The internet is something, ain't it?! If you can't find it there it doesn't exist... yet. I was listening to some political stuff and the subject of the Constitution came up. Specifically, they talked about the discrepencies of some as they beg for the document to be "living," i.e. changed. From the 2nd Kerry Bush debate and on the subject of Supreme Court justice appointees here is an answer from Kerry: "... These are constitutional rights and I want to make sure we have judges who interpret the Constitution of the United States according to the law."
When I heard that while watching the debate I was absolutely stunned. I thought it was supposed to be the other way around, interpret the law according to the Constitution.
Charlie Gibson, the adult who kept his childhood name (much like Jimmy Carter) was the moderator. He totally went on to the next question not even so much as a blink in the direction of explaining. Perhaps he mis-spoke. Perhaps he didn't -- and therein lies one of the fundamental differences in our system today than when the United States was first founded.
Just one example: the 2nd amendment gives the right to bear arms. Arguments have been made: that was when they had to hunt for food and protect themselves from injuns, that didn't include assault weapons and automatic weapons. (But they had to look out for injuns, didn't they?!?)
If you apply that logic to the first amendment, freedom of religion did not include islam, Science of Mind, Scientology, etc. and therefore they can't exist either. Freedom of speech would not include what we say over television, radio, dvds, cds, bullhorns (though that one could be argued.....) Without a doubt the Constitution must be extended and revised, but the principles must not be changed.
The Constitution, in my book, is not a "living" document -- it gave life to millions. Over the 40 years Congress was ruled by the Democrats, the left seeped into every nook and cranny in our lives, eliminating personal responsibility and creating generations of victims. It's like Will Rogers said one time: If 'pro' is the opposite of 'con' then what's the opposite of progress?
Help bring back the United States of America. Vote all incumbents out. You think your guy isn't the problem? Ohhhhh... it's MY guy that's the problem. Well, here's a newsflash:
It IS my guy! It IS your guy!
It's ALL of them!!!!!!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
In Summation...
I do not hate anyone. I hate the movement that has continually attempted to subvert our Constitution. Our founding fathers were nothing short of brilliant to have created the most inspired form of government the world has ever known and we are tired of the extreme factions (right and left) of this country advocating policies that move us away from freedom and liberty toward bigger and bigger government. If you or they want to live in a country that takes care of you every time you stub your toe, there are plenty of countries around the globe that you are welcome to move to, but stop trying to change OUR country.
Study the Constitution, The Federalist Papers and any of a number of works that explain the true nature and responsibilities of our system of government and you will begin to understand that the POLICIES many are advocating are unconstitutional. They have no place in our country at the national level. Many of these things can be debated at the state or community level where they belong, but the Federal Government has no business in our business. Freedom and Liberty work every time they are tried. All we want is to be left alone and keep the Federal Government out of our schools, our businesses, our bedrooms, and our lives. The Federal Government is responsible for national security and foreign policy. Stop trying to tell me how to live my life.
Study the Constitution, The Federalist Papers and any of a number of works that explain the true nature and responsibilities of our system of government and you will begin to understand that the POLICIES many are advocating are unconstitutional. They have no place in our country at the national level. Many of these things can be debated at the state or community level where they belong, but the Federal Government has no business in our business. Freedom and Liberty work every time they are tried. All we want is to be left alone and keep the Federal Government out of our schools, our businesses, our bedrooms, and our lives. The Federal Government is responsible for national security and foreign policy. Stop trying to tell me how to live my life.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Read My Letter To Brad Below, He Didn't
Here's what I wrote to Brad:
Dear Brad: Why not try these ideas FIRST before meddling with the healthcare coverage of over 250,000,000 people for the benefit of those 30,000,000 and 17,000,000 illegals? 1) Open up competition for health insurance companies to cross state boundaries. It's rather stupid and anti-American to keep them from competing with one another. 2) Tort reform: make it law that the loser of a lawsuit has to pay all expenses! That will eliminate half of those frivolous bullshit cases. 3) Go back to non-profit health insurance companies -- take away the incentive to deny claims. What do you say about these ideas?? Sincerely, Jim Locke PS: Please do NOT send me the letter that you care about what I think. If you cared, you'd answer the questions.
Dear Brad: Why not try these ideas FIRST before meddling with the healthcare coverage of over 250,000,000 people for the benefit of those 30,000,000 and 17,000,000 illegals? 1) Open up competition for health insurance companies to cross state boundaries. It's rather stupid and anti-American to keep them from competing with one another. 2) Tort reform: make it law that the loser of a lawsuit has to pay all expenses! That will eliminate half of those frivolous bullshit cases. 3) Go back to non-profit health insurance companies -- take away the incentive to deny claims. What do you say about these ideas?? Sincerely, Jim Locke PS: Please do NOT send me the letter that you care about what I think. If you cared, you'd answer the questions.
[Obviously, he didn't read it because here is his response. Aren't you impressed with the cut and paste letterhead?? Did he actually graduate high school and just stay in it mentally or does he do this for his mom?]
