A new poll reveals that most Americans hold the perpetrator primarily responsible for the murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, Brian Thompson. However, a significant portion also attribute responsibility to the company’s profit margins and denials of health care coverage, particularly younger Americans. This widespread belief reflects long-standing frustrations with the healthcare system and insurance industry practices. About 30% of respondents reported personal struggles with insurance coverage in the past year, further highlighting public discontent.
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Former President Bill Clinton was admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital on Monday due to a fever requiring testing and observation. His spokesman reported Clinton is in good spirits and expects a release by Christmas. While the situation is not considered urgent, the 78-year-old former president will remain hospitalized overnight. This hospitalization follows a history of health issues including heart surgery and a 2021 urological infection.
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Chris Hedges’ assertion that capitalists should be barred from healthcare systems highlights the inherent issue of commodifying essential services. This critique extends beyond healthcare to encompass numerous societal systems – from transportation and food to education and the environment – all negatively impacted by capitalist control. The article argues that addressing individual symptoms, like reforming healthcare, is insufficient; a systemic challenge to capitalism itself is necessary. Focusing solely on healthcare reform while ignoring the broader capitalist structure is akin to fighting a bully while allowing most of his attacks to continue.
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An Emerson College poll revealed that while a majority of voters (68%) found the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson unacceptable, a significant 41% of 18-29 year olds viewed it as acceptable or somewhat acceptable. Across all age groups, 17% found the act acceptable. The alleged killer, Luigi Mangione, faces life imprisonment for the act of terrorism, which sparked national debate about healthcare access and the insurance industry. Mangione’s actions have garnered both condemnation and surprisingly widespread online support.
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An Emerson College poll reveals that 41% of young adults (18-29) found the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson acceptable, a significantly higher percentage than other age groups. This follows the December 4th shooting of Thompson in New York City, with the alleged perpetrator, Luigi Mangione, charged with murder as an act of terrorism. Mangione’s arrest included a manifesto expressing contempt for the healthcare industry, highlighting underlying societal anger towards the system. Reactions to the event have been diverse, ranging from horror to surprising acceptance, reflecting deep-seated frustrations with healthcare costs and accessibility.
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Following the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Senator Bernie Sanders used the opportunity during an NBC News interview to advocate for universal healthcare in the US. He decried the violence as unacceptable while highlighting the public’s anger towards a healthcare system that prioritizes profit over people’s needs. Sanders emphasized the US’s uniquely low life expectancy and high healthcare costs compared to other developed nations as reasons to implement a system guaranteeing healthcare for all. He reiterated his longstanding support for universal healthcare, citing the recently introduced Medicare for All Act as a potential solution.
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Recent polls indicating high satisfaction with private health insurance fail to account for the reality of patients facing unaffordable care, as evidenced by Dr. Ed Weisbart’s experiences with patients unable to afford essential medications or treatments. The current for-profit system prioritizes profit over patient well-being, leading to claim denials and delays, particularly for expensive procedures. This system is further complicated by fragmented care, an inability to negotiate prices, and high administrative overhead, contributing to significantly higher costs compared to other developed nations. Ultimately, a move toward a single-payer system, while challenging politically, is seen as the most effective solution to address these systemic flaws and ensure access to quality healthcare for all Americans.
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Following the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Senator Ted Cruz condemned those expressing sympathy for the suspect, Luigi Mangione, characterizing such reactions as stemming from “leftism.” The *Houston Chronicle* sharply criticized Cruz’s statement, arguing that it served to “vilify, inflame, and divide,” rather than address the underlying issues fueling public anger towards the healthcare industry. The newspaper noted that while celebrating murder is reprehensible, Cruz’s simplistic framing ignores the widespread frustration with healthcare practices. The *Chronicle* concluded that Cruz could contribute to solutions instead of exacerbating the problem.
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The free press faces unprecedented threats, jeopardizing America’s future. HuffPost remains committed to independent journalism despite increasing political pressure on news organizations. Continued operation depends on reader support, with contributions enabling the platform to remain accessible to all. Readers can help by contributing financially or by simply creating a free account.
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New York’s Governor Hochul has signed into law S.7114-A/A.6425-A, capping out-of-pocket expenses for EpiPens at $100 for consumers with commercial insurance. This addresses the dramatic price increases of EpiPens, which have risen over 600% since 2007, making this life-saving medication more accessible. The legislation mandates coverage for EpiPens by all health insurers in both individual and group markets, ensuring equitable access to emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. This action prioritizes public health by mitigating the financial burden associated with this essential medication.
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John Q. Hosedrinker