The American Spectator : Obama's Nurse Ratched

Text Size

Obama's Nurse Ratched

By Robert M. Goldberg on 2.16.12 @ 6:07AM

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is also Obamacare's deadly enforcer and leading Democratic operative.

Behind every powerful health care mandate under Obamacare is a power-hungry woman named Kathleen Sebelius. As the Health and Human Services Secretary, she has unprecedented power under Obamacare to control health care decisions, the approval of medical products and the national biomedical research agenda. The Secretary is not only the key player; she is the only one on the field. "The Secretary shall…" is mentioned more than 1000 times in the new health care law.

Sebelius is using that power to promote a liberal agenda and Obama's re-election.

She pushed the contraception edict. Her staff wrote the rules that decided Catholic hospitals and charities are not religious institutions. And she was the one who came up the with the "accommodation" in response to resistance to the mandate: just make the health plans pay for it even if the customers of the plan don't want it.

It is clear Sebelius cares only about imposing a worldview and policies to win support for Obamacare. A reporter asked Sebelius: "If a Catholic nonprofit is paying for your insurance coverage, isn't it paying for contraception if you are getting the coverage through that same insurer?"

Sebelius: "The federal employees health plan… costed this as no cost, free, no cost, because adding contraception and having some employees take advantage of that coverage lowers the overall cost of the health plan."

Free? She will tell insurers to suck up the cost and still force religious organization to offer the benefit. Or else.

This is not an aberration. It is quintessential Kathy: She rules by fiat and if you cross her she will crush you. And when she rebukes and bullies, Sebelius, like Nurse Ratched, claims she is doing so for our own good. As the Big Nurse said: "We do not impose certain rules and restrictions on you without a great deal of thought about their therapeutic value."

In 2002 Sebelius was the insurance commissioner in Kansas and campaigning for governor. She blocked the sale of Blue Cross Blue Shield to Anthem Health because she "thought" doing so would raise premiums. In 2003 when Sebelius was elected, Anthem decided against the merger. (Meanwhile, from 2000-2009 premiums in Kansas rose nearly 100 percent.)

Her use of power during the last days before a congressional vote on Obamacare was also Ratched-like in nature: Sebelius told the Association of Health Insurance Plans: "You can choose to continue your opposition to reform. If you do and reform goes down in defeat, we know what will happen." She threatened insurers that if they continued to blame their rate increases on the new health overhaul they could be excluded from health insurance exchanges.

Sebelius subsequently hauled in health plan execs in 2010 to explain why premiums were going up by 10-20 percent in certain states. And she tried to censor one health plan altogether when it sent a letter to Medicare customers about premium increases. She explained she was only doing this in ensure everyone gets basic care. Or a Nurse Ratched would say: "I tell you this hoping you will understand that it is entirely for your own good that we enforce discipline and order."

Last year Sebelius appeared at several fundraisers for Democrat congressional candidates and the 2012 re-election effort. Sebelius broke all campaign spending records in the 2006 re-election bid and she is regarded as a fundraising machine. In part this is due to the fact that the used the power of her office to punish enemies and reward pals. As HHS Secretary she has the power to mandate coverage, exclude health plans, reject payment for new technologies. She has shown she's not afraid to use this power to shake down and intimidate groups holding views contrary to her own and reward her allies. And since the Independent Payment Advisory Commission reports to her, she has absolute control over what Medicare and Medicaid will pay for in the years ahead.

Which is why Sebelius (who attacked Super PACs in 2010) is one of Obama's most important surrogates in the effort to raise outside money for his re-election. She has spoken at Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Rights Action League events. Sebelius has attended fundraisers for several politicians over the past two years. And in the process she will use Obamacare as both carrot and stick to get her way.