Dear Mr. Locke:
Thank you for contacting me with your views on immigration. I appreciate that you took the time to share your ideas on this matter.
Even before the tragic events of September 11, immigration was an issue that received a lot of necessary attention in Congress. As Congress continues to discuss these issues, I will be sure to keep your views in mind and share these thoughts with my colleagues. In working to pass legislation that will improve the lives of all Americans, I value your input and thoughts.
While part of my job as your representative is voting on these issues in Washington, DC, another important part of my job is helping resolve problems that constituents are experiencing with federal agencies and answering questions about the government. My staff and I have helped thousands of Valley residents in their dealings with Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Medicare, and other agencies. If you are interested in these services, please visit my website at BradSherman.house.gov or call my district office at 818/501-9200.
Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. I hope you will continue to contact me in the future on this or other issues of importance to you.
Sincerely,
Brad Sherman
Member of Congress
Please note that Brad Sherman respects your privacy. If you sign up for Congressman Sherman's email updates or participate in a questionnaire, your email information will never be sold, traded or rented to any outside company. If you wish to contact me further, I welcome your correspondence. However, please do not reply to this message. Instead, please visit my website, http://bradsherman.house.gov/sherman/contact, and e-mail me through the webform provided. Thank you very much for contacting me.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Talking Heads
According to the New York Post President Obama has taken command of the media granting three times the number of interviews than his two predecessors combined. On the New York Times front page alone, according to the Center for Media and Public Affairs at George Mason University, 405 stories on the Obama administration have appeared through mid-August of this year totaling 119,678 column inches.
Nothing has garnered as much media coverage, gushing, wooing, swooning, and at times pathetic display than pandering to the most heralded and anticipated Presidency in the history of the United States. We will see if the bigger they are the harder they fall. One thing is certain, though, Jimmy Earl Carter (actually it's James but he decided not to grow up) is happy because he will die knowing that he won't be regarded as the worst President in history!
If you've got a little time check out the transcript of George Stephenopolous' interview with the President on Sunday the 20th. Obama was afforded every opportunity to ramble on and on and on, controlling the interview including asking some of the questions. I'm sure George would've kissed him good night given the oppportunity.
BO has given 66 television interviews since taking office. In the same time Bush had given 16, Clinton 6. This guy is clinging to his winning philosophy of sound bites make a President. That was in the days before our 24 hour newsday, however. Since we now have 24 hour a day coverage, analysis, time-to-fill, blathering, bloviating, bantering, and generally dismissing of all of it... we are saturated. We are also educating those who would not be educated if they so choose.
But there is yet another plus from this. There is a new major in college journalism curriculae -- Talking Head.
Nothing has garnered as much media coverage, gushing, wooing, swooning, and at times pathetic display than pandering to the most heralded and anticipated Presidency in the history of the United States. We will see if the bigger they are the harder they fall. One thing is certain, though, Jimmy Earl Carter (actually it's James but he decided not to grow up) is happy because he will die knowing that he won't be regarded as the worst President in history!
If you've got a little time check out the transcript of George Stephenopolous' interview with the President on Sunday the 20th. Obama was afforded every opportunity to ramble on and on and on, controlling the interview including asking some of the questions. I'm sure George would've kissed him good night given the oppportunity.
BO has given 66 television interviews since taking office. In the same time Bush had given 16, Clinton 6. This guy is clinging to his winning philosophy of sound bites make a President. That was in the days before our 24 hour newsday, however. Since we now have 24 hour a day coverage, analysis, time-to-fill, blathering, bloviating, bantering, and generally dismissing of all of it... we are saturated. We are also educating those who would not be educated if they so choose.
But there is yet another plus from this. There is a new major in college journalism curriculae -- Talking Head.
We know what his points were...
but we got nowhere when it comes to facts. His healthcare "reform" is still vague. Did George press him for details or just sat in awe of the messiah?
Here's a line from the show:
When asked about ACORN getting 'unfunded' Obama said he "didn't even know that ACORN was getting a whole lot of federal money." Apparently, even HE doesn't read the bills he signs. This was a mere Eight Billion dollars ($8,000,000,000) that Obama signed into law to spend and he didn't even know it. He further went on to say that he hasn't really given it much thought. Don't I feel better knowing that he's using my money wisely. Eight billion dollars isn't enough to think about.
George sat in awe of his messiah and didn't pursue the matter further. What more evidence does someone need to realize FOX is not being "rude," they're trying to add depth to issues. You know, so what happened for nearly 40 years doesn't continue. (That would be domination of the Congress AND the press by the left.)
Anyone know who threw hardballs at Obama on his media blitzkrieg? Anyone?.... Someone?
Here's a line from the show:
When asked about ACORN getting 'unfunded' Obama said he "didn't even know that ACORN was getting a whole lot of federal money." Apparently, even HE doesn't read the bills he signs. This was a mere Eight Billion dollars ($8,000,000,000) that Obama signed into law to spend and he didn't even know it. He further went on to say that he hasn't really given it much thought. Don't I feel better knowing that he's using my money wisely. Eight billion dollars isn't enough to think about.
