I graduated from college. I have been lectured on a number of subjects - as has a huge percentage of the population. Normally, I require my lecturer to present credentials indicating his or her “qualifications” to lecture. Even with the most impeccable credentials - I reserve the right to disagree. OK - I just wanted to “lay the groundwork” as some are inclined to say. I was so inclined.
I could choose any of many targets of the rant I am about to launch. I most likely will not limit myself to just one. That would be like eating one potato chip.
I almost began this paragraph with the rant - but it occurs to me - that in the unlikely event anyone should read this - they may wonder of my credentials......................................... Fine. Now that I have coved that I am fired up; ready to go.
Global warming. No lectures here - just a note to point out a fact. The fact is the ice upon which Polar Bears are partial is melting. One can prove this to oneself my getting on a boat in Alaska and heading North. Now a point of reference will be required. Ask the Captain, and he/she will be happy to show pictures of the exact location upon which you are - or are about to gaze. Then - lots of ice. Now - not so much. What happens to ice? It has been my experience that it melts at temperatures above 32 degrees fahrenheit. Unless Putin reared his head and stole some ice bergs - we can safely assume the ice melted. Melting=warming. So why in the name of Aunt Nellie are we debating the subject? I believe conservatives have grown so accustomed to being proved to be on the wrong side of history so many times - they don’t want to break the tradition. So their position? No, the Earth is not getting warmer. God took the ice.
Rep. John Boehner. Now this man may love his family and pet the dog, but what is up with the tanning and the hair? Not to mention the $85,000 of our money he spent playing golf. One would need to get into the tanning bed once a day to maintain that color. As for the hair, many men elect to wear a rug, but I believe if I were to do so, I would intentionally get a strand or six out of place at least weekly. Not John. EXACTLY the same every second of every day. John complaints quite often about the lack of ideas from President Obama. John has been in DC for too many years to count and has no sponsored legislation. No ideas. John - just hush.
Sarah Palin. I find there is nothing to say. Sarah is what she is, and if that turns one on - so be it. Five small colleges in five years to get a Bachelor degree. Reads nothing, but burns the books instead. Failed to point out Iraq on an unmarked Globe. Practices witchcraft. Shoots endangered animals from a helicopter. In other words, directly follower her birth - her parents took her to the Standard station and filled her head with air. It was free then.
Sean Hannity. I have no problem with any person coming from a completely opposite political than I. To establish any credibility - the most ardent opponent of any president will agree with that president on something. At least once. Or disagree at least once with a supported president. Folks - not once. Not one time has Sean disagreed with Bush nor one time agreed with Obama. Lost? Credibility. It clearly indicates this is a person who jumps into the conservative foxhole and never comes out. Actually Sean would know nothing of foxholes since he like an amazing percentage of conservative talking heads refused any manner of military service. They do not however have any problem with letting others fight. Sean - no credibility and a coward to boot.
As for myself, I was anti-Bush from the beginning. Fell off you seat did you? However on at least several occasions I found myself defending the man on various issues. Now, having said all this - it is equally bad for one to openly say they agree with something - just to try proving they look at all sides. I generally like Chris Matthews, and yes he is clearly from the left. On a sufficient number of occasions over the years, Chris defended the Bush folks to establish at least a marginal degree of openness. However, on a number of occasions I knew he was gagging on his own words.
It is cool and raining in central Florida. This does not make me exactly fill with joy - but I am willing to let the weather do what it sees fit. Well - I really blame Richard Nixon - but that’s another story.
I am trying to imagine how a Republican gets ready to make a pronouncement “That the Health Care Reform bill simply is more big government spending”. We have all heard each of them - with a straight face - make that statement. Is it drugs? Do they take a few hits before going out in public? Does Tom Delay still run things from Texas - with a gun to their heads? OR Is it just plain old-fashioned stupidity? Has to be one or a combination thereof.
Ah.................Mr and Mrs and Ms Republican - YOU are the big spenders in Washington. The proof is there. Have you already forgotten 2000 - 2006? Well, have you? No, No, GOP that old dog simply is sound asleep and will definitely NOT hunt.
Update New York. the right, financed by Fox and hyped by Fox. The 23ed Congressional District of NY. The tea baggers were out in force. Sean Hannity flat-out said Hoffman’s victory was signed, sealed, and delivered. Palin, Beck, and the Drugster were there. They all prepared for the big takeover by the wing-nuts. WELL dumb-butts - it did not happen did it? The Democrat candidate won !!!!!!!!!!!! Shall I repeat that Sean?
So, tea party goers. put away the tea and return to the hard stuff. You have fooled absolutely no one. Oh yes, the 20% hate everything, including Black folks, will continue to make noise. Let them. Meanwhile Obama and company will continue to blaze past them - leaving dirt in their mouths. But they have tea to wash it down. :)
The GOP: Opposed Social Security - but do you hear any of them in either chamber calling for elimination? Opposed the integration of schools in 1954. Opposed Medicare - but again all they need to is refuse payment. ????????????? I’m not hearing anything. Oh yes, let us not forget they opposed the right for women to vote. They even opposed putting round tires on cars - thought square tires were the way to go.
The GOP: Motto: “WE ARE 100% OPPOSED TO IT”. IT? Doesn’t matter, it’s an automatic response.
By the way righties - how is your new Bible coming? The one which removes all references to things you disagree with. The addition of whole new passages. The inspired word of God? or the uninspired word of kooks. It is to go on sale in January. For those who think this a joke - it is not. A group of right-wing preachers are actually planning it. The faithful await the New Word.
The GOP: Sad NOT FOR US - but a sad lot of 18th Century non-thinkers.
Robert Boseley
PS - Why is everyone so silent these days. Is there no way to get folks to engage?
There was a time so-called “conservatives” just caused me to shake my head in disbelief. There were also times I got a bit angry. Now my only emotion is amusement. I say only emotion - but that is not completely true. The amusement is too often followed by disbelief and anger.