About the Author

Robert M. Goldberg is vice president of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest and founder of Hands Off My H ealth, a grass roots health care empowerment network. His is new book, Tabloid Medicine: How the Internet is Being Used To Hijack Medical Science For Fear and Profit, was published last month by Kaplan.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (69) | Leave a comment

John K| 2.16.12 @ 6:12AM

Another pro0-abortion old hag...Democrat party is full of them...

Timothy L. Pennell| 2.16.12 @ 9:53AM

She CRIED when Tiller the Killer got what he deserved.

She CRIED, when a Mass Murderer of Innocent Babies, was put to Death.

You see, Boys and Girls? EVIL comes in all shapes and sizes.

I wonder what Her Mother and Father would say, if they could see their HEARTLESS B*TCH Daughter, now?

You wanna see the Face of Evil?

Just look at any Democrat Politician.

Moe Blotz| 2.16.12 @ 12:49PM

Right, and two Democrat politicians look like Lurch. Mzzzz. Sebelius is the other one.

c. j. acworth| 2.16.12 @ 6:29AM

A question. If Obama loses in Nov., would a Republican-appointed Secretary be able to essentially dismantle Obamacare by fiat? I mean, since the law is written to give such power to a single dictator, if Congress can't repeal it, can it be single-handedly re-interpreted to death?

JP| 2.16.12 @ 8:50AM

Yes, in theroy. However, K-Street, the MSM, a large contingent of GOP operatives and pols will see to it that the regulatory fiats continue. The GOP is certainly not immune to the trappings of power.

Typical White Person | 2.16.12 @ 11:27AM

I've wondered that, too. I guess the Democrats reasoned that the public would so completely fall head over heels in love with Obamacare that they'd be re-elected in perpituity. I guess hope and change didn't work out so well in 2010.

johnny reb| 2.16.12 @ 7:11AM

Kathleen Sebelius is your "personal health care dictator", she is part of the "man caused disaster" that is the Obama Administration. Yes, Obama's own label for "terrorism" fits his administration, it is a MAN CAUSED DISASTER, and Obama is the man who caused it.

Carol| 2.16.12 @ 7:33AM

Our very own Heinrich Himmler in a dress. How lucky are we?

The evil skank that loved Tiller the Killer and loves seeing babies die before having a chance to live - just like Barack "Insane" Obama.

In Atlas Shrugged there is a suggestion made that every 3rd child and every adult over the age of 60 should be killed so there would be more food to go around. Don't think this is coming our way SOON? Think again.

We are dealing with the devil - the Obama Regime - and the Republicans are afraid to confront it. Political correctness, you know, trumps courage.

The Bishop| 2.16.12 @ 8:58AM

Carol, you illustrate beautifully that all too often our women have more cajones than the men. Great comments.

fmm| 2.16.12 @ 11:22AM

Women are generally more ruthless than men. A patriarchy is a more friendly place.

Teaghan| 2.16.12 @ 12:59PM

Yep. That's why I would never want Hillary as president.

SF_Exile| 2.16.12 @ 5:41PM

During WWII Soviet women were some of the most ruthless snipers ever faced.

I think Hillary is scarier.

Von Mises Jr.| 2.16.12 @ 9:33AM

Kudos, Carol. By Sebelius reasoning, if forced funding of contraceptives causes efficiency for the cost of health plans; euthanasia is a home run. Look how much she can save by offing old people?

Hillary and Bill, and algore siphoned off $100M after leaving office. If Barry and Moochelle are going to get their $100M severance package; there is no money left for our cancer treatments and heart operations!

Al Adab| 2.16.12 @ 12:31PM

Jr:
We have to be careful here and not let them turn this election into a referrendum on social issues. Bad as that has become, the focus needs to be on the need for national defense and a strong economy. Obies policies in those areas are disasterous for not only the nation, but for freedom itself.

The public does not want either The Left or the right imposing a particular moral vision on the citizens. Frankly, with proper government from Conservatives, those issues will sort themselves out over time. It is the moral relativism of The Left which has led us into this idolotrous state of being. Activist Conservatism is oxymoronic. We do not seek to impose, but predispose the people to a moral life.