George sat in awe of his messiah and didn't pursue the matter further. What more evidence does someone need to realize FOX is not being "rude," they're trying to add depth to issues. You know, so what happened for nearly 40 years doesn't continue. (That would be domination of the Congress AND the press by the left.)
Anyone know who threw hardballs at Obama on his media blitzkrieg? Anyone?.... Someone?
Friday, September 18, 2009
Belated Toast for Ted
Recently, I was accused of not being 'compassionate' when it came to words about the recently departed Ted Kennedy. Somewhere along the line he admitted he might have a problem, but I couldn't tell you when. By the way, I'm as compassionate as they come. Knowing what the problem is -- that's the easy part. The other side... the difficult task --is actually doing something about it. His frat-boy shennanigans kept on the rest of his life, drunk driving, parties at the 'compound', public intoxication, obvious gluttony -- the "good life." On one of his nights of partying and married at the time he caused the death of a young woman. And yet he did not spend one night in jail, not one day in community service, not one second in rehab. He lived above the law his entire life (and knew he was in the wrong in many instances if he had ANY conscience at all.) I've got compassion, but nothing for him other than pity.
See ya, Ted.
See ya, Ted.
Maxine
Oh, not the GOOD Maxine... I mean Maxine Waters from the 35th Congressional district in California. She is a piece of work. The other day she called the Taxed Enough Already people "teabaggers." If you don't know what that means, google it. That prompted me to write her a letter........... of course, since I don't reside in her district she can't respond but here is what I wrote:
Congresswoman Waters:
Tea "baggers"????
Wow, is that ever telling about the real you. In my heart of hearts I know you didn't mean to use that word, and also in my heart of hearts I know you will never admit that.
You'll continue to hide from the truth, both about the use of the word and also that none of you people in Congress actually give a crap about us citizens. But you'll get re-elected; over 90% of you will get re-elected even though you enjoy a 20% approval rating. And you know why that is: because the voters all think, "it's not MY guy, it's YOUR guy."
You people have ruined America; the country my Uncle died for on the beach at Normandy. All the people that have fought and died for this country to see you people give it away.... what a waste of humanity.
Jim Locke
Congresswoman Waters:
Tea "baggers"????
Wow, is that ever telling about the real you. In my heart of hearts I know you didn't mean to use that word, and also in my heart of hearts I know you will never admit that.
You'll continue to hide from the truth, both about the use of the word and also that none of you people in Congress actually give a crap about us citizens. But you'll get re-elected; over 90% of you will get re-elected even though you enjoy a 20% approval rating. And you know why that is: because the voters all think, "it's not MY guy, it's YOUR guy."
You people have ruined America; the country my Uncle died for on the beach at Normandy. All the people that have fought and died for this country to see you people give it away.... what a waste of humanity.
Jim Locke
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Here are just a smidgeon of stories I linked to today. There are major and outright flagrant flauntings of "don't listen to what I say, watch what I do" from President Obama and his administration. His far, far left policies are making their way to and through Congress blindly. Evidence? How about the 3/4 trillion dollar stimulus bill? It contained thousands of pork projects 'saved up' by the Democrats over years of Republican control. Where are all the jobs this bill would create by summer for the rebuilding of our infrastructure? The idiots in Congress did not put in any controls over the money, nor accountability. They didn't even read the fucking bill before voting on it.
Since Obama has taken office, in less than 8 months... he has doubled the deficit and promised to quintuple it before he's done; he has proposed revamping the entire health care system which is adequate now for 80-85% of the population for the 15-20%; he has taken ownership of General Motors, the Chrysler Corporation, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and several banks; he PROMISED transparency but we get Van Jones and how many people in his cabinet had to cough up back taxes? We've got a pair in Obama and Biden who have given less than 1% of their money in charitable contributions (prior to running for current offices) -- fully devoted to their obvious philosophy that the government can take care of everyone. And I haven't even mentioned the visits to the Middle East where he got snubbed, the gaffs of not knowing the culture of which he visits, and Biden's ridiculous-ness.. (I made that word up!)
We've got all of that before the first snowfall... and the best argument the Democrats (especially the ever-irrelevant Carter)... the best they can come up with is the Race Card.
ROFLMFAO
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FROM THE CBS NEWS WEBSITE:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/16/obama-wh-collects-web-users-data/
The Obama administration has privately concluded that a cap and trade law would cost American taxpayers up to $200 billion a year, the equivalent of hiking personal income taxes by about 15 percent.
A previously unreleased analysis prepared by the U.S. Department of Treasury says the total in new taxes would be between $100 billion to $200 billion a year. At the upper end of the administration's estimate, the cost per American household would be an extra $1,761 a year.
A second memorandum, which was prepared for Obama's transition team after the November election, says this about climate change policies: "Economic costs will likely be on the order of 1 percent of GDP, making them equal in scale to all existing environmental regulation."
The documents (PDF) were obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the free-market Competitive Enterprise Institute and released on Tuesday.
