IntroductionBarack Obama is set to make historic and long term changes to the federal judiciary. While novice legal observers tend to focus only on the Supreme Court the bulk of federal appeals case law is made by lower courts. In the United States there are 94 districts which are organized into 12 federal circuits. This includes the DC Circuit, which is often viewed as the most influential appeals court due to its review of agencies of the federal government (FEC, EPA, CIA, etc). There is also a federal circuit which hears specialized cases such as those involving patent law. The judges of these 13 courts are described in detail below in terms of the political affiliation of the appointing Presidents. DisclaimerThis is an analysis of the political affiliation appointing federal appeals court judges as determined by the political party of the Presidents who appointed them, it is not necessarily descriptive of the ideology of the judges. As many of you are aware the Supreme Court contains several fairly liberal justices who were appointed by Republicans. The ideological breakdown might be 5 conservatives and 4 liberal justices, whereas the political affiliation is 7 to 2. In addition, the political affiliation of the President appointing them may not necessarily indicate the political allegiance of the judge him/herself. Nevertheless, it does give us a basic idea of the composition of the federal appeals courts. MethodsI have used wikipedia articles and verified the information using the court's various websites. The number of authorized judges were verified using a 2005 Congressional Research Service Report from the University Of North Texas Libraries at the following link: http://digital.library.unt.edu/govdocs/crs/data/2005/meta-crs-8249.tkl
ClarificationsThe DC Circuit is losing a seat and the 9th Circuit is gaining a seat. This change was a part of the Court Security Improvement Act of 2007 and goes into effect on January 21, 2009.You might have noticed that Judge Roger Gregory on the 4th Circuit was appointed by both party’s Presidents. Clinton appointed him to the 4th Circuit in 2000, the Senate never acted on the appointment, Clinton appointed him as a recess appointment, and he was later appointed by Bush in 2001. As you can imagine, this does not happen very frequently.
Map of the Federal Appeals Circuits
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/US_Court_of_Appeals_and_District_Court_map.svg/620px-US_Court_of_Appeals_and_District_Court_map.svg.png
Supreme Court
9 Justices
No vacancies
7 Republican appointees
2 Democratic appointees
0 vacancies
Pie graph:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/Libertyforall/scotus.jpg
United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
6 authorized judgeships
5 active judges
3 Republican appointees
1 vacancy
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United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
13 authorized judgeships
12 active judges
6 Republican appointees
6 Democratic appointees
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United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
14 authorized judgeships
2 vacancies
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United States Court of Appeals for Fourth Circuit
15 authorized judgeships
11 active judges
4 Democratic appointees
1 Dual party appointee
4 vacancies
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/Libertyforall/4th.jpg
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
17 authorized judgeships
17 active judges
13 Republican appointees
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United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
16 authorized judgeships
15 judges
10 Republican appointees
5 Democratic appointees
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United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
11 authorized judgeships
10 active judges
3 Democratic appointees
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/Libertyforall/7th.jpg
United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
9 Republican appointees
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United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
28 authorized judgeships (will be 29 on Jan 21st 2009)
27 active judges
11 Republican appointees
16 Democratic appointees
2 vacancies/new seat
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/Libertyforall/9th.jpg
United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
12 authorized judgeships
8 Republican appointees
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United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
12 active judges (1 leaving on Jan 31st 2009)
1 vacancy (on Jan 31st 2009)
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United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
12 authorized judgeships (soon to be 11)
9 active judges
2 vacancies/lost seat
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United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
