Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Health Care Boom or Bust?
I really don't understand the people who think that the Health Care reform being debated in Congress will be a hit to the economy. With 30+ million more people with insurance, the investments into the private health care infrastructure will most likely be explosive.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
"Sorry, not this time. It wasn't Perfect"
Understanding that I see a clear path for a "Public Option" as a stand alone bill using Reconciliation. The current Senate Bill or what ever comes out of conference will never have a Public Option. We struggled and kept the pressure up to the very end. We fought the good fight.
But it's best at this point to grasp all that is good in this bill and get it passed.
I wouldn't want to stand in front of a Mother with a sick child who can't get insurance and say " sorry, not this time It wasn't perfect."
But it's best at this point to grasp all that is good in this bill and get it passed.
I wouldn't want to stand in front of a Mother with a sick child who can't get insurance and say " sorry, not this time It wasn't perfect."
Sunday, December 20, 2009
FREE ABORTIONS
If all the money being raised and spent fighting the issue of Tax-Payer funded abortion was donated to Planned Parenthood. They could probably offer free abortion services.
Oh and another thing on abortion,
What the Anti-Abortion people are attempting to do is ration abortion services by cost. If your a low income woman who must rely on subsidies on the Exchanges for your health care coverage. You won't get coverage for abortion services.
The woman across the street doesn't qualify for subsidies, she has to pay for her coverage out of her own pocket. The policy she picked offers coverage for abortions. (Ya-Hoo! $15 co-pay.)
Our low income woman has another neighbor next door who works at the factory down by the rail road tracks. She is a Union worker and her employer provides a generous insurance plan that also covers abortion.
If all three of our neighbors got pregnant only one would not be able to get an abortion because she can't afford it and that is cost directed rationing.
Oh and another thing on abortion,
What the Anti-Abortion people are attempting to do is ration abortion services by cost. If your a low income woman who must rely on subsidies on the Exchanges for your health care coverage. You won't get coverage for abortion services.
The woman across the street doesn't qualify for subsidies, she has to pay for her coverage out of her own pocket. The policy she picked offers coverage for abortions. (Ya-Hoo! $15 co-pay.)
Our low income woman has another neighbor next door who works at the factory down by the rail road tracks. She is a Union worker and her employer provides a generous insurance plan that also covers abortion.
If all three of our neighbors got pregnant only one would not be able to get an abortion because she can't afford it and that is cost directed rationing.
Friday, December 18, 2009
7 STEPS TO A PUBLIC OPTION!
Ok, I'm a nobody. Just sitting out here putin' down some thoughts, posting some interesting things. ( Check out the dolphins with the bubbles on the sidebar. It's friggin awesome. If only they had gotten hands.) and making kinda fun political graphics. ( Also on the sidebar) OK, enough self-promotion.
I know I just said this a couple day ago but I don't hear anyone talking about this as an option. Maybe if I shout, someone will hear Me.
1. PASS THE SENATE BILL WITHOUT A PUBLIC OPTION OR MEDICARE BUY IN.
2. GO TO CONFERENCE AND MERGE THEM WITHOUT A PUBLIC OPTION OR MEDICARE BUY IN.
3. PASS THE BILL OUT OF BOTH HOUSES AND SEND TO THE PRESIDENT.
Now this next step is just my choice for the final step.
4. PASS A BILL OUT OF THE HOUSE MAKING MEDICARE A BUY IN OPTION ON THE EXCHANGES. USING LANGUAGE FOR RECONCILIATION.
5. SEND THE BILL TO THE SENATE FOR A SIMPLE MAJORITY VOTE.
6. PASS IT.
7. SEND IT TO THE PRESIDENT.
I know some people will say that Medicare as an option on the exchange will drive private insurance out of business. Well if they can't compete then so be it. At least thier demise will be gradual and displaced worker can be more easily absorbed into the new Paradigm.
I know I just said this a couple day ago but I don't hear anyone talking about this as an option. Maybe if I shout, someone will hear Me.
1. PASS THE SENATE BILL WITHOUT A PUBLIC OPTION OR MEDICARE BUY IN.
2. GO TO CONFERENCE AND MERGE THEM WITHOUT A PUBLIC OPTION OR MEDICARE BUY IN.
3. PASS THE BILL OUT OF BOTH HOUSES AND SEND TO THE PRESIDENT.
Now this next step is just my choice for the final step.
4. PASS A BILL OUT OF THE HOUSE MAKING MEDICARE A BUY IN OPTION ON THE EXCHANGES. USING LANGUAGE FOR RECONCILIATION.
5. SEND THE BILL TO THE SENATE FOR A SIMPLE MAJORITY VOTE.
6. PASS IT.
7. SEND IT TO THE PRESIDENT.
I know some people will say that Medicare as an option on the exchange will drive private insurance out of business. Well if they can't compete then so be it. At least thier demise will be gradual and displaced worker can be more easily absorbed into the new Paradigm.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Is Lieberman pulling a "Tauzin"?