Warrior| 2.16.12 @ 8:53PM

Social issues is all they have. Can't run on the economic or foreign policy records.

Trebuchet| 2.16.12 @ 10:27AM

She looks a little more like Rosa Klebb. Probably wears real stiletto heels too.

Lee Ghume| 2.17.12 @ 1:58AM

And space panties, for the woman who thinks her arse is out of this world.

capatolistmom| 2.16.12 @ 11:35AM

I suggest we have some very good art showing these dead babies (almost full term) with Kathys' face superimposed over them at ALL of her fund raisers and lectures. People need to see what she really stands for - a picture is worth a thousand words and there are some very good ones for her!!! Placing her a a nurse Ratchet uniform with a needle is another good one. Wake up republicans and start running real adds.!!!

Seek| 2.16.12 @ 3:09PM

Nobody "loves" seeing fetuses aborted. Doctors, moreover, wouldn't be supplying the service if others weren't requesting it. I know. It's a nasty business. At the same time, I know of no country in history that has succeeded in eliminating it, however severe the sanctions.

Eek| 2.16.12 @ 6:04PM

Do you know of any country in history that succeeded in eliminating poverty, however redistributed the wealth? Do you know how many ridiculously stupid posts you have made in American Spectator comments?

Indy| 2.16.12 @ 7:48AM

"she has unprecedented power under Obamacare to control health care decisions, the approval of medical products and the national biomedical research agenda. The Secretary is not only the key player; she is the only one on the field. "The Secretary shall…" is mentioned more than 1000 times in the new health care law."

Thank you Reid, Pelosi for handing over power to the executive branch. Perhaps if Obama loses, the new Secretary will be Dick Cheney.

Nurse Ratched indeed!

Pecos Pete| 2.16.12 @ 8:09AM

Indy: Excellent. Cheney, or similar, would be a nuclear blast as HHS secretary. Pray that it happens.

martin j smith| 2.16.12 @ 7:56AM

An Obama representative or head of his budget committee admits that there is Tax on those who do not purchase health care under Obama Care --thus if you earn under $200,000 you will be taxed and even if you do purchase Obama Care you will be taxed --and where are Republicans leading the charge against Obama?-playing golf
with him.

Richard Baker| 2.16.12 @ 8:01AM

Carol:
Agree particularly with the reference to Heinrich (chicken farmer) Himmler. This woman has an amoral mindset that would make Dr. Mengele jealous.

Teaghan| 2.16.12 @ 8:15AM

Sebelius is the Angel of Death~

Dennis D| 2.16.12 @ 8:40AM

Nurse Wretched.

The Bishop| 2.16.12 @ 8:56AM

In the words of Maxine Waters, this shrew is a "demon". Blemishes are always present in political organizations and associations, but the 21st century Democratic Party is the party of evil. To Hell with them!

JamesJ| 2.16.12 @ 9:15AM

Only women have the right to kill

Von Mises Jr.| 2.16.12 @ 9:37AM

BTW, for those of you without good English teachers, Ms. Ratched was intended to infer two things:
- The ratchet wrench that would fix the nuts
- "rat shit"
I rest my case.

fmm| 2.16.12 @ 11:30AM

The actual reference is to Nurse Ratched played by Louise Fletcher in "One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest". Ratched was characterized as a cold heartless tyrant.

Dave Williams| 2.16.12 @ 12:54PM

By the way, you need to look up "infer" and "imply."

Von Mises Jr.| 2.16.12 @ 1:50PM

Dave,
Yes, "infer" is used incorrectly, but who gives a shit. Half of the population thinks there are such things as "free lunches." I may not spell well or use words perfectly all the time, but I can spot bull when I see it and reason effectively.
Do you have anything constructive to add or are you just anal?

