HEALTH CARE WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE The masquerade is over! The "public option" is ... dead. Health care reform is now a private option: WHICH FOR PROFIT INSURANCE COMPANY DO YOU WANT? You have to choose. And you have to pay. If you have a low income, under HR3200 government will subsidize the private insurance companies and you will still have to pay premiums, co-pays and deductibles. The Administration plan requires that everyone must have health insurance, so it is delivering tens of millions of new "customers" to the insurance companies. Health care? Not really. Insurance care! Absolutely. Cost controls? No chance. You will next hear talk about "co-ops." The truth is that insurance company campaign contributions have co-opted the public interest. I need your help to spread the word and rally the nation around true healthcare reform which covers everyone and maintains fiscal integrity without breaking our nation's bank! Your contribution will empower our efforts to continue to fight for the single-payer, not-for-profit health care bill, HR676 "Medicare for All," which I co-authored with John Conyers.. The bill now has 85 sponsors in the House. The hotly-debated HR3200, the so-called "health care reform" bill, is nothing less than corporate welfare in the guise of social welfare and reform. It is a convoluted mess. The real debate which we should be having is not occurring. Removing the "public option" from a public bill paid for by public money is not in the public interest. What is left is a "private option" paid for with public money. Why should public money be spent on a private option which does not guarantee 100% coverage nor have any cost controls? A true public option would provide 30% savings immediately which would then cover the 1/3rd of the population who presently have no healthcare. Unfortunately, under HR3200, the Government is choosing winners and losers in the private sector; proposing to spend public funds on subsidizing insurance companies who make money not providing health care. This process wil insure only one thing - the expansion of profits. Gone is the debate over cost. As a result of current negotiations, the Medicare Part D rip-off will continue for another decade, further fleecing senior citizens. Drug importation has been dropped, so no inexpensive drugs can be accessed from other nations. Instead we are told the pharmaceutical companies will accept a 2% cut in the growth rate of their profits - this they call cost control! If the matter were not so serious, it would be farcical: The executive branch pretends that the proposed health care reforms are something they are not. The legislation is being attacked for something it is not. Congressional leadership and the White House defend the legislation, pretending it actually is the very proposal that is being attacked. But it is not. A commonsense government health care reform policy would insure that every single American has full access to healthcare by expanding Medicare to cover everyone under a Single Payer System. We are already paying for a universal standard of care, it is just we are not getting it. I need your help to spread the word and rally the nation around true health care reform which covers everyone and maintains fiscal integrity without subsidizing insurance and pharmaceutical companies and breaking our nation's bank! My voice in Congress will continue to challenge the special interests who do not want single payer to succeed. I need you to join me in combating the special and corporate interests who spend millions to try to win this Congressional seat. With your help WE will win again. With your help I will continue to represent your concerns, be YOUR VOICE in the United States Congress, and be the voice for health care for all Americans! Please contribute $25, $50, $100 in support of my campaign. Please contribute now. With your help, we can accomplish ANYTHING in America. Persistence, dedication, truth and courage will lead the way and win out in the end. Thank you.
FROM HTTP://KUCINICH.US
I have been communicating with a Doctor in Oregon who happens to be a member of the Physicians National Health Project. This national group of doctors and other medical professionals who strongly believe in the Single Payer program and have been pounding the sidewalks with unique and humorous protests rallies (to get the media attention) is a little bit different than your usual protesters.
The fact that doctors are taking the time to demonstrate is a new group that you don't think about when you call a rally. The presumption always was that they were too busy, the wouldn't "lower themselves" to public outcries and they made so money what did they have to protest about anyway. Well apparently, when it comes to healthcare, doctors are finding they are being hit with high insurance premiums, overhead running their offices, paper work which is staggering, protecting themselves from patients looking for a "deep pocket" and an excuse to sue (not that some doctors don't need a slap upside the head sometime for neglect) but are also having to juggle family life, mental days off, patient care (24 hours) and paying for school loans (like the rest of us). When you combine this with the overall economy having hit financial nest eggs, pensions, and retirement funds it isn't a wonder more people aren't in the street screaming. Meantime, we are all sitting and waiting to hear about the banks that were rescued with Obama's bailout, who other than Bank of America, you don't even see advertisements about "come on in" we got our act together now, "we are willing to share the wealth", being that you (the American taxpayer) saved our bacon! But you don't see this. So here is what my buddy Paul sent me on behalf of the Physicians in Oregon who do believe that Healthcare Reform really needs to be taken more seriously than the media would care to tell us. And I'd suggest writing him, he has an inexpensive video that would make you go "hugh, they are doing what?" . . . when you hear more about the history of healthcare in America and where all the thorny discussions are, that they didn't teach you in Social Studies (if you are over 45) or Health Science if you are under 40. Enjoy . . . and give me your opinion . . .
Mad As Hell Doctors
Who are we? We are members of Oregon PNHP who believe our health care system and political process are deeply flawed. They are both mostly about money and are not yielding results that are most beneficial to our communities. We expect those who agree with us to help us bring this message to those who haven’t yet figured this out. Doing so will require serious, national media attention.
