need (for most people) for additional services very often is rare.

Posted by eberly at 2007-02-28 05:39 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Jeff J.,

I would love to debate you on these subject because you would look foolish.

I have posted over the years many facts which YOU purposely IGNORE because it does fit in with your political agenda.

Poverty tried......Really!

Proverty rate before and after tax transfers

This truely shows how IGNORANT you really are.

As for increasing the government, Governmental increase is not a bad thing when it is used to serve the people, it is a bad thing when it is used to serve the government.

You make great intentional stands but throw out unfounded rhetoric which belie your intentions.

Either support your position with reasons why universal healthcare is a bad idea or look foolish.

Increase in government is not a reason unless it can be shown why the increase will be a waste. The data and facts from other like nations who have universal health care spend and waste far less than our current system so put up some data instead of pejorical rhetoric.

Posted by moneywar at 2007-02-28 05:40 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Money as good as universal healthcare sounds it is not feasible in this country. The sheer number of citizens prevents it. Not to mention the cost involved. The current programs work, if and only if the red tape can be cut... Unfortunatly that will probably never happen

Posted by armyof1 at 2007-02-28 05:43 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Jeff...

It getting old for you to accuse everyone else of using moral relativism when that is almost all you do when you try to deconstruct the arguments of others. First, to say that government's hand in private enterprise produces "abysmal results" is to imply that the cost of human beings lives and health can be quantified by dollars and cents. I'm sure you'd never allow anyone to make such an analogy to you or anyone you love, would you? So the money spent on Medicaid is wasted in your opinion, or can the private sector deliver the same care for less money?

I have never seen the issue of universal healthcare discussed without complete acknowledgement that our current system is inefficient, overcostly, over bureaucratized, and favors catastrophic care over cheaper preventative care. Also, no one has ever proposed a system that didn't incorporate both public and private conerns together in trying to find palatable solutions.

To highlight the FACT that access to preventative healthcare services is one of the worst in the industrialized world is not the exploitation of this tragedy. Its the acknowledgement by caring people that we do not wish for this to happen again to someone else's child because our government was too afraid to tackle and fix the problem the way Americans always rise to conquer their challenges. And to ignore the economic ramifications that our broken system places upon our industries is just as "absymal" as is our ability to compete in the global marketplace because of the added costs healthcare places upon our exports.

There isn't a moral nor ethical reason for denying the system we have doesn't work for far too many Americans, and that the costs borne across our society are far too high in relation to similar care in other western nations. While I am not saying that government can or should provide the ultimate answer, it is both their job and their purview to lead the way in seeking a solution so that stories like this never need to be printed in the richest nation on the planet.

Posted by tonyroma at 2007-02-28 05:44 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

The right have NO moral or ethical ground to stand on here,

Sure we do.

Yep, a real educational answer here folks! Clearly shows us how they have solid ground to stand on.........."SURE WE DO!!!!!!

With every single one of his answers the rhetoric is identical, no substance just pandering rhetoric.


Posted by moneywar at 2007-02-28 05:44 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Now don't get me wrong, I like Jeff J. and generally think he is quite smart, but the same push of rhetoric with no substance is getting quite old.

Healthcare staying private is stupid beyond intellect, and nothing for such support is ever posted to keep that stupidity in work.

Posted by moneywar at 2007-02-28 05:47 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Either support your position with reasons why universal healthcare is a bad idea or look foolish.

I have done so at length on countless other occasions.

I am short on time today and am not in a position to lay out the arguments over and over again, each and every time this subject comes up.


Yep, a real educational answer here folks! Clearly shows us how they have solid ground to stand on.........."SURE WE DO!!!!!!

With every single one of his answers the rhetoric is identical, no substance just pandering rhetoric.

Classic self-retorting retort!

Your 'eduactional assertion':

The right have NO moral or ethical ground to stand on here,


That insipid statement wasn't even deserving of "Sure we do". You should be thanking me for even devoting that much time to responding to it.




Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 05:50 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

The War In Iraq Costs

$404,245,233,643

Instead, we could have insured
242,063,014
children for one year.

Posted by donnerboy at 2007-02-28 05:52 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Tony,

First, to say that government's hand in private enterprise produces "abysmal results" is to imply that the cost of human beings lives and health can be quantified by dollars and cents.

I was speaking with greater specificity than what you construed.

I have got to go and I have to be back to work at 8 PM tonight.


If this thread is gone the next time I make it back to DR, I will email you what I am specifically referring to, Tony.

Posted by JeffJ at 2007-02-28 05:52 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Apparently you have not read all of my posts or your are a complete and total moron... Im going to assume the first. Read my posts it will answer most of your questions...

I read it...you're sad the kid died. Mom is partly to blame. Rant about nothing that has to do with anything except "the principal" of you ranting. You still pay 250k instead of 80 dollars. The End.

Posted by IraqiBukkake at 2007-02-28 05:53 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

bullshit. If they are pulled then it is dental...not medial. IN any case, if they are cut out then it is major medical.....and a dentist doesn't do that....an oral surgeon does.

got anything else to insult me with?

Posted by eberly at 2007-02-28 05:29 PM | Reply | Flag:

Well smart guy, my dentist just surgically removed my daughters wisdom teeth in the dentist office and guess what, my medical blue shield paid for it.

Not surgeon, dentist and all went well. Some times you just don't know when to stop. Maybe you should find a new dentist if he has to send you to a surgeon. They are doctors too you know!

I would rather you just say, "Wow! I learned something new!" Instead of trying to argue a point you obviously have little knowledge about.

Why not be like the rest of the Righties here and just ignore information you don't agree with, it suits ya better!

Posted by moneywar at 2007-02-28 05:54 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

My biggest fear about universal health care isn't that the govt will administrate it poorly and wastefully.

They will. Not to extent that some might think but, again, not my biggest fear.

It is the reality that so many Americans (way too many) claim to value their health care but they DON'T value their health.

Posted by eberly at 2007-02-28 05:59 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

Well smart guy, my dentist just surgically removed my daughters wisdom teeth in the dentist office and guess what, my medical blue shield paid for it.

You'll make up any lie you can think of won't you Crass?

That is sad.


Posted by eberly at 2007-02-28 06:01 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

just ignore information you don't agree with, it suits ya better!

Posted by moneywar


self retorting retort!!

Posted by eberly at 2007-02-28 06:02 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusive

YOUR RIGHT MAN RACE DEFINITLY HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT...

Posted by armyof1 at 2007-02-28 05:27 PM

thanks for admitting it. you seem awful sensitive about that...me thinks

it does have something to do with it though it is not the whole picture... and someones math is fuzzy...

according to www.childrenshealthcampaign.or
g

Race and Ethnicity of Uninsured Children

Hispanic and black, non-Hispanic children are disproportionately represented among the ranks of the uninsured. More than 22 percent of Hispanic children and about 13 percent of black, non-Hispanic children are uninsured, compared to 7.5 percent of white, non-Hispanic children
However, many white, non-Hispanic children (3.4 million) are also uninsured.

other factors are insteresting too

Working Status of Families with Uninsured Children

The majority of uninsured children--88.3 percent--come from families where at least one parent works.
Among 70 percent of uninsured children living with a parent, at least one family member works full-time, year-round.
Still, 70.8 percent of uninsured children come from low-income families (families with incomes at or below two times the federal poverty level--$33,200 a year for a family of three in 2006).


think working status has nothing to do with it either or are you just RACE sensitive?

Posted by donnerboy at 2007-02-28 06:05 PM | Reply | F