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The American Nurses Association Endorses Senator Barack Obama
Source: Creative Commons
PRNewswire
September 12, 2008
The American Nurses Association (ANA) announces its endorsement of Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) in the 2008 Presidential Election. The ANA represents the interests of the nation’s 2.9 million registered nurses.
“As President, Barack Obama will bring real change to our health care system,” said ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. “Nurses are consistently voted the most trusted profession by the American people, and we, as a profession, trust that Barack Obama will see that affordable quality health care is made available to everyone.”
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the American Nurses Association,” said Sen. Barack Obama. “The nurses of America serve our country tirelessly, and I share their belief that we must bring affordable and accessible health care to all Americans. My plan lowers health care costs for the average American family by up to $2500 and finally makes health care work better for American families than it does for the drug and insurance companies.”
“Both Senator Obama and Senator Clinton spoke at ANA’s House of Delegates in June about the need to move forward in unity to bring about real, much needed change to our health care system, and our nurses responded: ‘Yes we can’” Patton added. “Nurses represent the largest group of health care professionals in this country, and working together, we can use our power in the voting booth to make health care a priority, and make Barack Obama the next President of the United States.”
Senator Obama is committed to signing universal health legislation by the end of his first term in office that ensures all Americans have high-quality, affordable health care coverage. Barack Obama recognizes that nurses play a critical role in every aspect of patient care, and the nursing shortage ranks as one of the most pressing issues facing our health care system. Obama’s health care plan includes expanded funding to improve the primary care and public health practitioner workforce; including loan repayments, improved reimbursement and training grants.
Barack Obama has a history of advocacy for nurses and patients. In the Illinois senate, he helped lead efforts to protect nurses and improve the quality of health care. In the U.S. Senate, he cosponsored the Safe Nursing and Patient Care Act, which limits mandatory overtime for nurses to true emergency situations, and as President, he has promised to sign this important legislation into law.
ANA has been making presidential endorsements since 1984. The endorsement process includes sending a questionnaire on nursing and health care issues to all of the Democratic and Republican candidates, an invitation to all of the democratic and republican candidates for a personal interview and an online survey of ANA’s membership regarding which candidate is most supportive of nursing’s agenda.
The ANA is the only full-service professional organization representing the interests of the nation’s 2.9 million registered nurses through its 54 constituent member nurses associations. The ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.
© YellowBrix 2008
mg1021
about 1 year ago
500 comments
Hydranthound,
You're not harsh.....just passionate like me and sooo many others on here trying to express their point of view and values. I have much thicker skin than that ;-)
You definitely have good points! I don't think anyone (nancy p) or another should tell you that your views, perspectives, opinions, or faithfulness is wrong. That's not the way to make a positive impact on someone else. Plus, we're all entitled to believe and feel what we wish. That's a part of that free will that God has given us.
That free will is the same free will that Obama supports. The ability for all of us to have the free will to "choose". That doesn't mean that Obama supporters or I wish for the death of babies. That would be your interpretation....which is fine.
I'm actually not a new Christian. If you think I'm luke warm, I guess I can't change your mind. However, the things I've experienced over the last couple years have revealed to me more than ever that God loves and cares for me, despite being "luke warm". Because of that, I am more passionate about God/Jesus and thankful for his involvement than ever! I can share those experiences outside of this post if you're interested.
I'm not even going to touch the murder/abortion issue, because that one can truly go on until the end of time. You are right, however, in that having free will and the right to choose does not allow us to abuse it, but we're still given that ability. That's the same reason I believe women should be able to have the right to choose.
This should probably be posted on the pro-choice site, but I'm sincerely curious to know your response as it relates to the above. I'm not being critical with this question....just a serious curiosity.
If God doesn't want women to have an abortion, then why does he not ensure that ALL babies who have been spared do not become orphans without anyone to love and care for them? If all Christians believe in supporting pro-life why is it that there are still orphans? Why aren't all the Christians adopting every one of those babies who are spared from abortion but still have many needs?
I haven't adopted any children either.....it's just a question.
mg1021
about 1 year ago
500 comments
"How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? Matthew 7:4
I am a Christian, and I voted for Obama. Does that make me a horrible and vile person. Not hardly....not ever! Am I still a Christian? You bet! Am I a perfect Christian? Nope! I haven't been cast from the favor of God because of my vote.