Maybe what's motivating Joe Lieberman is the promise of a Job when he retires from the Senate?
For those who don't know former congressman Billy Tauzin sheparded the Medicare Part D program, with it no negotiation on drug prices. Then left to run PHARMA for for big bucks
For those who don't know former congressman Billy Tauzin sheparded the Medicare Part D program, with it no negotiation on drug prices. Then left to run PHARMA for for big bucks
Expanding Medicaid.
There are a couple of things the Congress will have to deal with when it comes to expanding Medicaid to people with higher incomes.
One is the limits on savings which include retirement. Some one on Medicaid can not have more then $2500 in savings. To qualify for Medicaid a person or family would need to spend down any savings or retirement plans like 401K or IRA.
Second is Medicaid's ablitity to recoup any funds spent of services from the person's estate.
I haven't heard much talk about either of thiese issues.
One is the limits on savings which include retirement. Some one on Medicaid can not have more then $2500 in savings. To qualify for Medicaid a person or family would need to spend down any savings or retirement plans like 401K or IRA.
Second is Medicaid's ablitity to recoup any funds spent of services from the person's estate.
I haven't heard much talk about either of thiese issues.
One Two Punch
OK, here we go another way to get the strongest possible "Public Option" or "Medicare By-in".
Pass the Health Care Reform Bill with out a Public Option or Buy-in. Pass it in the House with out either option, also. President sign and we have Health Insurance Reform.
When the Congress returns next year start start the legislative process for Public or Medicare Option, maybe both, including language for reconciliation. Punch it through the House, Punch it through the Senate and on to the President. Now We Have Health Care Reform.
Pass the Health Care Reform Bill with out a Public Option or Buy-in. Pass it in the House with out either option, also. President sign and we have Health Insurance Reform.
When the Congress returns next year start start the legislative process for Public or Medicare Option, maybe both, including language for reconciliation. Punch it through the House, Punch it through the Senate and on to the President. Now We Have Health Care Reform.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Is it just Me? Perversion of Logic.
Is it Just me or is the issue of re-importing drugs, from a much smaller market, like let's say Canada, to get a better price for drugs that we, the largest market in the world, have exported to that smaller market, a perversion of logic?
Huffington Post:
"The White House, aided by Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), is working hard to crush an amendment being pushed by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) to allow for the reimportation of pharmaceutical drugs from Canada, Senate sources tell the Huffington Post.
As a result, the Senate health care debate has come to a standstill: Carper has placed a "hold" on Dorgan's amendment and in response, Dorgan tells HuffPost, he'll object to any other amendments being considered before he gets a vote on his."
Huffington Post:
"The White House, aided by Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), is working hard to crush an amendment being pushed by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) to allow for the reimportation of pharmaceutical drugs from Canada, Senate sources tell the Huffington Post.
As a result, the Senate health care debate has come to a standstill: Carper has placed a "hold" on Dorgan's amendment and in response, Dorgan tells HuffPost, he'll object to any other amendments being considered before he gets a vote on his."
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
56 Newspapers in 45 Countries Publish One Editorial on Global Warming
Huffington Post:
"Today 56 newspapers in 45 countries take the unprecedented step of speaking with one voice through a common editorial. We do so because humanity faces a profound emergency.
Unless we combine to take decisive action, climate change will ravage our planet, and with it our prosperity and security. The dangers have been becoming apparent for a generation. Now the facts have started to speak: 11 of the past 14 years have been the warmest on record, the Arctic ice-cap is melting and last year's inflamed oil and food prices provide a foretaste of future havoc. In scientific journals the question is no longer whether humans are to blame, but how little time we have got left to limit the damage. Yet so far the world's response has been feeble and half-hearted."
"Today 56 newspapers in 45 countries take the unprecedented step of speaking with one voice through a common editorial. We do so because humanity faces a profound emergency.
Unless we combine to take decisive action, climate change will ravage our planet, and with it our prosperity and security. The dangers have been becoming apparent for a generation. Now the facts have started to speak: 11 of the past 14 years have been the warmest on record, the Arctic ice-cap is melting and last year's inflamed oil and food prices provide a foretaste of future havoc. In scientific journals the question is no longer whether humans are to blame, but how little time we have got left to limit the damage. Yet so far the world's response has been feeble and half-hearted."
Monday, November 23, 2009
Public Option, Fear Not but be Prepared.
