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Obamacare Architect Gruber Testifies Before "Stupid America" - Live Webcast

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Today at 9:30am Eastern, the two key people behind Obamacare will testify under oath before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. One of them is Marilyn Tavenner, the CMS Administrator and the person who was tasked with managing the implementation of Obamacare: a process that was a complete disaster as those who tried to sign up on the healthcare.gov website in late 2013 will recall (and whose overhaul cost over $2 billion).  On the other hand, Jonathan Gruber has recently gained notoriety after a series of videos with him were leaked, in which he bragged that deception and “the stupidity of the American voter” allowed Obama to ram his pet healthcare program into law.

According to Washington Times, "a tea party group said its members will greet Jonathan Gruber, the man at the center of Obamacare’s troubled public image, with T-shirts reading “I’m with Stupid” when he shows up to defend himself Tuesday before what’s likely to be a hostile congressional panel. Republicans call Mr. Gruber, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a key architect of the Affordable Care Act, while Democrats are rushing to put distance between them and their erstwhile star after several rounds of caught-on-tape remarks about the “stupidity of the American voter” and the need to game budget rules to pass Obamacare were made public."

In short, grab popcorn.

The hearing can be viewed below.



Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream

And while it is doubtful if Congress will actually try to get constructive answers out of the witnesses and will surely pander to political talking points thus assuing high entertainment - if not educational - value throwing mostly fluff questions, here, courtesy of Breitbart, are 15 questions that Congress should ask the MIT professor:

  1. Gruber's role - The White House and Democrats have argued that Gruber was "just an advisor," "not part of the White House staff," "a non-legislator," and "not part of drafting the law." Gruber has publicly stated the opposite. What was Gruber's role in initially designing and writing Obamacare and then explaining and selling the proposed law to Congress?

  2. Gruber's interaction with Democrats - Democrats have distanced themselves from Gruber claiming they "never met him" or "don't know who he is." What interaction did Gruber have with the president and senior members of the White House and Congress throughout this process? Specifically, did Gruber meet with President Obama in Boston in October last year? (Hat tip to Rich Weinstein)

  3. Gruber's White House meeting with Obama - Gruber described a meeting with the president at the White House, stating, "Now, the problem is, it’s a political nightmare… and people say, 'No, you can’t tax my benefits.' So what we did a lot in that room was talk about, well, how could we make this work? And Obama was like, 'Well, you know' — I mean, he is really a realistic guy. He is like, 'Look, I can’t just do this.' He said: 'It is just not going to happen politically. The bill will not pass. How do we manage to get there through phases and other things?' And we talked about it. And he was just very interested in that topic." What specific solutions did Gruber discuss with the president in response to his comments and concerns in order to get the bill passed?

  4. Sebelius' reliance on Gruber - Former HHS Secretary Sebelius has recently claimed she never personally worked with Gruber. On December 3, 2009, Secretary Sebelius issued a press release with a "New Facts Sheet." In this one page document, Sebelius references Gruber's work three times. Are the statements attributed to Gruber "facts" or "assumptions," and what was his role and interaction with Secretary Sebelius and her staff related to this document?

  5. Obamacare master deception strategy - Explain how deception, lack of transparency, and the "stupidity of the American voter" were critical to Obamacare passage.

  6. Deception players - Who from the Obama Administration, HHS, or Congress did Gruber discuss this deception, lack of transparency, and exploitation of the "stupidity of the American voter" strategy?

  7. Key Obamacare deceptions - Explain each of the specific deceptions included in the law. Some of the more egregious deceptions:

    • You can keep your plan

    • You can keep your doctor

    • The mandate is not a tax

    • Healthy people are not subsidizing sick people

    • Companies will not cancel employer plans, thereby throwing many people onto the exchanges

  8. Gruber and the CBO - Explain his involvement in development of the CBO model in 2007 that was used to score Obamacare, the similarities to his own micro-simulation model, and what information did he provide to CBO that as Senator Baucus said the CBO "otherwise does not have" to score Obamacare?

  9. Gruber's changed assumptions since law passed - Gruber has stated that he created a summary of his key assumptions for his micro-simulation model that he uses to run scenarios. What assumptions have materially changes since he ran his model for evaluating Obamacare in 2009?

  10. Gruber's sole source contract with HHS - On February 25, 2009, HHS announced it “intends to negotiate with Jonathan Gruber, Ph.D. on a sole sources basis for technical assistance in evaluating options for national healthcare reform. The basis for restricting competition is the authority 13.106-1(b) because only one source is reasonably available to satisfy agency requirements.” Why was he the only person that could provide the technical assistance? Was part of the reason that Gruber had worked with Peter Orszag and the CBO to develop the CBO model in 2007?

  11. Why would a state establish an exchange? - Gruber disavowed his comments in the two January 2012 videotape that only states that establish exchange are entitled to receive tax credits. In the video tapes, Gruber explains how tax credits are a significant incentive for states to establish an exchange. If tax credits were not an incentive because all states received tax credits, what incentive was there for a state to establish an exchange?

  12. Any evidence of another state incentive - Gruber had written at least 3 publications prior to January 2012 that state tax credits are for state-established exchanges. In addition, his colleague and the highly respected professor who was a guest at the Obamacare signing ceremony, Timothy Jost, published two papers in 2009 explaining the same exact tax credit incentive as Gruber did in the videos. Is Gruber aware of any publication or video tape of either him or Professor Jost where they provide any other logic or incentive for a state to establish its own exchange?