****************************************************************************
FROM THE WASHINGTON TIMES WEBSITE 9/16/09
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/16/obama-wh-collects-web-users-data/
The White House is collecting and storing comments and videos placed on its social-networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube without notifying or asking the consent of the site users, a failure that appears to run counter to President Obama's promise of a transparent government and his pledge to protect privacy on the Internet.
****************************************************************************
FROM BLOOMBERG.COM
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601074&sid=agUnJfnW_IBU
Concerns of Black House Members Helped Spur Rebuke of Wilson
By James Rowley and Brian Faler
Sept. 16 (Bloomberg) -- A plea by California Representative Laura Richardson that House Democrats respond after Republican Joe Wilson shouted “you lie” at President Barack Obama last week helped spur her party’s leaders to action.
The “careful but passionate” words delivered at a House Democratic caucus the morning after Wilson’s outburst by a black lawmaker who rarely speaks at such meetings carried such an impact that “you couldn’t ignore that message and that input,” Representative John Larson, the Democratic caucus chairman recalled yesterday.
Larson, of Connecticut, made his comment after the House voted 240-179 to admonish Wilson for his interruption of Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress. The vote was largely along party lines, with 12 Democrats opposing the resolution while seven Republicans supported it. Five Democrats voted “present.”
****************************************************************************
FROM CNN.COM
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/15/carter.obama/index.html?section=cnn_latest
(CNN) -- Former President Jimmy Carter said Tuesday that racial politics played a role in South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst during President Obama's speech to Congress last week and in some of the opposition the president has faced since taking office.
Former President Carter tells "NBC Nightly News" that racism has surfaced in opposition to President Obama.
Former President Carter tells "NBC Nightly News" that racism has surfaced in opposition to President Obama.
"I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African-American," Carter told "NBC Nightly News." "I live in the South, and I've seen the South come a long way, and I've seen the rest of the country that shares the South's attitude toward minority groups at that time, particularly African-Americans."
****************************************************************************
FROM THE ABC NEWS WEBSITE
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2009/09/dem-senator-warns-of-big-big-tax-on-middle-class-in-baucus-bill.html
Dem Senator Warns of 'Big, Big Tax' on Middle Class in Baucus Bill
It's not every day that you hear a Democratic senator charge that a fellow Democrat is proposing to raise taxes on the middle class, but that is what happened on Tuesday when Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., ripped into the health-care bill developed by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mt., the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
The Baucus proposal would impose, starting in 2013, a 35 percent excise tax on insurance companies for "high-cost plans" -- defined as those above $8,000 for individuals and $21,000 for family plans.
Health economists believe a tax on high-priced benefits could help slow the growth of health costs by making consumers more sensitive to prices.
The tax contemplated by Baucus is also a big revenue raiser. It is expected to raise $200 billion, money that Baucus is hoping to use to pay for subsidies for the uninsured.
Given how much money this kind of tax can raise, Rockefeller says he understands why it is "tempting."
The West Virginia Democrat worries, however, that a lot of middle class workers, like the coal miners in his state, will end up facing "a big, big tax" under the Baucus bill because they currently enjoy generous employer-provided health care benefits which they receive tax free.
Referring to Baucus, Rockefeller said, "He should understand that (his proposal) means that virtually every single coal miner is going to have a big, big tax put on them because the tax will be put on the company and the company will immediately pass it down and lower benefits because they are self insured, most of them, because they are larger. They will pass it down, lower benefits, and probably this will mean higher premiums for coal miners who are getting very good health care benefits for a very good reason. That is, like steelworkers and others, they are doing about the most dangerous job that can be done in America."
"So that’s not really a smart idea," Rockefeller continued. "In fact, it’s a very dangerous idea, and I’m not even sure the coal miners in West Virginia are aware that this is what is waiting if this bill passes."
Rockefeller made his comments on a conference call with reporters which was sponsored by the liberal Campaign for America's Future.
Rockefeller, who sits on the Finance Committee, said that he cannot support the Baucus bill unless it receives major improvements during the amendment process.
****************************************************************************
Since Obama has taken office, in less than 8 months... he has doubled the deficit and promised to quintuple it before he's done; he has proposed revamping the entire health care system which is adequate now for 80-85% of the population for the 15-20%; he has taken ownership of General Motors, the Chrysler Corporation, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and several banks; he PROMISED transparency but we get Van Jones and how many people in his cabinet had to cough up back taxes? We've got a pair in Obama and Biden who have given less than 1% of their money in charitable contributions (prior to running for current offices) -- fully devoted to their obvious philosophy that the government can take care of everyone. And I haven't even mentioned the visits to the Middle East where he got snubbed, the gaffs of not knowing the culture of which he visits, and Biden's ridiculous-ness.. (I made that word up!)
We've got all of that before the first snowfall... and the best argument the Democrats (especially the ever-irrelevant Carter)... the best they can come up with is the Race Card.