This is my prediction on the final steps of Health Care Reform with a "Public Option".
The Public Option will be dropped from the Senate Bill. But fear not my Liberal, Progressive brothers, it will be ressurected in conference along with language for "Reconcilliation". The Legislation will then Pass the House and the Sebate, 55-45.
The Public Option will be dropped from the Senate Bill. But fear not my Liberal, Progressive brothers, it will be ressurected in conference along with language for "Reconcilliation". The Legislation will then Pass the House and the Sebate, 55-45.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Maximizing Power
Reports abound about a "weaker Public Option" but I don't really see why it's weaker. If we are going to be covering more people and eliminating profit from the equation why shouldn't Doctors and Hospitals get a little of that?
How the Public Option can be made stronger is to allow the people eligible for the public option to join Medicare with an income based premium and to allow Medicare to negotiate it rates for services and Pharmacuticals.
Allowing those eligible for the public option will maximize it bargaining power and infuse much need younger and healthier people in to the risk pool.
How the Public Option can be made stronger is to allow the people eligible for the public option to join Medicare with an income based premium and to allow Medicare to negotiate it rates for services and Pharmacuticals.
Allowing those eligible for the public option will maximize it bargaining power and infuse much need younger and healthier people in to the risk pool.
Friday, October 30, 2009
17,000 US Children Died from Lack of Health Care
WASHINGTON (AFP) – Lack of adequate health care may have contributed to the deaths of some 17,000 US children over the past two decades, according to a study released by the Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
The research, to be published Friday in the Journal of Public Health, was compiled from more than 23 million hospital records from 37 states between 1988 and 2005.
The study concluded that children without health insurance are far more likely to succumb to their illnesses than those with medical coverage.
"If you are a child without insurance, if you're seriously ill and end up in the hospital, you are 60 percent more likely to die than the sick child in the next town who has insurance," said Fizan Abdullah, lead writer of the study and a pediatric surgeon at Hopkins.
The research, to be published Friday in the Journal of Public Health, was compiled from more than 23 million hospital records from 37 states between 1988 and 2005.
The study concluded that children without health insurance are far more likely to succumb to their illnesses than those with medical coverage.
"If you are a child without insurance, if you're seriously ill and end up in the hospital, you are 60 percent more likely to die than the sick child in the next town who has insurance," said Fizan Abdullah, lead writer of the study and a pediatric surgeon at Hopkins.
Top 14 Provisions to take Effect Immediately in House Health Care Bill
1. BEGINS TO CLOSE THE MEDICARE PART D DONUT HOLE — Reduces the donut hole by $500 and institutes a 50%
discount on brand-name drugs, effective January 1, 2010.
2. IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED UNTIL EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE (INTERIM HIGH-RISK POOL) — Creates a
temporary insurance program until the Exchange is available for individuals who have been uninsured for several
months or have been denied a policy because of pre-existing conditions.
3. BANS LIFETIME LIMITS ON COVERAGE—Prohibits health insurance companies from placing lifetime caps on coverage.
4. ENDS RESCISSIONS—Prohibits insurers from nullifying or rescinding a patient’s policy when they file a claim for
benefits, except in the case of fraud.
5. EXTENDS COVERAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 27TH BIRTHDAY THROUGH PARENTS’ INSURANCE— Requires health
plans to allow young people through age 26 to remain on their parents’ insurance policy, at the parents’ choice.
6. ELIMINATES COST-SHARING FOR PREVENTIVE SERVICES IN MEDICARE—Eliminates co-payments for preventive
services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program.
7. IMPROVES HELP FOR LOW-INCOME MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES—Improves the low-income protection programs in
Medicare to assure more individuals are able to access this vital help.
8. PROVIDES NEW CONSUMER PROTECTIONS IN MEDICARE ADVANTAGE— Prohibits Medicare Advantage plans from
charging enrollees higher cost-sharing for services in their private plan than what is charged in traditional Medicare.
9. IMMEDIATE SUNSHINE ON PRICE GOUGING—Discourages excessive price increases by insurance companies through
review and disclosure of insurance rate increases.
10. CONTINUITY FOR DISPLACED WORKERS—Allows Americans to keep their COBRA coverage until the Exchange is in
place and they can access affordable coverage.
11. CREATES NEW, VOLUNTARY, PUBLIC LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM—Creates a long-term care insurance
program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become functionally disabled.
12. HELP FOR EARLY RETIREES—Creates a $10 billon fund to finance a temporary reinsurance program to help offset the
costs of expensive health claims for employers that provide health benefits for retirees age 55-64.
13. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS—Increases funding for Community Health Centers to allow for a doubling of the
number of patients seen by the centers over the next 5 years.