I have more about conservatives, but I must digress. The media. They have gone far beyond reason. They, particularly the cable talkers, perhaps passed that line long ago - but making today’s races in New Jersey and Virginia a referendum on Barack Obama is “making news in a bottle”. It also is a slap across the faces of the residents of those states - indicating they have no idea that they are voting for governors. Listen up media. They are voting for governors. They are voting for governors. This election is no more about Obama than it is about how I should treat my prostate cancer. Poor media. They are still trying to rebound from the great balloon chase. Not one “thinking” human believed that piece of foil with a small amount of helium could carry even a 50 pound child. When caught - the media called for the scalp of the father. And mother. Take the kids and place them in a wonderful foster home. NUTS. I actually think America needs more families who don’t stick their heads in the sand and try to “look like every other person”. Yes they may have cost the stupid sheriff’s department a dime or two - but it was they who were hooked by the bait. What the media needs is another “beautiful” white woman - preferably pregnant - to disappear. (Note I did not say GO MISSING).
Oh well - back to the conservatives. According to the institution mentioned in the last paragraph - conservatives woke up last Thursday morning and concluded the government is “too large”. Now understand, a great amount of that “getting bigger” was accomplished under a conservative administration. Hello???
Too large. At what point does a government become “TOO” large? Is there an unpublished formula? When George Washington presided over the government - I presume the government was small. However, “large” is a relative term. As the population increased, and more states were added, I am fairly certain the government would become larger. It would have more members of Congress. It would need more money. As time marched on - the government - grew. Son of a *****, I would never have guessed. BUT we crossed over to too large last Thursday. Fact: According to a Gallop poll - virtually no-one knows what conservatism actually is. Today’s conservatives fall into a group who “just say no”. No health care reform. No, to whatever policy Obama is for. No to equal rights and protections - AS STATED IN THE CONSTITUTION! NO - the climate is not warming; and we don’t need all those Polar Bears. The water flowing from the great ice-fields is not really water. Conservatives believe granny Sarah Palin should lead the free world. I can see Russia from my house. Where do you believe Putin goes when he REARS HIS HEAD? Why he comes to Alaska of course. And I am still looking for a way for a human to REAR one’s head. What does that mean?
Rest will Bill Buckley.
Amused in Florida.
Time Out ! OK now try to pay attention.
Rush Limbaugh is bent completely out of shape :) because he claims he was once misquoted. Perhaps.
Rush, when you go on radio, which YOU insist on having on video each day, and openly make fun of those suffering from Parkinson’s - you gave up any right to complain about anything. So just waddle over to the mirror and you will see a poor excuse for a human.
My Aunt has had Parkinson’s for several years, and daily fights the battle. She, as did millions, saw and heard your rant about Parkinson's. You Rush, are responsible for sending her into a deep depression. AND neither you not any defender can deny what you said and how you threw your body around - imitating a Parkinson's patient.
Now someone claims you made a statement about slavery. You say you never said it. FINE Rush. I don’t need anything other than the Parkinson’s incident to dislike you on every level. I heard and saw it. This one you will never deny. You are a pathetic excuse for a human.
As for the St. Louis Rams - I could not care less. I lived in STL for 30 years. They deserve you.
I am about to come to a conclusion that I simply do not understand anything about American culture. I was born here. So were my parents, and their parents. I point that out only to indicate I should understand. I don’t.
Am I correct - we moved into the 21st Century a few years back? I honestly believe we did, but all the evidence seems to say we did not. WE elected the first African-American to be our President. (English teachers will grind their teeth at that sentence). Eleven months after that - racism as practiced in times passed has not changed that much. There is still a core of perhaps 25% of Americans who hold fast to the notion that non-whites simply can not be allotted the same level of respect as the wonderful white man. A large majority of the 25% are non-voters. When they got their teeth in and had someone read to them - they realized a Black man was in charge. Add to this group the so-called Conservatives - and you get Tea Parties. You get folks who insist this...this.....a.....Black man WILL is NOT going to be THEIR leader. No way.
Tea Parties, Birthers, Deathers, and fake town-hall meetings are born. The run of the mill Republican politicians saw this and joined in. The official position of the right and the GOP as stated by several of their leaders:
We will oppose anything this man proposes. We will sit on our hands and be of no assistance on helping right the horrible health-care mess. We will feel quite free to disrespect the American President. Stand in join session and call him a liar. We will attack every move he makes. [These idiots spent two weeks harping because he was away from the WH overnight to help bring the Olympics to America.] Whatever decision the president makes in regard to Afghanistan - we will oppose it. Our motto for as long as a Black man is president will be “just say no”. WE after all are the masters.
I mentioned conservatives. I call them so-called simply because most have no clue as to the real and original meaning of conservatism. Has nation building been a long-time belief of conservatives? NO Was the wild spending of the Bush administration a long-held vision of conservatism? NO Actually, were anyone so inclined to research the subject - one would find today’s conservatism closer to liberal than to conservative.
I will not limit this to berating the GOP and conservatives. Harry Reid could not “lead” a tricycle parade. The Speaker is a lightening rod. She should realize this and, for the good of the House and the president’s agenda, step aside. Lack of leadership in both houses of congress is largely responsible for most of the criticism now being aimed at Barack Obama.
The media. These air-heads are so used to covering people who are basically brain-dead - they don’t know what to think or say about a person of high intellect. Make a decision today Mr. President. Why “think” about it. Pull the trigger. I no longer listen to the pundits. Morning Joe will spend every single moment analyzing Mr. Obama’s every move and statement. He smiles too much, one of the crew said. He walks too fast said another. I really believe we will see hidden cameras in the living quarters at some point. Fox is working on it. Join me in turning them off.