ROFLMFAO
***************************************************************************
***************************************************************************
FROM THE CBS NEWS WEBSITE:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/16/obama-wh-collects-web-users-data/
The Obama administration has privately concluded that a cap and trade law would cost American taxpayers up to $200 billion a year, the equivalent of hiking personal income taxes by about 15 percent.
A previously unreleased analysis prepared by the U.S. Department of Treasury says the total in new taxes would be between $100 billion to $200 billion a year. At the upper end of the administration's estimate, the cost per American household would be an extra $1,761 a year.
A second memorandum, which was prepared for Obama's transition team after the November election, says this about climate change policies: "Economic costs will likely be on the order of 1 percent of GDP, making them equal in scale to all existing environmental regulation."
The documents (PDF) were obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the free-market Competitive Enterprise Institute and released on Tuesday.
****************************************************************************
FROM THE WASHINGTON TIMES WEBSITE 9/16/09
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/16/obama-wh-collects-web-users-data/
The White House is collecting and storing comments and videos placed on its social-networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube without notifying or asking the consent of the site users, a failure that appears to run counter to President Obama's promise of a transparent government and his pledge to protect privacy on the Internet.
****************************************************************************
FROM BLOOMBERG.COM
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601074&sid=agUnJfnW_IBU
Concerns of Black House Members Helped Spur Rebuke of Wilson
By James Rowley and Brian Faler
Sept. 16 (Bloomberg) -- A plea by California Representative Laura Richardson that House Democrats respond after Republican Joe Wilson shouted “you lie” at President Barack Obama last week helped spur her party’s leaders to action.
The “careful but passionate” words delivered at a House Democratic caucus the morning after Wilson’s outburst by a black lawmaker who rarely speaks at such meetings carried such an impact that “you couldn’t ignore that message and that input,” Representative John Larson, the Democratic caucus chairman recalled yesterday.
Larson, of Connecticut, made his comment after the House voted 240-179 to admonish Wilson for his interruption of Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress. The vote was largely along party lines, with 12 Democrats opposing the resolution while seven Republicans supported it. Five Democrats voted “present.”
****************************************************************************
FROM CNN.COM
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/15/carter.obama/index.html?section=cnn_latest
(CNN) -- Former President Jimmy Carter said Tuesday that racial politics played a role in South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst during President Obama's speech to Congress last week and in some of the opposition the president has faced since taking office.
Former President Carter tells "NBC Nightly News" that racism has surfaced in opposition to President Obama.
Former President Carter tells "NBC Nightly News" that racism has surfaced in opposition to President Obama.
"I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African-American," Carter told "NBC Nightly News." "I live in the South, and I've seen the South come a long way, and I've seen the rest of the country that shares the South's attitude toward minority groups at that time, particularly African-Americans."
****************************************************************************
FROM THE ABC NEWS WEBSITE
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2009/09/dem-senator-warns-of-big-big-tax-on-middle-class-in-baucus-bill.html
Dem Senator Warns of 'Big, Big Tax' on Middle Class in Baucus Bill
It's not every day that you hear a Democratic senator charge that a fellow Democrat is proposing to raise taxes on the middle class, but that is what happened on Tuesday when Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., ripped into the health-care bill developed by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mt., the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
The Baucus proposal would impose, starting in 2013, a 35 percent excise tax on insurance companies for "high-cost plans" -- defined as those above $8,000 for individuals and $21,000 for family plans.
Health economists believe a tax on high-priced benefits could help slow the growth of health costs by making consumers more sensitive to prices.
The tax contemplated by Baucus is also a big revenue raiser. It is expected to raise $200 billion, money that Baucus is hoping to use to pay for subsidies for the uninsured.
Given how much money this kind of tax can raise, Rockefeller says he understands why it is "tempting."
The West Virginia Democrat worries, however, that a lot of middle class workers, like the coal miners in his state, will end up facing "a big, big tax" under the Baucus bill because they currently enjoy generous employer-provided health care benefits which they receive tax free.
Referring to Baucus, Rockefeller said, "He should understand that (his proposal) means that virtually every single coal miner is going to have a big, big tax put on them because the tax will be put on the company and the company will immediately pass it down and lower benefits because they are self insured, most of them, because they are larger. They will pass it down, lower benefits, and probably this will mean higher premiums for coal miners who are getting very good health care benefits for a very good reason. That is, like steelworkers and others, they are doing about the most dangerous job that can be done in America."
"So that’s not really a smart idea," Rockefeller continued. "In fact, it’s a very dangerous idea, and I’m not even sure the coal miners in West Virginia are aware that this is what is waiting if this bill passes."
Rockefeller made his comments on a conference call with reporters which was sponsored by the liberal Campaign for America's Future.
Rockefeller, who sits on the Finance Committee, said that he cannot support the Baucus bill unless it receives major improvements during the amendment process.
****************************************************************************
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Here's What the American Press Reported
Lashing Out at the Capitol
Tens of Thousands Protest Obama Initiatives and Government Spending
By Emma Brown, James Hohmann and Perry Bacon Jr.
Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Tens of thousands of conservative protesters, many complaining that the nation is racing toward socialism, massed outside the U.S. Capitol on Saturday, angrily denouncing President Obama's health-care plan and other initiatives as threats to the Constitution.
The crowd -- loud, animated and sprawling -- gathered at the West Front of the Capitol after a march along Pennsylvania Avenue NW from Freedom Plaza. Invocations of God and former president Ronald Reagan by an array of speakers drew loud cheers that echoed across the Mall. On a windy, overcast afternoon, hundreds of yellow "Don't Tread on Me" flags flapped in the breeze.
Tens of Thousands Protest Obama Initiatives and Government Spending
By Emma Brown, James Hohmann and Perry Bacon Jr.
Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Tens of thousands of conservative protesters, many complaining that the nation is racing toward socialism, massed outside the U.S. Capitol on Saturday, angrily denouncing President Obama's health-care plan and other initiatives as threats to the Constitution.
The crowd -- loud, animated and sprawling -- gathered at the West Front of the Capitol after a march along Pennsylvania Avenue NW from Freedom Plaza. Invocations of God and former president Ronald Reagan by an array of speakers drew loud cheers that echoed across the Mall. On a windy, overcast afternoon, hundreds of yellow "Don't Tread on Me" flags flapped in the breeze.
Here's What the British Press Reported
A million march to US Capitol to protest against 'Obama the socialist'
By David Gardner
As many as one million people flooded into Washington for a massive rally organised by conservatives claiming that President Obama is driving America towards socialism.
The size of the crowd - by far the biggest protest since the president took office in January - shocked the White House.
Demonstrators massed outside Capitol Hill after marching down Pennsylvania Avenue waving placards and chanting 'Enough, enough.'
By David Gardner
As many as one million people flooded into Washington for a massive rally organised by conservatives claiming that President Obama is driving America towards socialism.
The size of the crowd - by far the biggest protest since the president took office in January - shocked the White House.
Demonstrators massed outside Capitol Hill after marching down Pennsylvania Avenue waving placards and chanting 'Enough, enough.'
My Letter to Brad, September 13, 2009
Thank you for contacting Brad
The following information was received by our office.
09/13/2009 03:31
What issue you feel strongly about: Health Care
Your message:
Dear Brad: Why not try these ideas FIRST before meddling with the healthcare coverage of over 250,000,000 people for the benefit of those 30,000,000 and 17,000,000 illegals? 1) Open up competition for health insurance companies to cross state boundaries. It's rather stupid and anti-American to keep them from competing with one another. 2) Tort reform: make it law that the loser of a lawsuit has to pay all expenses! That will eliminate half of those frivolous bullshit cases. 3) Go back to non-profit health insurance companies -- take away the incentive to deny claims. What do you say about these ideas?? Sincerely, Jim Locke PS: Please do NOT send me the letter that you care about what I think. If you cared, you'd answer the questions.
The following information was received by our office.
09/13/2009 03:31
What issue you feel strongly about: Health Care
Your message:
Dear Brad: Why not try these ideas FIRST before meddling with the healthcare coverage of over 250,000,000 people for the benefit of those 30,000,000 and 17,000,000 illegals? 1) Open up competition for health insurance companies to cross state boundaries. It's rather stupid and anti-American to keep them from competing with one another. 2) Tort reform: make it law that the loser of a lawsuit has to pay all expenses! That will eliminate half of those frivolous bullshit cases. 3) Go back to non-profit health insurance companies -- take away the incentive to deny claims. What do you say about these ideas?? Sincerely, Jim Locke PS: Please do NOT send me the letter that you care about what I think. If you cared, you'd answer the questions.
Friday, September 11, 2009
A Bitch Like You
Here's a story about an inter-action between an elderly woman and an antiwar protester in a D.C. airport. There were protesters on the train platform handing out pamphlets, on the evils of America. I politely declined to take one.
The elderly woman was behind me getting off the escalator and a young (20-ish) female protester offered her a pamphlet, which she politely declined. The young protester put her hand on the old woman's shoulder as a gesture of friendship and in a very soft voice the young lady said, "Lady, don't you care about the children of Iraq?"
The old woman looked up at her and said, "Honey, my father died in France during World War II, I lost my husband in Korea, and a son in Vietnam. All three died so a bitch like you could have the right to stand here and badmouth our country. If you touch me again, I'll stick this umbrella up your ass and open it."
************************************************************
My mother's brother died on the beach at Normandy in the D-Day invasion to free France. My father and his two brothers were all in different theaters: Dad in Europe, Uncle Bill in Africa, and Uncle Core in the Pacific. What did my grandparents do for those 3-4 years their sons were in harm's way and had no way to communicate with them?
Mom lost her brother, my Grandmother lost her son, I lost an Uncle... for what? So these fucking politicians could give our country away to illegals and the lazy?
I guess so.
The elderly woman was behind me getting off the escalator and a young (20-ish) female protester offered her a pamphlet, which she politely declined. The young protester put her hand on the old woman's shoulder as a gesture of friendship and in a very soft voice the young lady said, "Lady, don't you care about the children of Iraq?"
