Editor's Note: As the East Coast dug out of a treacherous weekend winter storm, Monday’s American Morning audience lamented Senate Democrats’ success in moving forward the health care reform bill. While some blamed Republican “obstructionism” for the lack of bi-partisan support, most were disappointed by the compromise necessary to have all Democrats support reform. Many suggested that during the next election cycle, the current Congress would be voted out as a result. Others included President Obama in the list of those likely to be removed from office.

For

• Marlin: I challenge any pundit for any of these networks who give credence to the republican complaints about them being shut out will review historic actions by the Govt over the past 75 years... I have read and for that matter can remember many of the republican utterances on such actions as Medicare, family leave and in the past social security, workmen’s comp, unemployment comp, the 48 hour work week then the 40 hour work week. Perhaps you all could contact the Wash. spectator and get past actions of the republican party and what social security and many of the above mentioned was going to do to the country./ Also I challenge all of you to check how many times the republicans have used the filibuster since losing the majority 3 years ago. If you think they are interested in bi-partisanship after checking these facts I have some ocean front property in Arizona i would like to sell you. You all are either blind to their actions or don’t want to see it. Please check these facts and prove me wrong. I submit just as when Clinton was elected they are more interested in obstructionism than getting something done for the country.

Against

• Shannon: According to your report this a.m. about health care reform, nothing has changed except now we will be required to buy it. The last 10 years I have had health care on and off don't be fooled – the insurance companies will deny you because everything will be an pre-existing cond. So what has changed for us is we have to spend money we don't have for 4 years and ultimately we will be denied coverage because of the loophole of pre-existing cond. I was so hopeful.

• Arnold: I know that we need health care BUT we do not need to give Nevada, Vermont, mass. offerings for there vote the President should not sign this bill if he does he will break his promise. The president has made a deal with the drug industry for 80 billion dollars and he said that he is going to change things in Washington what a joke. I have listen to all of the debates on health care and the senate keeps using the blame game remember that they have run the house and senate the last two years .last why is it now that they are talking about Medicare going broke why did they not do something two years ago.

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Editor's Note: “Climate-gate” dominated feedback from Monday’s American Morning audience.

• Donald: The story about the emails from the climate change research people misses the most important question: Is it just a coincidence that right before the climate change conference hackers find suspicious emails regarding climate change? Obviously not. Who were the hackers? Why did they choose this target? Were they paid to do this? Who paid them? What percentage of the thousands of emails were incriminating? Exactly what manipulation of data is implied by the emails? The timing of this story is obviously designed to block action against climate change. So, when you cover this story, give equal time to the questions I just mentioned. If you don't then you are just doing a service to the ones who planned this.
• Edward: Climate Gate Story. Does the fact that there is "actually" no scientific equipment present, at the most prestigious scientific institute in the world on global climate change, set off any alarm bells?
• Judi: Boy it seems CNN is pushing the idea that global warming is bogus. You are pushing the Republican lies that this is not happening. We have fought this subject since the early 60's. Nut cases have caused this country to lag behind in going green instead of depending of oil. You are nuts for pushing this stupid idea. Science must put up the negative to prove the positive.
• Susan: Climate change – As far as people debating climate change; proof and evidence should bring an end to anything [where there] is unbelief. If not, those who continue on arguing over something that has factual evidence are ignorant and out for their own gain, no matter who it is or what field it is in. People love to go with their own personal theories and concepts instead of proof and evidence. You can refute proof, I don't care who it is.
• Lela: Kiran and John, don't tell me now CNN is going to join the ranks of the Republicans, especially Inholfe in trying to prove that Global warming is a trick or a myth. We know the major pollutants of global warming lies with big corporate. Car industry, oil and coal industry, among others. Not far from where I live is an Alcoa a plant, it would make you cringe if you knew the stuff coming out of that big smoke stack. Pcb along with other things. My husband retired from Alcoa and the things I have heard is unconscionable what Corporate will do to keep from paying money to fix the situation. It is possible most of the factories could fix what they omit, but it would cost a lot of money for them, and that would take away from the big boss's bonus. Kiran, we are smart. The ones of that have lived long enough know the difference in the climate than what it use to. I really started noticing something wasn't right in the 80"s. It seems as though republicans are so void of feels or other people's welfare but their own, plus some of Blue Dogs. Some people will sell their soul to the Devil for money and power, and the dire situation our country is in now , is never more apparent than what greed can do.
• Hubert: We know the earth is changing, We can slow it down a little. If we used windmills for electric and electric cars would help some. But the big money makers don't want that. They want to keep making money, The hell with their kids, MONEY is more important.
• Bruce: What is going on in your research department? There is massive suppression on climate data and deliberate corruption of that data by the CRU. Carbon levels in Gore's hockey stick went up ONE HUNDRED years before the temperatures did. Why didn't you call your guest on that? No wonder Rense and Whatreallyhappened are doing so well! Isn't the Copenhagen agreement unconstitutional? Also, your truthometer people should actually told the truth on skyrocketing energy costs from climate gate – tell them they are not fired.

