Beyondhiv

Social Security... something

2011-11-21T09:44:00.000-05:00

OK, I have no idea how the numbers might work out for this but I'm going to throw it out there anyway. Because you'd probably have to go into algorisms and Algebra and calculus, Oh My!

What if we allowed people to chose their Social Security Benefit amount based on the person's contribution into the system?
So that's the simple explaination of the Idea. The rest of this is pretty much some top the head ideas on how it might work.
When you get a job you always fill out a W- something asking about your dependants and deduction. At tha point you get a paper with options. Pay this percentage from your pay check, get this Payment. I can definitly see some issues with this, I said it was top of the head stuff. I don't know how you represent to a person the value of that pay out in 40 years. It might sound good but in 40yrs, it's a Pepsi. I would imagine young people would just pick the minimum so you'd have to allow people to change. But, at the time of the change the person would need a reassesment of where they stand at the point in time, to be able to figure their contribution going forward.
Ok I'm starting to ramble, Like I said it was top of the head kind of stuff which I'm sure some people will say came straight from my ass.

Economic What If's

2011-11-19T04:47:00.000-05:00

Did you ever think to yourself, man, I could do some great things if I just had a staff? Well I could use a numbers guy right now. Any way here's Economic what if's.

What if the only tax deduction a company could get was for increasing the wages of non-management employees?

What if the Government gave Loan Guaranties to Employees to buy the factory, that they work at, that is being closed down to be moved to a foreign country. We could even make it a sweet deal buy saying that is the mechinary and equipment has already been written off their taxes, the company can only scrap value.

What if we index wages to GDP growth. (OK, this one might blow up in my face.)

Not a Clue

2011-11-09T06:06:00.000-05:00

I don't think the Political Talking Heads, on the cable news channels, understands the incredible damage Republicans are doing to themselves at the state level. Maybe yestarday's Elections will change that. Probably not.

Orchestrated Volatility

2011-11-07T07:42:00.000-05:00

How much longer are we going to let this game go on? Wall Street is no longer a stock market that serves the needs of capitalist system it is no longer just a way to accumulate and reallocate capital. It is not even a casino, as some have called it, where all the outcomes have an equal possibility. 13 Black, Damn it!
Wall Street is a rigged game. where win or lose, up or down it doesn't really matter because their investments are designed to profit either way. If there is good news on a Greece bailout the markets go up and they profit. S&P down grades Greece the markets tank and they profit. Got all we can, let's go to Italy. It's orchestrated volatility design to suck as much money out of the economy and into the pockets of the super wealthy as possible. And the reason have nothing to do with a free market rewarding the successful. It's about the darker side of human nature. Capitalism is not a beneviolent "invisible hand" guiding us to a brighter future. It is a jungle where winners and losers can be a matter of life and death. It is a jungle populated by giant corporations that would rather dump their waste in the river, no matter how toxic, because it's cheaper and quite frankly corporation don't get thirsty. The free market does not care if you struggle every day to survive, in fact it's better if you do so you don't have time to pay attention while they dismantle The Enviromental Protection Agency. Take the Koch Brothers they operate a Plant that some say has caused Cancer in the residents of a small town nearby. They don't care what's a few death to low income people compared to a bigger bottom line? In fact they are funding Presidencial canadates and Right Wing efforts to eliminate the EPA. What's a little Cancer?
So it's time to end the game. The current system can't be fixed by tinkering around the edges making new rules to encourage better behavior. the system and it's players are too corrupt and wields too much power to be allowed to continue or take part in the re-organization of the financial system.
We need to nationalize the banks and take over the large fInancial Institutions. Take them over, audit them then chop them up and sell them off. Institute new rules and a transaction tax on Wall Street. Restrict futures to end use customers and tighter control over derivatives. We need to reduce the princple on debt both public and private sector and reset those loans at lower and fixed interest rates.
In essence we need to reboot our financial system and restart it with a new operating system.