The old woman looked up at her and said, "Honey, my father died in France during World War II, I lost my husband in Korea, and a son in Vietnam. All three died so a bitch like you could have the right to stand here and badmouth our country. If you touch me again, I'll stick this umbrella up your ass and open it."
************************************************************
My mother's brother died on the beach at Normandy in the D-Day invasion to free France. My father and his two brothers were all in different theaters: Dad in Europe, Uncle Bill in Africa, and Uncle Core in the Pacific. What did my grandparents do for those 3-4 years their sons were in harm's way and had no way to communicate with them?
Mom lost her brother, my Grandmother lost her son, I lost an Uncle... for what? So these fucking politicians could give our country away to illegals and the lazy?
I guess so.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Kareoke President
Obama to give speech on financial crisis Monday [the day after a segment on 60 minutes]
So reads a headline on Reuter's. So BO is going back to the tried and proven way that he has a gift for (and those are HIS words.) He's reading words from teleprompters! The sad thing is he actually believes the shit he's dealing. For God's sake (and America's) listen to what he has said and then see what he's done. He was going for 'transparency' in government; he was going to post bills for 5 days before he signed them -- but first Congress had to pass that Stimulus bill in record time so he could sign the thing before anyone read any of the literally thousands of pork projects. Democrats had been saving up the whole time the Republicans were in the majority, only now they had the power!! The fucking mainstream media (MSM) did not, has not, and will not go against this guy nor his fellow hacks.
Van Jones? Just another radical Barry has surrounded himself with. This guy is a piece of work and the country will get no help from the media to save our collective ass.
My last thought for this entry is that I'm pissed at Congressman Wilson for apologizing. He was accurately portraying the bottom line. On July 16, an amendment by Rep. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) that would have required use of the SAVE [Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements] program to prevent illegal immigrants from receiving the affordable premium credits was defeated by the Democrat-controlled House Ways and Means Committee. Technically, Barry is right -- but even HE knows it's misleading and therefore a lie by deception.
So reads a headline on Reuter's. So BO is going back to the tried and proven way that he has a gift for (and those are HIS words.) He's reading words from teleprompters! The sad thing is he actually believes the shit he's dealing. For God's sake (and America's) listen to what he has said and then see what he's done. He was going for 'transparency' in government; he was going to post bills for 5 days before he signed them -- but first Congress had to pass that Stimulus bill in record time so he could sign the thing before anyone read any of the literally thousands of pork projects. Democrats had been saving up the whole time the Republicans were in the majority, only now they had the power!! The fucking mainstream media (MSM) did not, has not, and will not go against this guy nor his fellow hacks.
Van Jones? Just another radical Barry has surrounded himself with. This guy is a piece of work and the country will get no help from the media to save our collective ass.
My last thought for this entry is that I'm pissed at Congressman Wilson for apologizing. He was accurately portraying the bottom line. On July 16, an amendment by Rep. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) that would have required use of the SAVE [Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements] program to prevent illegal immigrants from receiving the affordable premium credits was defeated by the Democrat-controlled House Ways and Means Committee. Technically, Barry is right -- but even HE knows it's misleading and therefore a lie by deception.
Monday, September 7, 2009
From someone more articulate...
A few of BO's arguments taken on:
You want to punish insurance companies? Make them compete.
As Adam Smith observed, whenever two businessmen meet, "the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices." That's why we need a third, fourth and 45th competing insurance company that will undercut them by offering better service at a lower price.
Tiny little France and Germany have more competition among health insurers than the U.S. does right now. Amazingly, both of these socialist countries have less state regulation of health insurance than we do, and you can buy health insurance across regional lines -- unlike in the U.S., where a federal law allows states to ban interstate commerce in health insurance.
U.S. health insurance companies are often imperious, unresponsive consumer hellholes because they're a partial monopoly, protected from competition by government regulation. In some states, one big insurer will control 80 percent of the market. (Guess which party these big insurance companies favor? Big companies love big government.) That's what single-payer health care is: "Single payer" means "single provider."
(1) National health care will punish the insurance companies.
You could fix 90 percent of the problems with health insurance by ending the federal law allowing states to ban health insurance sales across state lines. But when John McCain called for ending the ban during the 2008 presidential campaign, he was attacked by Joe Biden……..
(2) National health care will "increase competition and keep insurance companies honest" -- as President Barack Obama has said.
Government-provided health care isn't a competitor; it's a monopoly product paid for by the taxpayer. Consumers may be able to "choose" whether they take the service -- at least at first -- but every single one of us will be forced to buy it, under penalty of prison for tax evasion. It's like a new cable plan with a "yes" box, but no "no" box.
But what most people don't know -- including the president, apparently -- with certain narrow exceptions, competing with the post office is prohibited by law.
(3) Insurance companies are denying legitimate claims because they are "villains."