14. INCREASING NUMBER OF PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS — Provides new investment in training programs to increase the
number of primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals.
PREPARED BY OFFICE OF SPEAKER PELOSI – OCTOBER 29, 2009
discount on brand-name drugs, effective January 1, 2010.
2. IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED UNTIL EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE (INTERIM HIGH-RISK POOL) — Creates a
temporary insurance program until the Exchange is available for individuals who have been uninsured for several
months or have been denied a policy because of pre-existing conditions.
3. BANS LIFETIME LIMITS ON COVERAGE—Prohibits health insurance companies from placing lifetime caps on coverage.
4. ENDS RESCISSIONS—Prohibits insurers from nullifying or rescinding a patient’s policy when they file a claim for
benefits, except in the case of fraud.
5. EXTENDS COVERAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 27TH BIRTHDAY THROUGH PARENTS’ INSURANCE— Requires health
plans to allow young people through age 26 to remain on their parents’ insurance policy, at the parents’ choice.
6. ELIMINATES COST-SHARING FOR PREVENTIVE SERVICES IN MEDICARE—Eliminates co-payments for preventive
services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program.
7. IMPROVES HELP FOR LOW-INCOME MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES—Improves the low-income protection programs in
Medicare to assure more individuals are able to access this vital help.
8. PROVIDES NEW CONSUMER PROTECTIONS IN MEDICARE ADVANTAGE— Prohibits Medicare Advantage plans from
charging enrollees higher cost-sharing for services in their private plan than what is charged in traditional Medicare.
9. IMMEDIATE SUNSHINE ON PRICE GOUGING—Discourages excessive price increases by insurance companies through
review and disclosure of insurance rate increases.
10. CONTINUITY FOR DISPLACED WORKERS—Allows Americans to keep their COBRA coverage until the Exchange is in
place and they can access affordable coverage.
11. CREATES NEW, VOLUNTARY, PUBLIC LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM—Creates a long-term care insurance
program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become functionally disabled.
12. HELP FOR EARLY RETIREES—Creates a $10 billon fund to finance a temporary reinsurance program to help offset the
costs of expensive health claims for employers that provide health benefits for retirees age 55-64.
13. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS—Increases funding for Community Health Centers to allow for a doubling of the
number of patients seen by the centers over the next 5 years.
14. INCREASING NUMBER OF PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS — Provides new investment in training programs to increase the
number of primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals.
PREPARED BY OFFICE OF SPEAKER PELOSI – OCTOBER 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Ideas for Funding Heathcare Reform
1. Increase royalties for Mineral, Oil and Gas Rights on Federally owned Lands.
2. End Sugar subsidies.
2. End Sugar subsidies.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Promises, Promises
I'm going to give the Obama Administration a little credit here for a flash of brilliance, although I have to admit, lately, I'm not so sure.
By holding off on pushing for the types of changes he promised the Gay and Lesbian Community they have laid the issue at the door step of the 2010 Election Cycle. What better side show, for the American People, then to see the true colors of Republican prejudice and hatred. Just imagine the stereotypical crap that will be spewing from the mouths of some of the Rights most influential minds, personally I'm expecting some classics from Sen. Demint.
Also bringing the issue up during the election could help activate the GLBT Community and their supporter as a voting block to counter the frenzied "Teabagger" crowd.
If Obama doesn't move to keep his promises... well then ... Never Mind.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Arresting Terror
It would seem the argument that terrorism is an Intelligence and and Law Enforcement Issue got a big boost this week with the recent arrests and foiled plots. But this just leads us to a bigger question. If it is the case that Cops and Spies are the best tools for fighting terrorism? Why are we in Afghanistan?
Monday, September 14, 2009
Bush a Failure on all Counts
"Thursday's annual Census Bureau report on income, poverty and access to health care-the Bureau's principal report card on the well-being of average Americans-closes the books on the economic record of George W. Bush.
It's not a record many Republicans are likely to point to with pride.
On every major measurement, the Census Bureau report shows that the country lost ground during Bush's two terms. While Bush was in office, the median household income declined, poverty increased, childhood poverty increased even more, and the number of Americans without health insurance spiked. By contrast, the country's condition improved on each of those measures during Bill Clinton's two terms, often substantially."
It's not a record many Republicans are likely to point to with pride.
On every major measurement, the Census Bureau report shows that the country lost ground during Bush's two terms. While Bush was in office, the median household income declined, poverty increased, childhood poverty increased even more, and the number of Americans without health insurance spiked. By contrast, the country's condition improved on each of those measures during Bill Clinton's two terms, often substantially."