Hoping for failure

2011-11-03T05:46:00.078-05:00

With the deadline fast approaching on the Super Committee I would have to say I'm hoping for failure. I think the $1.2T in automatic cuts, although Painful, would be far better than the auction house bidding going on with the plans being shopped around these days. We'll cut $4B! No We'll cut 6.
First, the automatic domestic cuts of $600B over 10yrs would hurt but would be alot less painful then some other plans. We have a debt problem but it's a long-term problem. Now is not the time, in this economy, to start taking an axe to goverment spending based on plans concieved by men in backrooms arguing about whose is bigger.
The second reason I'm hoping for failure is because the $600B cuts to Defense will probably be our only opportunity to get those kind of cut out of the Pentagon. And to those who say the cuts will hurt our national Seurity. I find it hard to believe that $600B over 10yrs will be that painful to a $7T budget. Why are we so willing to force Medicare providers take less but not Defense Contractors?
There are so many game changing reforms that we can make, once we get the Republicans out of the way and start instituting values more in line with the 99%. Lifting the income caps on Social Security, allowing younger and healthier people to buy in to medicare and a Wall Street Transaction Tax are just a few.
It's sad to say that nothing will get done with Republican in control of the House of Representatives. The Republicans have proven over and over again that they do not govern to make this country a better place for everyone. Any so called Jobs plan they offer is just a collection of corporate and 1% wishlist talking points. Less taxes, less regulations and more "shared" sacrifice from those who can afford it least. They are so commited to the 1% they don't even listen to a majority of their own party who approves of raising taxes on millioairs. Republicans are no longer serious players in this debate.
So let the Super Committee fail, take our hit and get to work making this a better place for the 99%

Democrats as a Stop Gap

2011-10-29T08:31:00.000-05:00

The power of the 99% is that most people are sane and when asked issue by issue are relatively more Liberal then Conservative. So our power is in the fact that the sane far out number the crazy. So if we all make the commitment to vote we will win.Most of us Dislike Wall Street and their hand maidens in Congress both Republican and Democrats and we want to throw them all out. But, rallying around the Idea throw all the bumps out could be dangerous in that a random flip of the coin like that could just end up giving us a Republican controlled House, Senate and White House which will pretty much get us a gigantic Flat Tax Cut for billionaires, an Oil well in every yard and of course fish with three eyes.
So from in a pragmatic, Political and Electorial stand point with an national election only a year away we need first stop the bleeding by removing as many Republicans as possible and replace them with Democrats. At both the National and State level.
I know, I know, some of the Democrats are just as bad as Republican and many have the same ties to Wall Sreet but over all Dems are not nearly as anti the 99 as republican and not as determined to dismantle everything.
Once the Dems are in power we go back to the streets and get a constitutional amendment to get money out of elections and politics, institute a Wall Street Transaction Tax and break up the big banks for a start.

Watching "Faith & Freedom Conference"

2011-10-24T01:52:00.000-05:00

I was struck by two thoughts while watching the Faith & Freedom Conf. on C- SPAN.
1. Republicans will fight to the death of a doctor to stop abortions but once that baby is born it's Screw'em, cut WIC, cut health care, cut anything that gives that child a chance of a positive start in life.
2. The Republican efforts, across this country, to restrict abortion and the health care options of Women seem to be rooted in the idea that Women are the property of Men. Their decisions and options will be decided by Men with the political power to impose their personal beliefs on all women.

Family Day

2011-10-22T05:51:00.001-05:00

"The Fall of Wall Street"

2011-10-10T06:20:00.000-05:00

The "Occupy" protests happening on Wall Street and around the country have been a powerful first step in connecting people of like feelings of frustration over a system that seems stacked against the 99% of people who sweat, stress and study day in and day out for a better life for themselves and their families. While at the same time the scales are tipped in the direction of the top 1% and large corporation either through tax cuts or bail outs for criminal behavior by banks or ultimitly total political domination.The growth of what some are calling "The American Autumn" ,or my personal favorite "The Fall of Wall Street", and the way it has spread to other cities shows that if there is hundreds of thousands out there that feel compelled enough to take their voices to the streets there must be millions who have the similar feelings of frustration.Frustration may have been the catalyst that brought the people to Wall Street and beyond and it was a essential step to connecting people and creating networks it is not enough to sustain a movement. It is not enough to draw in the millions who feel the same way.This unified message doesn't need to be a manifesto with a long list of demands. It should just two or three first steps that set the foundation for real change.To add my voice to the debate I would like to offer what I think we all could get behind to change American for the benefit of all.The First is a Constitutional Amendment to get the money out of Politics. The Dylan Rattigan ammendments looks pretty good.Second, establish a Wall Street Transaction Tax. A portion of which would fund elections. I like this because Wall Street still pays for our election but with out buying influence.Third, bust up the Big Banks

