# Explaining The Health Care Bill

> Legislative maneuvers around the thousand-page healthcare reform bill collide with global swine flu anxiety and a bizarre dental floss escape attempt from Alcatraz.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 115
- **Published:** 2009-07-23
- **Length:** 1h 34m
- **Topics:** HR 3200, [Public Option](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-option.md), [H1N1 Vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1-vaccine.md), [Alcatraz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alcatraz.md), [Monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), Latisse, CBO Deficit
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill

## About this episode

President Barack Obama held a primetime press conference to promote the HR 3200 healthcare bill, utilizing a highly staged format that included a pre-arranged question from a Cleveland Clinic representative. The legislation faces intense scrutiny over its 1,017-page length and complex cross-references to IRS codes that impose an 8% payroll tax on small businesses. While the administration promised transparency via C-SPAN, critical committee negotiations remain behind closed doors as Congress prepares for a five-week August recess.

Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius defended the plan on Meet the Press despite a Congressional Budget Office report projecting increased deficits. Mayo Clinic CEO Dennis Cortese warned that a public option modeled after Medicare could lead to a financial catastrophe, suggesting the use of existing frameworks like Tricare instead. Additional concerns emerge from the Economic Policy Journal regarding government audits of private bank accounts and the potential for healthcare rationing. Internationally, Baxter International reports surging profits from H1N1 vaccine production while journalist Jane Burgermeister files a lawsuit alleging a conspiracy involving the World Health Organization.

An inmate at Alcatraz Island reportedly spent seven years attempting to grind through steel bars using only dental floss and tooth powder. Brooke Shields appears in commercials for Latisse, an eyelash treatment that carries the bizarre risk of permanently changing the user's iris color. The program concludes with a nod to the No Agenda community, including a three-hour-old listener and a donation coded to the H1N1 keypad sequence.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/transcript.md.

### 1. Alcatraz Prison Tour, Dental Floss Escape Attempt (0:01–2:21)

A visit to Alcatraz Island with a tour provided by Ranger Craig revealed the ingenuity of inmates with excessive time. One specific escape attempt involved a prisoner spending seven years using dental floss and tooth powder to grind through hardened steel bars.

Keywords: [alcatraz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alcatraz.md), ranger craig, [prison escape](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prison-escape.md), dental floss, [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/1.md)

### 2. Obama Healthcare Press Conference, Media Staging Tactics (2:21–7:45)

President Barack Obama held a primetime press conference regarding healthcare reform, marking a high frequency of televised addresses compared to his predecessors. The event appeared highly staged, featuring pre-processed questions and a specific call-on for a representative from the Cleveland Clinic just before a scheduled presidential visit to that facility.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [healthcare reform](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare-reform.md), [press conference](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/press-conference.md), [teleprompter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/teleprompter.md), [cleveland clinic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cleveland-clinic.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/2.md)

### 3. HR 3200 Healthcare Bill, Small Business Compliance Costs (7:45–13:05)

The healthcare reform bill HR 3200 contains complex cross-references to existing IRS codes and other legislation. Small businesses with payrolls exceeding $250,000 face an 8% payroll tax if they do not provide insurance, alongside new government auditing powers to ensure compliance.

Keywords: hr 3200, [healthcare reform](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare-reform.md), irs code, [small business](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/small-business.md), [payroll tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/payroll-tax.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/3.md)

### 4. Congressional August Recess, Healthcare Bill Transparency Concerns (13:05–18:03)

Congress is criticized for taking a five-week August vacation during a major financial crisis while rushing the 1,017-page healthcare bill. Specific concerns within the legislation include provisions for electronic funds transfers from private bank accounts and the potential implementation of a national health ID card.