Mimi| 2.16.12 @ 9:42AM

Mark Levin puts Sebelius on the top of the IMPEACHMENT list.....Asks " from where does she get this POWER ?"
She needs to spend the next 30 days answering to Congress.
They need to get rid of Obamacare now...The Senate should vote again on this abomination before they ask to be re-elected !
" She needs to be gone" so they say ...She will with the rest of them SOON ! For now we need her, she's killing all that the Dems stand for !

Maddox| 2.16.12 @ 11:52AM

Absolutely! But do any Congressmen have the morals and courage to take this on? Apparently not. They are just as guilty for not taking action.

Teaghan| 2.16.12 @ 1:05PM

Absolutely Maddox. They are guilty with their silence and inaction.

Anthony| 2.16.12 @ 10:06AM

"As determined by the Secretary". Isn't that the language of totalitarianism found in Obozocare?
Supercilious is indeed Nurse Ratched."We know what is best for you, and you will abide by our dictates", isn't that right, Randall?
This woman is the iron maiden queen of the iron-fisted nanny state jackbooters. Be it heath care, smoking, seat belts, food intake, school lunches, lightbulbs, ad naseum, the legions of Nurse Ratshits that this woman leads are all cold-blooded totalitarians.
Americans are not allowed to live their lives, mistakes and all, as our Founders dreamed. Instead, for decades, people like Supercilious have grinded their teeth at the thought that ordinary Americans might be able to live free from the dictates of their utopian masters.
Revolution is in the air my friends, and yesterday's school lunch embrolio might be the ham and cheese sandwich heard around the world.

W| 2.16.12 @ 10:29AM

The language "As determined by the Secretary..." appears in every statute dealing with federal agencies. With IRS it is "As the Commissioner..."
This is rule by the President through Cabinet Secretaries and agency heads, and has been the norm since FDR and especially LBJ. All the presidents do it.
As a result of Obamacare the public is finally learning about these regulations by agencies.

Anthony| 2.16.12 @ 10:47AM

Thank you W, I was not aware of this.
Well maybe this is indeed the jackbooted, nanny state legislation that breaks the camels back, that and the school Nazi's rifling through children's lunch boxes.

W| 2.16.12 @ 11:11AM

In August the National Labor Relation Board issuesd a regulation that employers must post a notice for employees prepared by the Board that advises employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act to engange in concerted (union) activities, and the procedures/time periods to file complaints with the NLRB.

If the employer does not post, it may be considered evidence of an unfair labor practice by the employer to order a new election if the union loses an election. The courts may invalidate it, but they ususally do not.

This is common. EEOC, Wage and Hour, all require similar notices. The state agencies all do the same. Employer bulletin boards are filled with these notices.
IRS is probably the worst offender. The tax statutes passed by Congress cover several volumes, but I lost count of the "CODE" which are the regulations issued by IRS.

Al Adab| 2.16.12 @ 12:36PM

My preference has always been to appoint contrarian Secretarys of the executive agencies and departments. Those who refuse the legitimacy of the agency are those best qualified to limit its reach. Budget cuts would of course follow.

We must be careful not to make this election about social issues. There are many ways to skin a cat, but the defeat of this "Imperial President" whose mental health is in question, is paramount.

W| 2.16.12 @ 1:19PM

Al Adab
I think Obama would welcome a social issues campaign so he could attack Santorum on his opinions about gay marriage, contraception, and attack Romney indirectly about the Mormons religion. Obama can then deflect attention from the deficit and the economy. We can win by attacking Obama on the economy, deficit, ban on drilling for oil and gas, etc.

Teaghan| 2.16.12 @ 1:09PM

I keep getting this notice from some govt agency in CA and they want me to pay them $20.00 for the damned thing! I have torn up every one that has darkened my mailbox. I read that the fine is $20,000.00 for not posting it. Good news is that I have no employees anymore. Business is so bad I had to let her go.

albert constantine jr| 2.16.12 @ 5:44PM

This is why a President's cabinet choices are so important.