  13. Gruber and the Supreme Court - Gruber should explain his involvement and conversations related to arguing to the Supreme Court that the mandate was a tax after, as he claimed on a video tape in drafting the law, the mandate was specifically not labeled as a tax.

  14. Why are state exchanges important? - In designing the law, why was it important that states establish exchanges instead of the Federal government running the exchange for all the states?

  15. Subcontracting and other compensation - Media publications have listed approximately $5.9 million in contracts with Federal and state organizations. In additions to these agreements, what other arrangements and how much did he earn from arrangements such as his subcontracting agreement with Wakely Consulting Group? (a senior partner at Wakely Group is a long time colleague of Gruber's and ran the Massachusetts exchange)

There is one critical question Congress should ask Administrator Tavenner:

  1. Why no tax credit calculator for HealthCare.gov? - In order for an exchange website to offer tax credits, it must have a tax credit calculator that allows individuals to view the actual cost of their coverage after tax credits have been applied to their premiums. Official documents show that while HHS moved quickly after the ACA’s enactment to help state governments make tax credits available through state-based exchanges, for nearly two years, it developed its HealthCare.gov website without any effort to offer tax credits on the federal exchange. If the Obama administration and HHS believed the law provides tax credits for all exchanges including federally-facilitated exchanges, why did the original contract to build HealthCare.gov not require CGI to build a tax credit calculator?

 

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Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:27 | 5532190 LawsofPhysics
LawsofPhysics's picture

More "circuses".  Nothing more.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:29 | 5532212 Clint Liquor
Clint Liquor's picture

A 'Gruber' testifying in front of a bunch of other 'Grubers', truly a circus.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:33 | 5532224 Headbanger
Headbanger's picture

<-- Get's the Guillotine

<-- Gets Drawn and Quartered

Or worse yet... Has to sleep with Hitlery for a month!

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:33 | 5532234 Manthong
Manthong's picture

I would just love to run into that arrogant schmuck, alone in a dark alley.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:35 | 5532242 Frolf
Frolf's picture

Explain how deception, lack of transparency, and the "stupidity of the American voter" were critical to Obamacare passage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOW5eljyjms

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:39 | 5532258 BaBaBouy
BaBaBouy's picture

"Stupid America"

 

He Is Fecking RiGHT..... Rampant CORRUPTION...

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:42 | 5532270 Hippocratic Oaf
Hippocratic Oaf's picture

"We stupided some folks"

-O

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:51 | 5532306 Latina Lover
Latina Lover's picture

“the stupidity of the American voter”

He was only speaking truth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m00FPTTdcsk

(people of Walmart)

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:16 | 5532428 Buckaroo Banzai
Buckaroo Banzai's picture

The solution isn't making Gruber answer a bunch of stupid and pointless questions. The solution is to fucking defund this worthless piece of shit law. THATS WHY CONGRESS HAS THE POWER OF THE PURSE.

Of course, these fuckheads won't do that. Worthless fucks.

SHUT THIS FUCKING THING DOWN.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:25 | 5532482 Four chan
Four chan's picture

americans are stupid as hell, i think that is a factual statement.

just look at all the shit we let slide to our own detriment.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:28 | 5532506 Tom Servo
Tom Servo's picture

What credibility does that random jew Goldmann have up there anyway?

 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:47 | 5532614 BaBaBouy
BaBaBouy's picture

O/T GOLD Newz ...........

GERMANS CAN"T Get Their GOLD Back.
Dumbo SWIZZ REFUSED To Get Their GOLD Back.

NOW.................

(Kitco News) - The National Bank of Belgium is the latest central bank to show interest in repatriating its gold reserves.

In an interview with Belgium broadcaster VTM Nieuws Sunday, Luc Coene, governor of Belgium’s central bank, confirmed that the bank is looking at how they can bring their gold reserves back into the country.
Image courtesy of Banque nationale de Belgique : Luc Coene, governor of the National Bank of Belgium

According to IMF data compiled by the World Gold Council, Belgium holds 227.4 metric tons of gold, representing 34.2% of its official foreign reserves. According to reports, most of the gold is held outside of the country with the Bank of England, the Bank of Canada and the Bank for International Settlements.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:15 | 5532724 forexskin
forexskin's picture

this year's pajama boy

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:40 | 5532894 froze25
froze25's picture

The blame must be focused on Republicans who are trying to pass a trillion dollar spending bill, keep that secret.  Not do anything of substance about Obama's ACA even with the Gruber BS.  The Republican leadership is now at fault because of thier inaction.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:15 | 5533053 SWRichmond
SWRichmond's picture

"I think the short attention span of the American public works to the president’s advantage, here. I think a year from now when the law’s working, it will be long forgotten."  -  Jonathan Gruber

“The receptivity of the masses is very limited, their intelligence is small, but their power of forgetting is enormous. In consequence of these facts, all effective propaganda must be limited to a very few points and must harp on these in slogans until the last member of the public understands what you want him to understand by your slogan.” - Adolf Hitler

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:17 | 5532747 A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

Once again, the purpose of Prussian derived, publik edewkayshun system becomes glaringly obvious. How will fascism continue to develop in the former United States of Amerika? Environmental fascism? Politically correct fascism?

Speaking of politically correct...

If Washington Redskins is offensive to first peoples, shouldn't the U of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors be offensive to LBGTs?

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:00 | 5532655 boattrash
boattrash's picture

Buck, + 1,000,000,000,000,000 (Anually)

Wed, 12/10/2014 - 00:25 | 5535417 Oscillation Ove...
Oscillation Overthruster's picture

Buckaroo, please cool your jets. i've read your posts for quite a while and there's no sense in the profanity when the law itself IS THE PROFANITY of all America.

