They're not much happier about a revised version that aides to Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat, have spent months drafting behind closed doors. CNET News has obtained a copy of the 55-page draft of S.773 (excerpt), which still appears to permit the president to seize temporary control of private-sector networks during a so-called cybersecurity emergency."
Looks like the EFF is looking into this.http://www.eff.org/press/mentions
Any politician that votes for, or is in support of, this bill (or any resemblance of this bill) will lose my vote and should lose every vote. DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE Washington. I will personally go door to door and convience any and all voters that all supporters of this idea should be fired. I know I will not get them all, but I have a feeling no one can afford the votes. What good is health care without liberty (on or off the net)?
CNET SOURCE:http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10320096-38.html
This originally appeared at Pax Nortona. Reprinted with permission.
We have good insurance, provided by Lynn's job. She pays extra so that I am covered. If it were not for this, we'd be paying thousands of dollars for my medications that protect me from the effects of my various medical conditions which include bipolar disorder, diabetes, asthma, gout, and coronary heart disease.I suppose in some reactionary's Spencerian thinking, I should be culled when society's interest in keeping Lynn employed diminishes. To the private concerns that keep our country moving, I'm little more than her pet, a non-producer. But then society has other concerns. "Take your meds" it says to me, the bipolar. My meds are very expensive, thank you, and I do take them even though we pay hundreds of dollars in co-pays to keep me on them. If I were to stop and do something illegal because my insurance ran out, no judge or jury in this country would have pity on me. "You <i>elected</i> to stop taking your meds," I would be told. There would be no winning except for the fact that in jail they would put me back on medication. You will get to pay for that.For personal reasons, I have elected to stay off of the public dole. I do not take SSDI because I consider my wife and I to be fortunate. The money that we save the government can be used to help another person in more needy circumstances. Or make your burden less. Yet every day I worry that Lynn will lose her job and we will be left without insurance to keep me on my medications. It's a valid fear.The point I wish to make is that our family could be yours. How close are you to finding yourself without coverage and needing it badly? Would sickness of you or your spouse or one of your children put you in a vulnerable position? We are lucky not to be bankrupted by my medical conditions, but cancer could strike your family. Heroic measures could lock you in the thrall of a bank <i>for the rest of your life</i>. Your dreams of owning your own business, enjoying retirement, etc. could be erased that quickly.It says a lot that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/21/health-experiences-from-a_n_242154.html" target="_new">every major nation in this world has created a health care system that is unlike ours</a>. Germany, which has the best health care system in the world by all measures does use private insurance, but insurance companies must be NONPROFIT which makes coverage cheaper. It is only here in the United States that health care is seen as a business rather than a service. And greedy businessmen fatten themselves to the tune of millions of dollars. Nowhere else does a high school graduate decide whether you can have the MRI your doctor ordered or not. The money that pays these unneccesary cogs in the machine could be used to help you meet the costs of fighting your cancer or other delibating disorder.We have come to a critical hour: we can change the world. Private health insurance concerns are fighting the public option for this reason and this reason alone: it will require that they must use the capital which we invest in them to cover our medical needs. They can still function for profit, but they will have to compete with the public option and with each other.The same forces that forced George W. Bush on us and slathered in his trough want the idea stopped. That should be reason to change our minds. Think of me, then call your representative and Senator, especially if your senator is a centrist Democrat. We cannot afford to have bad health care. I don't want to be a burden on society should Lynn lose her job. You shouldn't have to pay for the costs that will accrue if my conditions are allowed to degenerate into their worst possibilities. Help us to be able to pay our way no matter how Lynn is employed.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but President Obama's health care reform as he and Democrats in the House have put forth will do little to reform health care in the U.S. Adding the costs of caring for an additional 50M Americans in a failing economy, with a historic budget deficit, and a market system that is flawed at its core would be a mistake of historic propostion. As a health care consultant and scientist with over 30 years experience in health care, I will explain why.
The primary authority by which the federal government should act to assure the availability of health care lies in public health and safety, and to this end, if our system is to be a free market system, then government must act to assure that consumers are able to freely participate and obtain quality and economically responsive care and options. Allowing politicians and scientists to oversee the government health institutions such as NIH, FDA, and Medicare, and leave them to go and work for the very companies they regulate, diminishes our free markets, competition, care options, and compromises safety and efficacy of the products they serve to approve for use in the U.S.