Von Mises Jr.| 2.16.12 @ 11:45AM

Perhaps you are correct, W; but there is a difference when a congress releases a 2,200 page Bill that is only intended as a boilerplate to be filled in later. I have not seen legislation of this magnitude negotiated in secret and not even a glimpse given prior to enactment. And while congress has overstepped the Enumerated Powers in the past, they until now have not announced that they would charge you for breathing and decide when you have had your last breath.

W| 2.16.12 @ 12:17PM

Von
This Obamacare may be the worst because nobody even read the bill, and the public is finally learning the extent of the power that enelected bureaucrats have.

It is bad enough that Congress exceeds its powers, it is even worse when they appoint and allow bueaucrats like Sebellius to violate the Constitution.

Congress has to vote on the statutes and the president has to sign, but the regulations become "law" without a vote or signature. They are "promulgated" with a time period for comment by the public, and then they are law, unless challenged in court.

Von Mises Jr.| 2.16.12 @ 2:56PM

That's my point, W. We are sailing in uncharted waters.

W| 2.17.12 @ 7:04AM

Von
Obama knows where we are sailing to, Greece or Venezuela.

Dr. Kervokian| 2.16.12 @ 10:32AM

Even from the bowel of hell, we hear of the deeds of Kathy...The master is pleased. We thought that the blessings from Planned Unparent hood was good, Kathy has out done far and beyond decades of abortion thousands of times over, and no end is in sight. The Master is pleased.

The Bishop| 2.16.12 @ 10:59AM

You need to turn over, Jack. You're getting a little overdone on one side. But, thanks for the update from home office.

JIM WHITTAKER, Hemet, CA| 2.16.12 @ 10:36AM

"We shall now begin to construct the Soviet
Socialist State."

-- Vladimir Lenin, 1917

Russel| 2.16.12 @ 11:25AM

Zero assumed office without a scant list of who to appoint . One of his first were the three witches of Lawyerland , who'd recently been elected governors . Two would assume their place at their socialist Fathers feet and carry out his orders without question . Even Janet Reno didn't bow this deeply . Credentials for their tasks were irrelevant , an unwavering loathing of the American life , citizens and its Founding document were the only necessary requirements and the two witches have performed their tasks unfalteringly . Napolitano almost quivers with excitement every time a new law or edict further enhances her power of spying and enforcment . " The only terrorist worthy our utmost attention are the homegrown types . Our leader has been keen on pointing out the danger they pose " .
And so it goes , a dime novel , with a cast of power hungry , lustful , brain-dead idiots who by mere chance , were chosen to ruin a great nation .

**posttenebraslux**| 2.16.12 @ 11:47AM

All should remember this was Tiller The Baby Killer's Assistant.

Marc Jeric| 2.16.12 @ 12:19PM

President Obama issued a “diktat” – just like any Secretary General of a Communist Party – which commands every employer to offer “free” services of anti-contraception devices, sterilization, and abortifacients in the employer-offered health care insurance. Catholic and evangelical hospitals and clinics protested vigorously – and then he changed his orders and commanded that all health insurance companies must include such “free” services to all women without co-pay. He really is convinced that we are all idiots; perhaps after 3 generations of nincompoops have gone through the mis-education by our teachers unions he is not all that wrong. So every employer must buy what is offered regardless of any religious objection – and that is a “free” service with no co-pay! In other words the cost is hidden in the overall health care insurance premiums – which of course will be increased to cover those hidden costs. Eventually that cost increase will not matter at all – all those health insurance companies are destined to be nationalized anyway and replaced by the government health agency. Obama’s philosophy here is based on the opinion that pregnancy is a mortal desease, like tuberculosis or influenza or black plague that must be fought against by any means necessary.

jlt| 2.16.12 @ 12:55PM

This is Hilarius and so far from true!

