In a previous post I mentioned progressive consumption tax and those 401(k) funds that adjust as you get closer to retirement. What I was getting at was regarding plan offerings--making them more age specific. Currently, the higher the premium, the lower the co-pays and deductibles and the higher percentage of costs covered. But..... Most young people would probably just want one checkup a year and good ER coverage. People with small children would want good ER coverage and good incidental outpatient office visit coverage. Seniors would want good inpatient hospital or institutionalized care coverage. I have no idea (and don't think I want to know) how insurance companies crunch their numbers to churn out a profit. But if it would keep my premiums down to 100% cover one preventive checkup a year, have decent ER coverage, but not the greatest office visit (outside of the one checkup) coverage and not the greatest inpatient hospital coverage and zero institutionalized care coverage, I'd do it. Or a supercheap base plan but pay an extra $X per month for more comprehensive ER coverage. I still think that's probably not so clear, but I guess I just wish it was more like grocery shopping and I could specifically choose what type of care I would want better coverage on and put those items in my cart and pay extra for them. That probably is not possible (or profitable), but they could do something closer to that idea if the plans were more age-specific.
So the progressive consumption tax was a bad example, but it was the progressive part of it I was focused on. The older people get, the more they'll cut into health care costs.
Some small, random things:
As Medicaid, Medicare, VA health care, and CHIP are already in place, why are Republicans opposing a type of government program that has already been otherwise implemented in multiple areas? What are they achieving by opposing the public option? They achieve nothing. They are spinning their wheels. Not news, but I'm still mystified by it. Also still waiting for conservatives to produce some viable alternatives. >:-/
I still think it would really help forge bipartisan support to include medical malpractice reform, let alone the cost-reduction benefits.
Also, I see no reason not to split up the bill into more politically managable/palatable chunks to ensure meaningful reform actually occurs.
Last, I'm a fan of progressive consumption tax. They also have 401(k) funds that adjust themselves as one ages and comes closer to retirement age. Can this concept be applied to health care coverage??
Thoughts??
1) patient/consumer protections
2) cost reduction
3) public option
4) minimal red tape for small business owners and allowing them to pool
5) addressing egregious malpractice suits in some manner
6) [this may fall under cost reduction] bulk-buying of drugs and medical supplies for all current programs/entities as well as competitive bidding for said provisions
7) this done before it can be turned into a 2010 campaign wedge issue
Seems simple enough to me, but I have a feeling that's asking a lot. That being said, 1, 2, 4, 6, and possibly 5 should ostensibly be things everyone can agree on, but I'm not holding my breath.
What do you want to see in health care reform?
That town hall where they had people raise their hands if they opposed government-run health care and then next had them raise their hands if they were on Medicaid or Medicare--brilliant idea. Brilliant way to counter the opposition's "socialized medicine" cries by driving the point home right to the individual while not being snarky or accusatory about those who are trying to play on people's residual Cold War fears and fear of death.
"Our children are going to pay for this!" Then cover all children first. This can be rolled out in phases.
"The government is trying to force your hand regarding your health care choices!" I personally would like to see my choices EXPANDED by creation of a public option. I'd like to consider my health care provided by an entity that is not based on profit. Furthermore, I really feel the need to have a balance between public and private so they can babysit one another as well as compete and drive improvements in care and coverage. (As far as the government making health care choices for people, I have this to say: 1) Terry Schiavo, and 2) the abortion debate.)
I am glad to see Obama stepping it up. Yes, it is the role of Congress to make law. Unfortunately, they're screwing it up. Completely diluting the potency of any meaningful reform. They need some serious guidance/leadership. A flashlight, a compass, what have you. The Democratic majority should make every effort to be cooperative. They should also use their power to best serve the people; specifically, this is one of the few times they should use it to make sure a feasible and beneficial bill is passed, not a big fat piece of convoluted junk.
I draw no judgments or conclusions, but am nervous about this idea.
For background, here is Obama's speech.
For discussion, here is Glenn Greenwald's blog and another, both of which have useful links to more discussion and opinion.