Obama denounced the insurance companies in the New York Times, saying: "A man lost his health coverage in the middle of chemotherapy because the insurance company discovered that he had gallstones, which he hadn't known about when he applied for his policy. Because his treatment was delayed, he died." The president was quick to pick up this meme and it has become part of his health care reform stump speech and at his town halls. The only problem with his narrative is that Otto Raddatz received his treatment and lived another 3 years. According to the meeting transcripts found at
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090616/transcript_20090616_oi.pdf
If only customers had a choice! But we don't because of government regulation of health insurance.
(4) National health care will give Americans "basic consumer protections that will finally hold insurance companies accountable" -- as Barack Obama claimed in his op/ed in the Times.
You want to protect consumers? Do it the same way we protect consumers of dry cleaning, hamburgers and electricians: Give them the power to tell their insurance companies, "I'm taking my business elsewhere."
(5) Government intervention is the only way to provide coverage for pre-existing conditions.
The only reason most "pre-existing" conditions aren't already covered is because of government regulations that shrink the insurance market to a microscopic size, which leads to fewer options in health insurance and a lot more uninsured people than would exist in a free market.
The free market has produced a dizzying array of insurance products in areas other than health. Even insurance companies have "reinsurance" policies to cover catastrophic events occurring on the properties they insure, such as nuclear accidents, earthquakes and Michael Moore dropping in for a visit and breaking the couch.
If we had a free market in health insurance, it would be inexpensive and easy to buy insurance for "pre-existing" conditions before they exist, … and health insurance even when you don't have a job. The vast majority of "pre-existing" conditions that currently exist in a cramped, limited, heavily regulated insurance market would be "covered" conditions under a free market in health insurance.
Another way to accomplish some of the reform is to go back to non-profit insurance companies.
You want to punish insurance companies? Make them compete.
As Adam Smith observed, whenever two businessmen meet, "the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices." That's why we need a third, fourth and 45th competing insurance company that will undercut them by offering better service at a lower price.
Tiny little France and Germany have more competition among health insurers than the U.S. does right now. Amazingly, both of these socialist countries have less state regulation of health insurance than we do, and you can buy health insurance across regional lines -- unlike in the U.S., where a federal law allows states to ban interstate commerce in health insurance.
U.S. health insurance companies are often imperious, unresponsive consumer hellholes because they're a partial monopoly, protected from competition by government regulation. In some states, one big insurer will control 80 percent of the market. (Guess which party these big insurance companies favor? Big companies love big government.) That's what single-payer health care is: "Single payer" means "single provider."
(1) National health care will punish the insurance companies.
You could fix 90 percent of the problems with health insurance by ending the federal law allowing states to ban health insurance sales across state lines. But when John McCain called for ending the ban during the 2008 presidential campaign, he was attacked by Joe Biden……..
(2) National health care will "increase competition and keep insurance companies honest" -- as President Barack Obama has said.
Government-provided health care isn't a competitor; it's a monopoly product paid for by the taxpayer. Consumers may be able to "choose" whether they take the service -- at least at first -- but every single one of us will be forced to buy it, under penalty of prison for tax evasion. It's like a new cable plan with a "yes" box, but no "no" box.
But what most people don't know -- including the president, apparently -- with certain narrow exceptions, competing with the post office is prohibited by law.
(3) Insurance companies are denying legitimate claims because they are "villains."
Obama denounced the insurance companies in the New York Times, saying: "A man lost his health coverage in the middle of chemotherapy because the insurance company discovered that he had gallstones, which he hadn't known about when he applied for his policy. Because his treatment was delayed, he died." The president was quick to pick up this meme and it has become part of his health care reform stump speech and at his town halls. The only problem with his narrative is that Otto Raddatz received his treatment and lived another 3 years. According to the meeting transcripts found at
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090616/transcript_20090616_oi.pdf
If only customers had a choice! But we don't because of government regulation of health insurance.
(4) National health care will give Americans "basic consumer protections that will finally hold insurance companies accountable" -- as Barack Obama claimed in his op/ed in the Times.
You want to protect consumers? Do it the same way we protect consumers of dry cleaning, hamburgers and electricians: Give them the power to tell their insurance companies, "I'm taking my business elsewhere."
(5) Government intervention is the only way to provide coverage for pre-existing conditions.
The only reason most "pre-existing" conditions aren't already covered is because of government regulations that shrink the insurance market to a microscopic size, which leads to fewer options in health insurance and a lot more uninsured people than would exist in a free market.
The free market has produced a dizzying array of insurance products in areas other than health. Even insurance companies have "reinsurance" policies to cover catastrophic events occurring on the properties they insure, such as nuclear accidents, earthquakes and Michael Moore dropping in for a visit and breaking the couch.
If we had a free market in health insurance, it would be inexpensive and easy to buy insurance for "pre-existing" conditions before they exist, … and health insurance even when you don't have a job. The vast majority of "pre-existing" conditions that currently exist in a cramped, limited, heavily regulated insurance market would be "covered" conditions under a free market in health insurance.
Another way to accomplish some of the reform is to go back to non-profit insurance companies.
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