Government

‘Medicare Czar’ Dodges ‘Redistribution of Wealth’ Question After ‘Pathetic’ Hearing

Having been installed by President Barack Obama in a recess appointment, the new director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made his first appearance before the Senate Finance Committee this week.

Dr. Donald Berwick sat before the committee Wednesday, but left before Senators had time to fully question the bureaucrat. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, sounded off to CNSNews.com after Berwick’s abridged appearance, describing the spectacle as “pathetic.”

With so many questions about Berwick and the president’s new health care plan going into effect, Finance Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., limited senators to just five minutes each to personally question Berwick:

“We didn’t have enough time,” Hatch told CNSNews.com. “It’s clear that they held a hearing just to say they’ve held one, but to give five minutes on these very, very important questions, and all we’re hearing is how we should do a better job on prevention,” the senator said.

In addition, Hatch assumes that the Committee’s time was so limited because Democrats are “deathly afraid” that some of Berwick’s past “outrageous statements” will draw public scrutiny if they come out during a hearing.

“I’m sure part of the reason was that they didn’t want to have to put up with questions about some of the outrageous statements that the good doctor has made. Now they have a three-person majority on this committee. There’s no question that they could have [approved Berwick's nomination in committee], but I think they were deathly afraid that some of his ideas would come out and embarrass them at the polls.”

When a CNSNews reporter tracked down Berwick leaving the hearing, he asked the new CMS director about comments he made in 2008 relating health care reform and the redistribution of wealth, claiming that a “just” and “humane” health care plan “must redistribute wealth from the richer among us to the poorer and the less fortunate.”

Berwick subsequently dodged the question, quickly stepping onto an elevator and responding only with, “I’m sorry, sir.”

Comments (67)

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  • iwalkalone
    Posted on November 19, 2010 at 7:04am

    Sure, but why is there a huge wage disparity in this country?/ Trace the growing disparity and track against the rising tax bite. The “PROGRESSIVE” tax system encourages wealthy to seize a bigger chunk of available wages to compensate for tax burden. This lowers wages of everyone working for the company, increases govt take of available wages at highest bracket, and discourages productoive workers who see unproductive receiving free what they must earn. IT SIMPLY WONT WORK

    Report Post »  
  • justice
    Posted on November 19, 2010 at 2:56am

    A Dirty Dog RUNNING with his Tail between his legs..Better put him in his cage.

    Report Post »  
  • pamela kay
    Posted on November 19, 2010 at 2:47am

    Ok obama whorshiper, I have worked since I was a young woman. Sometimes 2 or 3 jobs . I have paid into social security for years. I am now 60yrs old and have had serious health problems. I was told that I had to go on medicare for 3yrs. My health insurance was my primary insurance and medicare my secondary. After the first year I dropped medicare Right now I do not have the worry that my age and health will not become an issue. I know that I have good coverage. If this government HC decides that rationing will be necessary, what are my chances to recieve the $3500. a month medication that I must have to survive? Yes, health care needs to be reformed but to deny me care so a few teachers won’t loose their jobs is BULL-CRAP. I could have gone on disability 10yrs ago but chose to work instead.So don‘t tell me that I should curl up and die because the government panels say that my life isn’t worth the expence. I am one of many who face this dilema. If they somehow get this through then I think the government owes me what I have paid into social security, with interest. Try paying that to everyone else like me and do the math. I am not asking the government to take care of me, I do not want to take from anyone else so that I will have coverage. I live modestly and within my means. Based on the government numbers I am at poverty level. I do not think of myself in that way at all. I am fortunate to have a job,and to wake up in the morning . I thank God for that. I became involved in the Tea-Party movement for my children and grandchildren . I believe in the constution and love my country inspite of its flaws. The Tea-Party has not nor will not fade away. We have only just begun. You people fear us and wish to destroy us……FAT CHANCE! You are being exposed for the anti-American traitors that you are. Your progressives will abandon you and stab you in the back when your of no further use to them and you have your head so far up your rear to see the light. We the people are still coming. You can bash us and try to destroy us but YOU will NOt suceed. We are watching closely and will further expose you for what you really are. We know that you are just here to cause havock on this site. So just keep bringing it on. We will be prepared and you will be crying like a baby thanks to your progresssive idols that really don’t give a dam about any of us. We are willing to make sacrifices to save our country, are you? Nope, didn’t think so. Berwick is an extremeist that has sold his soul to the devil as are you and all your progressive butt kissers.. You can’t tell the truth all you can do is spin. See ya, wouldn’t want to be ya………….!