Wall Street Sales Tax

2011-09-24T09:44:00.000-05:00

I first heard this idea a couple year ago. I thought it sounded like a good idea at the tome but you know how it goes, life goes on, the next crisis hits, Chaz Bono goes on Dancing with the Stars. You forget things. Recently I heard someone mention it so I went back to take a better look. It's called a "Wall Street Transaction Tax," personally I'd call it a "Wall Street Sales Tax" much easier for people to understand. Now if I was a Republican I'd probably call it The Jobs Crushing Socialist Class Warfair Redistribution Act".Anyway, so what is it and how does it work? One of the current versions talked about, or not talked about, in Washington is a 0.025% (yes that's one quarter of one percent) on every transaction that goes through Wall Street except for a few exemption on Retirement Account, Health Savings, etc. It's estimated it would bring $150 Billion a year or $1.5 Billion over 10 yrs. Personally I would go a little higher. If some one is either encouraged or discouraged from doing anything because of a 0.025% tax on a particular transaction needs to go smoke a bowl and get over it.I'd also go a little higher on riskier investments like Credit Default Swaps and a higher rate for Speculators who are not end use buyers.The thing I love about this Idea is We can payoff the debt in no time and it just seems like justice to make Wall Street pay for the crisis they put us in. Just think of it as a fine and Insurance for the next time.

Tribute 9/11

2011-09-04T07:53:00.000-05:00

This is a video I made a few years back to remember all those that found something missing after 9/11

The Romney Doll

2011-08-27T06:50:00.000-05:00

This is from the last Election. Still fits.

A Stupid Idea?

2011-08-25T08:06:00.000-05:00

Some times you have an idea that seems to make sense almost doable but it's just too big and radical of an idea to get your head around. Numbers too big to imagine and the potential for Unforeseen consequences cloud any ability of one mind to see it from different angles or even sub conscience biases that prevent even the most obvious reasons as to why it's the stupidest idea ever.
That being said, I'm throwing this idea out there not so I can defend it but to invite a dialogue even if it ends with someone's comment that makes me say "God that was a stupid idea."
And away we go!
The Federal Government would loan people the money to pay of their debt at the prime rate plus 1% for a 5yr pay off. +2% for 10yr and 3% for 15yr. I just added the option payoffs but hey I might as well go all in.
Now these loans would appear on the Feds books as an asset. Assets that can then be bundled in such a way as to minimize risk and garner a AAA rating, one that is real and not bought like the fraudulent mortgage back securities sold by the banks that brought down the economy.
The government can then take the new Triple A rated "Freedom Backed Securities", maybe that name will get a little Tea Bagger support, and sell them off to Investors.
Ok, so that it. I'd like to hear any thoughts on this Idea. Pros or cons. What the potential numbers might be or what consequences I'm not seeing or even just a good reason why it's the stupidest idea ever.

Triple A for Pay

2011-07-24T05:59:00.001-05:00

Maybe We could just pay the Rating Agencies to give our Treasury Bonds a AAA rating. it worked for the banks and their mortgage securities.

2011-06-23T08:24:00.001-05:00

News Headlines

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2011-06-22T16:44:00.001-05:00

N.Y. Lawmakers: No Obstacle to Marriage Vote

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Joe

2011-04-17T18:40:00.001-05:00

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Joe, all my love.

2011-04-11T08:11:00.001-05:00

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Molly

2011-04-11T07:55:00.001-05:00

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2011-04-10T22:38:00.001-05:00

Little Feat - Dixie Chicken (with Emmylou Harris & Bonnie Raitt) Live 19...