· The Health Care Industry, through our corrupt political process, continues to manipulate our legislators to create public policy that values profits over public good. That’s what we are mad about!
· Unless we find immediate savings in our chaotic health care system (that is built around insurance companies and employers) and, then, focus on controlling costs, we will never be able to accomplish the moral imperative of true Universal Access without driving our government to insolvency.
· Accomplishing this will require a single risk pool, publicly financed, and administered by an independent, transparent, publicly accountable agency that is responsible for asking and answering the following question. How do “we” get the most health and the least suffering for the precious, limited resources, that we spend on health care?
Why a road trip? Getting the attention of those who aren’t already part of the choir requires that tap into their default “channels” of entertainment/information. By creating media events in communities across the country, we will infiltrate those “channels” long enough to deliver our very cogent message, believably delivered by articulate, sincere doctors who are committed to telling the truth.
What is our vision? We will tap into the growing anger that our legislators in Washington are being manipulated by campaign contributors. We will become the rallying cry for individuals and countless local/national groups who are fed up with status quo and “false-reform”. By virtue of our numbers and the inherent truth of our message, those same legislators will be given the courage to give us real reform that results in a sustainable Health Care System with real Universal Access.
What is the plan? Over the next few weeks, with our help, communities on our itinerary will prepare for and publicize our arrival. We will leave the Willamette Valley on September 8 in a painted motor home that will draw attention to us during meetings and rallies at which we will present our case. Documenting our progress with video uploads and daily conversations with National media, they will become increasingly interested in following us as we draw progressively larger crowds. When we penetrate The Beltway in the end of September, a caravan of cars will follow us to a public rally in which we will demand health care reform consistent with our message, stated above.
How will we accomplish this? We are currently involved in Stage One, in which we put up a substantial amount of our own money to hire Gary Jelinek (Dennis Kucinich’s 2004 Campaign Organizer) and Adam Klugman (a creative media consultant) to:
Stage Two is the trip. Successful fund raising is crucial to keeping Adam and Gary involved in the project, renting and “wrapping” a motor home, and traveling with a videographer who will document our progress, record peoples’ stories, and feed video clips to both the internet and national media on a daily basis. Subsequently, a video that captures the spirit of the trip will be produced.
Consistent with our vision, “we” will grow to include you and those organizations with whom our message resonates. Tax deductible contributions can be made through our website: www.MadAsHellDoctors.com.
Questions? Gary Jelinek at jelinekdoctors@gmail.com or Paul Hochfeld at phochfeld@msn.com
My generation came of age at a time when Walter Cronkite was the name in American culture, synonymous with credibility and respect. His role in our society transcended his TV news anchor position. His pronouncements on the events of our time were like a slow rolling thunder delivered from an electronic Mount Olympus. When he said ‘and that’s the way it is,’ we believed his every word because his compassion, dignity and respect merited our trust. In his later years, Walter Cronkite became a powerful spokesperson for world peace. I was humbled to share a platform with him at an event sponsored by the Peace Alliance. Please continue to rally support for our legislation to create a cabinet level Department of Peace, HR808, which now has 70 cosponsors in the House of Representatives. Thank you.
WATCH VIDEO HERE ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBIRE7g5ybo
On Capitol Hill, Democratic leaders say they’re open to paring down a healthcare reform bill in order to sway “conservative” Democrats who’ve threatened to oppose the measure that would create a government-run public insurance option. We speak with progressive Democrat, Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio). A House committee recently approved his amendment that would allow individual states to adopt a single-payer system. [includes rush transcript]... http://www.democracynow.org/2009/7/21/as_obama_continues_push_for_healthcare
Healthcare: Change the Debate Support a Real Public Option
Wednesday, 15 July 2009 Dear Friends, In mid-May, in an effort to reach consensus, President Obama secured a deal with the health insurance companies to trim 1.5% of their costs each year for ten years saving a total of $2 trillion dollars, which would be reprogrammed into healthcare. Just two days after the announcement at the White House the insurance companies reneged on the deal which was designed to protect and increase their revenue at least 35% The insurance companies reneged on the deal because they refuse any restraint on increasing premiums, copays and deductibles - core to their profits. No wonder a recent USA Today poll found that only four percent of Americans trust insurance companies. This is within the margin of error, which means it is possible that NO ONE TRUSTS insurance companies...
Distinguished Veteran, Frank Kucinich, Brother of Congressman, Passes Away
Wednesday, 01 July 2009
The distinguished veteran, Frank Kucinich, beloved brother of Congressman Dennis Kucinich, died suddenly yesterday, June 30, at the Ohio Veterans Home, where had been a resident for many years. He was 60 years old.
Frank Kucinich, Jr. was a United States Marine Corps combat veteran of The Vietnam War, completing his service as a lance corporal. After his military service, he began a lifelong commitment to fellow veterans, assisting many local veterans organizations in their activities.
Through his military service, he made many friends and inspired those with whom he served. He was recently nominated to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.