Like our debt it will crash on it's own weight.  I think O knows this and it's by design.  He wants to take us all down. That's how he "fundamentally changes MERICA".

 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:50 | 5532936 dow2000
dow2000's picture

Truth is treason in the Empire of Lies

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:54 | 5532948 kchrisc
kchrisc's picture

The adult son of one of my neighbors is retarded.

If I go over there, manipulate him, and steal his money, who would be the bad guy?

An American, not US subject.

 

Gruber could have gone into business producing and selling to "stupid" Americans." He chose to manipulate and steal from them instead.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:06 | 5533000 El_Puerco
El_Puerco's picture

Mujer provocativa y atractiva..

The American are Stupid Right?!   BUT..HEY!..With a lot of BOMBS and Atomic BOMBS and more Bombs..

 

The stupid Americans has Nuclear Weapons!!!   

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:24 | 5533086 kchrisc
kchrisc's picture

"BUT..HEY!..With a lot of BOMBS and Atomic BOMBS and more Bombs.."

Actually, that is the DC US nation, the oppressor of the American people, and occupier of the American country.

An American, not US subject.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:29 | 5532507 Max Cynical
Max Cynical's picture

"Explain how deception, lack of transparency, and the "stupidity of the American voter" were critical to Obamacare passage."

Who is Gruber really talking about "being stupid"? It wasn't the American voters that passed Obamacare. It was progressive politicians. Or, is he talking about the stupid American voters voting in progressive politicians that passed Obamacare?

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:44 | 5532594 Beam Me Up Scotty
Beam Me Up Scotty's picture

"Who is Gruber really talking about "being stupid"?"

Walk out on the sidewalk, turn your head left, turn your head right.  98% of the people you just saw is who he is talking about.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:42 | 5532588 JRobby
JRobby's picture

The law was written by the HEALTH INSURANCE INDUSTRY LOBBY. Why else would any REPUB vote for it?

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:36 | 5532244 LawsofPhysics
LawsofPhysics's picture

Please demons never sleep.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:20 | 5532462 valley chick
valley chick's picture

Rope a dope...an arrogant one at that.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:42 | 5532584 mr1963
mr1963's picture

The only rope a dope we're seeing is the "torture" report being released the same day. Gruber will be a footnote in tomnights news. Planned from the get go.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:52 | 5532632 boattrash
boattrash's picture

Headbanger, I say (D.) All of the above.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:35 | 5532235 negative rates
negative rates's picture

The blind leading the blind.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:41 | 5532264 Greenskeeper_Carl
Greenskeeper_Carl's picture

I don't know why everyone gets so butt hurt about the 'stupid American voters' line. While it may be a deplorable way to govern or pass legislation, he is absolutely right about how stupid most American voters are. Otherwise, why would they get away with all this , and why would the American voters keep sending the same paid whores back to Washington if that wasn't the case?

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:10 | 5532403 Buckaroo Banzai
Buckaroo Banzai's picture

There is a big difference between recognizing that someone is stupid, and taking advantage of their stupidity to deceive and rape them.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:01 | 5532989 Greenskeeper_Carl
Greenskeeper_Carl's picture

I know and agree, I was just pointing out that while this guy is obviously a huge asshole, he works in a business full of them and I can assure you they all think like that.y point is that this particular asshole is not the problem. The problem is that this system is setup to allow shit like this to happen because govt has entirely too much control over our lives. I guarantee you the same shit has been said about every major legislation passed in recent history. Do you think if there was an honest, true debate, involving the public, the patriot act would have passed? Ron Paul spoke out against it, and got zero media attention, because they are part of this too. Could it have survived real public scrutiny? Maybe, maybe not, but they keep throwing us under the bus like this, and people, especially republicans jumping all over this and implying this was somehow isolated to democrats or just the healthcare law is not addressing the actual problem.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:12 | 5532405 Buckaroo Banzai
Buckaroo Banzai's picture

duplicate

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:16 | 5532430 slowimplosion
slowimplosion's picture

This guy just had the idiocy to SAY what every legislator in DC believes about 90% of the legislation they pass.  BFD.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:25 | 5532484 Thom_333
Thom_333's picture

Gruber eating humble pie while he as well as some of those conducting questioning are running interference for O. and the Demorats. Just as expected. Throw yourself on that live grenade...makes you wonder what NSA has on them all.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:33 | 5532226 Gringo Viejo
Gringo Viejo's picture

LMAO. One minute prior to market open Cramer's telling the marks to "hang in there, ride it out".

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:49 | 5532300 williambanzai7
williambanzai7's picture

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:33 | 5532844 motorollin
motorollin's picture

I read about them in Time magazine.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 17:26 | 5534223 Thom_333
Thom_333's picture

Gruber "Honey I shrank the healthcare". He really looks and acts a lot like Rick Moranis. An evil Rick Moranis.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:18 | 5532446 Realname
Realname's picture

Every person sitting in the peanut gallery should be given a bushel basket of rotten fruits and vegetables to fling at the appropriate times (whenever one of these assholes speaks). That would make things a lil' more interesting.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:26 | 5532193 surf0766
surf0766's picture

And Di Fi will make her accouncement to cover up this hearing from the sheep.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:26 | 5532195 mayhem_korner
mayhem_korner's picture

 

 

Bwanee Fwank heard that they were going to "probe Gruber" and has asked to particpate.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:30 | 5532215 Usurious
Usurious's picture

we Grubered some folks.........