I began by saying I don’t understand anything about American culture. That is a fact. But it pales as to what I don’t understand about the religious right. Have you heard? They are going to publish their own Bible. The one they use now has some passages which displease them. (But they still proclaim the Bible to be inspired by the word of God). So, any line or verse or word which does not support their view of the world will be stricken from the new Bible. Then the pastor’s of the right will hold the Bible, wave it above their head and proclaim it “The Word of God”. This is so stupid, I thought it a joke when I first heard it. Unfortunately it is no joke. Look for the new and improved Bible at local bookshops in March 2010. Expect heavy discounts.
What a country !
rboseley@me.com
Folks can tell me that the flap over the President’s “s p e e c h’ to a bunch of elementary kids is not about race until their faces turn blue. OR some other color. A lady on my street was taken to some far off planet about ten years ago - spent a year up (or down) there. I may as well speak with her about this. The anti-president folks fall in the same hole. OH, but they won’t admit it - they are Christian folks. Christian folks believe in seeing good in people and assisting those who are in trouble. It goes like this - an actual “sermon” from the pulpit last Sunday : “I HOPE OBABMA GETS BRAIN CANCER AND DIES LIKE KENNEDY”. Isn’t it nice to know that the Christians are in such good hands? My pet snake is more of a Christian.
I know the people. I am thinking of one who represents all the others. She’s a fine Christian lady - never misses a service. She is a known Black hater going back to when I met her at age 24. We are both now 68. Vote? Far too much trouble to go down there and wait in line with “them”. So she is part of that 30% I predict sat out the election - hoping and indeed praying - that The Good Lord (did you know he’s white?? - would prevent a Black man from becoming president.
NO, she would wait until all the little things came along, then manage her 300 pounds down to the meeting to protest. “We can’t have this man coming into our schools and making socialists and God knows what else out of little children. He should stay home.: Unfortunately, she has about thirty grand-kids who you know have had this hate drilled into the since birth.
George Bush was “reading” to students at the moment if 9/11. I don’t recall the outrage. Yes, he was white wasn’t he. Reagan spoke to kids, as did Carter and Clinton.
This is about race. In fact - that 30% is using its surprising “power” (they elect members of our wonderful congress) to undermine this president. Not alone. There were those tens of thousands who hold the feeling a bit closer. But they will come out in groups. Safety in numbers - especially when old Gus has his loaded six-shooter at the ready. If Gus needs help - well their are the morons (by definition) standing around with automatics.
“Don’t you dare make us a socialist country”, they yell. Sit down folks. America IS a socialist nation. Medicare and Medicaid are socialist programs. Wake up before the coffee is cold.
I’ll bet the little green persons from “up there” are watching - on Fox. These numb butts would be the perfect people to “visit”. Little Green Folks - do us all a favor. Come get them and keep them. They can find something on your planet to protest. OH GEZZ, I forgot - they hat green people.
America. What the hell is America? What’t that? “A country on the North American continent”. Well that would be one America. I’m trying to figure which one I reside in. That must be the one - got Canada to the North and Mexico to the South. Russia up at the extreme North-West according to some air-head ex governor.
The America I find myself in contains a majority who don’t give a Tinker’s damn how many folks die from lack of ability to pay medical bills. 30% who hate everyone who is not exactly like them - one tooth and all. Got a Congress with a huge majority of members whose primary task is to dip into other’s pockets and pretend to work.
Today I found - I think they are part of the toothless 30% - who believe the President of the United States must not speak to second grade classes. Brainwashing don’t you know.
Yes, I think I have it figured out - I know where I “live”. Home of the free, land of the brave. Would that be the brave folks who strapped on guns to go to a town-hall meeting? Would that be the free folks who hassled the woman in a wheelchair? Yes - that’s the one.
90% of “My fellow citizens” who happen to have health care don’t care one bit what happens to those who don’t. Too stupid to understand they wind up paying for those who don’t. Yes, that’s us. High school graduates who know what forth graders in other countries know.
Toothless, goobers who put a spoon up their behinds, believing that’t the end one eats with. After all - they spew so much S**** from their mouths - food must go below!
But something is wrong with this picture. The goobers don’t have sufficient brain power to thing for themselves. No - the let Rush do their so-called thinking. Rush Limbaugh - too much of a littoral chicken to serve his country in the military. BUY very much in favor of sending your sons and daughters. They mean nothing to him. Rush is still so high on drugs he hardly knows what he says.”I hope that Black SOB gets killed in his first year”, says Rush.
I have done all I can do. I am ashamed of my country.NO, not my country - just those brain-dead country bumpkin goobers who seem to get their way.
I refuse any more talk. The people I have seen running around at meetings the last 2 months don’t deserve my efforts.
Baptist Minister: “I hope Obama gets brain cancer and dies like that SOB Kennedy”. AH but he is a Christian !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The man actually believes that.
The GOP: No ideas. No suggestions. So they fan the flames of hate.
To the Governor of Texas - the yet outed Perry - take your GD state and all its dumb ass residents and GO. Become part of Old Mexico. You would all fit right in. Get those silk underwear off Rick.
Michele Bachman. Rush Limbaugh. Glen Beck. And many others. Leaders of the Republican party? I presume so - but there is another group they lead. I call them “The Haters”. Everyone of us knows that somewhere around 30% of the people in this country are quite simply mad as hell because we have a Black President and Black First Lady. Most of them are non-voters. Too much trouble. Much easier to run the mouth.
Virtually all the haters identify themselves as Christians. Perhaps they are. I am not permitted to judge. One minister said from the pulpit “ I hope Obama gets brain cancer and dies like Kennedy”. Yes I suppose that is the new face of Christians. Rush hopes Obama fails which means he hopes America fails. Beck is trying to convince the haters that Obama’s health plan calls for death boards.
Haters. Down in life. Not much to exist for. They blame everyone but themselves. Always hated Blacks and here is a golden opportunity to “get them”. Many tote guns around. The official position of the GOP is to destroy the president - at any cost. They have put it in those exact terms.