2011-04-06T01:21:00.000-05:00

Van Morrison - Harmonica Boogie (Live at Montreux in 1974)

2011-04-03T05:02:00.000-05:00

Thom Hartmann Tells the Real History of the Tea Party | Crooks and Liars

2011-04-03T04:42:00.000-05:00

Thom Hartmann Tells the Real History of the Tea Party Crooks and Liars

Thom Hartmann Tells the Real History of the Tea Party | Crooks and Liars

2011-04-03T04:40:00.000-05:00

Thom Hartmann Tells the Real History of the Tea Party Crooks and Liars

Michigan Republicans seek power to dis-incorporate whole cities, dismiss elected officials | Raw Replay

2011-03-10T14:13:00.000-05:00

Michigan Republicans seek power to dis-incorporate whole cities, dismiss elected officials Raw Replay

Why employee pensions aren't bankrupting states | McClatchy

2011-03-07T06:46:00.000-05:00

Why employee pensions aren't bankrupting states McClatchy

Limbaugh: Wisconsin Protesters Are "Long-Haired, Maggot-Infested, Dope-Smoking FM Rock 'N' Roller Types"

2011-03-03T04:57:00.000-05:00

Limbaugh: Wisconsin Protesters Are "Long-Haired, Maggot-Infested, Dope-Smoking FM Rock 'N' Roller Types"

Yes we could arm them.

2011-03-02T09:03:00.001-05:00

The Neocons have been calling for the arming of Libia's opposition against the government. Yes we could arm them. We could be the supporters of great death, destruction and lose of innocent lives. But if we stand for democracy and non-violent revolution should we sell out to our more violent nature?
If the Libian people believe in there right to a democratic society they should form a column of one million strong and march into Tripoli unarmed and demand their voice in their future.
Will many die? Yes. Will protesters be slaughtered? Yes.
Will may more die in a civil war? Yes.
More importantly Kadaffy (ok, the daffy was on purpose and plus I wasn't sure of the spelling) will end his life dangling at the end of a rope and Libya will be free.

Glenn Beck Needs To Look Up FDR's Record Of Supporting Collective Bargaining

2011-03-02T05:14:00.000-05:00

Glenn Beck Needs To Look Up FDR's Record Of Supporting Collective Bargaining

Reporter - Snow Plow

2011-02-27T05:51:00.000-05:00

Government by Example.

2011-02-24T07:41:00.000-05:00

Shouldn't the government represent an ideal and lead by example, by building a positive relationship with it's Unionized workforce?
Or, should the government act like a private corporation and crush the voice of the workers organized into a union?

Glenn Beck signs death warrent

2011-02-23T04:46:00.000-05:00

Glenn Beck Smears 35 Percent Of American Jews

Union Envy

2011-02-19T23:44:00.002-05:00

I been thinking a lot about the intellectual or emotional foundation of the virolently anti-gay person. Where does the rational come from to really hate another persons for something that happens between consenting adults, behind closed doors in a completely alternate universe.
What really started to bring my thinking into focus was the outing of some real anti-gay zealots as closeted homosexuals. The only emotion I could imagine bringing out this type of hatred of people living there lives openly is envy. The closeted gay person so resents the open life of an out gay person that the powerful feelings of envy manifest themselves as hatred.
The reason I been thinking of this lately is because I been trying to get my head around how you make the non union part of the work force almost seem to hate the union portion of the workforce.
You see stories, yes looking at you Fox, although to be fair and balanced most news organization are part of larger corporations that have an inherent anti-union mentality, about organized labor getting this or that benefit from collective bargining. That union workers are over paid and are bankrupting our business and destroying our economy. All of which have more then enough evidence to disprove and an abundance of evidence about how great progress has been made over the years in working conditions and rules and a profound impact to the growth and stability of the middle class.
So how do you get the majority of non union workers to hate the unions. Envy.

Shrink the Government Shrink the Economy

2011-02-16T04:14:00.002-05:00

Like it or not the federal government is a significant part of the over all economy. People earn wages, business provide goods and services in support of sevices provided by the government like healthcare where government spenting support thousands of private sector jobs. Doctors, Nurses and the janator sweeping the floor.
So if we, in the middle of an economic crisis, decide that we need to take an ax to government spending. We have to except that we are in fact shrinking the economy.
There are plenty of things to cut but the time to cut is when the private sector in expanding.
Which is not now.

Contrarian's Corner

2011-01-19T07:20:00.000-05:00

Counterintuitive solutions to the problems facing America.
Fixing Social Security
1. Remove caps on S.S. contributions for High Incomes. No reason that Bill gates should be paying the same amount as a middle class family.
2. Increase every ones S.S. contributions a little bit, maybe a percentage point or two.
3. Increase the retirement benefit.
4. Lower the retirement age.
They last two steps would hopefully encougage more older workers to retire early and get them out of the way of younger workers. Which is why the young might be willing pay a little more in Social Security.