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:27 | 5532197 pods
pods's picture

Okay, the guy is a grade A asshole.
But did he lie?  Nope.

It might be mean to call us a bunch of dumb sheep, but if it is accurate, whose fault is it?

pods 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:56 | 5532339 Greenskeeper_Carl
Greenskeeper_Carl's picture

What's funny is that no, he didn't lie. It was the most honest statement made by anyone regarding this law. However , I would wager that he will be doing plenty of lying during this testimony. And no, we should not be mad at him for making that statement, there is a reason why they are able to get away this shit, and it's because most Americans are hopelessly stupid

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:00 | 5532656 Pairadimes
Pairadimes's picture

Gruber should point to Cummings on the panel as proof that the American people are stupid. QED.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:28 | 5532198 Duc888
Duc888's picture

 

 

Obamacare is a fucking tax.  That's all you need to know.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:40 | 5532265 Usurious
Usurious's picture

 

 

whats the big deal........its just a little corporate welfare.....nothing to see here, move along..

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:53 | 5532327 detached.amusement
detached.amusement's picture

...as rewritten by the judiciary, that action in and of itself highly illegal...

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:44 | 5532603 JRobby
JRobby's picture

And THE BANKSTERS NEED MOAR TAXES TO RUN THE PONZI SCHEME

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:29 | 5532200 Creepy A. Cracker
Creepy A. Cracker's picture

Honestly, he is correct.  People were, and still are, too stupid (ignorant, ill-informed) to rise up against the government taking over 1/7th of the U.S. economy.

See how much "better" health care is now that the U.S. government is forcing insurance companies, citizens, and doctors to do what they tell them?  Policy premiums have more than doubled for most.  Deductibles are now in the thousands of dollars per year.  More people go to emergency rooms for basic health care than ever.  All thanks to the nightmare known as ObamaCare.

All hail government education...  </s>

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:29 | 5532214 NoDebt
NoDebt's picture

Of course he's right.  If he was lying like everyone else it wouldn't be news.  I predict he's going to get a lot better at lying over the next few hours, though.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:38 | 5532248 Frolf
Frolf's picture

lying favor for favor schemes for tax dollars

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:34 | 5532239 LawsofPhysics
LawsofPhysics's picture

So basically you are saying that thing are the same as they ever were...


Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:37 | 5532245 p00k1e
p00k1e's picture

Nobody has agreed to waxing their grandparents meaning we have to keep them alive so the dynamics haven’t changed.  Producers outnumber non-producers.  Doctors need to get paid so they can make the school loan nut.  

End Medicare!  Let those users die in the street if their children, siblings, cousins, good friends, nieces, nephews, gardeners, grand children or whomever won’t care for them.  

Teach us, Cracker.   What's the solution? 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:34 | 5532532 Buckaroo Banzai
Buckaroo Banzai's picture

1) End the exemptions to the Sherman antitrust act granted to the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, which currently allows them to legally restrain trade and charge monopoly prices.

2)Shut down Medicare, Medicaid, and obamacare.

3) Watch health care and drug prices collapse by 90%

4) go back to a cash-for-services healthcare industry like we had 60 years ago.

5) applaud as the health insurance industry goes out of business

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:50 | 5532940 NihilistZero
NihilistZero's picture

6) Enjoy the implosion in the medical higher education ponzi as you can't charge insane tuition fees as the career no longer justifies it.

Not saying communism is a fix for anything, but Cuba sure can spit out doctors at a low cost. More doctors/competition equals lower prices. Revoke all pharmaceutical patents. I'm confident there are enough altruistic people in the world that medicinal discoveries can be made without the billions in rent paid to big-pharma.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:42 | 5533176 pods
pods's picture

Well, nobody is going to pay the billion or so in drug development costs (each).  Nevermind the 1 in 1000 that will make it from when I see them (a vial of powder) to the market.

The whole system is broken.  From doctors being limited by board certification, to forced supply constraints on imaging equipment due to needing to make the $ back on an overpriced machine.

One thing that could be done is to remove price protections for other nations who are riding the coat tails of USA pharma development.

Basically, the world pays production costs (plus a bit of profit), the USA pays production costs AND development costs. If these were normalized it would go a long ways towards reducing prices.

As it is now, a new patent medicine has to pay for not only it's development costs but for the dozens of others the company can never make a dime off due to not making it to market.

The news media always harps about how a pill that costs 3 cents to make is sold for 20 bucks.

Well, a billion or so had to be spent to get the government to allow them to sell them.

In reality, most pharma development is dead.  Most of the easy drugs have been made for a long time. Now more difficult (and dangerous) ones are the ones being brought forward.  Not a good sign for longevity for an industry.  Take away the profit motive and it all stops tomorrow.

pods

 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 17:05 | 5534130 NihilistZero
NihilistZero's picture

Take away the profit motive and it all stops tomorrow.

I gotta call bullshit on this one pods.  Nikola Tesla (more so than Edison) along with Einstein gave us the 20th Century.  They seemed non concered with "profit".  It is the profit motive of .gov and their Rentier/Bankster overlords that has fooled man into thinking nothing can be accomplished without THEIR gain!

