How Does Changing One Word Change the Meaning of a Sentence

I was reading an AP report about the special deal Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson received in exchange for his vote for the Senate's version of the Health Care Bill. From the article:

"Under the Senate bill the federal government will pay the entire cost of an expansion of Medicaid in Nebraska, unlike other states, which will have to start picking up a portion of the tab themselves after several years."

When we read this, it seems unfair. Why should Nebraska get special treatment? But look at the wording closely, and just for fun, replace "federal government" with "US Taxpayer" and see how it sounds.

Under the Senate bill the US Taxpayer will pay the entire cost of an expansion of Medicaid in Nebraska, unlike other states, which will have to start picking up a portion of the tab themselves after several years.

For even a few more laughs, change the same words to "hard working father of two that lives in Texas."

Under the Senate bill the hard working father of two that lives in Texas will pay the entire cost of an expansion of Medicaid in Nebraska, unlike other states, which will have to start picking up a portion of the tab themselves after several years.

This has suddenly become very real.

Mission Creep - They Can't Help Themselves!

Bribes in the Health Care Bill

From Nebraska's WOWT.com -

"In addition to Sen. Nelson's special deal, the (Mike) Johanns news release contained the following items as examples of special deals that have been struck in order to secure votes for the bill.

Eliminating or reducing the Medicaid unfunded mandate on Nebraska, Vermont, and Massachusetts (starting on page 96, line 9)

Exempting certain health insurance companies in Nebraska and Michigan from taxes and fees (starting on page 367, line 6)

Providing automatic Medicare coverage for anyone living in Libby, Montana (starting on page 194 – section 10323)

Earmarking $100 million for a “Health Care Facility” reportedly in Connecticut (starting on page 328)

Giving special treatment to Hawaii’s Disproportionate Share Hospitals (starting on page 101, line 6)

Boosting reimbursement rates for certain hospitals in Michigan and Connecticut (starting on page 174 – section 10317)

Mandating special treatment for hospitals in “Frontier” States like Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wyoming (starting on page 208 -- Sec 10324)"