    Report Post » pamela kay  
  • GoingBeck
    Posted on November 19, 2010 at 2:09am

    Redistribution of the wealth diminishes that wealth.
    When the wealth is consumed there is no more
    wealth to redistribute. It takes wealth to create
    wealth. Don’t consume the seed money.

    Report Post »  
  • stitchak
    Posted on November 19, 2010 at 1:17am

    This whole administration is such a mess.

    Report Post »  
  • whitaker
    Posted on November 19, 2010 at 12:19am

    Do you doubt Baucus wont defend his Obamacare he pushed through senate.

    Report Post » whitaker  
  • Okieflyover
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 10:46pm

    I would never agree with Obama’s politics but I could at least respect him if he actually ran on the platform he is governing from. So few people really follow the details to know these kind of things. When people do hear this kind of stuff, then the bloom comes off of the Obama rose for good. It cannot be repaired. Once you see the light on things like this, it is over. The Socialist/Liberal/Progressive Democrats know that.

    Report Post »  
  • tbb
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 10:29pm

    If they are this afraid now it is going to get a lot worse before it gets better (if it gets better)

    Report Post »  
  • Veritas
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 10:19pm

    How about this, I have a disease that I will need some treatment for the rest of my life. Why can I not make an agreement between my doctor and myself on how to deal with it? Why can’t I know upfront what the costs may be and be able to shop around for the best deal for me? Have you ever been to the doctor knowing what the total cost of the treatment will be? Would you have a home improvement done like that? How about a trip overseas? NO!! We need to understand the cost to the consumer weather insurance is involved or not. I know from my wife being in the dental industry before, they charge insurance more than they would charge a cash paying customer. That is where the focus needs to be!!

    Report Post » Veritas  
    • Obama_2012
      Posted on November 18, 2010 at 11:51pm

      I’m glad to see someone thinking. Ask Beck why the costs are so high and he‘ll say it’s the unions somehow.

      You people need to get behind the single payer system. Face it, most of you will never be rich. I’m willing to bet most of you are old and going to live off Medicare in fact. Let the rich people pay your bills. They made it that far, they can afford to share some of their billions. And no, they won’t do it out of the goodness of their hearts. I mean seriously, when was the last time you donated money or time to a good cause? Maybe once in the last year? Probably not even that. It doesn’t happen.

      What‘s so bad about young people wanting to create a new system that won’t be bankrupt like you guys did to Medicare?

      Report Post » Obama_2012  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 1:48am

      OBAMA_2012 ‘What‘s so bad about young people wanting to create a new system’ because you are too dumb to know you are stupid. Thats why.

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • Obama_2012
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 10:11am

      RepubliCorp

      Wow, there’s simply no way for me to respond to such a reasoned, well sourced, explanatory comment. I see you have it all figured out. You are lightyears ahead of the pack there internet guru. Beck would be proud.

      Report Post » Obama_2012  
    • neversaynever
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 11:32am

      Obama2012..It’s simply wrong to take money from someone else who has worked for it and therefore deserves every penny. You asked how many of the people on here have given money or time in the last year? I cant speak for everyone, but I tithe 10% and volunteer coach youth sports in my spare time. I am not rich, and would probably benefit from the programs you are trying to advance, however I cannot in good concious take money from someone else who worked hard for it their whole life. Instead, I will continue to work as hard as I can to make it to the point where the “rich” are. I may not make it to that point, but in trying to I will most likely make it to a point where myself and my family can live comfortably.

      Report Post »  
  • Star Spangled
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 10:14pm

    Wonder how much “redistribution of wealth” he’ll be doing with a Republican holding his purse strings ?
    Hahaha , The election spoiled some plans .

    Report Post » Star Spangled  
  • J.C. McGlynn
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 10:11pm

    He’s hiding in the dark like all the cockroaches. Anybody got bug spray?

    Report Post » J.C. McGlynn  
  • Veritas
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 10:09pm

    Let me start with this, if any politician has been in D.C. for more than 10 years, no matter how they vote, they need to be replaced. Especially now that the electorate is paying much closer attention to who we send there!!

    Report Post » Veritas  
    • EP46
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 5:34am

      Veritas I agree 100%. Also, people keep talking about the Bush Admin. Remember the DEMs were in control of Congress during the last of his term.

      Report Post »  
  • spendthrift
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:56pm

    Socialism and Global government is all tied into health care, climate change, and redistribution. Honestly, may the true patriots win.

    Here is the committee chairman’s email. Let’s flood his office requesting an additional hearing.

    http://baucus.senate.gov/?p=contact

    Report Post » spendthrift  
  • pattybbb1
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:52pm

    I work in Healthcare and we already see so many changes. It’s gonna be a rough ride folks!

    Report Post »  
  • BRAVEHEART
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:47pm

    Communist criminals like Obama surround themselves with communist criminals like Burwick. America needs to eliminate this shameful disease of socialist communism. Having communist in the White House is quickly proving to be destructive in many ways and may prove to be the greatest failure ever of American Politics.

    Report Post »  
  • Fear The Voices
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:39pm

    Dr. Berwick should be known as the new “Doctor Death.”

    Report Post » Fear The Voices  
  • momsense
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:39pm

    This man has the potential to be the executioner of the Obama administration, and it’s Progressive Agenda. He must be stopped

    Report Post »  
  • chazman
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:39pm

    Mr. Berwick .. yer on the list. Move to France … and be quick about it.

    Report Post »  
  • Metalplate6538
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:36pm

    Another day; another outrage. What will tomorrow bring?

    Report Post » Metalplate6538  
  • neverending
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:35pm

    they are such cowards – no problem speaking right out when they are among their marxist/socialist/commies but the big old yellow streak shows up wide and clear running down the old back. They can run but they can’t hide.

    Report Post »  
  • Its Gonna Getcha
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:34pm

    People get over your fears. Now.

    Report Post » Its Gonna Getcha  
  • New-American-Saviors
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:34pm

    He says “WE didn’t have enough time” YES You’re Right YOU ARE OUT of time !

    Report Post »  
  • BetterDays
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:29pm

    this crud is getting so repetitive and silly, its like that horrid song that makes the martians head explode in “mars attacks” ack..ack.ack.
    Hey socialists, heres a challange “share your wealth” with the worlds needy first, send us the reciepts of your generous charitable donations to “Save the Constitutional Government fund” and provide copies of your last three income tax returns. We will then determine if you have shared all your wealth. If you have any complaints about this, write the complaint in brief on a gold coin and mail it to me, repeat this process untill I respond.
    Silly commie, tricks only work in the shadows and your fully illuminated.

    Report Post »  
  • NickDeringer
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:20pm

    Thank God Glenn exposed Dr. Donald Berwick a while ago. He can’t run away from his own words. The Democrat-Socialist agenda is being exposed for what it is.

    Report Post » NickDeringer  
    • Obama_2012
      Posted on November 18, 2010 at 10:58pm

      I know most here will hate me right out of the gate no matter how much Glenn tells you to be open minded and love everyone as the great MLK would, but I’m still going to speak my mind.

      You teapeople know just as us far more centered citizens that this country is out of control. The banksters stole our money and Bush and his friends made it happen. Obama came in to get the car out of the ditch and back on the path and you need to give us a chance. So what if we want to bring some collectivism to the country? It’s not like your free market suicide bombers on Wall Street did anything good.

      We are organized, you are not. We have ideas, you do not. We have youthful, inspired manpower, you have a bunch of old people who yell CUT SPENDING but won’t volunteer your Social Security or Medicare(the real problems as even Idol Beck points out in his new book) for the chopping block. Get in the back of the car and let us do our thing, your time has passed.

      Obama_2012  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on November 18, 2010 at 11:16pm

      @Obama 2012

      Understand this much, the theft of all our countries future has been going on for a hell of a lot longer than just Bush having been in office. Our futures have been sold down the river for generations now, since we went from a producing country, to a service country so deeply in debt we need to change course now before we do become a crumbled ruin on the dustbin of history.

      And I will not let that happen if there is any way possible. This nation will not go into the night without me being able to tell the Almighty that I did my best.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Obama_2012
      Posted on November 18, 2010 at 11:45pm

      snowleopard3200

      “so deeply in debt we need to change course now before we do become a crumbled ruin on the dustbin of history”

      What are you willing to do to make that happen? Have you read Beck’s no book Broke? Even he admits Medicare and Social Security are the real problems. Are you willing to give them up? If not, nothing you do or say matters, as it is, at best useless, and at worst hypocritical and useless.

      I don’t think any of you here are willing to give it up without a fight. Which is why I think most of you are on the progressive side but don’t know it yet. Your not willing to go without your benefits and neither are we. Not when the poor get sent to fight wars, paid for by the criminal bankers, in far off lands to protect the oil companies’ profits.

      So before you all follow Beck to the slaughter under his corporate masters’ axe(Rupert Murdoch is no different than Soros, do the research like Glenn always says) why don’t you open your eyes and realize our best chance is to fight the corruption. We don‘t need to stiff the workers’ so the rich can stay rich. They’re just going to run with the real assets if it all falls apart anyhow. The teapeople will destroy America, we’ll be living, starving, in lightless, heatless woods shelters if they have their way. Hell, the vast majority are past their prime and are only looking to retire anyhow. Our side has the youth and the vigor to make things better. Boomers can’t win the fight without us, and they’re not going to get us while they suck the corporate teat.