Remove the chains of .gov and their would be thousands of small groups world wide pushing mankind forward in science and medicine.  The idea that they need corporations behind them seeking rentier profits is absurd.  We've been brainwashed to believe this fallacy.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:58 | 5532346 XqWretch
XqWretch's picture

A little known part of Obomber care is that there is a section where the government says it will basically cover any losses the insurance companies take due to taking on all these new customers. You think the insurance companies dont like Obamacare? Think again. Like a previous poster stated, more corporate welfare.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:29 | 5532205 NoDebt
NoDebt's picture

I can't believe this guy is so stupid that he's actually going to show up for this.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:15 | 5532425 XqWretch
XqWretch's picture

Really? He probably just watched all the softball questions Congress threw at Bernanke and Yellen over the past few years during these types of hearings

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:29 | 5532206 p00k1e
p00k1e's picture

We need a Hollywood movie explaining these complexities.

Tom Hanks would be a fit. 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:31 | 5532213 GTC
GTC's picture

I took a huge Gruber this morning. 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:30 | 5532216 SandiaMan
SandiaMan's picture

Goober Gruber

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:31 | 5532218 I am Jobe
I am Jobe's picture

Ok, MIT is as crappy as the rest breeding ground for the elites.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:32 | 5532225 venturen
venturen's picture

Oath....to what. These scum only worship money. If he took an oath on a stack of hundreds...maybe I would believe one word. He should be on trial not playing word games. $6 Million....to a sanctimonious scum! 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:34 | 5532229 youngman
youngman's picture

It really depresses me that I know my government has to lie to me to pass some law that they think is great......just doesnt cut it for me....when you think you are that powerful and that great that you know it all...its time for a change..

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:38 | 5532249 negative rates
negative rates's picture

Cause it's going to take a know it all to straighten you out, so since we know you won't like that, the only other option is for a change, so that you are once again in your, know it all phase.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:48 | 5532290 Usurious
Usurious's picture

 

 

SOP for .gov

see cheneys secret energy task force and the WMD Iraqi war as recent examples....

.gov has been lying for yrs on behalf of multi-national corporations.......

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:10 | 5532401 Realname
Realname's picture

Years? If by 'years' you mean decades (see Smedley Butlers "War is a Racket") then, I agree. This is nothing new. Its been going on since governments began. Same ol' same ol'.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:33 | 5532232 Sizzurp
Sizzurp's picture

What can congress do except turn him into a liberal folk hero?  

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:35 | 5532233 Hamm Jamm
Hamm Jamm's picture

The People should beat the Stupid out of Goober !

and then stick him up obama's ass

 

fuck you obama

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:37 | 5532563 Shitgum Suicide
Shitgum Suicide's picture

and then stick him up obama's ass

I think grubers been there and done.....more than once. Head first I'm sure.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:34 | 5532238 Azannoth
Azannoth's picture

"I plead the 5th - and No I don't even own a Nailgun!"

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:38 | 5532247 Tsar Pointless
Tsar Pointless's picture

Have you ever looked around? Americans are stupid. Gruber only told the truth.

How else could you describe the poorest of Americans voting alongside the richest of Americans regarding economic issues, merely on the belief that they, too, someday will be rich beyond rich?

Stupid. That's how.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:26 | 5532810 Graph
Graph's picture

Rare spring of thought in the desert of posts.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:38 | 5532252 stant
stant's picture

Did he show up with celary between his ass?

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:40 | 5532254 Panic Mode
Panic Mode's picture

Just another staff leave the office.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:39 | 5532255 gwar5
gwar5's picture

The stupid Americans are not the millions of the 53% (at the time -- greater percentage now) who protested bitterly in the town halls across America against the Obamacare monstrousity statist overreach. 

 

Thank you, stupid "progressive" college students, union members, and 97% of black Americans for setting freedom and democracy backward!  Obama, Pelosi and Gruber could not be prouder of their useful idiots!

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:44 | 5532276 replaceme
replaceme's picture

Obamacare is designed to fail, it has to.  When it's gone, someone will suggest single payer, and that will eventually pass.  In the mean time, I'd like to see a kickstarter that ends with someone sack punching Gruber.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:49 | 5532296 Duc888
Duc888's picture

 

 

replaceme:  "Obamacare is designed to fail".

True.  The bailouts for profits that were lost by insurance companies are written into law.

Guess who gets to bail out the insurance companies?

 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:06 | 5532373 replaceme
replaceme's picture

I agree - I saw this as a bank bailout type opportunity for healthcare stock, funds, and as much as I hated Obamacare, I bought healthcare for my retirement account.  Never doubted for a second that they'd write a bill that didn't make them f*cking rich. I won't get rich off that, but at least I get to go along for the ride a little.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:58 | 5532349 mrpxsytin
mrpxsytin's picture

Yes I agree. However, a word of warning: it takes a lot longer to wind this stuff back than it does to implement it. Here in Australia our government just tried to make our people pay $7 to visit the doctor (it's currently free), but was blocked by the socialists. We've had the socialist medical system for a long time now, and finally it is failing. But it seems that we cannot get rid of it. 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:46 | 5532277 Dr. Engali
Dr. Engali's picture

I'd laugh my ass off if he said...." just walk around Walmart and McDonalds and look at those people. They are fucking stupid". 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 10:47 | 5532292 pops
pops's picture

Here's a better version.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdeo7Q2E5cE

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:00 | 5532350 Panic Mode
Panic Mode's picture

He is speaking the truth as "The stupidity of American voters".

However, he should be testified why he sold his country.

 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:02 | 5532358 kowalli
kowalli's picture

Why not jail him for fraud? wtf with this show?