To God, aren't all sins considered equal? A sin is a sin right? Soooo, wouldn't some be able to then say that God would never approve premarital sex? Sure! Wouldn't some also say that you shouldn't vote for McCain/Palin, because Palin's daughter engages in premarital sex?
Look, that's not my personal perspective. I'm not going to use religion to persuade someone's vote. All I'm trying to say is that with Christianity, it is sooo very often that religion and bible versus are used out of context to suit one's own perspective. So, let's not use that as a sole measure to determine our next president.
Obama doesn't believe in abortion.....nor does he believe in murdering babies! What he DOES believe in is the ability to have a choice. He also believes in providing assistance to those in need, including all the women who are unprepared to have a baby but CHOOSE NOT to abort. Obama is a president who will care for that woman and her baby. Can McCain say he will do the same, if he plans to take a "hatchet" to cut all program? No sir!
Go Obama!
hydranthound
about 1 year ago
24 comments
Obama is not the answer. As a christian I cannot vote for someone who believes in abortion. Those who say it is a woman's right to make that choice is right, but dont throw you are a christian right behind it. I dont think you would ask God to drive you to the clinic.
Obama is a politician just like the others and has his fair share of dirt.
kstaffeil
about 1 year ago
4 comments
I am not voting for Obama.
Not voting for Obama does not mean I am racist.
Not voting for Obama does not mean I don't care for the less fortunate.
Voting for John McCain means I want to pay taxes to support our country.
Voting for John McCain means I want to keep the money I work very hard to earn.
Voting for John McCain means I am paying for my school loans and I expect others to have the motivation to help themselves.
Voting for John McCain means I believe in personal responsibility, not self-defeating welfare and excuses.
Voting for John McCain means I believe in democracy, not socialism.
I'm proud to vote for John McCain.
mg1021
about 1 year ago
500 comments
The rest of that scripture you quoted goes like this.....
For ye will have the poor always with you......."and whensoever ye can ye will do them good". Sounds like sharing to me. ;-)
mg1021
about 1 year ago
500 comments
Christy,
You sound like a wonderful person. One with heart, sensitivity and intelligence. I appreciate the dignity and decency in the presentation of your views. This is how logical debates should be!
I'm not UNproud to be an American (disappointed sometimes.....yes....but that's totally different and completely natural considering the circumstances over the last several years). I said I believe Obama will make us "more proud than ever". You are correct, there are people who come to America everyday because our nation provides opportunities and experiences their homeland does not. However, our nation is not perfect (never will), but to many it is seen as better.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have also experienced a decrease in respect and admiration from some other countries. We are not viewed as we once were.....this is undeniable and partially Bush's doing.
I suppose that $250k being considered wealthy or not must be a subjective matter, because to someone who is used to making far less than that....it feels wealthy. As for the wealth versus income. I think MissyRN and I were fantasizing about the income (the taxable $250k).
I don't know if a "millionaire family" would be unemployed and have an "enormous mortgage" to deduct. Sounds like those people who are house rich but actually poor (not wealthy) and living above their means. Sounds kind of like what's happening with the mortgage crisis doesn't it?
I don't know but Im pretty sure that a majority of "those rich guys", who will be taxed, do actually generate a lot of money (via income or dividends). Either way you look at it, those people in that narrow percentage bracket who make more than the middle American and WAY more than the poor American (which is increasing as a result of our currently bleak economy), have a lot more to spare.
Isn't it also likely that if the majority of Americans were taxed less they could purchase more (not necessarily irresponsible spending but buy the things they need but never could before)? Wouldn't that raise the revenue of businesses? I'm not an economist so I won't claim that as fact, but might that offset an increase in tax the corporations might experience? It seems plausible to me. Afterall, every bit of their existence, profitability, and revenue is a result of the consumers they sell to right?
I'm also not an accountant, but the way I understand it...."the more you make the more you pay" is the system now. Except right now, after you've made a certain sizable amount, you can continue to keep making more without being taxed even more. That's the narrow percentage of people I was referring to earlier. The ones who aren't taxed proportionately as much as the average person. Obama's plan isn't eliminating taxes for the average American, I think he's making the tax system more proportionate than what it is now. Why should the average and poor families subsidize the majority of our nation????
To whom much is given, much is expected!
To me, a lot of this boils down to greed. People, corporations, or whatever just don't want to give up the cash! The oil companies don't NEED to make RECORD profits to be successful and retain employees, but they continue to stick us with high gas prices despite the fact that many of us are struggling. They do this simply because of greed.....NOT so they don't have to lay people off! So many of us are disillusioned by those larger entities and systems in society that we just go along and accept things as they are.
