People gather in St. Charles to welcome President Obama.
Originally published March 10, 2010 at 7:23 p.m., updated March 10, 2010 at 7:23 p.m.
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President Obama Lands in St. Louis
Watch video of President Obama landing in St. Louis by Air Force One and greeting reporters Wednesday, March 10, 2010.
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President Obama visits St. Louis area
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U.S. President Barack Obama speaking about his health care reform package at St.Charles High School in St. Charles, Missouri on March 10, 2010.
UPI/Bill Greenblatt
U.S. President Barak Obama stresses a point while speaking about his health care reform package at St.Charles High School in St. Charles, Missouri on March 10, 2010.
President Barack Obama is making his way around the metro area touting his health care reform plan Wednesday.
He arrived by Air Force One around 3:20 p.m. and was greeted by St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay.
Security around the area was tight as people opposing and supporting the president's health care proposal were out in full force.
As of Wednesday evening, the streets of downtown St. Louis were lined with people carrying signs bashing and praising the president's plan.
Earlier in the afternoon, people lined the street across from St. Charles High School and along South Kingshighway Street in St. Charles. Some held signs welcoming President Obama to St. Charles and supporting his health care plan. Others held signs in protest that read "We don't want this."
Obama opened his speech at the high school by announcing a new plan to eliminate waste and fraud in Medicare, Medicaid and other government programs.
He said improper payments are often made through these programs and are sent to the wrong person, for the wrong reason and the wrong amount.
Obama said it is estimated that improper payments cost taxpayers almost $100 billion last year.
“These results were both disturbing and encouraging,“ he said. “They’re disturbing because it shows you how much waste there is out there in the health care system. But it’s encouraging because we can do something about it.”
The president signed an order Wednesday that he said will direct all federal agencies to launch a system of tough audits to recover this lost money.
“So it’s a win-win,” he said. “The auditor, if they do a good job they get a small percentage as a reward. And the taxpayer wins by getting huge sums of money that would otherwise be lost that we can then spend to provide care to people who really need it, or we can use to reduce the deficit.”
Obama said it is the money that will be recovered from this audit of waste and fraud that will help fund his health care reform plan, not senior benefits as some of his opponents suggest.
During his speech, the president also said the middle class is being pummeled by the rising cost of heath care and he plans to streamline health care to get rid of wasteful and duplicate government programs.
Obama said the country must stop wasting money on things that "don't make people healthy."
The president said his goal is to make health care stronger. He said Americans should be very concerned that insurance companies just announced a 39 percent rate increase in California and a rate increase up to 60 percent in Illinois.
“That’s the future,’ he said. “That’s the future if we fail to act.”
Obama said his plan is not the "government takeover" that it's been called by opponents of the plan.
The president said his plan will offer three things that have never been offered before:
- It will not allow insurance companies to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. Even more, it would ban insurance companies from denying coverage for sick children this year.
- It will allow uninsured individuals and small businesses the same insurance coverage as large businesses or members of congress.
- It would bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses and the government.
- He said under his plan Medicare will be better and it will fill in the holes that hurt senior citizens.
Some who attended Obama's speech said they were inspired and thought the president cleared up questions and misconceptions his opponents have had about health care reform.
“The message was good and something that needs to be heard by the public and considered seriously by lawmakers,” Tom Wiginton, of Cape Girardeau said. “We need to take what was undertaken 50 years ago to make this health care system work and be the best in the world again.”
Darryl Moore, of St. Louis said he agrees the health care system is broken and he was glad to hear Obama address the question of how the reform would be funded.
“I’m definitely an advocate for health care so people ask me questions,” he said. “People are always saying how will they pay for it? But it’s really paying for itself.”
Mary Wheeler, of St. Louis agreed.
“Not only will it pay for itself, but it will take money that is being wasted and use it more positively.”
But some are still not convinced the reform is the right answer.
Matt Hillegonds of Chicago Ill., a student at Lindenwood University walked down the street to St. Charles High School to protest President Obama's health care reform bill.
