It appears that fitness and health have done what none of an economic recession, the threat of global warming nor two current wars could do: bring Republicans and Democrats together in a unified front.

We just witnessed Obama decalaring how wonderful it is that the health insurance groups are ready to work with lawmakers to cut costs. Mr. President, I say to you what was uttered in Troy long ago, "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts."

Leading health care industry groups on Monday are expected to pledge to President Obama that they will attempt to reduce $2 trillion in expected health care spending increases over the next 10 years, Obama administration officials said on Sunday, the Wall Street Journal reports (Adamy, Wall Street Journal, 5/11).

The reforms include medical insurance for Americans not currently insured. America's Health Insurance Plans, the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, the Service Employees International Union and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America have all agreed to cut spending increases, as interested parties realize that there is a growing anger among the public about costs.

As Washington's hands continue to dig deeper and deeper into the health care insurance industry, more Americans stand to lose. The disparity in the beliefs between Washington and private business, as to how to run a health insurance company, could not be further apart.

Central to his campaign and his budget is Barack Obama's push for real and effective comprehensive health care reform. The policies in Obama's budget are even now on the floor of congress. Sadly, these policies are facing serious opposition, which may stop Health Care reform dead in its tracks.

Many UK hospitals were granted foundation status despite providing substandard care and despite the regulators being aware of this.

Barack Obama struck a tone of optimism Tuesday night. At the same time, Obama called for greater responsibility and patience. Nothing much here was new, but there was much in what he said that put his policy in a new light.

This article in the New York Times suggests that market-driven health care is unduly influenced by insurance companies and by drug companies and their lobbyists, causing greatly increased expense to tax-payers.

President Obama has proposed raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans in order to pay for health care reform. This reform will cost over 600 billion dollars. Many opponents of this move see it is another foolish bit of government spending.

President Obama has released his budget for fiscal year 2010, beginning in October, this morning. Most details of Obama budget are not available yet, but the Washington Post notes some of the details of the budget that will be announced when the budget is released.