Not being a hater, I can not imagine what life is like for them. Get up in the morning - eat a pound of bacon - then begin ranting. Rush will be along at noon to help them along. They hate every single person on Earth who is not a clone of themselves. They hate Catholics and Jews, They hate blacks. They hate people who have a dime. I know them. I was born in a state where they are the majority. At 18, I was gone from that horrible place. But I remember the haters - Oh how I remember.
Where is the outrage? Everyday we here something more terrible than the day before. “I hope Obama gets brain cancer? We hear it. What else do we do? Sit back and watch and listen? What simply amazes me is that mainstream Republicans embrace the haters. Christians embrace them. Where is that “famous” Texas minister - the one who purchased a stadium. Why is he not on TV blasting the haters? Because he is one of them?
Does the Secret Service have a new policy with regard to Obama? Sure seems so. Even if it might be legal to run around playing cowboy - with a gun strapped to the hip - it has always been unacceptable for a gun to be within just yards of the president. The yell “GUN” was sounded and the potential assassin was removed. Haters in the Secret Service?
God grant us peace.
Perhaps you own a business. If not - imagine that you do. Do you, or would you, allow your employees to “work” like our Congress? Probably not. I did not just fall off the truck - so I can take unto account that members of congress do need to get back to their states or districts to “talk with constituents”. I also know that not all work is done on the floor of either chamber. However, I am convinced that members of congress, who are OUR employees - have no one to watch over them. For all I know, my member of congress may sleep until 10:00. Most sessions begin at 10:00 - but virtually no one is there at that time - and on many days at no time! Got a committee meeting. Need to study a piece of legislation. We cannot forget the “vacation” time. Can’t work fifty weeks. How about thirty? And the work-week will be from 10:00am on Tuesdays until noon Thursday. No, we would expect more of our employees - and we or a manager would be around to oversee things.
Let’s take this a step further. You and I own and operate a business which makes those famous widgets. We supply about one-hundred retailers. However, we don’t much care for being around the plant - so we just leave things to run itself. No manager, no one to be responsible - no time clocks. It would be a short time before our customers would be calling. Did not get my supply this week. It seems our employees are working only when they “feel” like it. You get the picture. Wouldn’t you love to know exactly what your senators and members of the house do each day? Is it possible they are sitting in their office - door closed - watching something on TV? Or they may be getting in another round of golf. Who really knows?
We are told our health care system is broken. I know it’s expensive - but it costs about $80 per hour to get our cars worked on. I am not shocked that it would cost more to have my body worked on. Too much? OK, let’s assume it is broken - and we have given the job to congress to repair. Don’t hold your breath. What our 535 employees are doing is behaving like a class of third graders. No one will agree with anyone on anything. The Republicans have taken the position that defeating the president is far more important. They have adopted the position that health care is just fine - so they say NO to everything.
I dream of having the galleries of both chambers filled with congressional supervisors. Make sure all members are present at least 90% of the time. Grade them on how much they contribute to debate. Stop the two hour lunch breaks. I in fact seriously think members should punch-in and out. A report put up on the net so we can all see if our employees are working. Give them deadlines. Have a bill on the president’s desk by close of business November 10th. Failure will result in a new election.
Think about it. Congress is the only group of employees who just simply have no one to report to. Oh yeah, elections. Why are incumbents reelected overwhelmingly? I believe one reason is we just have no idea what they do - so we may as well send them back. Congress - the only group of employees who can fail consistently and get by with it.
Until we assume our role as boss and crack the whip - congress will continue to do absolutely nothing. Why should they?
Can private insurance companies complete on a level field with a government sponsored program? Now any question about it. Out there in the real world, not-for-profits compete against for-profits every day - very successfully.
I will go out on a limb here ( I used to work out on those very limbs for 30 years) and tell you that not-for-profit hospitals “make more money” than for-profits. The term “make more money is complex. I know personally of many NFP’s whose retained earnings make the FP across the street look like a piggy bank. 501(c)(3) hospitals are “required” to accept a % of CHARITY PATIENTS each year. What they do is simply write-off the uncollectible as charity. It is hardly charity when you have done everything legal and illegal to collect, but cannot.
In many parts of the country, the most popular watering holes are exempt clubs like Moose, VFW, KOC, and many country clubs. Yet the for profits seem to do their share.
Just a s point of clarification - not-for-profit has to do with motive - not what actually comes into the till.
BC/BS can compete very well against the government. Most companies now sell Medicare Advantage accounts - which actually replaces Medicare as primary. I listened to a rep from BC/BS sell my elderly Dad such a policy - and he could not give a single “advantage”. But he sold the policy - because my Dad is 96 and not fully aware.
SO, if some of you believe that competing against the government is unfair - a bit of homework is in order.
With the current coalition in place - it’s now or never for healthcare reform. And if it turns out Not - remember there will be no Medicare. Should make all those anti Socialist’s happy. (As they dig through garbage for a bite to eat).
THE SCENE:
A FORTH GRADE CLASS, IN ANYTOWN,USA.
Teacher: Now class, we have these five books, which all of you are eager to take home. It will take about 5 days for each of you to fully read and comprehend the very interesting information about Mars. The problem is we only have 14 days of school remaining - and there are 20 of you. Now I am going to step out of the classroom, and I am giving you one hour to come up with a solution to our problem. Remember, it must be a plan which makes all of you happy. See you in one hour.
Nine year olds not capable of making such a plan? Think again. This actually happened last school year in a suburb of Orlando. The kids came up with a remarkable “sharing” arrangement. By the time of the final bell on the final day - everyone of these kids got to spend “sufficient” time reading and looking at the amazing pictures in the book.
Think Washington. 535 elected (plus shadows) members of our ADULT congress - all the time and money they need - and they “the task is just way over their heads”. Can’t do it. The don’t act adult. The don’t act like forth graders. As a matter of fact - observe a loosely run 1st grade - and that will be a mirror of congress.