The predicament that Obama and Congress faces here is that government, by way of its many overseeing agencies has become the "enabler" of so many of the flawed practices and runaway costs we face today. Nearly every health care product and service sold in the U.S. today has a 300% to 2000% markup, and government led controls determine in large part the care and such we are permitted to receive. These compromises further extend to prestigious (non-profit) U.S. universities, non-profit organizations, and philanthropists who enjoy tax free benefits and unbridled opportunities in medical research, new product launches, and wealth at the expense of American tax dollars. If a university or entity is to be given tax exempt status, it should act first in the interests of the public good, not in quest of royalities on intellectual property.
I speak to the above having undertaked extensive scientific effort, advocacy, public policy, criminaql investigations, and law following a 1992 brain injury, where I was termed a pioneer and visionary, yet was "prohibited from receiving NIH and other tax dollars to pay the research and development cost of "solutions" and new treatments I put forward - for which industry and universities were unwilling to undertake. In acting in this manner - they failed to meet the greater public health need. There interests were purely motivated by capitalism and profit. I am working on a book covering my extraordinary efforts and experiences of undergoing 7 brain shunt surgeries over a 17 year period, incorrectly treated most all of those years.
The current manner in which care and options are often restricted in the U.S. also raises Constitutional issues of freedom and liberties to chose the course of care we are most comfortable with. The federal goverment and its contracting partners must do a better job in making more alternative care and treatment available and reimbursable thru insurance. Currently, wellness prevention, Eastern medicine, and care alternatives are not well reimbursed in the U.S.
In my expert view, the areas below is where Obama and the Democrats in Congress must start with reform. Once underway, and when the economy picks up, they can introduce coverage for the 50M uninsured Americans. In the interim, they could draft funding for low cost medi-gap policies for people out of work. My proposal will go a long way towards reducing costs, improving health and treatment outcomes, and spurring new consumer health opportunities. As you can see from my proposal, it's all about "free market control" and who has it: the marketplace or industry? Below, are a number of recommendations to reduce costs, improve care:
* Reverse the Medicare prescription drug clause on negotiating drug prices
** Pass legislation restricting and requiring full disclosure of payments made to physicians from medical manufacturers.
*** Pass legislation restricting re-employment of NIH, FDA, and similar agency scientist by medical companies.
**** Reform the qualifications and health activities by which non-profit entities act and do business, including, a new source of funding so organizations can undertake patient education and advocacy without the funding and control of industry as seen today
Then, form a sub-agency of NIH to enact the following:
1. Introduce new and immediate standards for electronic medical records (EMR), including, wireless consumer care and technology tools - these will strengthen the patient/physician relationship
2. Set standards and deadlines for the availability of new consumer patient monitoring tools
3. Set standards and a timetable requiring every American to become proficient in health education
4. Set weight and obesity limits on premium and low cost health policies, with financial incentives and options for those who maintain A-level practices and wellness prevention
5. Introduce standards for improved reimbursement of "alternatives care" treatments in illness and disease
6. Establish fiscal caps on end of life care, and offer incentives on alternative care
The above should be a centerpiece to any health care reform. I have not touched on family planning and funding of abortion, nor whether employer-based health benefits should be taxed. I will save these for later.
I regret to say that Obama and the Democrats are trying to tackle the most challenging policy and social issue in America, much more than illegal immigration or defense. Yet, understanding this, I believe will help in shaping policy on the other. If they move carefully and wisely, they may just succeed at health care reform.
Stephen
The United States will consider reinstating North Korea to a list of state sponsors of terrorism, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in an interview broadcast yesterday as the Obama administration looks for ways to ratchet up pressure on Pyongyang after recent nuclear and missile tests.
"We're going to look at it," Clinton said on ABC's "This Week" when asked about a letter last week from Republican senators demanding that North Korea be put back on the list. "There's a process for it. Obviously we would want to see recent evidence of their support for international terrorism."
The administration is also pushing for a U.N. Security Council resolution that would punish the country financially and give the international community the power to interdict suspect North Korean cargo, but Clinton acknowledged that some countries have "legitimate concerns" about targeting international shipments.
"We will do everything we can to both interdict it and prevent it and shut off their flow of money," Clinton said. "If we do not take significant and effective action against the North Koreans now, we'll spark an arms race in Northeast Asia. I don't think anybody wants to see that."
The North conducted its second nuclear test last month, test-fired short-range missiles and announced that it was no longer bound by the 1953 armistice that ended hostilities on the Korean peninsula. President Obama on Saturday called North Korea's actions "extraordinarily provocative."