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Obama did significantly better in Missouri compared to 2004 though it appears that he will lose Missouri by less than .1% or around 3,000 votes out of 2,883,610. Missouri is the only state left to not be called for either candidate. How did he do it and what does he need to do to carry the state in 2012?Southwest Missouri
Obama improved in every county in Southwest Missouri (SWMO) relative to the 2004 election. This area is considered Missouri’s most reliable Republican stronghold and the only whole part of the state Bill Clinton lost in 1992 and 1996. Most notably Obama improved significantly in Greene County, SWMO’s most populous county with 240,391 people or 356 persons per square mile (Census, 2000). Kerry lost Greene County (Springfield metro) by 25% and Obama lost by 16% an improvement of 9%. Obama improved by the same amount in SWMO’s second most populous county, Jasper County (Joplin metro) losing the county by 33% instead of 42%. Southeast Missouri
In Southeast Missouri Obama fared the worst especially in the Bootheel. However, the majority of SEMO counties still reflected the statewide improvement for the Democratic Party’s nominee. Pemiscott County along the Mississippi river and in the Missouri Bootheel experienced the greatest percentage in vote shift in favor of the Republicans than any county in Missouri. This is surprising given that this county has a significant African American population for rural Missouri (26%, the second highest concentration in the State). Obama did 13% worse there than Kerry did in 2004. In Shannon County Missouri Obama improved by 10%. Obama also did well in Iron County which Kerry lost by 7% and Obama carried by 3%, which was 1 of the 9 counties carried by the President elect. Central Missouri
Obama improved in all of central Missouri. In three counties the vote shift in favor of the Democratic nominee was in the double digits relative to 2004. In 2004 Kerry lost in every county in central Missouri. The most dramatic vote shift occurred in Boone county Missouri, home of Missouri University. This county was split basically 50-50 in 2004 and 2000. Obama won Boone by 12% gaining more than 10,000 votes. Obama even did better in this county than Bill Clinton in both 1992 and 1996. He beat Hillary Clinton there 61%-37%. Boone County has a significant educated and young population compared to state averages. A likely demographic target for the historic Obama campaign ground game. Northern Missouri
The only county Obama carried in the entire northern part of the state was Buchanan County and he only carried it by 47 votes. The only County Obama won in the Missouri primaries against Hillary Clinton was Nodaway County where he also improved relative to Kerry, likely because of the presence of Northwest Missouri State University. Kansas City
While Obama limited the damage in rural Missouri he also ran up the numbers in the urban centers. Kerry won Jackson County 58%-41%, Obama carried the county 62%-37%. While an 8% swing may not seem like a lot, in a well populated county it amounts to tens of thousands of votes. He gained approximately 85,000 votes out of Jackson County, while Kerry gained about 50,000 and Gore about 55,000. St. Louis Metro Area
In St. Louis City, Obama improved about 8% relative to 2004. In fact, he out-performed Bill Clinton in St. Louis City by 16% in 1992 and 11% in 1996. Obama gained 108,000 votes out of St. Louis City compared to the following vote gains from previous Democratic nominees: Kerry +89,000, Gore +72,000, Clinton (1996) +69,000, Clinton (1992) 77,000. St. Louis County swung massively to the President elect. He improved by 11% from 2004 and 11% in the States most populated county amounted to a staggering gain of more than 110,000 votes. Kerry only gained about 50,000 votes from this County, Gore about 25,000. Obama carried the county by 20% or 60%-40%. Obama carried three counties directly south of St. Louis County. Obama won in Washington county by 9 votes, carried Jefferson County by about 3,000 votes, and won Ste. Genevieve County by 56%. How to turn Missouri blueObama did what he needed to do to win Missouri. He limited the rural spreads and increased the urban vote impressively. Simply doing what was done but doing it .1% more would turn Missouri blue.Obama should be able to improve spreads in the Bootheel. This area is not vote rich by any means but there is no reason whatsoever that it should be trending Republican. Who was in charge of GOTV there? I recommend promoting and hiring Cecil Hinds-Riddle who was instrumental in swinging SWMO. I also believe the key to winning Missouri in 2012 will need to include the addition of a focus on suburban Missouri. For example, if Obama can win Clay and Ray counties just north of KC (counties Al Gore carried in 2000) it might be the Republican nominee with a sudden interest in provisional ballots.
Accepting photos from November 4, 2008 through November 30, 2008.
KiDS for OBAMA-BIDEN book to be published. Looking towards a finished product before the swearing in ceremony!
Include name, age, and state the "KiDS" represent. EVERY STATE will be represented!