People are being laid off now. Companies have been outsourcing for a long time. That's not Obama's fault! However, he has shown an interest in the average American (the majority in our nation) the ones who are losing their jobs and or struggling to maintain....right now. Wether all of his plans can be executed immediately or not, he has the concern and passion for the average American which will be manifested in whatever plans are executed.
I'm sorry that your sister-in-law lost her job, but she is lucky. Most people get the ax without a severance package to be taxed. In that case, I'd rather she be given the severance package AND be taxed than not have a severance package at all. She still sees a benefit in the end, and she is still better off than she would be without a severance, even though she has to pay taxes. That is the point I was making in my last post.
So should things just stay the same? Should we just go along with the status quo, because it feels cozy and safe? Dare to be bold and adventurous. Step out on faith. Take chances. It's frightening to be different at first, but to ever see and experience something better, change must occur. That is how these corporations and wealthy individuals ever got to be that way in the first place, right? They took a risk and did something different.
One doesn't become poor by sharing with others. You may have less than before, but you're not poor. Maybe that person I shared with uses the money wisely and eventually makes $250k a year and contributes to society, the economy, and helps someone else out. Or maybe, they come back and help me when I lose my job. Sounds kind of like "pay it forward". Yeah, I saw the movie and liked it very much.
My vision for America is actually quite expansive and positive......not limited at all. I dream BIG and love every minute of it!
I heard that "Joe Plumber" wasn;t actually named Joe at all. I also heard that he admitted that Obama's plan would actually be better for him in the end than McCain's. Does anyone have info on that? Did anyone else hear that as well?
I just voted and I'm oh so proud to have done so!
christy53
about 1 year ago
14 comments
"For ye will have the poor always with you"... Jesus Christ
Before you bring on the 250K.... lets look at some facts
Like it sounds, federal income tax is based on "income"—NOT WEALTH. If you´re worth a million dollars, yet have little taxable income (your retired), you might NOT pay federal income tax at all.
Take the example of a multi-millionaire family where neither parent is employed nor does anything to generate significant income. Combined with an enormous mortgage deduction, they might pay no federal income tax. So the majority of those "rich" guys you think will be paying more taxes... probably won't pay any or very little....
Obama's tax plan includes families with combined incomes up to 250k... the more you make the more you pay.... the less you have to put away toward personal wealth / or your children's.
Obama's tax plan also includes increased corporation taxes.... this is where individuals will be harder hit.... if you are trying to grow a business and your corporate and personal taxes increase.... the following scenario can occur....
because your business made over 250k both business and personal taxes increased.... now in order to pay these new taxes.... and feed your family... do you increase the cost of doing buisiness... not hire new workers / risking an adverse effect on your business... fire someone...?
Obama's plan also calls for an increase on capital gains tax... so now you take your less than 250k salary and thinking you've beat the tax game... you invest in a money market / stocks or whatever, trying to secure for yourself a future and part of the American dream.... only to find that your profits are now taxed at a higher rate ... and capital gains are taxed yearly....
And forget health care for a moment.... say your like my sister in law who has worked for Sara Lee -- you know cakes... pies... she has been a good employee and makes about 50k/year as a purchasing manager.... making sure stores get their supplies.... and Sara Lee decides they don't want to pay more taxes because it cuts into their corporate profits and decreases the stock holders dividends (making people sell off their stock) what did they do..... Based on fact.... they are now in the process of outsourcing to India or the Philippines ... as for my sister in law's job.... the person who will do her job will be paid US $400/month... (I know because my other philippino sister in law works as an outsourcing agent) Sara Lee is happy... they've saved millions in employee expenses...stocks go up.... do they pay more taxes?.... not much... they have other business tax loopholes not available to you and me... and my sister in law is out of a job, but will have to pay taxes on her sevrence package.
250k is not wealthy... it is a good income... depending on the amount of dependents and other obligations you have.... but, in consistently giving your money away for whatever reason (taxes / helping others out)... you do not make others "rich" like you.... the reverse is more often true.. you become POOR like them.... because you have given away your resources with no way to offset the losses.....