A Ray of Hope: Muslims Offer Their Bodies As Human Shields At Coptic Christmas Mass | Crooks and Liars

2011-01-10T03:54:00.000-05:00

A Ray of Hope: Muslims Offer Their Bodies As Human Shields At Coptic Christmas Mass Crooks and Liars

Goldman Sachs Helped Greece Evade Legal Debt Limits Through Currency Swaps | Crooks and Liars

2010-12-30T08:09:00.000-05:00

Goldman Sachs Helped Greece Evade Legal Debt Limits Through Currency Swaps Crooks and Liars

Sarah Palin: Winner Of The 2010 Glenn Beck Misinformer Of The Year Award

2010-12-23T06:13:00.000-05:00

Sarah Palin: Winner Of The 2010 Glenn Beck Misinformer Of The Year Award

Hawaii marching band formation of a ball being kicked

2010-12-18T08:25:00.000-05:00

PolitiFact's "Lie Of The Year" Is One Of Fox's Favorite Health Care Lies

2010-12-18T07:57:00.000-05:00

PolitiFact's "Lie Of The Year" Is One Of Fox's Favorite Health Care Lies

Dancing Santa

2010-12-17T05:58:00.000-05:00

Rush: Maybe "we're fighting the wrong enemy in the Middle East. Maybe the real terrorists ... are on Capitol Hill"

2010-12-16T05:19:00.000-05:00

Rush: Maybe "we're fighting the wrong enemy in the Middle East. Maybe the real terrorists ... are on Capitol Hill"

Only Democrats

2010-12-15T01:26:00.003-05:00

Only the Democratic Party can take an issue, like the current tax cut debate, and turn it from being the Republicans allowing every one's taxes to go up to protect the tax rates for billionaires and turn it into the democrats allowing every ones taxes to go up because they won't except the compromise.

Who would be closer to right?

2010-09-08T10:54:00.002-05:00

A Pastor who says "Islam promotes Pedophilia"

Or an Imam who says "The Catholic Church promotes Pedophilia" ?

Please,Please,Please,Please,Please,Please

2010-04-20T04:46:00.005-05:00

SEE MORE ORIGINAL GRAPHICS

Move Your Money. We Did.

2009-12-30T07:29:00.000-05:00

Misinformer of the Year: Glenn Beck

2009-12-22T08:06:00.000-05:00

"Sorry, not this time. It wasn't Perfect"

2009-12-22T07:45:00.004-05:00

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."

FREE ABORTIONS

2009-12-20T06:42:00.004-05:00

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.

7 STEPS TO A PUBLIC OPTION!

2009-12-18T04:50:00.007-05:00

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.

Is Lieberman pulling a "Tauzin"?

2009-12-15T06:56:00.003-05:00

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

Expanding Medicaid.

2009-12-15T06:38:00.002-05:00

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 Two Punch

2009-12-15T05:33:00.002-05:00

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.

56 Newspapers in 45 Countries Publish One Editorial on Global Warming

2009-12-08T03:37:00.001-05:00

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."

Public Option, Fear Not but be Prepared.

2009-11-23T08:12:00.003-05:00

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.

Maximizing Power

2009-10-31T03:52:00.003-05:00

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.

17,000 US Children Died from Lack of Health Care

2009-10-30T06:30:00.001-05:00

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.

Top 14 Provisions to take Effect Immediately in House Health Care Bill

2009-10-30T05:40:00.002-05:00

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

Media Matters: Conservative Media

2009-10-28T06:32:00.001-05:00

Ideas for Funding Heathcare Reform

2009-10-13T06:16:00.003-05:00

1. Increase royalties for Mineral, Oil and Gas Rights on Federally owned Lands.
2. End Sugar subsidies.

Sarah Silverman's "Feed the World"

2009-10-11T05:38:00.000-05:00

Obama Speaks at HRC Fundraiser

2009-10-11T05:32:00.001-05:00

Promises, Promises

2009-10-10T11:24:00.005-05:00

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.