Keywords: [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), august recess, [transparency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transparency.md), [national id](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-id.md), bank access

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/4.md)

### 5. Mayo Clinic CEO Dennis Cortese, Public Option Critique (18:03–22:36)

Mayo Clinic CEO Dennis Cortese critiques the proposed public healthcare option, warning that a Medicare-style system with price controls could lead to a catastrophe. Cortese suggests that instead of creating a seventh government bureaucracy, the administration should utilize existing systems like Tricare or the Federal Employees Health Care Plan.

Keywords: dennis cortese, [mayo clinic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mayo-clinic.md), [medicare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/medicare.md), tricare, [public option](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-option.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/5.md)

### 6. End-of-Life Consultations, Marriage Definitions in HR 3200 (22:37–25:02)

Provisions in the healthcare bill starting on page 425 involve government-mandated consultations regarding living wills and durable powers of attorney. Additionally, the bill contains language regarding the definition of marriage that could impact healthcare eligibility for same-sex couples.

Keywords: living wills, power of attorney, end-of-life, [gay marriage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gay-marriage.md), [healthcare bill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare-bill.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/6.md)

### 7. White House Transparency, C-SPAN Broadcast Promises (25:02–28:43)

The Obama administration is criticized for failing to broadcast healthcare committee meetings on C-SPAN despite campaign promises of transparency. While the Sonia Sotomayor hearings were televised, critical healthcare negotiations remained behind closed doors, a fact tracked by websites like Politifact.

Keywords: [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [transparency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transparency.md), [politifact](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/politifact.md), [sonia sotomayor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sonia-sotomayor.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/7.md)

### 8. No Agenda Value Proposition, Donation Request (28:44–29:22)

Listeners are encouraged to support the program via the Squarespace-hosted website to maintain the show's independent analysis. The hosts argue that staying informed at this level is essential for navigating current political and economic shifts.

Keywords: [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [squarespace](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/squarespace.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Kathleen Sebelius Meet the Press Appearance, CBO Cost Estimates (29:22–32:38)

Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius appeared on Meet the Press to defend the healthcare bill despite Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports indicating the plan would increase the deficit. Sebelius avoided direct questions regarding the discrepancy between the bill's stated goal of reducing costs and the CBO's financial projections.

Keywords: [kathleen sebelius](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kathleen-sebelius.md), [meet the press](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meet-the-press.md), [cbo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbo.md), [deficit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deficit.md), [healthcare costs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare-costs.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/9.md)

### 10. Economic Policy Journal Analysis, Healthcare Rationing Claims (32:39–34:48)

An analysis from the Economic Policy Journal suggests the healthcare bill mandates government audits of self-insured employers and creates a committee to decide treatment benefits. The report claims the legislation could lead to the rationing of care at cancer hospitals and restrict hospital expansions.

Keywords: economic policy journal, [auditing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/auditing.md), healthcare exchange, [rationing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rationing.md), [cancer treatment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cancer-treatment.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/10.md)

### 11. International Space Station Toilet Failure, Shuttle Discovery Mission (34:49–37:01)

The International Space Station's primary toilet malfunctioned, forcing astronauts to use the limited-capacity Russian Soyuz facilities. The Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to deliver repair parts along with the Japanese Kibo laboratory module to resolve the issue.

Keywords: [iss](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iss.md), space shuttle discovery, soyuz, kibo, toilet repair

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/11.md)

### 12. UG-99 Wheat Fungus, Monsanto Genetically Modified Wheat (37:05–42:06)

The UG-99 stem rust fungus is spreading from Africa and threatens to wipe out 80% of the world's wheat crop. This biological threat coincides with Monsanto receiving approval for genetically modified wheat production, leading to speculation about the timing of the agricultural crisis.

Keywords: ug-99, wheat rust, [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), [gmo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gmo.md), cereal disease laboratory

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/12.md)

### 13. Food Inc Documentary, Audience Hypocrisy in Cleveland (42:06–45:02)

A theater manager in Cleveland reports that audiences attending the documentary Food, Inc. frequently purchase snacks containing the very industrial ingredients the film criticizes, such as canola and soybean oil. This observation is linked to broader trends of superficial activism, such as changing social media icons for the Iranian "Green Revolution."