I don’t like what he said. That bill would cost me votes with my people. REALLY - it makes me want to get aboard the next flight to Washington - get in the gallery - and them these rotten, criminal, lazy bums a piece of my mind. Two things. Congress is on vacation. (number 5 of 10) - and I would just get a night in the D.C. jail.
Where are the VOICES of the left? Talk radio - which I literally run from - and the leftovers from the Atwater School of Dirty Tricks remain. The country is said to be split down the middle. The right has Rush, Sean, Glen, Adam, Laura, Ann and at least one local in every town and village. Spitting out hate 24/7. Now let’s think - who do we have? MSNBC has come somewhat to the rescue - but look for GE to put the claps on that operation sooner rather that later. NBC News is already feeling the extreme heat, So how does Fox continue? We already answered that. They feed off the huge base built for them by aforementioned. Everyone from the right eventually gets ditched. Bill Press can hold his own - but he is doing local radio in California We need voices. MoveOn does a solid job - but they are known only by us - and pounded well into the Earth each day by the wing-nuts.
Fixing healthcare in America is not optional. I heard one questioner ask “where in the Constitution does it say we must have full coverage?” It doesn’t. The founders knew those who followed would take care of problems as the arose. As an insured - I may not be if my rates continue to climb - to cover the cost of paying for those not covered. I would like to get Rush and his team to go to an inner-city ER and spend a few nights. I don’t think they have any idea what goes on. Actually - it does not need to be inner-city. The picture at a “nice” suburban ER will get the point across.
Finally, there is the admitted conflict for-profit insurance carriers have. I could not work in that situation. On the one hand, the owners want every dime of profit they can get. On the other - patients want and need care. Most are there through no fault of their own. Yes, some are. The number of persons over the age of 50 who have no medical insurance is nominal. Layoffs, being dropped because the carrier “felt like dropping them”, pre-conditions. There are the real reason these people use the ER.
Congress vs. forth graders. It really is that simple.
rboseley@tampabay.rr.com
It is so easy to fall into the trap of name-calling. Particularly when it comes to folks like Rush and his merry band of Deathers and Birthers. Now, wasn’t that easy!
One thing which always comes to the front in these domestic political battles is good old fashioned hypocrisy. “Health-care for all is not what our founders had in mind”. How many times have we heard that one. One rather intelligent young lady appeared at one of the town halls pointing this “fact” out to whomever it was. She was later interviewed by Larry O’Donnell on MSNBC. As I said she did not seem rabid, but was totally confused as to what she really thinks of a “socialized” America. Larry did an excellent job of questioning without badgering. One direct question drives it all home. “Then you would favor abandoning Social Security and Medicare - since the founders clearly had not thought that far ahead. Total frustration on the part of the young lady.
When those who want the system we have in place left untouched say so - they then have no answer at all for what we do with a failing Medicare - not to mention Social Security. Therein lies the biggest problem we have facing healthcare reform. A huge number of American’s love the system as is. They are working for a an employer who picks up most of the tab, they have or will have Medicare. They see the docs the wish to see. Now ask what about those not so lucky. Many times I get the feeling that some believe the uninsured are so by desire. We know that is not so.
Let me just tell you my own case. I was employed by the same employer for 30 years. I carried and excellent major medical plan into retirement - the picked up Medicare. My “network” of providers is huge - so no problem there. I pay 40% of the premiums on the policy - and each year the rate climbs at an unbelievable rate. There are more reasons that time to discuss them - but one of the major culprits are the uninsured. Don’t we all realize someone pays for them? Right. If we have insurance, our rates go up dramatically to cover those lost charges. And for many other reasons.
Hospital rates go up, for the same reason, but they also rise due to the competition among hospitals to be number one in an area. They spend money on new equipment as if they were buying aspirin. From their point of view - profit and not-for-profit - if they don’t have the latest update to the equipment; then they may lose a patient to one who does.
Testing. When you and I go into the doc to see why Part Z-j88 of our body is giving us trouble - we want tests. Lots of them. Test everything. Get to the truth. But the simple fact is, 50% of those tests are completely unnecessary. Fault? Primarily the patient’s, because if some unordered test later would prove to be the big one - the doc may as well sign-over all. Defense. Patient’s force their docs to play defense.
Another personal example. Sorry. My father is 96, living in an assisted living facility. Took him to the doc last week (who happens to be a cardiologist - I know not why he is acting as primary care). Within the hour we were there, my Dad was set up for three rather dramatic test over a 10 day period. All extremely expensive. I asked the doc point blank that if test A reveals condition Z - what next. “Are you considering putting this 96 year old on the table and doing open heart?” No, of course not. Then what is your plan if condition Z is encountered? Thee was no plan. Long story short, I declined on behalf of my father to do the tests - unless and until Plan B is presented.
ONLY truly open, non-yelling, dialog is going to even have a chance at getting to the health-care crisis. If only one group of the major players refuse to talk - then we are in for God know what. In the current situation the non-players are the insurance companies and............the patients.
I don’t have a solid answer. I do know that so long as talk-radio continues to be the focal point of the opposition - we simply will go no where. After all it was Rush among a few others - who outwardly wish for the failure of Obama/America.
I forced myself to “sit” through Sen. Specter’s town-hall meeting. One thing was apparent. Some of the participants read two or three pages of the House bill, and asked questions pertaining to those pages out of context. Certainly there are provisions in the House bill which are going to need “washing” by the Senate. The bottom line from the town-hall: No one changed anyone’s mind about anything.
I implore President Obama to find a way to get sufficient TV time to do a sit down with his own advisors and representatives from the various groups protesting various provisions. I would also like to see folks like the CEO’s of some insurance companies, hospitals, the AMA present. How much good would come from it? Little. But at least the President will have stood his ground and faced the opposition.