Please submit your photos; along with a "cut/paste" of the photo submission agreement below to karenplanalp@yahoo.com
KiDS for OBAMA - MissouriSaint Joseph, Missouri 64506
PHOTO SUBMISSION AGREEMENT
The following shall constitute an Agreement, as of November ____, 2008, between __________________ ("you") and KiDs for Obama-Missouri, Rexie Planalp and Karen Planalp (“KiDS”) regarding the photo(s) which are being submitted by you in and in connection with the proposed publication of a book entitled, "KiDS for OBAMA" in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions set forth below. For good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:1. The material shall consist of (the individually and collectively "Material").2. All Material submitted to KiDS shall become the property of KiDS and cannot be returned at any time. By submitting the Material, you agree KiDS may, but is not obligated to, use all or part the Material in connection with the project stated herein, and in connection with all ancillary, allied, incidental and subsidiary rights related thereto, and in the advertising, marketing, exhibition thereof, in any way, in any manner and medium - however, with respect and dignity to all children; worldwide, in perpetuity. Further, you warrant all Material is 100% original and do not violate the right of privacy or publicity of, or constitute a defamation against, any person or entity; that the Material will not infringe upon or violate the copyright or common law rights or any other rights of any person or entity; that there are and will be no encumbrances, liens, conditions or restrictions whatsoever upon or affecting such Material; and that you are at least 18 years of age and/or authorized to submit material.3. You warrant and represent that you are the sole copyright owner of such Material and have the sole right and authorityto enter into this Agreement. Any assignment by you of such copyright shall be subject to this Agreement.4. You agree to indemnify and hold KiDS harmless from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages andexpenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, which may result from any breach of the representations and warrantiesherein.5. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreementand cannot be changed except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties. This Agreement shall be governed by thelaws of the all States in the United States of America and shall be binding on all parties, their heirs, successors, and assigns.The signature below shall signify agreement to and acceptance of these terms and conditions.ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:By:_____________________________________________Authorized Representative and Relationship to Person in Photo
This is great news....my God....I can't believe this.....
3 days before the election, Barack Obama will be here in SW Missouri.
He's going to be here in Springfield on Saturday. The news just broke in the Springfield News Leader. Here's the link:
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20081029/BLOGS09/81029062/-1/RSS
I can't wait!!!! Spread the word....
Jack
Have you heard about this?
I just saw this news story and can't believe it. Why haven't we heard this story that McCain may have been involved with this death? Here's the link to the story:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/28/news-orgs-investigate-pos_n_138449.html
I'm a veteran...and can't figure this one out...
What do you think?
If McCain would spend half the time focusing on the economy as he does saying ridiculous things about Obama, he might have not needed to campaign in Missouri (or other once leaning Republican states). The most recent stunt is to try and convince folks that Obama is a “socialist.” The truth is that both candidates support regulated capitalism.
Although Obama’s health care plan does offer some new regulation, such as a requirement that insurance companies cover more pre-existing conditions, he calls for the government to work with the private health care sector, not to take it over. Obama has called for NAFTA to be amended, not repealed. He has set standards for future free trade agreements, not a general opposition and voted for others. A socialist (a real one) would not support any of these more centrist approaches.
Capitalist theorist Adam Smith one said: “It is not very unreasonable that the rich should contribute to the public expense, not only in proportion to their revenue, but something more than in that proportion." Jesus once advised a rich man to give all of his possessions to the poor to have treasure in heaven.
Well...here we go....
Tryin' to get to their conservative base....have you heard this news yet?
Palin is going to be in Springfield tomorrow. Having a rally. A lot's been going on here since this was announced yesterday. She'll be having a rally in the parking lot of Bass Pro. Here's the link about the rally tomorrow:
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20081023/NEWS0601/810230307
News stated that yesterday, the rally was going to be at MSU; but they ran out of 4000 tickets for the rally in the first 90 minutes yesterday. So they had to change locations for a bigger audience. This is very fitting; going from having a presidential rally from a University to a parking lot for a hunting and fishing store! This is the mentality....
Any Obama supporters going? I'd like to go and get some of this on film; should make for an amazing couple of hours. Anyone thinking about protesting?
Lemme know if you're thinking of going....
I'll tell you....
I'm a liberal, vegan filmmaker here in the Bible belt in SW Missouri....and it never ceases to amaze me the ignorance of these redneck racists here in this area that I have grown up in and spent most of my adult life....I thank God that most of the country is not like the majority here in SW Missouri....conservative, ultra-redneck, racist, bible-thumpin' hunters....and I could go on....