      Report Post » Obama_2012  
    • proudinfidel54
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 12:36am

      OBAMA_2012, I guess Barney Frank and the rest of the Democratic Congess are who you call Bushes people, because it was them that shot down every effort Bush Made to Stop the carnage of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Using your simile about the car in the ditch, Bush may have helped drive it in there but Obama Carjacked it and now he is trying cover the ditch with dirt with all of us still in there. These Brilliant Ideas you claim your “Middle Americans” have are nothing new, in fact they have all been tried before and failed miserably, (Communist China, Russia, Cuba, North Korea ect.) how quickly you progressive forget the carnage that results from pursuing that course. Personally I would rather see you go(with all your great ideas) where this type of Goverment already exists and quit trying to drag us into the ditch.

      Report Post » proudinfidel54  
    • Paradigmm
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 12:38am

      Obama 2012:

      F&F

      oooooops, wrong site!

      Report Post » Paradigmm  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 1:27am

      Obama 2012:
      Oh let me begin. First off I never counted upon living on or even recieving one iota of a cent from either medicare or SSI, so as for me lets do away with it.
      The democrats controlled both houses in congress by the mid term of Bush’s administration, exactly when the economic “car” swerved hard left into the ditch. But then you were too drunk to remember (a socialist blackout the police report says) going into the ditch, and hopeing and praying (or whatever socialist do in place of prayer?) that no one recalls that you were behind the wheel. Do you care to buy the pictures?
      WE are organized enough to gain over 60 seats in the house alone, and lets take bets on 2012 shall we. But be forewarned I’m just like my grandpa was. He not being a gambling man owned the casino(s), so when you hear me say lets bet, what I‘m really saying is ’it is a sure thing.”:
      Seems our plan is pretty straight forward, undo EVERYTHING you socialists have done. Yes it will be painfull (were used to pain we have had to put up with your ilk for over 100 years, with 100 more yet to follow?) but when it comes to tollerence to pain we’ll pay the piper to get it done. See it’s folk like us who put our hands to shovels (ever hold one?), and who die in trench’s so you can whine about how unfair we treat the rest of the world who was busy trying to kill us.
      That all being said, I shall agree with you (and so would many others here) that being enslaved by ANYONE is unacceptable. Which is why we are staying wide awake, vetteing each and every newcomer with a fine toothed comb, we are well aware that the republican party has histroicallly been as “sold out” as the democratic party is at present. What WE said back in november was NOT a validation of the standard republican platform (and they know it), it was a resounding slap to the face of socialism, WE WILL NOT STAND FOR IT, UNTO DEATH, do you understand me?

      Report Post »  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 1:35am

      OBAMA_2012 Hate you? No. But we are not going to get out of your way. This last election proves my point. Hopefully when you a big boy and potty trained, you will see Obama for what he is (a charlatan)

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • tootough
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 7:09am

      Uh, yep…….Your attempt at trying to rectify the actions of the current administration and its “puppets” isn’t gonna fly. We have done nothing but sit and watched how the progressives and this “socialist president” has made a mockery of this country. They want socialism, we want soverenity, they want liberals, we want liberty. They want facists, and we want faith, and i can tell you right now, our faith in this country and in the faithful people of this country will overcome any obstacle that you put in front of us.

      Report Post » tootough  
    • tootough
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 7:11am

      so take it out of here obama 2012…..let him “hopey, changey” your world……leave ours alone

      Report Post » tootough  
    • LadyLiberty
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 8:21am

      Obamacare is a failure. Waivers, mandates.. this is not what the people asked for. The people of this country were concerned with rising costs.. so what does he do? He creates a bill that slashes medicare and medicaid to fund his mandate portion of the bill which requires hundreds of IRS agents to enforce in order to make sure that the 30 million who allegedly do not have health care for whatever reason will now have it because they HAVE TO or face a fine. Meanwhile the other 70 million who do have it not are locked into keeping the crappy high price coverage (which is now HIGHER) because of said mandate.

      The only people who got anything out of this bill are the Insurance companies.

      @ Obama_2012 — You have huge blinders on and are a ridiculous fanbboy. Obama is unravleling this nation in every way he can think of and is an utter disgrace to the office. Bush had his shortcomings make no doubt about that, but this man is indeed attemtpting to dismantle this nation. Wake up pal, your man Obama is neither a patriot nor does he care to be.