The reason little would come from it, is that person’s positions on healthcare are carved in stone. The only people with any real interest are the uninsured - and far from all of them are concerned. I know a family - father 56, mother 55 - empty nest. They refuse to purchase health insurance (he is eligible under a county coop) because the have been using the ER for thirty years with no problem at all. Oh they get threats from time to time - but have avoided bankruptcy. They brag that “I” pay his bills. Indeed I do.
When viewing or listening one of these meetings one always wishes they were present to respond. When these folks bounce the term Medicare and Medicaid around - because they are Socialistic - I would simply invite them to pull out. Don’t want it - don’t take it. Yes you will continue to pay.
Once again, just a reminder from my previous blog - go to Brave New Films and watch the video on the United Health Care CEO. He says NO to a little child who needs a procedure - then adds another wing to his mansion.
Howdy. I’m Luke from the hills. Rooster crowed bout 5. Got me some r’s ta kill fore Rush gits on my radio. Oh I love that thar man. Thar ain’t nuttin he don’t know.
Me n’ my buds are mighty upset by this Omaber guy - who weren't even born in hour country. They got proof on that. I seen it on the TV. So he ain’t even liggal. I seen on TV he wants ta git shut a folks over 50. They gonna come round ta yer trailer and make ya sign up fer killin. Rush said its fact.
Enough. I can’t go on with that. Were it all a joke - perhaps - but it’s all true.
Along with so many of you, I worked very hard on the Obama campaign for at least two years. As we gained momentum, and eventually won - this voice told me the anti-Black sentiment in this country would not go away. Just like the dude in the first two paragraphs - we have hundreds of thousands just like him. They feed on Rush - then take desert from Glen and snacks from Sean and Laura. By the end of the day, this group is so worked-up by the end of the day - they will do and say anything.
I mention race, because my reading and observation, convince me that a very large portion of the Health Care Plan opposition has nothing to do with the Plan. Are we to believe anyone (including about 2/3 of congress have not read it”) For Rush and company to turn the Living Will provisions into mandatory death is aimed directly at two groups. 1) The X% of whites who were never going to accept being governed by an African-American, and 2) the unfortunate huge number of Americans who simply have no clue about anything having to to with health care insurance.
Bring these two groups together - add Rush with his endless supply of gasoline and matches - and you get what we have.
What do we have? A total mess. I actually thought at one time that an exceptionally intelligent American President could calm the waters.
I must be fully honest here. While I have nothing against Leader Reid or Speaker Pelosi - they are simply not the two persons who should be running congress “at this time”. Given the tragic division over our president - Nancy Pelosi is an even more divisive figure. I admire her greatly, but she could get a fight started in a PTA meeting on selling pies or cakes. Harry Reid is one of the nicest persons to serve in the Senate. Leader? No. Not now. I don’t question God’s judgment - but it was a bad time to take Ed Kennedy out of the Senate.
So we are where we are. Even the small minded Sarah Palin has joined with Rush to expand the “death” provisions to include Down Syndrome children. I truly do not know how to fight back. I don’t know where my battle station is. Yelling back and forth just makes the fire hotter.
I am but a foot soldier. I need orders. I need suggestions, and tons of help.
This is the place to do it friends. We proved that once. Let’s get this think up and running at full pace again.
rdbozz@att.blackberry.net
SMS 8633079244
Dear Friend,
WOW what a country!!
We worked for two years to elect Barack Obama as our President. Our work was successful. In our excitement with victory, we forgot another thing we had done.
We caused the defeat of those who like to call themselves “conservatives”. (The fact is - as reported by the Washington Times - yes the Times; not the Post - only 1 in 5,000 can come close to defining modern conservatism). Regardless - this group of citizens led by Rush, Sean, Glen, Laura, and Ann, just cannot loose. Recall the hate that began in 1991? Rush: “Chelsea is the ugliest kid in America”.
When defeated at the polls, the wing-nuts (I didn’t invent the term) drive the bus directly over the cliff. It was President Eisenhower who in 1954 told the nation it must deal with healthcare. 55 years ago. All those “leaders” who have come and gone - yet not one had the courage to take on the largest issue ever. Not one until Barack Obama.
What is he and the nation getting in return? You see the news; I don’t really have to say much. The wingers are throwing every untruth they can dream up at anyone who dares support healthcare reform. Now they are even bussing in groups to disrupt folks who want to discuss the problem. They have theirs - and Damn anyone who does not.
The irony is they can’t seem to grasp the fact that they/we all wind up paying for those who have not. Many are on Medicare. Medicare will be out of business in twenty years or before. Yet they will not listen. Will not talk. Name-calling. Fighting. That’s their game.
The “uprising” is led and funded by Freedom Works. http://www.freedomworks.org/
Go to the site, click on contact - and say a word or two.
Remember - we won the war. We will prevail on healthcare. It is just going to be much more difficult that it should be.
PRO LIFE! PRO LIFE! LET THERE BE LIFE. DEATH TO NO ONE.
The mantra of the SO-CALLED, AND SELF-NAMED – PRO LIFE MOVEMENT.
ME to Pro Lifers: Just shut the hell up. The world has heard quite enough from you and seen likewise. Hypocrites. No other word fits. Dr. Tiller had a family. Are they next? They did touch the man.
I don’t know why I should be surprised – well in fact I was not. Your “movement” has never been pro-life and obviously never will. Even when you fight like an alley cat for the unborn – you promptly forget them at birth. Your group has stood in the way of adoption. Stood in the way of funding to help the motherless and fatherless. OH, no, no. We have to get to Iraq, Afghanistan, North Korea, and points east and KILL AS MANY AS WE CAN KILL Pro-Life my ass. KILL, KILL, KILL. Well so long as fits your Godless agenda.
The very next time someone refers to me as pro-death (which is exactly what you call us) – I do believe I will be forced to remove your teeth. Not really – where would that get me? I will just stare at your blood thirsty eyes.