However, it's looking very good that even Obama may pick up major votes down here....I have yet to see an Obama group in my hometown country down here, but there are groups nearby in Springfield and Joplin, and my conservative friends are talking more and more negative about McCain and Palin; down here, when it comes to their pocketbooks, that's what counts....and I really think it is making a difference.
I think what Bill Maher said the other night on Larry King is very true...the 'phenomenon' of the 'Anti-Bradley effect' is true, and very alive and kickin'....I think alot of the these racist rednecks that meet down here in their local Moose lodge or VFW hall, when they get in the ballot booth, they'll look around to make sure the curtain's closed, and say to themselves, 'Is anyone lookin'? Can anyone see me?' Then look at the ballot. They'll say to themselves, 'well, I can't vote for a black guy, but he's got the best health plan for my kids and grandkids. And my Social Security. And my retirement and my house. No one's lookin'? Okay....I'll mark Obama".
I truly think with all my heart this is going to happen here in the boonies. And in other redneck places around the country. Times are too tough. And Obama will win in a landslide.
Powell said things best today when he announced his endorsement of Obama too.
In a time in America where the dollar has lost it's true value as the ultimate currency we need Hope for a stronger Dollar that will raise up the ships of Economic growth. In that moment we need to understand as People of the Greatest Nation of the face of the Earth that we are not just in a Global Crisis but also an Economic Crisis.
Barack Obama continuing his American Small Business Tour in Ohio today with a rally in Chillicothe. He spoke to the attendees about the economic crisis. Specifically, he used this opportunity to talk about rescue plans not only for our nation's largest financial institutions, but for our nation's nearly 27 million small businesses. His new Small Business Rescue Plan includes the following:
A nation-wide program to provide affordable, fixed-rate loans to small businesses across the country. This would be run through the SBA's Disaster Loan Program, which provides loans to small business owners get the help they need to maintain their inventory and meet their payroll. He'll also make it easier for private lenders to make small business loans by expanding the SBA's loan guarantee program.
Relieving the tax burden on small businesses to help create jobs. He has proposed eliminating all capital gains taxes on investments in small businesses and start-ups. He has proposed an additional temporary business tax incentive through next year to encourage new investments. He will also give a middle-class tax cut to 95% of all workers.
Investing $15 billion a year in renewable sources of energy to create five million new, green jobs over the next decade – jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced; jobs building solar panels and wind turbines and fuel-efficient cars; jobs that will help us end our dependence on oil from Middle East dictators.
Putting two million more Americans to work rebuilding our crumbling roads, schools, and bridges – because it is time to build an American infrastructure for the 21st century. He would also work with the Building Trades to expand apprenticeship programs so young workers can develop their skills.
Here's how he explained his reasoning for proposing the Small Business Rescue Plan:
If we're going to rebuild this economy from the bottom up, it has to start with our small businesses on Main Street – not just the big banks on Wall Street. Small businesses employ half of the workers in the private sector in this country, and account for the majority of the job growth. But we also know that a credit crunch has dried up capital and put these jobs at risk – shops can't finance their inventories, and small firms can't make payroll; it's harder to get an idea off the ground, or to provide health care for your employees. If we don't act, we'll be looking at scaled back operations, shuttered shops, and laid off workers. That's why we need a Small Business Rescue Plan – so that we're extending our hand to the shops and restaurants; the start-ups and small firms that create jobs and make our economy grow. Main Street needs relief and you need it now. We won't grow government– we'll work within the Small Business Administration to keep folks afloat, while providing tax cuts to lift the tide. It's what we did after 9/11, and we were able to get low cost loans out to tens of thousands of small businesses. That's one of the many steps we can and should take to help stop job losses and turn this economy around.It starts with a nation-wide program to provide affordable, fixed-rate loans to small businesses across the country. We can run this through the SBA's Disaster Loan Program, which provides loans to small business owners get the help they need to maintain their inventory and meet their payroll. We'll also make it easier for private lenders to make small business loans by expanding the SBA's loan guarantee program. By temporarily eliminating fees for borrowers and lenders, we can unlock the credit that small firms need to move forward, pay their workers, and grow their business.Just as we make lending more available, we need to relieve the tax burden on small businesses to help create jobs. That's why I've proposed eliminating all capital gains taxes on investments in small businesses and start-ups. And today, I'm proposing an additional temporary business tax incentive through next year to encourage new investments. Because it's time to protect the jobs we have and to create the jobs of tomorrow by unlocking the drive, and ingenuity, and innovation of the American people. That's what I'll do as President of the United States. The real question that i want to ask you is:1. Has the past eight years of leave behind Small Businesses to help the Fortune 500 companies get richer an richer the kind of life America needs?2. In 1776 when America became. 95% of all Americans Owned A Business an worked it Well.Why can't that be so today as well ? Maybe not 95% but why not try? THINK ABOUT IT?