NYT/CBS Poll

2009-09-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

65% favor Public Option.

47% of Republicans Support Public Option. 42% Oppose.

Arresting Terror

2009-09-27T06:40:00.002-05:00

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?

Bush a Failure on all Counts

2009-09-14T05:28:00.003-05:00

The Atlantic:

"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."

Illegal Emergency

2009-09-14T04:15:00.002-05:00

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.

The Truth Behind Public Option

2009-09-14T03:47:00.001-05:00

Little Emporers

2009-09-13T08:27:00.005-05:00

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.

9/11 Tribute

2009-09-11T12:48:00.001-05:00

Pro Choice on Health Care

2009-09-08T07:08:00.003-05:00

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.

It was fun while it lasted.

2009-09-05T09:29:00.002-05:00

If Barack Obama fails to support a strong public option it will tear the Democratic Party apart

Antibodies found to prevent HIV from becoming AIDS

2009-09-04T09:24:00.001-05:00

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."

Snowe Jobs

2009-09-04T08:47:00.002-05:00

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

The Dummy Honey

2009-09-02T10:28:00.000-05:00

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.”

2009-09-01T08:02:00.001-05:00

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. "

Republican Gunning for Grandma

2009-08-30T10:28:00.001-05:00

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."

Swine Flu Spreading at "Unbelievable" Rate

2009-08-29T11:27:00.001-05:00

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."

Stealth Astroturf Campaign Revealed

2009-08-29T10:13:00.002-05:00

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. "

Media Matters: Conservatives' Culture of Death

2009-08-28T11:54:00.001-05:00

"Aspray" Full Body Deodorant

2009-08-26T10:48:00.002-05:00

Same Old Republican Games

2009-08-24T06:53:00.002-05:00

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?"

75% of FOX Viewers Believe in "Death Panels"

2009-08-24T06:44:00.000-05:00

Health Insurance Premiums will Double in a Decade

2009-08-23T10:31:00.001-05:00

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."

Now We want to Kill Veterans

2009-08-23T09:55:00.001-05:00

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 Heath Insurance Game

2009-08-23T08:14:00.001-05:00

Trailer: Micheal Moore's CAPITALISM: A love Story

2009-08-22T06:15:00.001-05:00

Health Care on the Back of a Napkin

2009-08-21T04:47:00.000-05:00

Healthcare Napkins All

View more documents from Dan Roam.

Stewart v. O'Reilly

2009-08-21T04:01:00.001-05:00

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Fox News: The New Liberals

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Healthcare Protests

71% of Republican Favor "Choice" of a Public Option

2009-08-21T01:23:00.002-05:00

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?

Health Care as a Civil Right

2009-08-19T05:55:00.001-05:00

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."

Robert Reich Calls for March on Washington

2009-08-19T05:19:00.001-05:00

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."

Go Barney!, Go Barney!, Go Barney!

2009-08-19T04:32:00.001-05:00

Ignore the Poll and Do What's Right

2009-08-19T03:59:00.003-05:00

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.

Welcome to the Party!

2009-08-19T03:43:00.003-05:00

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!

Huckabee Criticises President from Foriegn Soil

2009-08-18T04:56:00.002-05:00

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.

The Ultimate Sacrafice

2009-08-18T04:26:00.003-05:00

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.

Hope He Doesn't Bargin This Away

2009-08-18T03:25:00.001-05:00

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."

57% of Republicans believe or unsure about Death Panels

2009-08-18T03:13:00.002-05:00

The Plum Line:

Do you think the health care reform plan being considered by President Obama and Congress creates “death panels” which have the authority to subjectively determine whether or not a gravely ill or injured person should receive health care based on their “level of productivity in society”?

Here are the numbers on how Republicans answered that question:
Yes: 26
No: 43
Not sure: 31

So a startling majority of 57% of Republicans either believes or is uncertain about the veracity of the “death panel” claim, versus only 43% of GOPers who don’t beliveve it.

Giant Rodent Eating Plant Discovered

2009-08-18T02:52:00.002-05:00

Timesonline.com:

"Nepenthes attenboroughii, a previously unknown variety of pitcher plant discovered on a remote mountain in the Philippines, is so big that small rodents could be trapped inside and slowly dissolved by flesh-eating enzymes."