Continue the conversation below.

Editor's Note: With President Obama’s announcement on Afghanistan set for Tuesday, American Morning’s Monday audience was greatly concerned about a “war tax” being proposed by some lawmakers.

• Ellen: ... NO ON THE WAR TAX, WE'RE BROKE ALREADY, OBAMA PROMISED NO HIGHER TAXES ON MIDDLE INCOME AND ALL THE REST OF THE DEMS DO IT RAISE TAXES ON THIS AND THAT, IT ALL AMOUNTS TO THE SAME THING-A TAX INCREASE. WE'RE BROKE. THE COUNTRY IS BROKE WAKE UP.
• Joseph: Concerning the War Tax. It is apparent that the Democratic Party will not be satisfied until such time as they tax the people of this country into complete poverty. They have no sense of what the people want because they do not listen to the people. They are in direct violation of the constitution because they do not follow the people's direction. Every representative currently holding office should be brought up on charges of Treason. They have failed completely in their oath of office to “Uphold and Defend the Constitution of the United States”.
• David: on the war tax, I believe that our country should get out of Afghanistan and Iraq. Granted, we do need to do what must be done to protect our country, but once we leave these wars, are we not still going have to do many things to protect our country here at home? So why not concentrate on what matters and quit worrying about the Wars and bring our troops home!
• Lynn: I oppose a 'War Tax' to pay for the war in Afghanistan. The US Citizens have been paying for this war since George W Bush started it (and left it) over 8 years ago...and we continue to pay in dollars and lives! I strenuously object to any more taxes for this war!
• William: RE. the war tax. We have $12 trillion in debt. We paid $384 bil. in interest on the public debt. Health will cost $2 trillion. We have 17.5% unemployed and we're talking about a war tax. What a joke.

What do you think of a “war tax” to help fund a troop surge in Afghanistan? Continue the conversation below.

Editor's Note: Tuesday’s American Morning audience was “offended” by President Obama holding a state dinner, when the economy was in such shambles and the U.S. was still fighting two wars. Most saw the dinner not as a “cross section of America,” but for the “suck-ups, large campaign donors, Hollywood celebs, and staffers.”

• Mike: I couldn't help but to comment on the state diner. Every day I see the homeless, buildings falling apart, people losing homes, and the list goes on. and hear we have these people eating like kings and queens off the tax payers of this country. sometimes I think this country isn't so great after. Oh and by the way I'm one of those people up at 4:30 am wondering how am I going to make it this month.
• Bruce: I find all the giddy slobbering of your anchors regarding the "State Dinner" a little offensive. Two back-to-back news items featured the breathless preparations for tonight’s state dinner which was followed by the news that 36.5 Americans are on food stamps. One of your guests stated the guest list was a "cross-section" of America, and nothing could be farther from the truth. So...how many homeless will attend? How many unemployed? How many returning troops and their families? How many factory workers? How many farmers? What a crock...the guest list will be comprised of suck-ups, large campaign donors, hollywood celebs, and staffers. […]

What are your thoughts on the state dinner? Continue the conversation below.