Matt Hillegonds, of Chicago, a student at Lindenwood University in St. Charles stood alongside others who oppose the reform to protest on Wednesday afternoon.
Hillegonds displayed the original American flag reading “Don’t tread on me.”
“I believe Obama is letting some people slide but I believe we all have to work for what we earn,” he said. “As a country we’ve fought against communism and for democracy and it’s worked this long--why change it now?”
Hillegonds said it is ridiculous to force Americans to have health care.
After the president talked health care in St. Charles he headed downtown for a 6:30 p.m. grassroots reception for Sen. Claire McCaskill at the Renaissance St. Louis Grand Ballrooms.
Obama’s stop in St. Louis wraps up with his departure on Air Force One originally scheduled for 8:35 p.m.
Comments
Rune04 (anonymous) says...
Let the Great and Amazing Obama roadshow begin!!! Just remember the hundreds of thousands of dollars it cost YOU for him to be here.
March 10, 2010 at 5:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
obamain2012 (anonymous) says...
I might call in sick to work today so I can cheer on The President!!!!!
March 10, 2010 at 6:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FROM_THE_RIGHT (anonymous) says...
You better have $75 if you want to see him at Ren. Grand
March 10, 2010 at 6:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmf_stl (anonymous) says...
I hope his aura can hover over the Carnahans and Claire McCaskill right up to election day.
Also, Rune04 I usually agree with you but I think your a little low on your cost estimate. This visit from the most magnificent one I bet will run well into the millions.
March 10, 2010 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rune04 (anonymous) says...
jmf, I was trying to make our friend, obamain2012, feel good by keeping the estimate down, but you are probably correct. By the way obamain2012, I happen to have the day off of work today because of the wasted year (2009) where nothing got done to help the economy. But I don't think I will be cheering the president on.
March 10, 2010 at 7:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
STL_Cornhusker (anonymous) says...
Good news: he'll be here less than 5 hours.
March 10, 2010 at 7:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wolf (anonymous) says...
Big brother is in St. Louis today to feed his message to the hand selected kool-aid drinkers! The speech at St. Charles is NOT open to the public. Long live comrade Obama!
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k6jsIBqUj3OnkolBt1
March 10, 2010 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rune04 (anonymous) says...
Wolf, check out the following and it will explain why the president doesn't do open to the public meetings very often. His ego can't take it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIHz5tevLAw
March 10, 2010 at 8:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tom63010 (anonymous) says...
@jmf_stl
I too hope that Obama's aura will hover over the mid-term elections just like it did in New Jersey, Virginia, and Massachusetts!
I hope Robin and Russ Carnahan have a lot of opportunities for many photos with Obama.
www.royblunt.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com
www.acorncarnahan.com
March 10, 2010 at 8:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flyoverland (anonymous) says...
The Post reports Princess Robin blew town hinting its so she wouldn't have to be seen with him. I guess my invitation must have been lost in the mail.
March 10, 2010 at 8:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tom63010 (anonymous) says...
The reason President Obama is going to the high school in St. Charles is that so the American taxpayer will pay for his trip. If he were to come here solely as a campaign fundraiser Claire McCaskill's campaign or the Democrat Party would be on the hook for the cost of the trip.
This is not unusual, the Republicans do the same thing. The hypocrisy is that Mr. Hope and Change was supposed to stop all these financial "tricks".
President Obama and the Democrat Congress ran up the deficit ANNUALLY over a trillion dollars and all we get is increased unemployment!
March 10, 2010 at 8:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Carlton (anonymous) says...
All good conservatives need to be at the Tea Party Rally at the Convention Center in St Charles this morning to show our contempt against the "Anointed One" and the Communistic, Socialist policies he represents. Let's see if we can get twice as many people at the Tea Rally than the ones who will line the streets, trying to get a glimpse at Government Car the "Anointed One" will be in, at his "Closed Meeting 500 of His Socialist supporters"
SEE YOU THERE
March 10, 2010 at 8:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
obamain2012 (anonymous) says...