Illegal Emergency
The only thing that will make the Republicans happy, when it comes to health care and illegal immigrants, is the passage of a law requiring denial of service at the Emergency Room door.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Little Emporers
One of the reason Democrats are in capable of governing is their tendency to break down into little emperors. Individuals or small groups in powerful positions start to view themselves like the president able to veto legislation or ideas whether they are in the majority or not. Max Baucus and his "gang of six" are a perfect example. A small group of conservative Senators both Democrat and Republican, from very small states (combined less then Ohio) can override 3 committee Bills from the House and a Bill from the Senate HELP Committee, all with a "Public Option".
One thing the Democrats are not is democratic.
If you start with the assumption that you will never get a Republican vote on any type reform. The only reform they like is to let you buy across state lines. But the only thing that would do is allow your health insurance company to act like your credit card company. They would all move there headquarters to the state with the weakest standards. I bet it would be in the south. You better pray it's not Texas.
Anyway, We'll also assume that Mass. sends an interim Senator to fill Kennedy's spot. So what we have is the Democratic Caucus. a majority in the House and sixty vote in the Senate. Capable of passing any legislation.
So do the Democrats go into a room and work out a plan using democratic principles? Do the say everybody for a "Public Option" raise you hand? OK, the Public Option's in, we're going with a public option. Of course not. they break down into their little kingships or small gangs with a minority view, but the power to act like little Dictator and to force a majority of their own party into the position of being the nutty liberal fringe that will just have to learn to compromise.
One thing the Democrats are not is democratic.
If you start with the assumption that you will never get a Republican vote on any type reform. The only reform they like is to let you buy across state lines. But the only thing that would do is allow your health insurance company to act like your credit card company. They would all move there headquarters to the state with the weakest standards. I bet it would be in the south. You better pray it's not Texas.
Anyway, We'll also assume that Mass. sends an interim Senator to fill Kennedy's spot. So what we have is the Democratic Caucus. a majority in the House and sixty vote in the Senate. Capable of passing any legislation.
So do the Democrats go into a room and work out a plan using democratic principles? Do the say everybody for a "Public Option" raise you hand? OK, the Public Option's in, we're going with a public option. Of course not. they break down into their little kingships or small gangs with a minority view, but the power to act like little Dictator and to force a majority of their own party into the position of being the nutty liberal fringe that will just have to learn to compromise.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Pro Choice on Health Care
No Person should be force to have any part of their Health Insurance Premium Dollars used for multi million dollar bonuses for Insurance company Executives.
We should all have the right to choose a Public Option.
We should all have the right to choose a Public Option.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
It was fun while it lasted.
If Barack Obama fails to support a strong public option it will tear the Democratic Party apart
Friday, September 04, 2009
Antibodies found to prevent HIV from becoming AIDS
LA Times:
"After nearly two decades of futile searching for a vaccine against the AIDS virus, researchers are reporting the tantalizing discovery of antibodies that can prevent the virus from multiplying in the body and producing severe disease.They do not have a vaccine yet, but they may well have a road map toward the production of one.A team based at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla reports today in the journal Science that they have isolated two so-called broadly neutralizing antibodies that can block the action of many strains of HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS."
"After nearly two decades of futile searching for a vaccine against the AIDS virus, researchers are reporting the tantalizing discovery of antibodies that can prevent the virus from multiplying in the body and producing severe disease.They do not have a vaccine yet, but they may well have a road map toward the production of one.A team based at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla reports today in the journal Science that they have isolated two so-called broadly neutralizing antibodies that can block the action of many strains of HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS."
Snowe Jobs
If the Dems are considering Reconciliation for the Health Reform Bill. Why would you bother courting Olympia Snow? With Reconciliation They don't even have to court Ben Nelson
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Pastor “I hope that God strikes Barack Obama with brain cancer so he can die like Ted Kennedy. You know, and I hope it happens today.”
The Raw Story:
"Pastor Steven Anderson of Arizona’s Faithful Word Baptist Church — spiritual adviser to the man who carried an assault rifle outside a recent Phoenix health care rally with the President — believes that God wants people to hate Barack Obama. "
"Pastor Steven Anderson of Arizona’s Faithful Word Baptist Church — spiritual adviser to the man who carried an assault rifle outside a recent Phoenix health care rally with the President — believes that God wants people to hate Barack Obama. "
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Republican Gunning for Grandma
Newsweek:
"It was Grassley himself who devised the "Throw Mama From the Train" provision of the GOP's 2001 tax cut. The estate-tax revision he championed will reduce the estate tax to zero next year. But when it expires at year's end, the tax will jump back up to its previous level of 55 percent. Grassley's exploding tax break has an entirely foreseeable, if unintended, consequence: it incentivizes ailing, elderly rich people to end their lives—paging Dr. Kevorkian—before midnight on Dec. 31, 2010. It also gives their children an incentive to sign DNR orders and switch off respirators in time for the deadline. This would be a great plot for a P. D. James novel if it weren't an actual piece of legislation."