That is why standardized... socialized ... whatever you call it health care also does not work / the way you dream of it.... once the resources are used up.... we all end up with less, not more care. Are we to believe the companies that create medicines, instruments, supplies, etc that are used on a daily basis in health care ... are going to also be so inclined to give away or decrease the costs of supplies when their taxes are being increased.... or... will we see the costs rise, will more hospitals work short staffed, or possibly CNA's will take over LPN duties (they can be paid less) as more people come into and tax an overburdened health system.... again making it less affordable...
Health care is not dictated by insurance companies... except in how they choose to pay for services.... health care is dictated by legislative decrees... and unless there is a profit in it or a deal made that benefits the health / insurance / pharmaceutical / medical suppliers / etc all involved in the system... the legislature will not vote into law the necessary changes that will make the system function as Obama envisions.. and all you need to do is ask Hillary Clinton... she has tried to improve health care since her husband was president... and very little has changed.
So.... no taxes under 250k.../ health care for all.... it's "double speak"... and since we've just bailed out the financial sector, there is no money ... so maybe people making 150k will be taxed next.... because the truely wealthy people... do not pay taxes (or very little) on their already aquired wealth, including Obama.
On a personal note..... I don't need Obama to make me proud to be an American, a Nurse, a Foster mom to 5 girls, a mother to 2 boys, a wife, and a volunteer to my community.... and since i am in a married to a Immigrant... and involved with many immigrants in my community... I have yet to find any one of them that came here because America had such a poor reputation overseas..... people risk their lives to live here on a daily basis, for the advantages this country offers... your either proud to be an American because you understand the greatness of this country lies in ALL of it's people.... or your still making excuses for your failures... and in that case no president can satisfy your limited vision of this country.
mg1021
about 1 year ago
500 comments
LOL!!!! You've got it MissyRN! Bring on the $250 K. I love helping others and sharing with those in need. If I'm already doing that now, while not working so I can pursue this nursing degree, I would gladly share a larger chunk if I were fortunate to be wealthy. I had this very interesting conversation with a fellow student today. He is truly struggling financially while trying to follow his dream (our accelerated track doesn't allow for being employed at while matriculating through the program). He shared, that he has only been able to maintain due to the gracious help of the friends and family whom are of the same culture. I was so delighted to hear if a group of people showing concern for the needs of others beside themselves. I think our country needs more of that mentality. Maybe if we were less concerned with ourselves and more helpful to our fellow citizens on a personal level, our underprivileged populations would need less assistance from the government.
Go Obama!!! I truly belive he can elevate our nation to a degree never seen before. A degree that will make all of us more proud than ever to be an American and promote the respect and admiration from other countries we have lost over the last several years.
jsnurse
about 1 year ago
12 comments
Senator Obama is the only solution to our problems. The man does not own an oil company, or Halliburten which puts him ahead in my book. The present Washington group has created a horrible mess for the regular folks in this country, while others are reaping all the benefits. The insurance companies have put an end to small hospitals and created giants, which ilimits employer choice. The safety and cocern for patient outcomes is all a facade to appear like hospitals are compling with regulations. Accredidation is a jjjoke since it costs money and therefore they will pass anyone. Nursing has gone from compassion to good technical writing skills. I have been around a long time and I have become totally dissalusioned by nurses as a group. Why do we put up with it all? If we were united we could make change happen.
MissyRN
about 1 year ago
4 comments
Way to go mg1021. Very articulate and obviously thought out. Politics will always foster argument. It is sad that some educated people can not stick to the proven facts. Instead they encourage the passing on of unfounded rumors. I have been an Obama supporter for a long time now. I am an RN with a Master's Degree. I currently work in a moderately busy ER. Our patients sometimes wait for hours in the ER waiting area but are not neglected. But I am sure that they are in some places. I do not blame the backlog in the ER on drug addicts working the system. I know that some are but the biggest problem is that many uninsured use the ER for primary care because they can not afford any other option. If they had insurance, I feel certain that many would go to their doctor's office, not the ER.
If Obama only intends to raise taxes on those who make greater than $250,000 per year, I say please let me fall in that tax bracket next year. I sure won't complain about the increase in my taxes. I'll sign my tax return with a smile on my face.
mg1021
about 1 year ago
500 comments
Sore spot? Yes, and quite proud to say it. You were untruthful in your post, "nosocialized medicine". As an Obama supporter, I find it important to clarify your misconceptions. You didn't believe that patients have waited long hours in the ER only to die alone and asked for proof......sooo.......I provided it for you. Did you happen to take a look at the article "nosocializedmedicine"....hmmmm? It would be a good idea to do so. But, then again, it appears you may have issues avoiding the truth.