The Tea Party will be drowned out by the hundreds of thousands Coffee Party Convention. Obama will be talking about his reform for health care and how the Tea Party people are misenformed, and how this is not socialism.
March 10, 2010 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Billsey (anonymous) says...
All I know is that I have to be driving from St. Charles to south county at the same time that the chosen one is driving from St. Charles to downtown. Evening rush is going to be a NIGHTMARE because of the usual, arrogant "The people? Who's that?" attitude of the Washingtonians.
March 10, 2010 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Real_Deal (anonymous) says...
Isn't there an article in the Constitution that states the citizens have the right to overthrough the government if it becomes too powerful or corrupt? I know it exist. You may not want to say it (because you don't have the balls to) but that is the only solution I see viable for this country.
March 10, 2010 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flyoverland (anonymous) says...
Where's the Globe's coverage of the huge anti-tax rally in St. Charles this morning? What, did Metro send you another press release, or what?
March 10, 2010 at 10:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
obamain2012 (anonymous) says...
So Real_Deal we are going to overthrow Obama because he is trying to pass health care reform, but not when Bush came up with the Patriot Act and all the warrantless wiretaps, and the other civil liberties that Bush/Cheney/Rove stomped on. That is what I like about you Republicans....your short memories.
March 10, 2010 at 11:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wolf (anonymous) says...
obamain2012,
Sorry, but I forgot to wish you a happy anniversary a few weeks back 2/28/10. That was the day that Obama renewed the Patriot Act. Many of us are with you on that one. The warrantless wiretaps, and the other civil liberties that Bush/Cheney/Rove stomped on have been continued by Obama! I'm suprised that the MSM or Huffpo didn't have a big expose on that. Just a drive by mention. Meet the new boss...same as the old boss!
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gmao3Tg9nvBQeAOMAVzmeZkrmAoAD9E4QD501
March 10, 2010 at 1:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Carlton (anonymous) says...
obamain2012 (anonymous) says...
The Tea Party will be drowned out by the hundreds of thousands Coffee Party Convention. Obama will be talking about his reform for health care and how the Tea Party people are misenformed, and how this is not socialism.
Obama couldent get his teleprompter on the plane so he is holding closed session so no one will be able to see, hear or tape what he says, With your love for the :Anointed One" he dosen't consider you worthy to hear him talk about destroying th US Constitution. I wonder if he will be speaking with his white lips or black lips, today to quote Biden, no one will ever know unless you were invited.
March 10, 2010 at 1:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wolf (anonymous) says...
http://www.breitbart.tv/st-louis-tea-party-youtube-tribute-celebrates-one-year-of-citizen-engagement/
March 10, 2010 at 2:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tsquare (anonymous) says...
I thought I heard Obama say that the campaign is over.
Ahhhh... rules are for other people...
March 10, 2010 at 2:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MSC2007 (anonymous) says...
Dear Senator, for the past quarter century I have built healthcare technology solutions to assist with the medical needs of our growing retirement and elderly population. http://www.medicalsupplychain.com/pdf/SKL%20Bio.pdf
http://www.medicalsupplychain.com/pdf/The%20Motherlode%20-%20Down%20a%20dark%20hole%20in%20the%20US%20Attorney%20purge.pdf
During this past decade I have litigated in our Federal and State courts desperately trying to enter the healthcare market with the technology and market solutions that I built. http://archive.fwweekly.com/content.asp?article=3419
Because our Federal and State courts refuse to enforce or follow Missouri laws courts are not effective anymore.
http://www.courts.mo.gov/pressrel.nsf/bb9fda2a04f10ca8862565ec0067d206/1015cf6550cb1a578625763b007250be?
I have made numerous requests and inquiries to the Missouri Board of Governors and the DOJ about my property and constitutional rights illegally taken from in these courts.
http://www.medicalsupplychain.com/pdf/Dear%20Governors%20of%20Missouri%20BOG.pdf
Because Federal and State courts are no longer viable options for enforcing laws, billions of dollars will be illegally siphoned out of your state and federal budgets.