Feingold's letter on the issue.
While the idea of preventive detention makes me uneasy, potential solutions are not forthcoming either.
Some things I ponder:
1) Can the ICC be of any help? [preventive detention and/or military commisions cases]
2) Have we requested info from the intelligence agencies of other countries? I mean anything and everything. And then pursue any charge. Convict on lesser, unrelated charges. Any crime, any country. We collared Capone that way after all.
3) What do the WWII internment of Japanese Americans and the Alien and Sedition Act tell us about what NOT to do?
4) Setting aside the words "system" and "program," there was a time when law enforcement could not prosecute rape, stalking, cyber crimes, hate crimes, etc., but can do so now because laws have been passed addressing those categories of crime.
5) Can't law enforcement collar someone for verbally threatening the life of the President? Can and should that be applied here?
6) Terrorism is not confined within U.S. borders, but a worldwide threat. Should we not solicit the input of foreign nations? Hawks and doves alike. We can use all the help we can get in terms of solutions.
What do you think about these items? Do you have any potential solutions to offer?
If you haven't already, please add your name to this online petition for a Truth Commission. What you are signing on to:
I hereby join Senator Patrick Leahy's call for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission, to investigate the Bush-Cheney Administration's constitutional abuses so we make sure they never happen again. These abuses may include the use of torture, warrantless wiretapping, extraordinary rendition, and executive override of laws.A truth and reconciliation commission should be tasked with seeking answers so that we can develop a shared understanding of the failures of the recent past. Rather than vengeance, we need a fair-minded pursuit of what actually happened. The best way to move forward is getting to the truth and finding out what happened -- so we can make sure it does not happen again. Signed by:[Your name]
I hereby join Senator Patrick Leahy's call for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission, to investigate the Bush-Cheney Administration's constitutional abuses so we make sure they never happen again. These abuses may include the use of torture, warrantless wiretapping, extraordinary rendition, and executive override of laws.A truth and reconciliation commission should be tasked with seeking answers so that we can develop a shared understanding of the failures of the recent past. Rather than vengeance, we need a fair-minded pursuit of what actually happened. The best way to move forward is getting to the truth and finding out what happened -- so we can make sure it does not happen again.
"Because of what we did, 95% of all working families will get a tax cut -- in keeping with a promise I made on the campaign. And I’m pleased to announce that this morning, the Treasury Department began directing employers to reduce the amount of taxes withheld from paychecks -- meaning that by April 1st, a typical family will begin taking home at least $65 more every month. Never before in our history has a tax cut taken effect faster or gone to so many hardworking Americans." [source]
What will you do with your $65?
i was watching chris matthews and he asked wrt gitmo/rendition et al, what do we do with people we know are dangerous but can't prove? what do we do with people who haven't done anything but we know will?
what about a ticket out of gitmo and into witness protection? it's certainly more humane and just than indefinte detention. it's likely less costly than full-out incarceration, whether it's taxpayer expense or foreign relations. and it's a heck of a lot safer than sending them back into circulation--at least with witness protection we'd know where they are and what they're doing.
thoughts? please be kind.
i'll dig into this more tomorrow and perhaps log back in and rip my own arse to shreds after acquiring more information. right now i have GOT to get my brain shut down and try to sleep.
Many moons ago I got all fired up to green myself and my life. After I did some research and made a list, it grew from a side project to a major initiative requiring many many lifestyle changes. I kept putting it off in order to focus energy on something else I felt more pressing. At one point, in order to avoid the unfailing self-imposed guilt, I thought, Well then I’ll just do one thing. So here’s my list. [It’s worth noting that many of these things are actually economical.]
I added a legend so I wouldn’t have to retype a bunch of stuff (explanations in parentheses):
F = saves fuel for shipping (typically referring to the product itself)
A = cleaner air
OBL = reduces dependence on foreign oil (typically by reducing fuel consumption for transport)
P = reduces or requires less packaging
R = reduces landfill waste
E = reduces energy consumption
C = convenience
$ = saves money
T = saves time
Q = quality of life
N = nature friendly (wildlife, ecosystems, etc.)
1) filtered water (includes taking a water bottle to work and getting water from drinking fountains). F, A, OBL, P, R, C, $, Q (a huge thing of water—that crap is heavy to lug around!) (additionally, many water treatment facilities also add fluoride to treated water for healthy teeth).
2) juice concentrate and powdered beverages. F, A, OBL, P, R, C.
3) electronic file transfer. F, P, C, $, T, Q (not just the immediacy and status reports things like text messaging can allow, but direct deposit of paychecks resulted in my paycheck being in my bank account at 8am on payday—no errand to the bank, no waiting for the check to clear).
4) compact fluorescent light bulbs. OBL, E, C (they last longer than incandescents).
5) carpooling & public transportation. A, OBL, C, $, T (you can get a lot done when you're a passenger!).
6) reusable grocery bags. P, R, N, $ (grocery prices should be lower if the store doesn't have to buy as many plastic bags). It's worth noting that many times you can get free bags with a donation to charity/cause (or Obama!). This one took awhile to take hold. I’d say at first I only remembered to take them maybe one out of every three times I went to the store. Eventually, it was a part of my routine to grab them, just like my purse, when I went out the door. Ironically, I find myself in the same position again; I keep the bags in the car…..but keep forgetting to take them into the store!
7) house plants. A, $, N, Q (much cheaper and more interesting than furniture and the sweet little things inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen).
8) take the stairs whenever possible. A, E, $, Q (an opportunity for a little low-impact exercise).
9) use dishtowels, cloth napkins, and rags instead of disposable items. F, OBL, P, R, $$$$, N. This one is proving to be a little difficult—the habit of grabbing a paper towel or napkin is deeply ingrained!
10) clip-on book light and TV’s sleep timer. A, E, $. I tend to fall asleep while reading or watching TV all too often.
11) plastic containers over plastic baggies. F, OBL, P, R, $, N. This has also proven a difficult habit to break.
12) steam cleaning (steam mop, hand-held steam cleaner). F (think of aaaaaaaaaaall those bottles of cleaner not being transported), A, OBL, P, R, $$, N, Q (no fumes and you can use it on everything—floors, bathrooms, shoes, pillows).
13) recycled my moving boxes—charities accept them as donations! P, R.
14) energy star washer. R, $ (water), E, N. This was quite the unpleasant $1100 surprise when I moved, but in time it will be for the better. Plus, I may be able to get a tax deduction—must check that out.
15) turned down the thermostat this winter (previously had radiator heat that I didn’t control). E, $.
16) recycling. Have ordered a recycling bin [residents of Cincinnati can do so here], waiting to receive it.
I also participated in Earth Hour 2008 (and plan to do so again!), an annual event where people turn out their lights for an hour. Chicago saved 7% energy (818 megawatt hours of electricity which is equivalent to ~1.3 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions). An estimated 36 million Americans participated (more than 2.7 million in Chicago). I still lived in Chicago at the time and went up to the roof deck of my building—the darkness was startling! (Even though I can’t post them here, I have the photos up on Facebook!) WWF's press release
Additional resource: Sierra Club's page on 10 things each person can do to curb global warming
Next stop: The Kasbah. ;)
But in all seriousness...
No lines and no problems. The place filled up as I was filling in the ballot though, which I think is a good sign given the time of day (around 3). While I didn't notice much ethnic diversity, the other voters spanned a wide age range. As a matter of fact, as I was walking out, a volunteer was helping a very old man tie his shoe. :) My polling location is actually the public library next door, which I can see from the porch--it has been pretty busy all day but especially so right now.
Like I said prior, my mom voted for Bam last week. My stepdad sent in his absentee ballot just a few days ago--hopefully it will be counted today; he never tells my mother who he votes for, but she thinks it was Obama. My aunt voted for Obama, plus a bunch of her friends. She also said my cousin is voting for Obama (get this: "even though her boyfriend is a Republican"--hard to believe we have the same bloodline....). My aunt also said my cousin just recently got her absentee ballot; based on that, I assume her vote will be in Montgomery County (and hopefully will also be counted today). I believe she is currently with the Nashville Ballet, so it's probably better she cast her vote here.
Shana [friend here in Cinci] also voted for Bam this morning. One Obama volunteer that called [several weeks ago] said 9 votes per district could've changed the outcome. Shana and I are two in this district in Hamilton County doing our part!
I also just called my sister [in SC] to remind her to vote, but she said she already early voted for Obama as well. And this part I absolutely love: she said she was still considering giving McCain a chance.... until Palin!
My dad, stepmother, stepsister, and stepgrandmother in Iowa also voted for Obama.
Need to get away for a little while, more later.
I feel good!
Just heard the news about Senator Obama's grandmother. Very sorry to hear it.
I was really hoping she'd hold out until after election day if not his inauguration. She chose to let go at this moment for a reason. She must have been in a lot of pain suffering from that cancer. Now she will be able to be with him all day tomorrow on such an important day, and most importantly, she won't be in any pain. His grief will also be offset by tomorrow's good news--perhaps a final selfless act for her grandson.
I'll be sending him strength thru my thoughts and prayers. I would take his grief if I could.
don't have much to report, but will try anyway.
i'm in ohio now. i got here in time to register here. (the reminders from the obama campaign helped!) i checked & i am in fact registered at this new address. plus, i have received one utility bill and one bank statement that i can take with me for proof of address.
my cousin carved obama's face into a pumpkin, which i uploaded as my profile photo. my mother early voted for obama. my stepdad has not made up his mind yet. but that is a very good sign since he usually votes republican. i will likely vote on election day as i still have some research to do on this new district.
being as out of the loop as i am during this transition period i'm going thru, i'm not terribly up to speed with politics like i used to be. internet access has been a major headache (i just recovered from a major meltdown of my computer). i injured my back moving furniture or boxes or something (that universal healthcare sure would be nice) and 1) am in pain sitting here even for this short period of time, 2) can't get my computer to accept a wireless internet connection so i can sit in a more comfortable place and for longer, 3) it hurts to get in and out of the car so going elsewhere isn't much of a good option either, and 4) i need to spend as much time at the computer job-hunting as possible. not the news junkie i used to be, even despite what i get from the tv. this pain is annoying as hell and getting real old and prohibitive at a time when i have a lot to do, but at least i am able to endure it until i am in a better spot financially. i will just have to for now balance the physical pain against the potential financial pain.
so anyway, i can't do as much as i'd like to. specifically neighbor-to-neighbor. but i do at least make the point to wear my obama gear when i get groceries. people do notice the logo, but i have only had one person come up and ask a question.
given all the chabot and mcpain signs around here, it looks like it will be a tough area. on the other hand, given the driehaus and obama signs, it doesn't seem to be as red as i thought it would be.
need to go now. more later.
Please sign this petition requesting a new wind farm be built on Coal River Mountain instead of mountaintop removal.
Please do so not only to keep the air & water cleaner, but for jobs in an economically depressed area.
Background:
Across southern West Virginia, Mountaintop Removal is destroying the potential for any alternative use of the mountains, uses that could provide lasting economic benefits and employment opportunities for the local communities. Coal River Mountain is being threatened with the same fate. A study conducted in 2007 showed that the ridges along Coal River Mountain exhibit the potential for the development of over 400 Megawatts of wind power. Further studies determined that a Coal River Mountain wind farm would contribute over 200 short-term construction jobs and 40-50 long-term maintenance jobs, while also providing Raleigh County and West Virginia with decades of clean, sustainable energy. In addition, a wind farm would allow for other uses of the land that would benefit our local communities, such as: sustainable forestry, tourism, and the harvesting of ginseng and other forest products. Strip-mining on Coal River Mountain, if allowed to proceed as planned, will forever destroy this opportunity.
OK, the external questions for Palin site is in its infancy, but viable. Please submit your questions (there and/or here) as well as posting discussions.
To help you get started, take a look at this opposition research document on Palin done by the Dems in 2006.
Or simply springboard from an article you read and the questions and thoughts you came away with.
Remember--the media have already balked on Palin, it is apparently up to the grass/netroots to lead this call for transparency and honesty.
Thanks for being a part of this!
"If he thinks that voters are going to believe his rhetoric on the campaign trail in the absence of any bipartisan record," wrote McCain campaign spokesman Tucker Bounds, "he's clearly underestimating the intelligence of the American people." [source]
First and foremost, I'm surprised the McSlacker campaign would mention the words 'absence' and 'record' in the same sentence. See my previous posts on that.
Secondly, it's the Repugs who always insult our intelligence. Their campaigns are entirely predicated on the voters not paying attention! Case in point: "'This election is not about issues,' said [McCain campaign manager Rick] Davis."
But let's discuss further since it's Monday, it's raining, I'm freezing, and I've been bloated with snark since the Palin announcement. Let's itemize the crap the McCain campaign is peddling that insults our intelligence.
1) Bridge to Nowhere: "Thanks, but no thanks." Actually, that's a factually true statement. First she said thanks, then when people kicked up a big stink she said no thanks. Another twist: "But she dropped her support after the state's likely share of the cost rose. She hung onto $27 million to build the approach road to the bridge."
2) Anti-pork: McAnti-earmark's running mate's small Alaska town got 20x the earmarks (the graph really drives the point home) per capita than the rest of the nation. The issue of earmarks themselves can be debated elsewhere, but I take issue with presenting oneself to the American people as an anti-earmark reformer.
3) Anti-lobbyist: Hired a lobbyist to secure pork for her town via the indicted Senator Ted Stevens. Let alone that McHypocrite's conduct with respect to lobbyists raises eyebrows.
4) Iraq war is a 'task from God': I appreciate the earnest attempt at objectivity, but God is not a commander on the ground. (Did you catch the part at the bottom where God wants us to drill too?) (And if she's got a direct line to God, can she hook me up with a winning lottery ticket? Oops--nevermind. I'll just move to Wasilla and wait for the pork to rain down on me.)
5) Agent of change: "The fact is that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have gotten too big and too expensive to the taxpayers." Um, yeah. Hard to affect change if you don't have a basic knowledge of how things work. Besides, they're not expensive to the taxpayers until Uncle Sam bails them out, as McCain supports (but that's understandable--Repugs take care of their own, and the aforementioned McCain campaign manager Rick Davis had to look out for his old buddies). (Or "I've been so focused on state government, I haven't really focused much on the war in Iraq." Or "Americans have got to understand that we are paying present-day retirees with the taxes paid by young workers in America today. And that's a disgrace.")
Enough for now.
A noun, a verb, and Hanoi Hilton.
What measures do you think would help reduce/prevent gun-related crime? One-a-month? Waiting periods? No gun shops near schools? Mandatory training (choose a weapon, take a training class during the waiting period, purchase the weapon only if a certificate of a completed training course has been presented/filed/put on record)? Do you think an increase in afterschool programs (and variety thereof) would reduce gangs and/or gun-related crime by minors? If so, what kind of programs? Sports, auto mechanics, web design??
Other preventative measures??
In reading the posts and comments in this group, I've sort of compartmentalized stuff in my mind to: hunting, ban vs. zero regulation, states rights, prevention, personal protection.
So, I'd like to kick off some discussion on ban vs. zero regulation. I have no affection for guns, but see no reason for a complete ban. Nor do I think a complete ban would work. I do, however, see serious need for regulation.
Do you support a firearm ban? Do you think one would work? Do you support a ban of some firearms (i.e. assault weapons)? Do you think a ban of some firearms would work? Do you think possession of a firearm is a Constitutionally-protected right and should not be touched/regulated in any way?
Other thoughts?
This post by Glenn Greenwald gives examples of Palin firing people (both as mayor and governor) to replace them with yes wo/men and cronies.
Another example of how a McCain presidency is just more years of Bush rule. [/gag]