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:02 | 5532361 Seasmoke
Seasmoke's picture

We taxed some folks.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:03 | 5532368 ClowardPiven2016
ClowardPiven2016's picture

as Hillary would say...at this point, what difference does it make!

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:12 | 5532410 insanelysane
insanelysane's picture

The least covered and 6th Gruber recording released is the one that is most damaging.

Gruber explains that the only reason that Romneycare almost works is because the Federal government subsidises the system so that those paying in aren't also paying the full load for the FSA.  He goes on to say that in Obamacare this is a problem (because the NWO doesn't exist yet so there is no greater fool) so they worked the "cadillac tax" so that every plan is considered a premium plan by 2020 and everyone that is paying in gets a really big increase.  Gruber goes on to say that by that time the assumption is that the FSA will be too powerful and the suckers (unions that backed O and Ocare), along with the rest of the payers will not be able to change the law.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:36 | 5532562 Buckaroo Banzai
Buckaroo Banzai's picture

You got a link for that?

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:20 | 5533043 insanelysane
insanelysane's picture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtnEmPXEpr0

12 minute mark and 20 minute mark

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:14 | 5532419 robobbob
robobbob's picture

who are these stupid people gruber was talking about?

if i recall, a lot of people pored over those many many revised bills, and picked up on the mess that was being jambed down americas' throat. the majority of americans then, and even more now, were against it.

even with the unquestioning support of the free stuff army, it took millions in legal bribes, and quasi legal congressional proceedings to ram the bill through.

so, who are these stupid people gruber is referring to? the base democratic voters? congress members? scotus? who?

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:17 | 5532443 vegas
vegas's picture

On the one hand, the guy is a complete elite twit who has no clue how the real world or economy works; on the other hand, Sheeple keep returning asshats like Pelosi & Reid back to Washington, so they are fucking stupid. Let's face it; if Emperor Goebbels had a son he'd look and act like Gruber.

 

www.traderzoo.mobi

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:35 | 5533146 Almost Solvent
Almost Solvent's picture

 asshats like Boehner, McConnell, Pelosi & Reid.

 

FIFY

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:19 | 5532454 Civilizedworm
Civilizedworm's picture

fuck this guy

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:30 | 5532521 Shitgum Suicide
Shitgum Suicide's picture

Civilized worm- Fuck this guy.

No thanks but YOU go right ahead.

FHRITA

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:59 | 5532650 rejected
rejected's picture

The penalty jumps from $95 to $325 for adults and from $47.50 to $162.50 for children with a family maximum of $975 dollars. Up from $285 in 2014.

Or 2% of the yearly household income, which ever is higher. That is up from 1% in 2014.

Those fines are assessed on income taxes the following year.

 

NO,,, FUCK YOU!

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:41 | 5533171 XqWretch
XqWretch's picture

solution = stop paying taxes

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:22 | 5532467 headhunt
headhunt's picture

Once again the working US citizen gets 'Grubered'

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:27 | 5532499 Shitgum Suicide
Shitgum Suicide's picture

What Gruber was really saying was, "Americans are too stupid to see that socialized medicine is what's best for YOU."
So they had to lie to you to make you think that you were still going to have control over YOUR own healthcare.
Americans are only stupid when they get their information from teevee because people on teevee never lie.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:40 | 5532568 Hubbs
Hubbs's picture

The way I see it, Gruber was hired by Obama as a consultant to tell the adminsistration what he would have to do and say to sell the ACA.

Gruber was not asked/hired to produce a good plan, only what would need to be done to sell a shitty plan. Of course, when asked, "Do you think you can sell this plan  to the American voter?", the issue was not whether it was good plan. It was whether or not you could sell the plan to the voters, to which Gruber replied, "Sure, you can sell this plan to the voters because the Americans ARE stupid."

Sounds like Gruber was right on both counts:

1.) The plan could be sold to the public.

2.) The American Voter is stupid.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:54 | 5532576 NuYawkFrankie
NuYawkFrankie's picture

Pontius Pilate testifies:

 

Pontius Pilate: "I find the American people easily duped - believing the best of their back-stabbing "leaders" - and therefore in need of honest plain-dealing... without the kind of lying & subterfuge, and back-room deals with Insurance & Big Pharma  that blighted them with the abomination of Obamacare "

The "Elite": "No! No! Make them pay!!!  Crucify them! "

 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:45 | 5532608 MedTechEntrepreneur
MedTechEntrepreneur's picture

Waterboard Gruber...it is the only way to get at the truth!

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 14:46 | 5533533 CharlieMike
CharlieMike's picture

Torture never works but it would be fun to watch.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:48 | 5532617 CaptainMoonlight
CaptainMoonlight's picture

So the President and this guy ram Obamacare down our throats, and then the guy comes out and says how stupid we are?

Why are either of these two guys still walking under their own power?

Have we lost all nutsack in this country?

 

Let's take it back, people! CHARGE! No prisoners!

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:18 | 5532748 Sub MOA
Sub MOA's picture

10,000 armed citizens with the balls could take this mess down in a day....will it happen NO lazy afraid fat big mouth loosers thats your average murikan male ...arm chair generals all with their own ass backwards rendition of the constitution.   All to worried about their measley fiat and threats of jail... drudging on through life complaining and thinking or wishing some miracle asshole will come along and save them...there is no power among the people of this country has not been for over 150 years or more.  Until enough are willing to die nothing changes.  So be happy with what ya got right now keep cowering and whining nothings gonna change.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:44 | 5532910 Chump
Chump's picture

The irony runs deep here...

