U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-Okla), author of the Patients’ Choice Act, issued the following statement after President Obama’s health care speech:

“President Obama is right that Congress can agree to many of the goals he outlined tonight, and he was wise to acknowledge that those on the other side of aisle are equally committed to reform and have, in fact, produced ideas and solutions to achieve our common goals,” Coburn said, noting that his bill includes a detailed proposal to set up state-based exchanges that empower individual consumers rather than government or insurance company bureaucrats.

“However, the President still faces a fundamental challenge that the House and Senate health care bills as currently drafted do not line up with the plan he described tonight.  If the President means what he says he needs to tell House and Senate Democrats to start over. 

Both the House and Senate bills do, in fact, set the stage for health care rationing, taxpayer-funded abortion and a government takeover of the health care system.  Suggesting that these radical provisions are the result of scare tactics or spin, rather than the decisions of committee leaders, is counterproductive.”

“Moreover, the American people are scared of a single-payer system because many key figures shaping the bill, including the President, have said a single-payer system is their preferred solution, and because independent groups have concluded that the public option could cause more than 100 million Americans to lose their private health insurance.”

“Yet, I take the President at his word that he is open to other ideas and I trust that he will do everything he can to force those writing the bills in the House and Senate to moderate their flawed bills.  The final test will be the legislative product Congress produces over the next few weeks.  Congress is not there yet.  

The outline of Senator Max Baucus’ plan, for instance, still falls far short.  Baucus’ plan is not financially sustainable; it increases the role of government in health care; and does not contain a prohibition on the taxpayer funding of abortion, among other faults.  Congress would be wise to start from scratch using the President’s goals as an outline and craft a bipartisan bill the American people can support.”

Following is a statement released by Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) after President Obama’s health care speech:

“The President’s proposal tonight outlined four major high-cost areas related to health insurance companies.  These proposals will not happen in a vacuum, and we all know there are no free lunches.  Someone will have to pay for these proposals.

“I appreciate that the President at least spoke of limited demonstration projects aimed at medical malpractice reform.  It is a good start, but alone is not enough.  In addition, our health care system needs expanded health savings accounts, better access to quality care in rural areas, and market-based options that provide coverage for the uninsured American citizens who cannot otherwise get coverage.  

“Instead of trying to work through failed legislative vehicles, Congress should start from scratch, take the time necessary to appropriately address this important issue, and work in a truly bipartisan manner for common sense solutions.  The President speaks of bipartisanship, but many Republican proposals have been blocked from consideration.  Reform is needed, but it must be the right approach.

“Before the August recess, Democrats in the House and Senate pushed as hard as they could to rush their bill through Congress.  Their effort failed, but gave thousands of Americans a reason to vocalize their strong opposition to the proposed health care reforms.  Again tonight, the President applied pressure to rush a bill to his desk.  Apparently, the throng of American voices against these efforts has been largely lost on many Washington bureaucrats.

“During this last month, I held several town meetings in rural communities across Oklahoma.  At each of those meetings, a multitude of Oklahomans expressed their anger over what is happening to our country with the democrat’s proposals on health care reform.  In my years in office, I have never seen the level of outspoken opposition and energy that this issue has generated among so many Americans.

“If the President had listened to those Americans, he would have dropped his proposed ‘public option’ all together.  Instead, he continues to advocate for at least some form of a public option.  The American people and I will not support any such attempt at socialized medicine.    

“As usual, President Obama’s delivery this evening was absolutely superb, but no level of eloquence can make his health care scheme look good.  The American people just are not buying it.  This speech was billed as unveiling the President’s detailed proposal for health care reform.  However, in an effort to build consensus, he seemed intent on refocusing the American people and Congress away from details.  As we all know, his big picture approach will only go so far, because the devil is in the details.  I doubt that tonight’s speech changed many minds.”  

Applebee’s restaurants in Oklahoma are launching their annual Susan G. Komen for the Cure fundraiser in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The fundraiser will run from September 7th until October 18th in all of the Apple Gold Group restaurants throughout Oklahoma and Arkansas.

“We are excited to come together with our guests to support such a personal cause,” said Michael Olander, President and CEO of Apple Gold Group. “Fundraisers like this for Susan G. Komen are just another way Applebee’s can support local non-profit organizations in their worthy endeavors.”

The Apple Gold Group is the franchisee for restaurants in Oklahoma, North Carolina and Arkansas. The fundraiser will run from September 7th until October 18th in all of the Apple Gold Group restaurants throughout Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Guests who dine at any of the 21 Applebee’s in Oklahoma and Arkansas owned by the company can donate a minimum of $1 to The Central Oklahoma, Tulsa and Arkansas Affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For their generosity, guests will be recognized with their name written on a paper” Komen Running Ribbon” hung prominently in the restaurant.

The company has set a goal of raising $40,000.

Oklahoma restaurants participating are:

10461 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa
11104 E. 41st Street, Tulsa
3900 S. Elm Place, Broken Arrow
9409 E. 71st Street, Tulsa
3521 S. Broadway Extension, Edmond
9039 N. 121st East Avenue, Owasso
2401 S I-35 Frontage Road, Moore
317 N. Perkins Road, Stillwater
500 Ed Noble Parkway, Norman
415 W. Shawnee, Muskogee
3616 W. Garriott Road, Enid
4825 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City
608 Air Depot Boulevard, Midwest City
6020 SW 3rd Street, Oklahoma City