Editor's Note: Health care reform was the primary topic for Monday’s American Morning audience. RNC Chairman Michael Steele and the Republicans were accused of “abandoning all logic and common sense in their bipartisan attempt to quash health care reform.” Some believed he lacked credibility by using “scare tactics.”

• Chris: Michael Steele and the RNC have abandoned all logic and common sense in their bi-partisan attempt to quash health care reform. Their argument for voting against “debating” the health care bill Saturday evening because of a few things they don't agree with insults my intelligence. I'm not an expert in building homes or making laws, but, I understand enough to know it's less expensive and takes less time to remodel a home than it is to tear one down and start over.
• Charles: Mr. Steele should ashamed of himself. He like many other politicians are siding with special interest groups, the same special interest groups who took us to Iraq, on manipulated intel! The Republican party had a chance to give the American people healthcare but decided, to manipulate the intel on Iraq and take contributions from the defense industry. Now, the healthcare special interest groups have infected the Republican party and Mr. Steele is leading the charge. Fool me once.....
• Bob: Mr. Steele simply lacks credibility in his comments about Health Care Reform activities & Congress. He refers to activities 'behind closed doors without Republican representation'. What about the Committee of 6? He attacks with negative words about topics and people, always in 'generalities'. How about Mr. Steele identifying a 'few' items in any of the Bills being worked on, and taking a detailed position, pro/con, or suggesting an alternative.? His approach is nothing more than an unqualified 'filibuster', to delay the actions of Congress.
• Sharon: M. Steele just made a statement re: Health Care that do we want a program dictating what just recently came out about mammograms/pap smears. Those studies were done under the Bush administration. Once again scare tactics are being used. We as Americans are sick of this type of politics (on both sides)...

How do you feel about the Republican approach to health care reform?

Editor's Note: Attorney General Eric Holder’s appearance on Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee generated strong opinion and questions for Thursday’s "American Morning" audience. While the majority supported a trial in New York City at the federal court level, some wondered if alternative courts would be more appropriate.

• Bill: I don’t believe the terrorist should be tried in NYC. Are we going to try every one we capture in the U.S. Why should the tax payers have to pay for this trial. We have been hurt enough already. Holder is an idiot.
• Sue: Regarding trying terrorists in civilian court. I am a mental health professional and believe that trying the terrorists in New York would stimulate an adverse response for those who suffer from PTSD related to Twin Tower Attacks. No terrorist should be afforded the rights of an American to be tried by a jury of their peers. If that were the case you would have to round up peers (terrorists) in order for him to get a "fair" trial. Let the military handle this, they are much better equipped to do so!
• Mark: Why can't we ask the World Court at the Hague to hold a trial for the terrorists? Do they do that anymore? Wasn't 9/11 a crime against all humanity?
• David: If the trial of the sheik is done in either court system and he is found guilty with the death penalty, where would he be housed while all the appeals are used, which more than likely would take years? I also understand that the military has not executed anyone in years. So where is the justice?
• Lee: Why is no one talking about the right of the terrorists to a speedy trial? I am sure any defense attorney will file a motion to dismiss based on the denial of a speedy trial. Why would that motion not succeed?

What is your opinion on where the trial of the accused 9/11 conspirators should be held?

Editor's Note: As women absorbed news of the new recommendations on mammograms, Wednesday’s American Morning audience deconstructed the possible repercussions. Most were outraged, seeing the move as an attempt to save money for insurance companies at the expense of women’s lives.