"It was Grassley himself who devised the "Throw Mama From the Train" provision of the GOP's 2001 tax cut. The estate-tax revision he championed will reduce the estate tax to zero next year. But when it expires at year's end, the tax will jump back up to its previous level of 55 percent. Grassley's exploding tax break has an entirely foreseeable, if unintended, consequence: it incentivizes ailing, elderly rich people to end their lives—paging Dr. Kevorkian—before midnight on Dec. 31, 2010. It also gives their children an incentive to sign DNR orders and switch off respirators in time for the deadline. This would be a great plot for a P. D. James novel if it weren't an actual piece of legislation."
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Swine Flu Spreading at "Unbelievable" Rate
The Raw Story:
"Swine flu spreads four times faster than other viruses and 40 percent of the fatalities are young adults in good health, the world’s top health official warned in an interview appearing Saturday.
“This virus travels at an unbelievable, almost unheard of speed,” World Health Organisation Director General Margaret Chan told France’s Le Monde daily in an interview.
“In six weeks it travels the same distance that other viruses take six months to cover,” Chan said."
"Swine flu spreads four times faster than other viruses and 40 percent of the fatalities are young adults in good health, the world’s top health official warned in an interview appearing Saturday.
“This virus travels at an unbelievable, almost unheard of speed,” World Health Organisation Director General Margaret Chan told France’s Le Monde daily in an interview.
“In six weeks it travels the same distance that other viruses take six months to cover,” Chan said."
Stealth Astroturf Campaign Revealed
Think Progress:
"Citizens for a Sound Economy — which has also received funds from private health insurers in the past and played a critical astroturf role in killing reform under Clinton — eventually split, with one wing forming Americans for Prosperity in 2003, and another forming FreedomWorks in 2004. Both organizations, which are still funded by the Koch Industries empire, were instrumental in organizing the anti-Obama tea party protests, and have been spreading misinformation and anger at the current health reform effort. Americans for Prosperity’s anti-health reform front group, Patients United, has hosted speakers comparing the House health reform bill to the Holocaust. "
"Citizens for a Sound Economy — which has also received funds from private health insurers in the past and played a critical astroturf role in killing reform under Clinton — eventually split, with one wing forming Americans for Prosperity in 2003, and another forming FreedomWorks in 2004. Both organizations, which are still funded by the Koch Industries empire, were instrumental in organizing the anti-Obama tea party protests, and have been spreading misinformation and anger at the current health reform effort. Americans for Prosperity’s anti-health reform front group, Patients United, has hosted speakers comparing the House health reform bill to the Holocaust. "
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Same Old Republican Games
Media Matters:
" When was the last time conservatives approached a big fight without relying heavily, if not exclusively, on misinformation and deception? Why would anyone have thought this time would be different?"
" When was the last time conservatives approached a big fight without relying heavily, if not exclusively, on misinformation and deception? Why would anyone have thought this time would be different?"
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Health Insurance Premiums will Double in a Decade
The Raw Story:
"Insurance rates will rise 94 percent by 2020 if cost-saving reforms to the US health care system aren’t enacted, a new study from the Commonwealth Institute finds.
The 90-year-old non-profit health care charity released an analysis of health care costs and forecasts that says employer-sponsored family plans will rise from an average cost of $12,298 in 2008 to $23,842 in 2020.
By contrast, the same coverage would have cost around $9,200 in 2003."
"Insurance rates will rise 94 percent by 2020 if cost-saving reforms to the US health care system aren’t enacted, a new study from the Commonwealth Institute finds.
The 90-year-old non-profit health care charity released an analysis of health care costs and forecasts that says employer-sponsored family plans will rise from an average cost of $12,298 in 2008 to $23,842 in 2020.
By contrast, the same coverage would have cost around $9,200 in 2003."
Now We want to Kill Veterans
Huffington Post:
"The latest conservative obsession - dutifully spread via Sarah Palin's Facebook page - is marked by the same alarmism and factual inaccuracy as the hysteria over "death panels."
According to this tale, America's veterans are being steered into ending their lives via a "death book" distributed by the government.
It all started with Jim Towey, the former president of the White House Office of Faith-Based Initiatives under George W. Bush, who penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal describing how the Department of Veterans Affairs was using an end-of-life planning document that was aimed at steering veterans toward choosing death."