Dick Cheney: “Now we must kill as many with each strike as possible. Doesn’t make a damn if they are new-borns”. But, should a woman be raped by someone with a horrible gene pool and become pregnant - To Hell With Her – save that, that,………baby? Let her die - she sinned!!!!!
In case I have not made it clear – if anyone who by some miracle should read this, and you call yourself PRO-LIFE; do the following:
Find a straight drop cliff, at least 300 feet high. Get back from it around 50 yards and run towards it as fast as you can. Naw – don’t jump. That puts me in your league and I want no part of it. Better – just close your pie hole and stop preaching to US, about how much you value life.
Republicans are born with many odd traits. Many odd words. Racist, and racism and other forms of the word are firmly attached to a part of the brain. Then they are permitted to have a peek at daylight.
The first African-American stands at a podium. Beside him a self-made woman. Hispanic. Wonderful personal story. Not born at the Country Club like those who were about to become her detractors.
Within seven hours, Rush is on the air calling this woman a racist. Joined by others. Newt could not wait for a microphone to begin calling the woman nasty names.
Most hunters, when the ammunition is gone, do something else. They generally don’t pick up stones to hurl at whatever beast they were pursuing.
Republicans? They just are so morally bankrupt that name calling is ALL they have.
Rush Limbaugh calling names? Yes he does it all the time (I understand), but this is way beyond even Rush. Takes one opinion out of thousands and concludes the woman is a racist. THIS from a druggie. THIS from a man without the courage to buy his own drugs. Sent his $3.00 per hour housekeeper. THIS from a man who was too much the coward to put on a military uniform? AND that one of the other great cowards of our times, Newt, joined him – well I have only this to say. Republicans, you are finished. You have nothing. You had the word NO, and used it until worn. Now you dig up the Racist term your side has used since 1954. (MSNBC, please keep that video of Rush bouncing around as a logo).
I’m not going to waste more of my time speaking to this subject. The opposition is simply not worthy of my time or yours.
Keep on talking Rush. Give em hell Newt. We on the other side will have to do little campaigning for anything. You two will do it for us.
Rush – born with the silver spoon. Never had to put more than 10 minutes into thinking.
Sonia Sotomayor – No it does not even need to be said.
By the way, are you aware Rush is isolated from all contact with those of us in the real world? NO emails. NO postal address – which will ever get near him. Most web sites have a “contact us” button. Not Rush. If anyone comes up with a way for us racists to get to him – please share.
Text and Voice 863 307-9244
Dear Dick Cheney:
Back in November 2008 we held an election here in the U S. While you were not on the ballot – those representing your point of view were. They lost. They lost by a wide margin. History, and only history, will judge the wisdom of the electorate. You are not the judge. You are the former Vice President. By refusing to accept defeat, and your insistence on going before microphones to call the winner childish names – do a disservice to all of us. I absolutely understand your “right” to continue speaking – but you are not an ordinary citizen. You are as noted, a former high public official. Please do the correct thing – by ceasing to be a disgruntled loser. We listened to you for eight years. It is time for you to go.
Every time I see or hear you – I cannot help but think back to the Viet Nam era. While I and tens of thousands of Americans answered our country’s call to arms – you refused. I was fortunate. I survived. You went about life as if you had no responsibility whatsoever. You obtained five deferments to avoid putting yourself in harms way. To avoid military service. To avoid honor.
Years pass, and you move forward to become the Vice President. Along with your fellow Neo Con’s – you led your country into Iraq. (Sorry, led is not exactly the correct term). You either bought into or perhaps led the tortured conclusion that Iraq was directly involved in the attack on New York. Your solution was to invade that country at the cost of many thousands of American lives. Three times that number lost limps and suffered other horrible injuries. Those deaths and injuries continue today.
With the above in mind Mr. Cheney, you might see how impossible it is for me and millions like me, to take you seriously when you pontificate about wars and the responsibility of young persons to step up. Those without honor have no right at all to question that attribute in others.
You also have no concept of the tradition of the honor of American military forces. It is true Mr. Cheney – that when one resorts to the horrible tactics of one’s enemy – one becomes the enemy. May God forbid that my son be captured by the enemy. However, you and your administration gave away our honor. I suspect you continue to believe that our troops when captured must give only name, rank, and service number. You have no way of knowing that of course – but that has been part of the UCMJ since forever. By giving away American honor like a rag doll, you have put OUR sons and daughters in much greater danger. (As opposed to yours)
Enhanced Interrogation. There was a clear reason for selecting a misleading term. Otherwise why would you not just call it by name? I strongly suspect many hours were spent coming up with a term which would mislead the public. It also points out that even you had misgivings about the real term. Mislead. That was the mantra of the administration you led. Don’t ever expect me to believe that W Bush was calling any shots. Let man and fish coexist?
While I am on the subject of “terms” Mr. Cheney – why exactly did we find it necessary to give cute names to wars? When did that begin? Desert Shield. Desert Storm. Operation This, and Operation That. Now I have been around for some time and I will give you a pass on this one. We have never called the Korean War anything but the Korean Conflict. WWI was a war, as was WWII. I do believe we called Viet Nam a war. But then the politicians – both sides – decided in their wisdom – that we common Americans would be more likely to accept an Operation rather than a War.
Finally Mr. Cheney, I want to discuss a topic on which you and yours have relied so much. On September 12, 2001 we were operating in a vacuum. We did not know what was coming next. We were caught entirely off guard.
Richard Clarke. The record, as you love to refer to, is quite clear that Mr. Clarke and others DID inform your administration of a pending attack. You swept it under the carpet, and then did all you could to discredit Mr. Clarke. What were you and “your boss” doing from January 20, 2000 to September 11, 2001? Were you not sound asleep at the helm? Your argument does not fly – or as you might say – that dog won’t hunt. I will not discuss hunting. Well perhaps a little. I did a little bird hunting before I knew better. I do not see how it is possible for a hunter to shoot a large man, dressed in human clothing, and not flying, to be mistaken for a bird. Any bird hunter knows you fire when your target is about 45 degrees. A flying man? OK, I accept it was an “accident”. Well not really. I just think it is further evidence of the “MAN” you are. (Or are not).