Doopy must be writing for the author with his head in the sand! Better uses of this space would be a real study of who President Obama depends on..Mostly himself!

Citizen Jerry| 2.16.12 @ 1:53PM

By God's grace, Nurse Ratched and the rest of her merry band of corruptocrats will be looking for new jobs next year. But like Lady Macbeth, she'll never be able to wash the blood off her hands.

wth| 2.16.12 @ 3:46PM

All she needs to complete her persona are the jackboots and SS armband.

Ken Royall| 2.16.12 @ 7:33PM

I am glad to see this article, I hate this broad more than I do Obama and that is saying something!

Nite| 2.16.12 @ 7:38PM

Please don't use the term Nurse in connection to this harridan. You will give Nurses a bad name.

Brian| 2.16.12 @ 7:59PM

Kathleen Sebelius is a tool of the Republican establishment. Repubs could have stopped her confirmation.

Sunnyr| 2.16.12 @ 8:06PM

This woman, along with Comrade Obozo, have violated their oath of office many times over. It's time to stop messing with these fools and file Articles of Impeachment! Make believer's out of these Marxist Morons!

This is not about birth control, it is about Religious Freedom under the First Amendment of the U S Constitution! These people swore an oath to defend and protect it. Why are they now spitting on this sacred document?

Gary B| 2.17.12 @ 3:09AM

And laughing while doing it. It's amazing. Democrats promise, that if elected, they'll wreck the place - and they still get elected. Who votes for these reptiles?

With God all things r possible| 2.16.12 @ 8:32PM

"She rules by fiat and if you cross her she will crush you."

No she won't. Someone at a higher level of authority said, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."

I pity her. She has touched Jesus' Christ's own church, and she will now have to deal with him. If anyone will do the crushing, it is he.

Doug| 2.16.12 @ 9:44PM

The handful (a generous accounting) of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who lived/taught by the magisterium of the RCC at Nurse Kathy's alma mater Trinity College are doing somersaults in their graves. Most of those nuns were thoroughly poisoned with social justice allegiances. sick. And look what it has wrought 40 years after her "graduation." Death, destruction and a looming schism in the church. You go girl! I bet those Sisters are SO DAMNED PROUD.

Mike| 2.17.12 @ 12:32AM

Sebelius is the abortion that should have been performed the day before her birthday. Scissors through her head would not be inappropriate even now.

Ann| 2.17.12 @ 7:41PM

Sibelius went to the same catholic women's college, Trinity, that Pelosi did. There's nothing worse than an angry dogmatic Irish woman who's mad at catholicism.they're just like the rigid humorless nuns who taught us in the old days (I went to Trinity for a year).

Richard Baker| 2.17.12 @ 10:58PM

Ann:
Of course, we can't forget that happy Catholic Sinead O'Oonnor, now can we?

POST American| 2.18.12 @ 2:15AM

-----------------------LAST WORD-----------------------

TIME MACHINE

Remembering 'Cuckoo's Nest' the movie.

Released in 75 and a KEY demoralization op
for precisely thsi moment in the Globalist
US takedown and EUGENICS OP.

We sat watching, guided to accept the
randy jokester Nicholson ---as the symbol
of the ordinary, disenfranchised Joe.

(SUBTEXT: unless you're into porn and
out-of-control you're not only NOT a man
--you're NOT an American)

The culmination has Jack with a lobotomy
---in the arms of a giant, VERY Chinese
looking American Indian ---who snuffs him
---softly ---with a pillow.

FINAL scene ---breaking through the window
and sauntering off into a Greenie commercial.

AGAIN, ----KEY TROJAN HORSE programming
at the service of the CFR/RED China handover,
sellout, TREASON and EUGENICS OP.

Watch it again and see for yourself.

Just a little REALITY BYTE as Hollywood
goes into its 6th decade of BURYING without
a trace the --TRULY-- relevant

---------------------KOREAN WAR----------------------

AMEN