If we're going to rebuild this economy from the bottom up, it has to start with our small businesses on Main Street – not just the big banks on Wall Street. Small businesses employ half of the workers in the private sector in this country, and account for the majority of the job growth. But we also know that a credit crunch has dried up capital and put these jobs at risk – shops can't finance their inventories, and small firms can't make payroll; it's harder to get an idea off the ground, or to provide health care for your employees. If we don't act, we'll be looking at scaled back operations, shuttered shops, and laid off workers.
That's why we need a Small Business Rescue Plan – so that we're extending our hand to the shops and restaurants; the start-ups and small firms that create jobs and make our economy grow. Main Street needs relief and you need it now. We won't grow government– we'll work within the Small Business Administration to keep folks afloat, while providing tax cuts to lift the tide. It's what we did after 9/11, and we were able to get low cost loans out to tens of thousands of small businesses. That's one of the many steps we can and should take to help stop job losses and turn this economy around.It starts with a nation-wide program to provide affordable, fixed-rate loans to small businesses across the country. We can run this through the SBA's Disaster Loan Program, which provides loans to small business owners get the help they need to maintain their inventory and meet their payroll. We'll also make it easier for private lenders to make small business loans by expanding the SBA's loan guarantee program. By temporarily eliminating fees for borrowers and lenders, we can unlock the credit that small firms need to move forward, pay their workers, and grow their business.Just as we make lending more available, we need to relieve the tax burden on small businesses to help create jobs. That's why I've proposed eliminating all capital gains taxes on investments in small businesses and start-ups. And today, I'm proposing an additional temporary business tax incentive through next year to encourage new investments. Because it's time to protect the jobs we have and to create the jobs of tomorrow by unlocking the drive, and ingenuity, and innovation of the American people. That's what I'll do as President of the United States.
The real question that i want to ask you is:
1. Has the past eight years of leave behind Small Businesses to help the Fortune 500 companies get richer an richer the kind of life America needs?
2. In 1776 when America became. 95% of all Americans Owned A Business an worked it Well.
Why can't that be so today as well ?
Maybe not 95% but why not try?
THINK ABOUT IT?
Below is the video of Obama's economic plan delivered in Ohio:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27168561#27165502
This action of Obama is both strategic and tactical, while at the same time exploring the pragmatism of his positivism for the commonality of every Americans.
God bless USA
God Bless Obama & Biden
Doctors and other health care providers work in extraordinary times and have unrivaled abilities, but increasingly our health care system gets in the way of their sound medical judgment. Increasing uncompensated care loads, administrative rules, and insurers' coverage decisions inappropriately influence the practice of medicine. Washington sends dictates but no help.
We need health care reform now. All Americans should have high-quality, affordable medical care that improves health and reduces the burdens on providers and families. Reform must emphasize prevention, not just treatment of the sick; reduce medical errors and malpractice claims; and make the practice of medicine rewarding again. I believe that by working together we can make these goals a reality.
My health care plan has three central tenets. First, all Americans should have access to the benefits of modern medicine. Once and for all, we must ensure that this great country lives up to its ideals and ensures all Americans access to high-quality, affordable health care. Second, we must eliminate the waste that plagues our medical system — layers of bureaucracy that serve no purpose, duplicative tests and procedures that are performed because the right information is not readily available, and doctors providing unnecessary care for fear of being sued. Third, we need a public health infrastructure that works with our medical system to prevent disease and improve health.