Keywords: [food inc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/food-inc.md), [cleveland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cleveland.md), [hypocrisy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hypocrisy.md), [canola oil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/canola-oil.md), [green revolution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/green-revolution.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Genetically Engineered Food DNA, Gene Therapy Risks (45:02–49:20)

Research from the University of Cologne suggests that DNA from genetically engineered foods can survive digestion and enter mammalian tissues. Concerns are raised regarding the cauliflower mosaic virus used in GMOs and its potential link to human diseases, as well as the long-term health effects of soy consumption.

Keywords: gmo dna, cauliflower mosaic virus, [gene therapy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gene-therapy.md), walter dorfler, [soy milk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/soy-milk.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/14.md)

### 15. Afghanistan Poppy Seed Bombing, USAID Involvement (49:21–53:28)

The US military reportedly destroyed 300 tons of poppy seeds in Afghanistan's Helmand province to disrupt Taliban funding. However, visual evidence from news clips suggests the personnel involved may be private contractors or mercenaries rather than US Marines, raising questions about the true nature of the drug interdiction mission.

Keywords: [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [poppy seeds](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppy-seeds.md), [usaid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/usaid.md), [helmand province](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/helmand-province.md), [mercenaries](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mercenaries.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/15.md)

### 16. Foxconn Employee Suicide, Apple iPhone 4G Prototype (53:29–56:02)

A Chinese worker at a Foxconn facility reportedly committed suicide after a fourth-generation iPhone prototype went missing. The incident highlights the high stakes of Apple's expansion into the Chinese market, where the threat of sophisticated counterfeit clones remains a significant concern for the company.

Keywords: [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), [foxconn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/foxconn.md), iphone 4g, [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [counterfeit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/counterfeit.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Cap and Trade Bill Debate, Black Music Month (56:02–59:49)

Following the passage of the "Cap and Trade" energy bill, a Republican congressman from Texas warned of the negative economic impact on families. Immediately afterward, a Democratic representative from Tennessee shifted the floor's focus to a resolution celebrating Black Music Month, illustrating a perceived disconnect in legislative priorities.

Keywords: [cap and trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cap-and-trade.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), black music month, [tennessee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tennessee.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/17.md)

### 18. Union Healthcare Advertisements, Media Advocacy Double Standards (59:49–1:04:39)

Unions such as SEIU and AFSCME are running extensive television advertising campaigns supporting healthcare reform and targeting Senator Dianne Feinstein. Critics point out that while networks accept these advocacy ads, they frequently reject advertisements for controversial topics like marijuana legalization.

Keywords: [seiu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/seiu.md), [afscme](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afscme.md), [dianne feinstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dianne-feinstein.md), advocacy ads, [marijuana legalization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marijuana-legalization.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/18.md)

### 19. Latisse Eyelash Treatment, Brooke Shields Commercial (1:04:40–1:06:20)

The pharmaceutical product Latisse, endorsed by Brooke Shields, is marketed as an FDA-approved treatment for inadequate eyelashes. The product's side effects include potential permanent darkening of the iris and eyelid skin, leading to criticism of the pharmaceutical industry's focus on cosmetic enhancements.

Keywords: latisse, [brooke shields](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brooke-shields.md), eyelashes, [fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md), [side effects](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/side-effects.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/19.md)

### 20. Sugarbabes Swine Flu Infection, Celebrity Quarantine (1:06:22–1:08:47)

Members of the British girl group Sugarbabes were reportedly placed in quarantine after contracting swine flu, forcing the cancellation of promotional events with Jay-Z. The hosts suggest that celebrity infections are being used to heighten public concern and promote upcoming vaccination campaigns.