Text 8633079244
Alert!!!! The GOP is expanding its general policy of Just Say No. They are adding at extra cost – The Attack & Call Names Addendum. The extra cost will be extracted at the next election. Not clear on just who the cost will be extracted from. (OK English Profs – I know that was a horrible non-sentence). How about all my fragments?
The addendum to GOP policy is to take place in a gentle way, according to RNC Chairman Steele. Right!!!!
The kick-off has already happened. There was of course Newt. Absolutely amazing that this man would preach to us on the qualifications for Speaker of the House. Newt – just go back to one of your families and tend to your problems. We Americans had a sufficient dose of you many years ago.
Today, the GOP troops are out in force. The name of the day is Socialist. President Obama is a socialist and all of us who support him are likewise. Allow me a bit of a lecture. Social Security is by virtually everyone’s definition – socialist. It has been around for a long while – and I seem to see Republicans quite enjoying it. Here’s the deal. Let any GOP member of congress write and propose a bill to abolish this socialist program. Let his or her brethren join in co-sponsorship. THEN and only then – will they earn any right to call others socialists. What is that silence I hear from the chambers? As W said – Fool Me Once…………[pause]………………………..You Can’t Get Fooled Again. As usual W had a little problem with words and memory. I do however like his policy of allowing man and fish to coexist. And to let OB/GYN’s practice their love on women. ??? (Is that what they do?)
Now to be clear, I actually hope the GOP continues on its current path. The path leads to the graveyard. I shall be happy to bring a shovel and assist in any way.
Newt Gingrich. Man of honor. Waltzed into his first wife’s hospital room. Hey honey, I want a divorce. The reason for her hospitalization? Cancer. Ran the House during his tenure like the less than moral creep he is. Forced out on ethics charges. Sorry for my own name calling – but in Newt’s case – I simply can’t help it. My bad.
Rush Limbaugh. Current GOP leader. Man of honor. Really? Was not it Rush who called for the jailing of ALL drug abusers – except him? I do believe Rush was too much the coward to get his own supply, so he made his housekeeper do it. It was Rush (and is Rush) who believes himself a far better American than Colin Powell. Never mind that Rush refused any military service. That one needs no further discussion. Then it was Rush who mimicked those suffering Parkinson’s disease. Need more?
Newt and Rush. Let them lead. Let the GOP follow them in droves. I happen to really like being a winner.
http://robertboseley.blogspot.com
As we approach another appointment to the Supreme Court, it is time to again prepare for the illogical protests which will flow from the Right. The familiar words and phrases will surface. Litmus test. Activist.
Actually, I find the arguments of so-called conservatives rather amusing. Consider their insistence that no litmus test be applied in the selection of a Court nominee. We all know this is code for Roe v Wade. “Do not appoint someone who is in favor of a woman’s right to choose”. Were that to be a condition of appointment – it would be a litmus test. The Right wants no part of such a test. Well, back up the truck. We need to hear the amusing part. What the Right insists on, is a Judge who will favor reversing Roe. When I question one of my good friends from that side of the spectrum – I am told “NO, it’s only a litmus test when applied by the Left”. Don’t tell me that’s not funny. That’s funny!
Hold on. It gets better. The Right also insists that a Supreme Court justice must be what they call a Strict Constructionist. (I assume that is much better than a non-strict one). Whatever a strict one is – the opposite is an Activist. I happen to be a very big fan of British humor. One of the first to “rear his head” will be Orrin Hatch, who for some reason reminds me of a British Lord. Listening to him attempt to explain the difference between constructionist and activist is hilarious. (By the way, I am still trying to determine how one “rears” one’s head). I suppose I will need to go to Alaska and let Sarah show me – otherwise I am bound to injure myself. Orin twists and turns. Sways and wobbles. Spews out pure gibberish. But funny. Bottom line: A constructive judge is one who agrees with Orin on all issues. As noted before – the opposite is an activist.
Speaking of amusing – coming in right behind old Orrin is Justice Antonin Scalia. Occasionally one of these Lords of the Law speaks. Justice Scalia makes it very simple. He reads the Constitution much the same as a Southern Baptist reads the Bible. That too is amusing. How many times do we believe the Bible has been rewritten and reinterpreted? Yet the current version MUST be correct. It says Bible on the cover – and that is that. I think perhaps something may have been lost when all those rocks were collected and read. Accordingly, as America grows and changes, so too the Constitution lives and grows with us. Orin, unlike me, believes he knows exactly what those framers of the Constitution had in mind. Nuts. Go back to sleep Orrin.
I pick on Orrin, but he is joined by dozens of “lawmakers” there in Washington. The current leader of the Republican Party – Rush Limbaugh – will issue instructions via his throne at WABC. AND Rush also is funny. I don’t listen to him. I actually don’t care much for standup comedy. Yes I realize Rush is always sitting, but it’s the same act. Have you seen how “large” Rush has become? No, not in terms of ratings. I mean his frame has expanded to a point which makes him appear unnatural. Those pain killers will definitely do that.
So my friends, let us prepare for battle – for battle we face. As noted, the good part of these Court battles is the fun we will have. I can picture the stern look of those very conservative (whatever that means) senators looking down at the poor soul at the table. Some will wag fingers. Others may look directly at the camera and lecture. The lecture of course is intended for those nice voters back home. For Rush. For Hannity. For Beck.
Once the good senators have satisfied themselves with a full share of BS retinoic – a vote will be taken. Hopefully there will be a Senator Franken by then, and despite the outrage of the right – we and the President will win the war. We will have another activist justice.
Later in the summer we will have another. Don’t you love winning?