We can work together to achieve guaranteed access to medical care during my first term in office. I talk to hardworking Americans every day who worry about paying their medical bills and getting and keeping health insurance for their families. In addition to this daily injustice, it is just plain costly and inefficient to care for people only when they get very ill. I have been committed to correcting this problem since I first started in public life, and I am determined to see it through.
Under my plan, if patients like the insurance they have, they keep it and nothing changes, except the costs are lowered. For those who are left out or have substandard insurance, my plan will offer a choice of affordable health insurance plans. Through a national health-insurance exchange, people without employment-based insurance or who work in small businesses will have a choice of private insurance policies at rates similar to those offered through large firms. To promote competition among insurers, we will also give patients a new public-plan option, providing the same coverage that is offered to members of Congress and their families.
All insurance companies will have to take everyone, regardless of medical history. Like too many Americans, I watched my mother argue with insurance companies while she was in bed dying of cancer; that should not happen.
To make insurance affordable, we will give families income-related tax credits to expand access and streamline plan enrollment and transactions to reduce the administrative burden. I will also expand Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program immediately to cover all children who don't have private coverage. And I have specified how I will pay for it — by cutting out waste in the system and redirecting the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans to help middle-class families afford health insurance.
Unlike some, I do not believe that Americans have overly generous insurance, so I would not impose a new tax on employer-based health insurance, giving employers an incentive to drop coverage and send tens of millions of Americans into the individual insurance market, where insurers cherry-pick healthy enrollees, administrative costs are high, and coverage is less comprehensive and cost sharing is greater. Such a plan would be disastrous.
Health care reform will not succeed unless we create a health care delivery system of which we can be proud. Report after report has pointed out the flaws in the way our system is organized and financed. Clinicians face huge administrative burdens that add to the cost of care and rarely improve its quality. Our reimbursement structure rewards procedures and the use of technology but not time spent with patients or coordinating care. There is little incentive for young physicians to enter into primary care. And U.S. physicians practice with constant concern about malpractice lawsuits.
I am committed to making the fundamental changes necessary to modernize the system to streamline medical practice with the goal of improved patient outcomes. My plan calls for investing $10 billion per year over 5 years in health information technology. This commitment is not just financial: we will ensure that physicians have the technical support they need to implement new systems for patient records and billing. By reducing medical errors and unnecessary duplication of tests, this investment will lead to a long-term reduction in our health care system's overall cost.
We also need to change the way we reimburse for patient care. We should start paying adequately for care coordination, case management, and innovative care-delivery models, such as team-based care and electronic communication. Doctors should be paid fairly by private insurers and by Medicare. Payment reform should improve patient outcomes and should lower overall costs by removing incentives for unnecessary care and rewarding the right care, provided at the right time, for the right reasons. Unlike my opponent, I voted against the recent reduction in physician payments. We can't start health reform by penalizing doctors.
Our medical training institutions are the finest in the world, but we need to ensure that doctors have ready access to the best information on medical advances throughout their careers. The best source of information on the value of a drug or a new technology is not the company that produces and markets it, but rather a careful and independent evaluation of patient outcomes. I will develop an independent national institute to work with the medical community to evaluate and disseminate information on the comparative effectiveness of drugs, devices, treatments, and procedures.
I will invest in programs, including loan repayment, training grants, and improved provider reimbursement, to give young doctors incentives to enter primary care. I will also renew our commitment to investing in biomedical research, which suffered a major lapse under the Bush administration.
Finally, I will address medical malpractice with the central goal of preventing medical errors in the first place. Through substantial investment in information and decision-support technology and other patient-safety initiatives, we will reduce the types of medical errors and oversights that lead to lawsuits. And I am open to additional measures to curb malpractice suits and reduce the cost of malpractice insurance. We must make the practice of medicine rewarding again.
Prevention is also a central part of my reform plan. Health care providers can do only so much; patients, employers, and communities all have a role in helping us to start out healthy and maintain our health. Patients need to step up their efforts to stop smoking, start exercising, and eat right to maintain a healthy weight. Employers need to invest in healthy workplaces and help their employees maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.