Keywords: sugarbabes, [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [quarantine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/quarantine.md), [jay-z](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jay-z.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/20.md)

### 21. Australian Swine Flu Vaccine Trials, CSL Biotherapy (1:08:48–1:12:02)

Human trials for a swine flu vaccine have commenced in Australia at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, involving hundreds of adults and children. CSL Limited is conducting the tests, which include double-dose injections for infants as young as six months to determine efficacy before a planned mass rollout.

Keywords: [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [swine flu vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu-vaccine.md), csl limited, [human trials](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/human-trials.md), pediatric testing

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Vaccine Adjuvants, Gardasil and Hepatitis B Data (1:12:04–1:15:14)

A medical professional provides data regarding the dangers of vaccine adjuvants, specifically citing the HPV vaccine Gardasil and the Hepatitis B vaccine. Charts indicate significant adverse reactions, such as pain and swelling, associated with aluminum-containing placebos compared to saline placebos.

Keywords: [adjuvants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adjuvants.md), [gardasil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gardasil.md), [hpv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hpv.md), [hepatitis b](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hepatitis-b.md), [aluminum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aluminum.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/22.md)

### 23. US Flu Vaccine Adjuvants, WHO Meeting Secrecy (1:15:15–1:18:15)

While US seasonal flu vaccines have historically not used adjuvants, the new H1N1 pandemic vaccine may include them for younger populations. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization is criticized for holding meetings with health commissioners without releasing minutes or records of the proceedings.

Keywords: [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [adjuvants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adjuvants.md), [world health organization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-health-organization.md), [transparency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transparency.md), antibody breeders

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/23.md)

### 24. Baxter International Profits, Jane Burgermeister Lawsuit (1:18:15–1:20:28)

Baxter International reported increased profits tied to swine flu vaccine production, despite past controversies involving live avian flu contamination. In Europe, journalist Jane Burgermeister has filed a lawsuit against the WHO and high-ranking officials, alleging a conspiracy to implement forced vaccinations.

Keywords: [baxter international](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/baxter-international.md), [avian flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/avian-flu.md), jane burgermeister, [lawsuit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lawsuit.md), [forced vaccination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/forced-vaccination.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/24.md)

### 25. Latisse Side Effects, Iris Pigmentation Risks (1:20:37–1:22:48)

Further examination of the Latisse (bimatoprost) commercial reveals warnings about permanent brown iris pigmentation and itchy eyes. The hosts mock the absurdity of risking permanent eye color changes for longer eyelashes.

Keywords: latisse, bimatoprost, iris, pigmentation, cosmetic drugs

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/25.md)

### 26. Canadian Mass Immunization Exercises, PanFluVac Conference (1:22:49–1:27:01)

The Canadian government conducted mass immunization drills in northern Ontario using First Nations communities as test populations. Simultaneously, the European Union-financed PanFluVac conference is scheduled to take place in Cannes, France, to discuss influenza pandemic control strategies.

Keywords: [canada](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/canada.md), [ontario](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ontario.md), [first nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/first-nations.md), panfluvac, [cannes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cannes.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/26.md)

### 27. H1N1 Donation Code, No Agenda Funding Model (1:27:01–1:29:22)

A listener contributed $51.54, a numerical code for "H1N1" on a telephone keypad, highlighting the show's unique community engagement. The hosts reiterate their commitment to a listener-supported model to avoid the conflicts of interest inherent in corporate advertising.

Keywords: [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [squarespace](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/squarespace.md), [independent media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/independent-media.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/27.md)

### 28. No Agenda Community Apps, Show Outro (1:29:22–1:34:05)

The show concludes with a summary of community-developed resources, including mobile apps, wikis, and forums. The hosts acknowledge a new "recruit"—a three-hour-old baby pictured listening to the show—and sign off from their respective locations in San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

Keywords: [itunes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/itunes.md), [blackberry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackberry.md), [wiki](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wiki.md), [jingles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jingles.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/115-explaining-the-health-care-bill/chapter/28.md)

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