Exhibit 3: Damages to Missourians and the Nation
http://www.medicalsupplychain.com/pdf/Injuries%20to%20healthcare%20consumers.pdf
The following is a small example of how my property is illegally taken at the hands of Missouri courts and how Missourians suffer due to the theft of honest courts and services.
http://www.medicalsupplychain.com/pdf/Lipari%20v%20Novation%20et%20al%20Petition%20.pdf
http://www.medicalsupplychain.com/pdf/Appeal%20FORM1%20WD70832.pdf
Accordingly state and federal agencies are now responsible when courts fail to follow law.
The facts and the records show that Missourians do not have accessible alternatives to the high cost of monopolized insurance and medical care.
http://www.medicalsupplychain.com/news.htm
A legislative solution is needed immediately!
March 10, 2010 at 3:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tom63010 (anonymous) says...
To: MSC2007
I have a sister-in-law who is an RN. She said a local guy had developed a glove for women to do self examinations for breast cancer. He brought it to her hospital for the nurses and doctors to try. She said it was really cool and she didn't know exactly how it worked but it made her hand super sensitive and she felt every little bump that she hadn't felt with her bare hand.
She was in disbelief that this person could not get this invention approved the FDA because it didn't meet their criteria. So yeah I hear you what you are saying.
I am also aggravated how a drug that is effective for years and because a relatively small group has adverse side effects the pharmaceutical company is sued and the drug is taken off the market. I'm amazed that any drug ever hits the market.
If, God forbid, the Feds take over every aspect of health care the wails we will hear when lawsuits will no longer be effective.
March 10, 2010 at 3:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rune04 (anonymous) says...
I had a minor surgery performed in the doctor's office two weeks ago to remove a cancerous lesion on my head. The doctor spent a total of 30 minutes with me. I received his bill today. $1880.00. My insurance covered about 2/3 of this. Is it any wonder insurance premiums are high?
March 10, 2010 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
palin4prez (anonymous) says...
Having my option to buy insurance through a private insurance company is great - getting stuck with the government plan stinks. If I don't like, there is no where else to go, my choices are simply gone. How is that a good thing?
Massachusetts public health care is a disaster. Europe and Canada's cancer survival rate is lower than the U.S. because of the wait in treatment.
Government takeover is not the answer. They have bankrupted Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
We simply can't afford to let the government take our precious hard earned money and blow any more of it.
March 10, 2010 at 5:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
phdsvp (anonymous) says...
Obama's in town? Hide your wallets. And your insurance cards.
March 10, 2010 at 5:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wolf (anonymous) says...
Thank you MSC2007 for sharing! That is an incredible story that speaks to what is so very wrong with gov't involvement in the supposedly free markets. No wonder capitalism is "failing". It's because the gov't is involved! GO FIGURE! Please continue to pour your heart into your technology solutions. One day the people in this country will wake up again to realize that free markets solve problems and bring everybody's quality of life up. Good thing you can find free markets in China! WOW! Anyone else find something wrong with this picture?
March 10, 2010 at 7:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marys (anonymous) says...
Hey obamain2012,
We think you're already a SICKO. The anointed one isn't interested in mingling with the "common folks". Unless you have a couple grand, forget about getting anywhere near the place.
March 11, 2010 at 7:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FROM_THE_RIGHT (anonymous) says...
"Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made" Otto Von Bismark
House Democrats are considering a rules change that will allow them to pass the Senate Health Care
Bill without having to put members on record as voting for the complete bill. Members would simply vote
on a corrections bill that would make changes to the Senate bill. With the corrections bill approved the
Senate Health Care Bill would be considered approved by the House and would be available for signature by
The President.
This dishonest bit of tyranny has been concocted by House Rules Chairwoman Louis Slaughter a close
ally of House Speaker Pelosi. They haven't decided if they will use this despicable tactic as of yet
IF THE DEMORATS USE THIS TACTIC THEY SHOULD PAY A TERRIBLE PRICE!!!
March 11, 2010 at 9:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )