What is the cost of doing nothing ?
An American economy crippled by the spiraling costs of healthcare, American businesses or individuals who are unable to compete globally because our competitors have minimized their Health Care cost or in some cases offer none.
Health Care and Health Care Insurance are not the same thing .... some Health Care Insurance policies aren't worth the paper their printed because they cover very little. We cannot rely on Health Care Insurance policies if their are no standards on what minimums they have to cover. Preventative care should be covered for all so that expensive surgeries and procedures due to neglect are minimized.
Having a public HealthCare option makes good economic sense in the long run. We need to work towards phasing in a Single Payer system because the numerous for profit Health Care systems are not cost effective in the numbers they serve. A good first start would be establishing a centralized modern Information System network which could share Health Care information with every Major Health Care facility on an as needed basis. The ultimate goal would be that a U.S. Citizen enters any Hospital or treatment facility with his Social Security or Insurance plan number and a record of important healthcare information about the patient is made available so that nurses and doctors can have some basic information to better care for the patient. Example: A patient has a known allergy to various medications. This information alone could save many American Lives, prevent malpractice lawsuits and eliminate the costly and endless reiteration of basic patient information. Safe Guarding and verification of this centralized Information would have to be a number one priority of a National Health Care Organization; new Quantum Encryption technology could be used to safeguard the security of this data.
Maybe the answer is a Quasi Public Agency (Not unlike the U.S. Postal Service) single payer organization staffed with formerly practicing medical professionals with the goal of maximizing benefits at the lowest reasonable cost ?
We cannot rely on the private sector which is motivated by profit to serve the best interest of the American people. An efficient public or Quasi-Public Agency is needed to institute real change with the ultimate goal of a Single payer system. I urge you to consider these ideas so that we can move forward in providing healthcare for every American citizen in this country.
Please post your opinions on HealthCare here:
http://pol.moveon.org/public_option/?rc=homepage
Sincerely,
Vince Cipriano
United We Can !
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/vince
"This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless
we make it a good place for all of us to live in." -Theodore Roosevelt
Barack's Inaugural Speech was both sobering and inspirational ....
Its urgent that we participate in offering both solutions and support for our new government.
Its time to dream again .... Big Dreams .... not of what is .... but a bright new future for America and the world.
Carpe Diem !
-Vince ;-}
"This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in."
-Theodore Roosevelt
Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on what we as American's are greatful for.
Thanks to all of you on the MYBO blog who cajouled, rallied, donated their time and money and shared their thoughts and ideas on all the pressing issues of our time. I'm greatful and proud that I live in a country in which we as a people can come together and move this country forward. Its a true testament to the vitality of our democracy.
I'm greateful that for the first time in my life I could cast my vote for a presidential candidate without any reservations and that a great majority of Americans have vindicated my long held beliefs on what needs to change in this country.
For President-elect Barack Obama and his incredible team of advisers who are moving forward with the presidential transition.
I'm grateful for a great American ... Howard Dean who paved the way for the presidential and congressional victories that will help in transforming our nation as we move forward. Howard's Fifty State strategy has made all the difference and I wish him well in what ever endeavor he pursues next .
Know this .... we in the blogosphere influenced the outcome of this past election and that we will continue to play an important role in the direction our country.
Many people have posed the question about what comes next.
My short answer ....This is only the beginning .... of a new American democracy.
A journey that will require all of us to participate on the pressing issues of our time.
Lets be thankful for everything we have and remember that we live in a country in which our goals and aspirations can be fulfilled .... if we believe in ourselves and our fellow citizens.
Happy Thanksgiving !
Vince Cipriano ;-}
P.S. Say a prayer for peace in Mumbai India that has been under seige by terrorists.
http://www.cnn.com/
"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
It feels like we've traveled a long road together. Twenty One Months ago Barack launched his bid for the White House....The primary was a nail biter and it all comes down to tomorrows presidential election.
I'm upbeat but still a little nervous about the outcome.
As a rule I don't trust polls .... what I do trust is the American people.
If you haven't done so yet .... VOTE .... don't let anyone stand in your way.
Vote and remind others to Vote !
Don't trust poll numbers .... Our Democracy needs you to participate.
Warning: Here comes the Sports Metaphor.
Think of your Vote as a Basketball going through a hoop.
We Vote we Score ....
Now lets make this a Slam Dunk tomorrow !
Obama/Biden '08 ..... Hope and a new direction.
It’s time for a true pragmatist to lead the country.
Leading Off By Wick Allison, EDITOR IN CHIEF
Conservatism to me is less a political philosophy than a stance, a recognition of the fallibility of man and of man’s institutions. Conservatives respect the past not for its antiquity but because it represents, as G.K. Chesterton said, the democracy of the dead; it gives the benefit of the doubt to customs and laws tried and tested in the crucible of time. Conservatives are skeptical of abstract theories and utopian schemes, doubtful that government is wiser than its citizens, and always ready to test any political program against actual results.
This a very positive sign that Americans of all backgounds and political persuasions can come together around Obama's steadfast leadership.
Complete editorial here: http://www.dmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?nm=Core+Pages&type=gen&mod=Core+Pages&tier=3&gid=B33A5C6E2CF04C9596A3EF81822D9F8E
Obama / Biden '08 .... Change we can believe in !
Video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-R5Vh5tOWk&feature=related
Its not a future we can allow to happen.
Obama / Biden '08 .... Hope and a New Direction.
A Veteran for Obama !
A Conservative for Obama: My party has slipped its moorings.
Conservatism to me is less a political philosophy than a stance, a recognition of the fallibility of man and of man’s institutions. Conservatives respect the past not for its antiquity but because it represents, as G.K. Chesterton said, the democracy of the dead; it gives the benefit of the doubt to customs and laws tried and tested in the crucible of time. Conservatives are skeptical of abstract theories and utopian schemes, doubtful that government is wiser than its citizens, and always ready to test any political program against actual results. This a very positive sign that Americans of all backgounds and political persuasions can come together around Obama's steadfast leadership.
Obama / Biden .... Change we can believe in !
Open Letter to Republicans and Independents:
I'm a former independent voter a fiscal conservative, a veteran and a concerned citizen. I recognized nearly Eight years ago that our country was heading down a really bad path. I want to urge all Republicans and Independent voters to come out in support of Barack Obama. I know conservative Democrats whose ethics and values are more conservative than most Republicans. I have Republican friends that are more liberal than some Democrats. Even independent centrists who lean both Right or Left. In many instances party affiliations have become meaningless.
We are American Citizens First ... and your country needs you ?
What really matters is that America is the sum of its people ... Left, Right and Center. We need to learn from our mistakes ... rather than repeat them. We as Americans will rise or fall together.
The politics of division has brought us all to this historic moment ... our countries very survival as a bastion of free democracy is threatened. Our military resources are stretched on a war of undetermined length with no defined and achievable goal. We are facing a financial meltdown that is global in scope which threatens whats left of our prosperity and no clear consensus on how to resolve it.
We need to think .... long and hard about what "Trickle Down" and this so called "Free Market Economy" has done to our nation. The recession that Bush wants to avert .... came to Main Street long before it came to Wall Street. Just ask the Steel Workers and the line assembly workers and farmers who have lost their jobs to the lowest bidders overseas. Our priorities are all wrong. Allowing American businesses to escape paying any taxes at all ... by allowing them to setup their headquarters offshore. Allowing predatory lending practices to exploit those without verifiable incomes .... many of who lost their good paying jobs long ago in exchange for low wage jobs making it impossible to afford a home.
We allowed for profit Health Care to eat into the profits of businesses and average citizens alike at costs that are not sustainable. We have treated "the defenders of our democracy" ... our Veterans shabbily with insufficient funding for their needs. Elders on fixed incomes many of whom fought in WWII .... being charged for overpriced medications. Its just not right !
Our common bonds .... We are all proud Americans that want a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. We all want an America to prosper again. We can squabble over how that can be achieved but we do know what has worked in the past. To get started we need a return to real traditional values ... not rhetoric. Rather than coddle our children we need to teach our children the importance of discipline, education, hard work and how to manage money. We need to respect and reward the value of hard work, honesty and philanthropy rather than promote easy money, golden parachutes and unrestrained greed.
We need to find ways to lift all of our people up .... rather than tearing our people down by outsourcing their jobs.
We need to solve our domestic energy needs with a commitment to Energy Independence within a decade. No excuses .... lets just do it !
We need to reward innovation in Science and Technology again while respecting those of all religious faiths.
We need to educate all our citizens with the understanding that is an investment in our future .... if we hope to compete in global markets.
We need to teach civic responsibility in our schools and by rewarding those who give their time to the betterment of our nation and its communities.
We need leaders that are looking out for all Americans ... not just for power, money and influence.
None of this will be easy .... We must resolve to hold our government accountable and transparent ... both Democrats and Republicans alike.
Its time to Wake Up America !
American citizenship comes with an obligation to participate and safeguard our freedom and democracy.
American citizenship must come first .... Party Affiliation must comes Second.
Barack is the only candidate funded by the people .... not special interests.
Make Your Vote Count. Our nation is counting on you.
For Hope and a New Direction.
Vote for Obama / Biden '08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdJUCU1UH2w
Lets take this Viral !
Obama / Biden '08 .... the change we need.
A Veteran for Obama.
The following is a video reminder of what's at stake in this election.
Lets go viral with this.
Obama /Biden '08 .... the change we need.
.... Close is only good for horseshoes and hand grenades.
All,
Barack is winning over conservatives in greater numbers than usual.
Christopher Buckley, the son of the late conservative icon William F. Buckley, said Friday he's decided to back Barack Obama's White House bid, the first time in his life he will vote Democrat.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/10/a-buckley-endorses-obama/
Barack delivered a very strong performance in the last debate.
McCain's V.P. pick of Palin marginalized his chances for the White House leaving the Republican ticket with only Two political tools left, character assassination of Obama and Biden and making promises you cannot keep.
Its time to press our advantage.
Lets seal the deal and deliver real change to the White House.
Lets re-double our efforts to win this race.
Please donate what you can afford Nwow on my fundraising page and I'll match it.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/UNITEDWECAN
Obama/Biden '08 ..... Hope and a new direction !
A Veteran for Obama
Thanks for all you do for Barack, Michelle and Joe.
.... for horseshoes and hand grenades.
and hand grenades.
Please donate what you can afford Now on my fundraising page and I'll match it.
Recently, I had a very un-pleasent reminder that racism still lurks in our country.
I'm a second generation Italian American that lives and works in the Greater Boston Area ... a relatively progressive part of the country. I have proudly displayed my Veterans for Obama sticker on my vehicle for nearly a year. While driving to a store over this weekend with my Youngest (11 Year old) and Oldest (22 Year Old) daughters as passengers we reached a traffic jam. A White Cadillac behind us starts honking and at first I thought it was just someone being impatient ...then the driver of the White Cadillac starts screaming obscenities .... referring to Barack Obama with the dreaded N***** word. This went on for a couple of minutes and my oldest daughter was about to lose her cool, wanting to respond (Heck ...I wanted to respond).... then I told her not to respond ... that the driver a middle aged nordic looking fellow wanted attention and was trying to intimidate us. After Three minutes more of these obscenities ... the driver drove off.
I have had the rewarding experience of working along side Americans of every ethnicity and backgrounds in both my military and professional career.
It saddens me deeply that ignorance and racism still lurks in the country I love so much. After 35 years I still don't understand what motivates this kind of behavior ... especially from people who profess to be christians ?
We are all brothers and sisters .... it's time to Move our country forward. We must succeed in delivering new and progressive leadership in our country at all levels of government. Beyond sending Barack Obama and Joe Biden to the White House we need a democratic majority in both the House and Senate to secure a progressive agenda for all Americans.
Barack the Vote !
Recently, I had a very un-pleasent reminder that racism still lurks in our country. I'm a second generation Italian American that lives and works in the Greater Boston Area ... a relatively progressive part of the country. I have proudly displayed my Veterans for Obama sticker on my vehicle for nearly a year. While driving to a store over this weekend with my Youngest (11 Year old) and Oldest (22 Year Old) daughters as passengers we reached a traffic jam. A White Cadillac behind us starts honking and at first I thought it was just someone being impatient ...then the driver of the White Cadillac starts screaming obscenities .... referring to Barack Obama with the dreaded N***** word. This went on for a couple of minutes and my oldest daughter was about to lose her cool, wanting to respond (Heck ...I wanted to respond).... then I told her not to respond ... that the driver a middle aged nordic looking fellow wanted attention and was trying to intimidate us. After Three minutes more of these obscenities ... the driver drove off.
We are all brothers and sisters .... it's time to Move our country forward.
We must succeed in delivering new and progressive leadership in our country at all levels of government. Beyond sending Barack Obama and Joe Biden to the White House we need a democratic majority in both the House and Senate to secure a progressive agenda for all Americans.
I'm a former independent voter a fiscal conservative, a veteran and a concerned citizen. I recognized nearly Eight years ago that our country was heading down a really bad path. I want to urge all Republicans and Independent voters to come out in support of Barack Obama. I know conservative Democrats whose ethics and values are more conservative than most Republicans. I have Republican friends that are more liberal than some Democrats. Even independent centrists who lean both Right or Left. In most instances party affiliations have become meaningless.
We are American Citizens First and our country needs you ?
We need to think .... long and hard about what "Trickle Down" and this so called "Free Market Economy" has done to our nation. The recession that Bush wants to avert .... came to Main Street long before it came to Wall Street. Just ask the Steel Workers and the line assembly workers and farmers who have lost their jobs to the lowest bidders overseas. This has weakened our consumer based driven economy. Our priorities are all wrong. We have allowed tax loopholes for American businesses to avoid taxes altogether. Allowed Predatory lending practices to exploit those without verifiable incomes ....many of which had already lost their good paying jobs in exchange for low wage service jobs that make home ownership unaffordable.
We allowed for profit Health Care to eat into the profits of both businesses and average citizens alike at costs that are no longer sustainable. We have treated "the defenders of our democracy" our Veterans and active military shabbily with insufficient funding for their needs. We have burdened our elders on fixed incomes with overpriced medications and an overly complex medicare system many of which fought in WW II and Korea defending our democracy.
Our common bonds .... We are all proud Americans we all want a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. We all want an America to prosper again. We can squabble over how that can be achieved but we do know what has worked in the past. To get started we need a return to real traditional values ... not rhetoric. Rather than coddle our children we need to teach our children the importance of discipline, education, hard work and how to manage money rather than promote easy money, golden parachutes and unrestrained greed. We need to be second to none in education and training to keep our people competitive in the global market.
We need to educate all our citizens with the understanding that its an investment in our future .... if we hope to compete in global markets.
Vince ;-}
That was a Vice-Presidential debate ?
Finished watching what was billed as a Vice-Presidential debate. Gov. Palin was bubbly and charming and sounded like she was giving a press conference at a beauty pageant contest rather than debating with Senator Biden. Palin did her best impression of a Mid-western folksey kind of soccer mom. Ignoring most of the questions she spent most of her time giving some kind of stump speech about how she and John McCain where Maverick's and would Reform Washington and root out the corruption on Wallstreet. But near the end she looked like a deer blinded by headlights ,,,, about to get run over as Biden refuted every one of her platitudes.
At one point I thought I was watching a spelling Bee.lol
Maverick .... M A V E R I C K ..... Maverick
Biden was polite and clearly pointed out the differences between an Obama/Biden administration and the McCain/Palin ticket.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jE96K01YO24
Way to go Joe !