The Bush administration removed North Korea from the list of terrorist states last year as part of an unfulfilled commitment by the dictatorship to dismantle its nuclear weapons program. North Korea was placed on the list in 1988 after its agents were implicated in the bombing of a South Korean airliner that killed 115 people.
State Department officials have noted that the process for reinstating North Korea to the list is difficult. The United States would need to document that North Korea has engaged in terrorist acts since its removal from the list.
Newt Gingrich, appearing on CBS's "Face the Nation," welcomed Clinton's comments.
"In the long run, we're going to have to find a strategy that uses diplomatic and economic means to replace the current dictatorship," the former House speaker said. "I mean, this is an inevitably terrifying dictatorship that is desperately trying to get enough nuclear weapons."
Clinton also said the administration is trying to keep separate its efforts to secure the release of two American journalists facing trial in North Korea in connection with illegal entry into the country and "hostile acts."
"We've been very careful in what we've said, because clearly we don't want this pulled into the political issues that we have with North Korea, or the concerns that are being expressed in the United Nations Security Council," she said. "This is separate. It is a humanitarian issue, and the girls should be let go."
SIGN ON!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beth-Krom-for-Congress/55505738357?ref=share
FINALLY! SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP BRING OBAMA'S POLICY & SOME BRIGHT BLUE TO THE DARK RED 48TH !!!!!!!! ACT LOCAL - SUPPORT Beth Krom CA-48 SHE'S THE BEST!
PS: BETH IS FOR VETS INSTEAD OF THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY....SMALL BIZ INSTEAD OF BIG...HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS VS THE BANKS ... DISABLED TO BE ABLE ....
AND MORE!
What occurred last night is what happens when distraction to which President Obama has referred since the campaign occurs. Last night the Foreclosure Relief Bill was defeated in the Senate with 11 Democratic Senators voting against the Bill. The Senators got bought. By the same banks that got money from the government. This defeat is a stinging blow to many Americans who are in need of help to avoid losing their homes. These include people with good intentions that have always paid on time and did not participate in irresponsible practices.
It is on BIlls like this the Administration needs our voices and calls/emails to Congress, but this time the voices did not speak up. And due to the distractions exacerbated somewhat irresponsibly in my opinion by mostly the left/far left media and support groups, our TV screens, email boxes and phone lines were filled with torture and flu conversations instead of things like this Foreclosure Bill. As I have said before torture punishments can and will be handled by whatever means and I know how much this subject means to people as it should. The pressing matters in the moment like the survival of American jobs and Americans' ability to keep their homes etc. are the key subjects on which we have to make sure we stay laser focused.
In case you haven't seen it, here is a list of the Democratic Senators that voted against the Bill. Please call their switchboards or email if so inclined. It is unconscionable that in the face or our crisis and with the bailout money gone to these banks that these Senators voted against this Bill.
The main number is 1-800-962-3524. Please be cordial to the switchboard operators, but let them know exactly how you feel.
Max Baucus, Montana: http://baucus.senate.gov/contact/emailForm.cfm?subj=issue
Michael Bennet, Colorado: http://bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=TransitionalSiteEmailSenatorBennet
Robert Byrd, West Virginia: http://byrd.senate.gov/
Tom Carper, Delaware: http://carper.senate.gov/index.cfm
Byron Dorgan, North Dakota: mailto:senator@dorgan.senate.gov
Tim Johnson, South Dakota: http://johnson.senate.gov/contact/
Mary Landrieu, Louisiana: http://landrieu.senate.gov/2009/index.cfm
Blanche Lincoln, Arkansas: http://lincoln.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm
Ben Nelson, Nebraska: http://bennelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm
Mark Pryor, Arkansas: http://pryor.senate.gov/contact/
Arlen Specter, Pennsylvania: http://specter.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm
John Tester, Montana: http://tester.senate.gov/Contact/
Monday, April 27th, 2009
Quote of the Day: "I am for government rigorously frugal and simple. Were we directed from Washington when to sow, when to reap, we would soon want bread" - Thomas Jefferson
Your Turn: You hear from me and hear my opinions a lot. My thoughts are often based on information that you may not have because your full time job is not studying political issues and voting on them as mine is. So here's your turn to play Member of Congress. Here are 4 issues currently in the news or under discussion. I will tell you what I know about them and then give you 3 choices on what to do. Now, I know that some of you will say that you didn't like any of the 3 choices and you have your own idea. But often in Congress, we only get three choices - vote for it, vote against it, or abstain. I will give you the results in the next laptop report:
OK. So maybe that last one is a little tongue in cheek. OK, OK, a lot tongue in cheek. But there is a bill out there to do away with the BCS and the President has publicly called for a playoff system so it is now a government issue. I have not co-sponsored the BCS bill by the way.