This past week he accompanied his brother, Dennis, to a reception at the White House where he met President Obama and Vice President Biden.
"Thank you for serving," the President said to Frank, "I'm proud of you."
"Frank told me that was one of the proudest moments of his life," Dennis Kucinich said. "He had a great love of country, which informed every moment of his life. His patriotism was an inspiration to everyone in our family and to everyone he met."
That was the second time that Frank saw President Obama up close. Frank also attended the President’s Inauguration in January as a guest of his brother Dennis.
Frank was the beloved brother of Dennis, Gary, Theresa, Larry, the late Perry and the late Beth Ann who passed away in December of 2007 and November of 2008, respectively.
The Kucinich family will receive friends at the Golubski Funeral Home, East 65th and Fullerton Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday July 5th between 4 PM and 9 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 AM on Monday, July 6th at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, E. 65th and Forman Avenue. Military honors and interment at Calvary Cemetery will proceed the Mass.
From... http://www.kucinich.us
Kucinich: Bernanke Hearing Friday, 26 June 2009
Watch the video here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96QTfcAiVj8
Friday, 12 June 2009
Congressman Dennis Kucinich talks on Fox about the Bank of America Situation WATCH HERE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkSl_HLXBGM
WASHINGTON - May 15 - Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) has introduced legislation that would allow, for the first time, the government to audit and oversee the Federal Reserve's response to the economic crisis. H.R. 2424, The Federal Reserve Credit Facility Act of 2009 would authorize the...
http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2009/05/15-10
Thirty-six members of the U.S. House -- Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives -- recently wrote to President Obama asking him to stop the White House Auto Task Force from taking actions that are harmful to American autoworkers, auto dealers and the states and communities impacted by plant and dealership closings.
Congressman Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, organized the effort with Ohio Republican Steven LaTourette in response to the administration's approach to the Chrysler bankruptcy and bailout.
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat/440720/bipartisan_objections_to_a_bad_gm_deal
Friday, 01 May 2009
According to Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-Ohio) U.S. monetary reform is urgently needed: “It is long past time we look at the implications of . . . the privatization of money created by the 1913 Federal Reserve Act, the bank fractional reserve system and our debt-based economic system. Unless we have dramatic reform of monetary policy, the entire economic system will continue to accelerate wealth upwards. I am currently working on drafting legislation for an ‘American Monetary Act’ to address these and other issues in order to protect the economic well being of America. “The U.S. government has been turned into an engine that accelerates the wealth upwards into the hands of a few. . . . And now, the American people are about to pay the price of the collapse of the $513 trillion Ponzi scheme of derivatives. Yes, that’s half a quadrillion dollars.” AFP covered a special presentation on the... Click http://www.americanfreepress.net/html/monetary_reform_needed__176.html to read the article.
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today sent the following letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner asking him to deny a request by Citigroup to pay bonuses to “key employees.” Click http://dandelionsalad.wordpress.com/2009/04/30/kucinich-to-geithner-deny-citigroup-bonus-request/ to read the article.
Video interview: Kucinich outraged over $3.7 billion in bonuses paid by Merrill Lynch Today at 12:27am
Kucinich focuses attention on bailouts given to big banks.
Dennis Kucinich on Fox with Greta Van Susteren 03/11/09
Citigroup, Bank of America, and J.P. Morgan Invest TARP funds overseas.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE7tT4BAiJU
In response to comparing Obama's politics to FDR and the New Deal I commented:
The great depreession might have recovered sooner if it weren't for the New Deal. Lets leave the new deal in the history books and start seeing real change in Washington. So, to get more to the point if you watched Bernake (FED chairman) on national television the other day even he admitted that the FED caused the great depression among other problems. He also tells us basically that he doesn't know what is going to happen but he thinks we will recover soon. He also tells us that he is in control of the economy and the president has little to do with it. This will be the third catastrophic problem caused by the FED. Lets tell the FED it's one, two, three strikes your out at the old ball game. The FED was enacted to protect us from these occourances and it has failed misrebly. A new deal II would not help as much as ending the FED or like Kucinich says at least give congress control of the fed so we the people (represented by our elected congressman) could at least blame ourselves if the FED screws up. Right now our economy is in the hands of the FED unknown uncontrolled independent bankers. Obama should take some pointers from John F. Kennedy and attack the real problem, the FED. I guess he is afraid to get assassinated. Honestly Obama has little control over the economy. His new deal II is being exported overseas to Dubai and India among other foreign countries, further propping up the rich through bonuses, and he is increasing the wars and overseas spending. If you are going to spend at least spend on us. Lets support Ohio Democrat Dennis Kucinich lets get to the real solution, and that is doing something about the FED. When will we start seeing real change in Washington. visit http://kucinich.us or Google HR1207 also research Kennedy's attempt to introduce a competing currency that would have smashed the FED that brings about another point if Obama was a constitutional lawyer he must know that the FED is unconstitutional. there was never an amendment made. The constitution is the supreme law of the land. A congressional federal reserve act cannot supersede the constitution.