Government has a role, too. I will make new funding available for community-based programs aimed at priority public health problems such as smoking and obesity. I will also reward school and workplace health-promotion and prevention initiatives that increase vaccination and exercise and make healthy foods available in cafeterias and vending machines. Finally, I will work with state and local governments to create a coherent, coordinated national public health strategy.
This election will have enormous consequences for health care in our country. As president, I will modernize our health care delivery system and ensure that all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable medical care. I believe that with help and collaboration, especially from those who work so hard to keep us healthy, we can make health care reform a reality.
Source Information
This article (10.1056/NEJMp0807677) was published at www.nejm.org on September 24, 2008. @ 2008 The New England Journal of Medicine.
The current political dispensation has indeed as a matter of fact produces one of the best scenario that evidently can be used in the near future to compare and contrast the capacity and incapacity, the calm and agitation, the objectivity and subjectivity and above all the relationship that existed within the two political parties; the Democrat on one side and the Republican on the other hand.
In recent times it is just unbelievable and exceedingly gratifying to hear, feel and watch the near unanimous consensus that Sen. Obama has displayed in an unequivocal term the sterling qualities of a would be- commander in chief of the country and for good reasons too. In spite of the obsessive negativity and dogmatism from the Sen. McCain’s campaign which for the first time in the history of the country have surrogates referring to a rival presidential candidate of the United States of America as a terrorist, this young, vibrant, articulate, humane and ever forgiving and calm senator from Illinois has remained largely unaffected and unmovable in his goal of working with ordinary Americans to help turn the page.
It is a fact and within the horizon of realism that we are witnessing the worst socio-economic scenarios in the country- a situation that has plunged the image of the United States of America into the abysses and simply put ridicule the conception that we are indeed the super power of the world in context of social, political and economic prowess. The reality of the matter is that given the past eight years, the country has seen the dwindling of her fortune in such an exponential level that today it is true to surmise that China, Japan, Russia are now within striking distance in terms of influencing global affairs and even championing motions that may be contrary to the fundamentalism of the United States of America.
Let the mudslinging begin!...what to do/not to do...constructiive ideas
McCain can't win on the issues, so the mud's gonna fly; brace yourselves; gird your loins; but for God's sake don't "chicken-little" us by partaking in a flood of emails that will clog up our listservs and cause people to unsubscribe at the timewe need them most. Reply to the PERSON, not the GROUP; tell them to get a grip; knock on some doors, make some calls, and not clog up your inbox. Let's promise ourselves not to send/reply to a group "look what they're saying"email unless we have a constructive suggestion to help each other. Here are mine--
"It's the TAXES, stupid."
KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL...THE ISSUES, knock on doors, drive peopleto early vote, take food and water to the volunteers at your office, and we will win. If we let them distract us, they will win. Period.
Direct link to make copies- http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v254/giveupdefunk/Barack-Hat2-Colorado.jpg
After the lamentable performance of Sarah Palin in the debate with Joe Biden, one thing is bound to become increasingly clear: Palin is an albatross around McCain's neck.
Even tody (10/06/08), I am reasonably sure that confidential polling is showing that John McCain is losing lots of votes simply due to the undisguisable fact that Palin is not ready to be vice-president--or president--of these United States.
As Michael Dukakis said: She may be a fairly good Governor but she's out of her depth, having virtually no national or international experience or knowledge. I personally respect her view on abortion (don't agree but respect) but that only takes a candidate so far. I am sure than many Republicans recognize Palin's ineptitude. Some may even not vote, a few may vote for Sen. Obama.
Oh yes, she's attractive and willing to learn --- but so is my dachschund. I wouldn't want him to be President.
So, I predict McCain -- who only has once chance at the Presidency -- will dump Palin by as early as October 15. They'll think of a pretext, of course. Perhaps it will be an illness of her newborn. Then, in a few days she'll be riding on old Straight Talk's plane but, by then, Joe Lieberman or (Heaven Help Us) someone ACTUALLY QUALIFIED will be the vice presidential candidate.
Has it happened before? Yes. Thomas Eagleton quit after the story about his shock treatments was revealed. So, the process can work. Anyway, my guess is that McCain will dump her.
And, if necessary HE will leave the race, rather than lose. We will see.