Dr. Ellen Fox, the Chief Officer for Ethics in Health Care at the Veterans Health Administration, defended the use of the booklet:
Your Life, Your Choices is an educational workbook that was designed specifically for Veterans. The authors went to great lengths to ensure it would be meaningful and helpful to all Veterans, regardless of their religious and cultural backgrounds. I am impressed by the development process they used, which included extensive input and testing by different Veterans groups, religious leaders from 10 different faiths, elderly and disabled individuals, and experienced doctors and nurses. They even made sure to incorporate everyday language that Veterans commonly use to describe medical conditions, while at the same time providing accurate information from the physician's perspective. Over the past 10 years it has been tested through scientific research, endorsed by many respected professional organizations, and widely used throughout the U.S. health care system. It is one of many educational resources we provide to help Veterans and their families. As a Federal agency we have an obligation to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars by maximizing the services we provide our Veterans. Providing an educational resource like Your Life, Your Choices at no cost to Veterans is one of the many ways we fulfill this mission. The whole purpose of this workbook is to encourage more conversations between patients, families, and health care teams. Anyone who is seriously interested in ensuring that Veterans receive the best care possible should recognize this."
"The latest conservative obsession - dutifully spread via Sarah Palin's Facebook page - is marked by the same alarmism and factual inaccuracy as the hysteria over "death panels."
According to this tale, America's veterans are being steered into ending their lives via a "death book" distributed by the government.
It all started with Jim Towey, the former president of the White House Office of Faith-Based Initiatives under George W. Bush, who penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal describing how the Department of Veterans Affairs was using an end-of-life planning document that was aimed at steering veterans toward choosing death."
Dr. Ellen Fox, the Chief Officer for Ethics in Health Care at the Veterans Health Administration, defended the use of the booklet:
Your Life, Your Choices is an educational workbook that was designed specifically for Veterans. The authors went to great lengths to ensure it would be meaningful and helpful to all Veterans, regardless of their religious and cultural backgrounds. I am impressed by the development process they used, which included extensive input and testing by different Veterans groups, religious leaders from 10 different faiths, elderly and disabled individuals, and experienced doctors and nurses. They even made sure to incorporate everyday language that Veterans commonly use to describe medical conditions, while at the same time providing accurate information from the physician's perspective. Over the past 10 years it has been tested through scientific research, endorsed by many respected professional organizations, and widely used throughout the U.S. health care system. It is one of many educational resources we provide to help Veterans and their families. As a Federal agency we have an obligation to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars by maximizing the services we provide our Veterans. Providing an educational resource like Your Life, Your Choices at no cost to Veterans is one of the many ways we fulfill this mission. The whole purpose of this workbook is to encourage more conversations between patients, families, and health care teams. Anyone who is seriously interested in ensuring that Veterans receive the best care possible should recognize this."
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Stewart v. O'Reilly
71% of Republican Favor "Choice" of a Public Option
When asked in a recent poll by SurveyUSA (1200 ppl +/- 2.9%) "In any health care proposal, how important do you feel it is to give people a choice of both a public plan administered by the federal government and a private plan for their health insurance--extremely important, quite important, not that important, or not at all important?"
71% percent of Republican answered "extremely important" (58%) or "quite important" (13%)
Who'da thought the Republicans had a socialist wing?
71% percent of Republican answered "extremely important" (58%) or "quite important" (13%)
Who'da thought the Republicans had a socialist wing?
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Health Care as a Civil Right
Newsweek:
"The United States has two parties now—the Obama Party and the Fox Party. The Obama Party is larger, but it is unfocused and its troops are whiny. The Fox Party, which shows up en masse to harass politicians, is noisy and practiced in the art of simplistic obstruction. As the health-care debate rages, it's the Party of Sort-of-Maybe-Yes versus the Party of Hell No! The Yessers are more lackadaisical because they've forgotten the stakes—they've forgotten that this is the most important civil-rights bill in a generation, though it is rarely framed that way."
"The United States has two parties now—the Obama Party and the Fox Party. The Obama Party is larger, but it is unfocused and its troops are whiny. The Fox Party, which shows up en masse to harass politicians, is noisy and practiced in the art of simplistic obstruction. As the health-care debate rages, it's the Party of Sort-of-Maybe-Yes versus the Party of Hell No! The Yessers are more lackadaisical because they've forgotten the stakes—they've forgotten that this is the most important civil-rights bill in a generation, though it is rarely framed that way."
Robert Reich Calls for March on Washington
Huffington Post:
"Robert Reich, the former Labor secretary, scholar and commentator, called Tuesday for a “march on Washington” on Sept. 13 —“Grandparents Day” — in support of a health care bill that offers a public option.
While he said organizing was not his strength, he would be prepared to assist. “If enough people feel that’s the best way for their voices to be heard, and can’t be heard in any other way, then we march,” Reich said in a reader question-and-answer session in POLITICO’s Arena.