Until next week, I remain respectfully,Congressman John Campbell
if it doesn't show up please ask for his 4-27 quiz. let him know how YOU feel
From: John.Campbell@address-verify.com
Subject: April 27, 2009: From Congressman John Campbell's Laptop to Yours
Date: April 27, 2009 9:30:58 AM PDT
Organizing for America Listening Tour (Meeting)
Organizing for America is dedicated to making real the change we fought for during the election. But to be successful, we need to hear from you -- your effort and commitment are the backbone of this movement and this organization. We'll tell you about some lessons learned during the general election, and ask for your thoughts on how we can organize California going forward.
Your ideas will be used to write a California-specific plan for Organizing for America in 2009 and beyond. Come and make your voice heard!
Time:Sunday, May 17 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Host:Mary Jane Stevenson
Location:TBD (Irvine, CA)Irvine, CA 92602
VOTE NO No No on all propositons may 19th.
Please !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://ca.lwv.org/action/prop0905/flyer.pdf
Don't let the state raid the budgets/ cut services for other use!!!
California Democratic Counciland theOrange County Democratic Party
Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.
some highlites are-A NEW VA to be built in Pendelton.( sandiego/oc border) more civilian jobs and more health care for vets......STIMULUS WILL HELP EDUCATION and PARENTS MUST PARTICiPATE. gonna make it more affordable to go to college too......going to free up SBA MONIES....to start business.......GONNA ENFORCE WORKER RULES FOR CONSTRUCTION... AND MAKE SURE WAGES AND INCOMES FOR WORKERS AND UNIONS CAN USE DAVIS- BACON TO HELP RESTORE BALANCE.............BOTTOM UP ECONOMIC GROWTH VERSUS TOP DOWN...........RETURN TO TAX RATES UNDER BILL CLINTON. THOSE OVER 250K PAY 3% MORE. Allows us to pay for health care reform help with disparities.......it's not socialism.EVEN BESiDES TARP MONIES Obama supports a credit card bill of rights ... and consumer safety laws.......on to Frustrations with the banking - .........banks purchased sub prime loans and bundled made them into stocks. People couldnt afford what they bought.so AIG did default swaps.... AND HAD NOt enough MONEY TO COVER... so all were making a lot of money and no checks. until foreclosures began due to economy. House of cards collapsed. Big banks are weakening can't afford to have all belly up. Whole economy is resting on the credit . No loans =no business.................WE HAVE TO COME UP WITH A PLAN TO SEPARATE ASSETS. RAISE CAPITAL TO LEND AGAIN ...AND THEY ARE ALL INTERNATIONAL SO IT'S AN INTERNATIONAL PROBLEM......................WE CANT GO BACK WE CAN LOOK FORWARD. GET OUT AND PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN.........MEN ARE LOSING JOBS FASTER THAN WOMEN...A FELON asked what to do ..WORKED STEADY FOR 13 YEARS NOW A MISTAKE 20 YEARS AGO KEEPS HIM FROM WORK.... feds are setting up programs to help. nad problem is about no jobs for any -not his past.investments in new energy future and mfg base will open up jobs. he worked for toyota...... the best.......We will have to work to create the fuel efficient cares to open jobs back up in the auto industry. committed 15 billion for new technologies every year already..........sorry on allthe typos...........
Marion Schmitz sent a message to the members of Organizing for America Orange County.
--------------------
Subject: Town Hall Meeting with President Obama this Wednesday in OC!
Latest info on our wall posts on OFA facebook group:
TOWN HALL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA
Wednesday, March 18th
Doors Open at 1:30 PM OC Fair and Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
TICKET DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are required and will be available at the following ticket distribution location beginning at 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 17. Tickets will be limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis:
OC Fair and Event Center
(Enter at Gate 1 or Gate 10; Park in Lot A.)
Costa Mesa, CA
For security reasons, do not bring bags and limit personal items. No signs or banners permitted. The OC Fairgrounds will be charging $5/car for on-site parking.
See you there!!
To reply to this message, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox/readmessage.php&t=1105202424124&mid=28966eG33820b8eG40e5883G0
On Wednesday afternoon, the President will travel to southern California and hold a town hall meeting in Santa Ana. He will then travel to Los Angeles, and will spend the night in L.A., holding a couple of events in Los Angeles on Thursday, before returning quite late that evening to Washington.
MORE DETAILS TO YOU AS SOON AS I FIND OUT!