• Claude: It is painful to watch that government employee explain the most ill-advised recommendation for mammograms. She is the most unintelligible person ever to deal with such an important issue. Please don't let up on this topic and ludicrous recommendations until they retract it and fire everyone that published it, please don't…
• Kat: I am appalled that Ms. Marion has single-handedly dealt a blow to women's health. With her careless remarks, she has given the insurance companies a reason to deny coverage of routine mammograms for women, as if we don't have problems with insurance companies as it is. She is cold, heartless, and is in no position to be making these recommendations. Thousands, if not millions of women, will die because of her recommendation...what is she, a nurse? I trust Dr. Gupta, and I applaud his handling of the interview with her.
• Jillian: Just heard piece on breast screenings. I am amazed. Everywhere we look, there are promptings to support the fight with pink ribbons. The 'findings' are a smack against all we have gained in this fight. Amazing, just amazing. I think you hit it on the head when you talked about the millions to be saved. That's really what it is about. Money-Greed.
• Colin: Y'all ganged up on Lucy about the changes in screening recommendations. And in your zeal to try to get an obviously poor spokesman for her side to declare that people under 50 "have no value," you completely missed her point. Set aside your indignation for a second and think about this: the line has to be somewhere. If they set it at 50, you get the shameful segment you aired at about 7:45. But, if they put it back to 40, then all of your arguments work to move the line to 30. I'm sure there are women who could benefit from routine screening starting at 30. I bet we could find some sparse statistics of women with no prior history who were diagnosed in their 20s. So, stop for a second in your breathless desire to slam that woman and hear what she's saying (albeit, not very well). The line has to be set somewhere, so if you're outraged they moved it to 50 from 40, then explain to me why they shouldn't move the line to 35, 30 or 25.

How do you feel about the task force's guidelines on mammograms? Continue the conversation below.

Editor's Note: Part two of Jim Acosta’s series on the militia movement had Tuesday’s American Morning audience evenly split on such groups’ legitimacy and relevance. Those for allowing such organizations viewed them as “misunderstood” because they provided needed assistance in emergencies. Those opposed termed militias as “dangerous whackos.”

• Linda: On the Militia, many states have their own militia. They pick up the ball in an emergency, when or if, the national guard is elsewhere. There is a big difference between being part of a militia, and being an unbalanced person with murder in his (or her) heart. Don't start demonizing the good guys.
• Todd: Patriots or extremists: militias are misunderstood, because there are also constitutional rights to form militias. The National Guard is considered a militia, most importantly there are State Defense Forces in most states, which are directed by their state Governors. I think if more was said about the State Defense Forces people would be more understanding about the concept of militias.
• Orville: Concerning the feature on militias. I don't belong to one, however, I have a license to carry a concealed handgun(one of over 60,000 in the state of Arkansas alone). I don't even go out to the curb to get my mail without carrying a semi-automatic handgun. And at home, I have an even bigger handgun for home security. When the news reports children getting beaten to death or a 15 year old girl being raped for over 2 hours with multiple onlookers doing nothing, I wish that I had been there. Things would have been different. Am I a gun "nut"? No, I'm a realist.
• Dan: Why in the world would you go out of your way to soften the image of the militia movement? How hard did you have to search to find a "reasonable" militia member? This is a dangerous movement made up of delusional people who think the government is out to take away their rights. For every "reasonable" member, there are probably a hundred skinheads, Aryan supremacists, and other assorted whackos. It is irresponsible to pander to these people.
• Joe: The American militias that we have been seeing and hearing about on CNN are militant extremists. They say they think Obama my be dangerous. What the hell did they think about Bush and Cheney, the two most dangerous persons to walk the face of this planet since Adolph?
• Joel: Why in the world are you featuring 100% certified paranoiacs like the Miracles? 22 guns and 8 kids?? Insanity and paranoia. Full camo and shooting trips with a 6 year old? You are aiding and abetting the right wing crazies and crypto nazis. Why not a full hour on the Aryan brotherhood or whats left of the kKan; sometimes I wonder about you people […].