A group of conservatives have already announced a “tea party” movement march on Washington for Sept. 12. An opposing march the next day, if one were to materialize, could make for an interesting weekend."
"Robert Reich, the former Labor secretary, scholar and commentator, called Tuesday for a “march on Washington” on Sept. 13 —“Grandparents Day” — in support of a health care bill that offers a public option.
While he said organizing was not his strength, he would be prepared to assist. “If enough people feel that’s the best way for their voices to be heard, and can’t be heard in any other way, then we march,” Reich said in a reader question-and-answer session in POLITICO’s Arena.
A group of conservatives have already announced a “tea party” movement march on Washington for Sept. 12. An opposing march the next day, if one were to materialize, could make for an interesting weekend."
Ignore the Poll and Do What's Right
According to a NBC/Wall Street Journal poll, Reported on widely yestarday as evidence that support for Healthcare reform is slipping, one statistic seemed to have been missed.
From a Reuters:
"Misconceptions about the plan were widespread, however, with 55 percent saying it would give health coverage to illegal immigrants and 45 percent saying it would let the government decide when to stop care for the elderly. Both are untrue."
When Half the people in a poll believe something that is untrue isn't that poll irrelevant. It would seem to me you should throw out a poll when 45-55% of the participant are misinformed.
From a Reuters:
"Misconceptions about the plan were widespread, however, with 55 percent saying it would give health coverage to illegal immigrants and 45 percent saying it would let the government decide when to stop care for the elderly. Both are untrue."
When Half the people in a poll believe something that is untrue isn't that poll irrelevant. It would seem to me you should throw out a poll when 45-55% of the participant are misinformed.
Welcome to the Party!
As a Gay Man who voted for Barack Obama because I saw in him the man that would bring positive change to those in my community. I would just like to say to Liberal and to those whose Lives depend on Health Care Reform. Welcome to the Party!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Huckabee Criticises President from Foriegn Soil
Isn't that usually a big time Republican Attack? I think they used it on Clinton and Carter a few times?
Washington Post:
"JERUSALEM — Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee slammed President Barack Obama's policies toward Israel on Monday in a visit here that underscored the tensions between the Obama administration and the Israeli government over Jewish settlements in what traditionally have been Palestinian areas.
Huckabee criticized the Obama administration's calls for ending such settlements and said Obama's position had only encouraged the Palestinian government not to negotiate with Israel.
More important than Huckabee's words, however, was where he chose to deliver them: at several controversial Jewish enclaves in the mostly Arab neighborhoods of East Jerusalem, which both Israel and the Palestinian Authority claim.
Washington Post:
"JERUSALEM — Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee slammed President Barack Obama's policies toward Israel on Monday in a visit here that underscored the tensions between the Obama administration and the Israeli government over Jewish settlements in what traditionally have been Palestinian areas.
Huckabee criticized the Obama administration's calls for ending such settlements and said Obama's position had only encouraged the Palestinian government not to negotiate with Israel.
More important than Huckabee's words, however, was where he chose to deliver them: at several controversial Jewish enclaves in the mostly Arab neighborhoods of East Jerusalem, which both Israel and the Palestinian Authority claim.
The Ultimate Sacrafice
The Democrats need to be prepared to take the ultimate sacrifice and ram through the best possible Heath Care reform bill that takes the fastest track possible to full enactment. When the National Security of our nation is threatened we ask our citizens, our children to go to War and be prepared to lay down their lives for the good of the people.
When the Health Security of our people is threatened the Congress should be willing to put their seats on the line for the good of the Nation?
We may lose some good politician in the battle maybe even a majority in the next election. But we will still have the numbers to defend the changes and block any attempt to reverse the reform until the Public has the time to see the positive results And realize the good that Republicans where trying to stop.
When the Health Security of our people is threatened the Congress should be willing to put their seats on the line for the good of the Nation?
We may lose some good politician in the battle maybe even a majority in the next election. But we will still have the numbers to defend the changes and block any attempt to reverse the reform until the Public has the time to see the positive results And realize the good that Republicans where trying to stop.
Hope He Doesn't Bargin This Away
Washington Post:
"In a filing by the Justice Department, administration lawyers made it clear for the first time in court that the president thinks the 13-year-old Defense of Marriage Act, which denies benefits to domestic partners of federal employees and allows states to reject same-sex marriages performed in other states, discriminates against gays and should be repealed."
"In a filing by the Justice Department, administration lawyers made it clear for the first time in court that the president thinks the 13-year-old Defense of Marriage Act, which denies benefits to domestic partners of federal employees and allows states to reject same-sex marriages performed in other states, discriminates against gays and should be repealed."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