I never said I was an expert on the mistreatment of patients, but I do know that you were unrealistic when you denied that patients have long wait times and have died because of it.
I never blamed the hospitals for ALL types of patients' deaths (I'm not sure where you pulled that one from). And, I really didn't place blame at all.....only illuminating the truth and facts about what sometimes occurs in this less than perfect healthcare system made of less than perfect individuals. You are the one who claimed these situations never occur so I shared some insight with you.
AND....actually, I do know quite a lot about the mistreatment of seniors. You're quick to speak without thinking things through aren't you? I supervised a department of 15 geriatric case managers for several years. I've seen elders returned to their abusers, yes! But, it was the hospital or nursing home that discharged them back there. You know why "nosocialized medicine"? Because the insurance/Medicare wouldn't pay for their stay any longer.....and it's very rare that seniors have the funds to pay out of pocket. Yet another instance that illustrates how the current system is not working and how very important change is for everyone. All this, however, is beside the point of your original posting and my response to it.
You said the ER wait times were too long, because "people know how to play the system" and partially accused addicts for that. That woman, from the article I posted....the one you didn't read yet....she had a history of addiction which, I presume, is probably why they ignored her. They ignored her, because of the same mentality you have clearly expressed in your posting. That is a probable reason for her neglect in the waiting room and her subsequent death. I provided proof!!!! Now, where's you proof regarding all those rediculous claims you've made about Obama? Real proof....please. I've discussed several of the issues, not just healthcare, and I think I've already illustrated why my response to you was relating to that topic specifically.
I am quite happy to hear that you provide your patients with the tools they need to achieve health and wellbeing....afterall, we are supposed to empower our patients aren't we?
Thanks for the offer to provide my treatment if I'm ever in your hospital, but I'll be just fine without that care....thanks anyway! ;-)
By the way, check out a photo of your #1 man, McCain, at the end of the debate last night....
http://johnmccain.mixx.com/photos/2472431/mccain_does_the_monster_m...
WeekendWarriorATL
about 1 year ago
64 comments
I got that backwards LOL, too late anyway. I already voted early today.
WeekendWarriorATL
about 1 year ago
64 comments
"UNBELIEVABLE!! I just cannot comprehend that ANY nurse would support Obama, much less the ANA."
It's simple. We want a tax break. The hard working middle class is undertaxed and the rich are overtaxed. Not to mention I want to get the troops out of Iraq.
nosocializedmedicine
about 1 year ago
4 comments
I'm sorry I must have hit a sore spot with you mg1021. My hospital treats all patients the same. Once you get out of nursing school and become a real nurse you will have the chance to see who is really mistreated. My doctors treat each patient on an equal basis. Once all of a patients test come back negative except for a urine drug screen, you do the math they are there for drugs. Who do you think is paying for all those test? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. Since you seem to know soooooo much about the mistreatment of patients, you need to look in to the DHS reports and see how many children and eldery patients are returned back to their abusers. Until you see some or know some one who had died from an incident like that, you can't put the blame on the hospital. It is the governments place to protect these patients. You are right I do judge my patients, I give them all the resources they need to get the help they need., I have given countless homeless, drug abusers, etc. information on how to help themselves. Afterall mg1021 that is what JESUS would do. I, myself, am Christian also. I think your the one who needs to research the real facts on Obama. Yes he is Muslim. This isn't all about healthcare, you need to get off that kick. Apparently, you don't care about what this country beliefs. Once again how much time has Obama sent with out troops oversea? You seem to have forgotten about 911. What until Obama gets in office, this will happen again. Obama will destroy our country and destroy our military. This will leave us powerless against other countries. So mg1021 try to think about something else besides healthcare.Obama is a fence rider and never answers his questions. All he is worried about is covering his trail. If he is so great, why doesnt' he release where all of his donations came from? Is it because it could be from terroists, or other organizations like Fannie May. I is young people like you who ignore all the facts. Once again get off the healthcare kick, and open your eyes.
miabryce2
about 1 year ago
2 comments
Yeah I am glad to see an endorsement for Senator Obama. My husband and I are both RN's and feel his health policy is far superior to the oppositions. It is not SOCIALIZED medicine. (my mom grew up in England and my Aunt a nurse there too). We already pay for the uninsured through higher prems and medicare. Why not pay for it out right and stop passing the buck.