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:54 | 5532634 rejected
rejected's picture

The question is, How long are we going to allow these crazed assholes to rule over us? The constitutional republic and its protections are long gone. They are passing unconstitutional law faster than the central bank is printing money.

The imbecils in our moronic CONgress are actually trying to incite a war with Russia while using this O-Care circus to side track everyone. The lies they put in that resolution are no different than the lies they said about O-Care or the lies about the Patriot Act, or the Lies concerning the NDAA, the Iraq lies, the Afghanistan lies, the Syrian lies, the Iranian lies, the gulf of tonkin lie, the on going Ukrainian lies, the NSA lies, and on and on....

Jesus, Washington DC is a lie. Just about everything the local, state and federale's put out regarding anything is a lie. The central bank lies while debasing the currency as fast as it can. The Supremo's lie, rubber stamping everything they're paid to.

We live in a lie........... and lie about it.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:59 | 5532652 Notsobadwlad
Notsobadwlad's picture

Yes, but how many levels are there to the lie?

My guess is that to get to the root, one has to challenge our very beliefs of existence itself.

The corrupt and useful idiots in our government, on Wall Street and in Academia operate several level below that.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:30 | 5532835 Sub MOA
Sub MOA's picture

As I have said an armed take over is all thats left.  Anything short of that is just masturbation.

 

If the populace of one major city took out the police and the politocrats it would go viral so why is it not happening... see my post above LOL 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:58 | 5532642 Notsobadwlad
Notsobadwlad's picture

Cultured ignorance is not stupidity.

I think that if Wall Street, the government and Academia started telling the truth instead of feeding people constant lies (that they claim to be the truth) they would be surprised by how intelligently the people act.

It is deception that keeps the people ignorant.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 11:59 | 5532647 the grateful un...
the grateful unemployed's picture

Gruber is distraction one, Ferguson and NYC are distraction two, Gruber isn't telling you anything, he's just giving his overblown opinion. Ferguson is orchestrated by the Obama people, nationwide protests? how about nation wide protests anytime a drone blows up a wedding party trying to assassinate a tribal leader in the ME. now what is the distraction from: the real facts on Obamacare: its a cash cow for HC insurers, who can hand their sick patients off to medicaid when they cant pay the premiums, he's impoverishing the nation to enrich corporate america. the other distraction is to prevent you from noticing the debt ceiling, its backkkk!! and Obama pulled a fast one with his Immigration decree, its a lie, he signed nothing, his HSA director signed an order to deny prosecution (which is illegal) now the distractions are clearing and guess what (DOW down 200) and not because the economy is really any different, but the chickens are circling the chicken shit. pop some popcorn and watch the fun. one thing is for sure, Joe Biden is going to get (or ask for) Obamas blessing to run for president. in fact if theres a democrat left who even remembers his name by 2016 we should be surprised.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:03 | 5532669 Goldbugger
Goldbugger's picture

Lets just call it GruberGate

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:05 | 5532679 madcows
madcows's picture

Yes.  Americans are stupid.  Or, more accurately, ignorant and lazy.

However, that does not negate this asshole's duplicitous behaviour.  This douchegbag lied, mislead, hid, obfuscated, etc... in order to get this crap piece of legislation passed.

I hold him and his cohorts responsible.  And for their crimes, they should be hanged.

Congress has an 8% approval rating b/c of their actions are the same as this shitstain's.

Hang him for treason, and put some fear in our representatives.  washington must be held accountable for its actions.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:07 | 5532681 tawdzilla
tawdzilla's picture

FUCK YOU GRUBER!

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:06 | 5532686 MickV
MickV's picture

We Grubered some folks...

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:08 | 5532698 XitSam
XitSam's picture

typical congressional hearing. supporters of the witnesses ask fluff, 'how awesome are you' questions. Oppenents ask pointed questons and get evasive, non-responsive answers.

Nothing will change because of this hearing.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:09 | 5532700 Polymarkos
Polymarkos's picture

Step One: get a tank.

Step Two: stake Gruber down.

Step Three: drive over Gruber with the tank.

Step Four: stake down all of Congress...

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:31 | 5532837 Prober
Prober's picture
@CaptainMoonlight @Polymarkos

Don't ever kill your enemies because the dead do not suffer.

I prefer a punishment like what the Navigator described in Dunne:

"You will live out the rest of your life in a pain amplifier."

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:16 | 5533063 optimator
optimator's picture

Do it the Russian way.  TWO tanks slowly heading in opposite directions with Gruber tied to them both.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:22 | 5533083 Shitgum Suicide
Shitgum Suicide's picture

Step Five: drive over Congress?

Just a guess.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:16 | 5532727 CaptainMoonlight
CaptainMoonlight's picture

"Please lord jesus and baby jesus... please hang this guy."

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:16 | 5532732 TheObsoleteMan
TheObsoleteMan's picture

"deception and the stupidity of the American voter"-What's wrong with telling it like it is? Most honest thing a bureaucrat has said in years if you ask me.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:16 | 5532737 CaptainMoonlight
CaptainMoonlight's picture

Signs on the gallows: Gruber, Lerner, Holder, Obama, Pelosi, Reid, Bloomberg, Killary, Feinstein

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:18 | 5532751 homiegot
homiegot's picture

Crush this peon like a grape.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:22 | 5532769 muleskinner
muleskinner's picture

I am.  I am as dumb as a post, stupid.

Gruber is right, I am dumb enough to vote and believe that somebody like Obama would ever be elected as president, I am that damn dumb to think that the average voter would ever be that fucking stupid to vote for such a stupid shithead like Oblather.

