Latest update: 18/03/2010 

- Barack Obama - healthcare reform - insurance - USA


Too poor to be poorly: uninsured Americans hope healthcare bill will be passed

The final touches have been made to Barack Obama's flagship policy on healthcare reform and the bill is now ready to go before the House of Representatives. The proposals have received staunch opposition from Republicans, but if passed, the new law will extend insurance coverage to 30 million Americans - many of whom simply can't afford to be ill.

Royal family remains popular as Willem-Alexander takes throne
30/04/2013 - NETHERLANDS

Royal family remains popular as Willem-Alexander takes throne

The Netherlands is celebrating its new King, Willem-Alexander. His mother Queen Beatrix bid an emotional farewell after a reign that has spanned more than three decades. When she took the throne, back in 1980, Republicans hit the streets to protest against the monarchy. Now, the royal family enjoys the support of more than 80 percent of the Dutch people. We look at what has changed and examine the new king's role.
 Bouteflika's health: an endless source of speculation
29/04/2013 - ALGERIA

Bouteflika's health: an endless source of speculation

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is undergoing treatment in Paris after suffering a mini-stroke on Sunday. The 76-year-old has been in power since 1999 and faces a presidential election next year. His health has been an endless source of speculation in recent years, but is the country ready for a post-Bouteflika era - and is there a succession plan in place?
Keystone XL Pipeline: to build or not to build?
29/04/2013 - USA

Keystone XL Pipeline: to build or not to build?

US President Barack Obama currently faces the biggest test of his green credentials. The administration is hesitating over whether to give the green light to the construction of the huge Keystone XL pipeline. If built, the pipeline would transfer 800,000 barrels of tar sands oil per day from Canada to Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. Will Obama side with the green lobby or with those demanding jobs and increased energy independence?
Serbia apologises for Srebrenica massacre
26/04/2013 - BALKANS

Serbia apologises for Srebrenica massacre

Serbia's president Tomislav Nikolic took the unprecedented step on Thursday of apologising for the Srebrenica massacre. Nikolic had previously denied that Serbian forces committed crimes during the wars in former Yugoslavia. Analysts see Serbia's hand being forced by Brussels in return for eventual EU membership.
Jewish exhibition in Berlin raises eyebrows
26/04/2013 - GERMANY

Jewish exhibition in Berlin raises eyebrows

A new exhibition at the Berlin Jewish Museum appears almost purpose-built to cause controversy. The Jewish Museum in Berlin calls it "Everything you always wanted to know about the Jews". The exhibition addresses questions written by visitors in the museum's guest book. Its content and location are already causing a stir.

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U.S. Healthcare

What's wrong with the U.S. Healthcare program is it's set up on a "for profit" business basis. 40% of the money paid into private "for profit" insurance goes into somebodies pocket. This is easily shown by comparing the GNP. The UK spends about 8% of their GNP on national healthcare and they cover everyone. The U.S. spends 15% of their GNP on healthcare and they don't cover everyone. That's what will be bankrupt the U.S.

The private insurance companies in the U.S. are against national healthcare and try to scare the public into believing the government is taking their freedom away.

Not all poor in US in favor of healthcare

A lot of us believe nationalizing healthcare is against the constitution and is going to further bankrupt the nation with yet another entitlement program it can not afford.

Medicaid and Medicare

Why was there no mention of Medicaid? American citizens who are unemployed qualify for state Medicaid programs. Why did this program not mention that? Further, why did it not mention the biggest criticism conservatives have been raising against a federal plan? That they ideologically disagree with it?

The current system needs reform, but it is those who are working and unable to afford good insurance due to prexisting conditions or other reasons that are the most vulnerable. There is a gap between the working middle class and poor who could use some help but do not qualify and the poor and elderly who already qualify for medicare and medicaid.

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