What do you think of the militia movement? Continue the conversation below.

Editor's Note: On Veterans’ Day 2009, American Morning’s Wednesday audience praised troops and veterans for their service to our country. Some also offered alternatives to the current health care many veterans receive today through Veterans Affairs.

• Darryl: From one vet to all vets. Happy Veterans day!
• Jim; We all love our veterans. My father traveled 70 miles to a clinic for some care and my father in law traveled over 100 miles. My question is why? Why do we spend money on a mobile clinic in West VA? Why don't we just give them a Medicare or Tri Care like health program so they can get care near their home?
• Abe: Poem for Veterans Day 2009 – Another Veterans' Day upon us / And as usual, it's the same / We have thousands in harm's way / In wartime's, deadly, game. / More than five thousand killed / And there seems, no end in sight / As we spend more lives and dollars / More and more ask, "Is it right?" / But, there's one thing is for certain / And, no matter how you may feel / We must Honor those who Serve us / Because, they are, "the real deal!" / They are those Men and Women / From, every corner of our Land / Who will Serve and fight and die / Although, not the life they'd planned. / But like, those millions before them / Who all Swore an Oath to Protect / The Constitution and our Freedoms / All of them deserve, our Respect. / Whether you do/don't support the wars / Or what, your political persuasion / We must stand by these Men and Women / Who will stand tall and Serve our Nation. / So, if you should know a Veteran / Shake their hand and tell them. "Thanks!" / Along with all those wearing Uniforms / In all our Country's, Military Ranks. / And, let's not forget the Families / With all those Stars of Blue and Gold / With recollections of those Heroes / And, all those stories, yet to be told.

Share your thoughts with us about Veterans’ Day.

Editor's Note: With the announcement that Afghanistan’s run-off elections were canceled, Monday’s American Morning audience strongly urged President Obama to bring the troops home from the country. Those supporting troop withdrawal had various reasons, including the “waste of taxpayer money on war,” and the need for President Obama to ignore “advice from Republican war-hawks, and those in his own party who are terrified of appearing ‘weak.’”

• Linda R: It must be obvious to anyone with half a brain, that we have a history of propping up corrupt governments. Why would we be spending blood and treasure, precious resources that we desperately need here at home, on a hopeless situation?? Karzai is about as legitimate and honest as Bush/Cheney. Maybe worse, if possible. Karzai is being supported by the very people we are fighting against. If the Taliban were not supporting him, they would not be "involved" in trying to stop a legitimate election. President Obama would be both wise and courageous if he would bring our troops home. All of them. Now. There are other ways he could deal with the "bad guys". Special forces, targeted drones, etc. It does not take a military genius to see that our troops are in harms way for naught. We also need to get completely out of Iraq. Pakistan is probably our biggest worry. They have nukes, the other guys do not. Please stop talking about the current "wars" as if President Obama would be wrong to pull our troops out. He has enough wrong-headed advice from Republican war-hawks, and those in his own party who are terrified of appearing "weak". No more war.
• Francis T.: I have repeated myself to you so many times that it's ridiculous. "stay away from Afghanistan, period.” Let the people kill themselves. How many American and Canadian soldiers have died without even firing a shot. The suicide bombers are selfish "Bastards" who have been brain washed and are prepared to kill themselves and innocent individuals. This is the 21st century and is worse than past centuries. Stop wasting taxpayers money to go to war. Has the U.S. not learnt from past mistakes. It failed in the Vietnam War, the Korean War and even the Iraq War. Deal with all the major internal problems at hand, health care reforms, financial institutions problems, auto industry and so on. Tell the Democrats and Republicans to stop bitching at each other. Remember, their salaries come from taxpayers. Finally, do away with the Space program. So much money have been wasted. Who cares what is outside of our world. How many billions have already been spent. I wish President Obama could see what I have written. He will learn much from me.

What do you think of the war in Afghanistan now that Hamid Karzai has been officially declared the president?