Just plain stupid to believe that politicians work in the interest of the voters and citizens that pay them, they don't.

That's how damn dumb I really am.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:48 | 5532923 optimator
optimator's picture

70% of Americans knew, and flooded the same Congress holding these hearings, and begged not to do this to them.  And did the Congress vote what their constituents asked them to do?

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 18:57 | 5534526 Monty Burns
Monty Burns's picture

No, they did what their owners wanted them to do.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:24 | 5532790 rejected
rejected's picture

This from Yahoo News:

The majority of people uninsured today can find a policy for $30 - $100 per month, taking into account subsidies and Medicaid eligibility. Some will carry higher deductibles and co-pays. Costs will also vary from one state to another so resources and pricing schedules are available at obamacare24.com

While some may pay up to $975 in penalties the first year, this is very avoidable and experts predict most people will sign up for insurance before the Jan. 15, 2015 deadline.

-------------------------------------

This is the BS MSM is hyping. Note the article never mentioned the 2% of income (whichever is higher.)   Now who's being decietful? If you earn the median income of $52,000 your 'contribution' to the parasites living on the system will be $1040. If you earn $100,000 your 'contribution' will be $2000.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/fines-those-not-register-obamacare-2130003...

In 2016 the fine will increase to $695 per person or almost $2800 for a famiily of 4. Of course the IRS isn't "allowed" to enforce collection but these 'fines' will cumulate. Then when rogue government gives them the go ahead you are royally screwed.They will take everything you own if not payed.

And worse, the employer mandates kick in this year...................... more layoffs? most likely...

Come on folks,,, the time has come to stop working for a living. All your doing is paying the bills for those a little more savvy than you.

 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:27 | 5532814 Prober
Prober's picture

"Come on folks,,, the time has come to stop working for a living."

100% correct !

and that is why I stopped earning income for the Regime - join us, starve them of income !

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:36 | 5533157 Farmer Joe in B...
Farmer Joe in Brooklyn's picture

Become the King of Craigslist.... cash money working man!!!

If you're hard-working and scrappy, there is plenty of cash work out there if you know where to look.  Time to stop feeding the beast and join the black market working world. 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:27 | 5532823 roadhazard
roadhazard's picture

"All you are doing is paying the bills of those a little more savvy than you".

 

So, what's new.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:31 | 5532827 kchrisc
kchrisc's picture

Yeah, like CONgress is really going to drill one of their puppeteers.?!

More reality on Honey Boo Boo.

An American, not US subject.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:29 | 5532828 MickV
MickV's picture

If the Tax subsidies were available to a State's citizens w/o the states establishing an exchange, then there would be no reason for the states to establish an exchange. DUH!!

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:33 | 5532845 Atomizer
Atomizer's picture

Let's define: Jonathan Gruber Ph.D (Pomosexual homosocial. Disambiguation) Professor.

Hazy Bones

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:33 | 5532849 John Law Lives
John Law Lives's picture

It is amazing how lucid this slickster can be when asked about specific details of the ACA when it augurs well for the ACA (which he obviously promoted), yet he is hazy when asked about the availability of work documents he produced and how much he has been paid over the years in his role as an economic adviser re. ACA.

Weasel!

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:41 | 5532890 Atomizer
Atomizer's picture

Join ACA by coercion or face a fine. Democracy in action. New Ponzi modus operandi to keep the scam fluid.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:44 | 5532911 Atomizer
Atomizer's picture

Wonder if we can charge Obamacare on RICO? (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act)

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:48 | 5532929 Max Cynical
Max Cynical's picture

They talk about how the growth of "healthcare spending" (as opposed to costs) is at a historic low of 3.7%. Could that be because health care is now so expensive, Americans have just can't afford to "spend" any more money?

 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:49 | 5532931 Falconsixone
Falconsixone's picture

Call in the cia and get to torturing that ass and see what he says. He needs a good busting up.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 12:55 | 5532960 Falconsixone
Falconsixone's picture

Jew liar whore.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:16 | 5533041 lakecity55
lakecity55's picture

OMG, is he also a dual-passport holder and citizen of Rothslandia?

It figures.

Hitler should have created special commando units to whack the actual Top Zionists. Instead, the evil nutjob wiped out all sorts of innocent Jews and other innocent people, in addition to invading other countries.

Perhaps the Fuhrer was secretly on the Zionista payroll.

What's scary is, the Rothslandians may have their sights on the Ukraine area near their original Khazar homeland.

They may be using USA to further their evil goals.

 

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:01 | 5532985 dobermangang
dobermangang's picture

No mention of Gruber on the front pages of ABCNews, CBSNews, NBCNews or Yahoo News websites.  The main stream media doesn't want you to know about Gruber.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:00 | 5532987 franzpick
franzpick's picture

Hey Gruber, you're not as stupid as you look.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:12 | 5533035 optimator
optimator's picture

Nobody could be that stupid.

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 13:04 | 5533008 lakecity55
lakecity55's picture

Gruber mistakes peoples' ignorance of what .gov is up to for stupidity.

There are plenty of people who are on to the .gov scams as evidenced by the bloggers here.

Gruber is one of these self-appointed self-declared geniuses who thinks he is better than other people. It is amazing how, by choosing to be a progressive that the choice immediately confers "superiority" and "genius" to its adherents.

I would not doubt he is a sociopath to a large degree.

He is by virtue of the videos we now see guilty of Fraud and High Crimes against the Republic, IMO.

He should be run out of government.

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