      Report Post » LadyLiberty  
  • SHASTADIANE1
    Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:20pm

    Gonna run back and hide under his desk no doubt!

    Report Post »  
    • Kaen
      Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:31pm

      Prolly to “Tweak” his financial statements, of course like the rest of the socialists…they don’t want to redistribute THEIR wealth…only ours. I think that it is VERY simple, Comrade Obama, Slimey Reid, Can’t use the “C” work in a public forum so I will just call her Pelosi…start that redistribution of wealth with yours…lead the way, show all of us how it is done.

      http://thefreeamerica.blogspot.com/

      Report Post » Kaen  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:34pm

      He can’t run from the truth…

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:39pm

      Agenda 21 man
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daN8249zTYk&feature=related
      Rockefeller Scum

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • CultureWarriors
      Posted on November 18, 2010 at 9:58pm

      This is the most incompetent administration in the history of the republic. No other administration even comes close. The children have taken over and they are making a mess out of things.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAN9f9clmig
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_CsEgIfUX0

      Report Post » CultureWarriors  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on November 18, 2010 at 10:39pm

      Since when did theft become “humane”? Because that’s what redistribution of wealth is – it’s stealing.

      Taxes, on the other hand, are supposed to benefit every tax payer directly. But redistribution of wealth is theft.

      Report Post »  
    • mikedy
      Posted on November 18, 2010 at 11:07pm

      I think you mean hide under his rock

      Report Post »  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on November 18, 2010 at 11:13pm

      (Medical czar: (bowing on knee) “Master, they have found me out for the wastrel and scoundrel that I am, not even a doctor, just a bad actor brought before the puppets of yours.”

      (Soros “spooky dude”: “I am sorry to hear that, I guess your future is going to be most bright indeed then…you will join me on the ship to mars…”

      (En route the ship goes off course into the sun.)

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • jzs
      Posted on November 18, 2010 at 11:55pm

      A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right, you are a hypocrite. Unless you’re among the top 2% of wage earners in this country the wealth is being distributed not from you but to you. And has been your entire life. You don’t pay your fair share for the schools your children attend, the upkeep of the road in front of your house or construction of any of the roads you use, the fire department or police who are there to save your house or your life, You‘re not paying your fair share of the cost the wars we’re in. You are on the “stealing” end, not the “stolen from” end, to use your terminology.

      Cut the sanctimonious crap. Moocher.

      jzs  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 6:24am

      Stealing services from doctors is not anybody’s “right”. The government is instituting legalized theft. The doctors won’t stand for it. Our health care will go down the crapper.

      Report Post »  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 6:38am

      A pathetic hearing, with a pathetic person, about a pathetic health care program.

      Report Post »  
    • drbage
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 9:45am

      So, given Dr. Berwick’s logic, if I were to rob a bank and give some of the money to the folks in the neighborhood, I would be redistributing the wealth and therefore, not guilty of a crime.

      Report Post »  
    • Rogue
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 10:48am

      @ JZS – the top 2% do not completely support our economy. The top wage earners pay more per capita obviously, but it is the middle class that supplies the bulk money to the government. I’m not going to speak for A Doctors, but ANYONE who pays taxes is not getting the full benefit of thier tax dollars. You forget that 40% of Americans pay NO income tax. Where do we get the money to support them? Where does thier share of costs of infastructure and Government programs come from? Overwhelmingly, these funds come for the middle class taxpayer. We are already experiencing redistribution of wealth through the current tax system, and if you are paying taxes, you too are not getting full benefit of your tax dollars.

      Report Post » Rogue  
    • jzs
      Posted on November 19, 2010 at 1:02pm

      @Rouge. Good response. But to clear things up, you’re talking about the year 2009 only, during the recession. And everybody is working or buying anything is paying taxes. Here’s an evenhanded explanation. http://taxvox.taxpolicycenter.org/blog/_archives/2010/4/15/4506088.html

      But that wasn’t my point. I was talking about individuals. The millionaire down the street pays more for your kid to go to the public school than you did. His money is distributed to you.

      And another thing: Obama CUT taxes for the middle class, something people want to pretend never happened. But he did. That was what a large fraction of the hated Stimulus was.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • G.W. Dobbs
      Posted on November 20, 2010 at 11:33am

      As long as the Progressives get THEIRS (power, money, authority), they CARE NOT about the masses. If they want wealth redistributed, no one will stop them from giving their money to the less fortunate; no, they do NOT want to give “their’s” up; they want to give YOUR’S to the less fortunate. Meanwhile, they themselves want MORE. Typical George Soros mentality. Who is paying Van Jones these days? I will venture he is above the $250,000/year bracket.

      Report Post »  
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