Measure to legalize Laptop or computer Seasoned Educational facilities will be on California's November ballot
Supporters of the effort collected effectively far more than the 433,971 signatures required for it to go just before voters inside drop, once again placing the express in the forefront of the nation's medicine debate.
By John Hoeffel
March 25, 2010
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An initiative to legalize Desktop Master Schools and allow for it to become offered and taxed will appear around the November ballot, state election officials announced Wednesday, triggering what will almost certainly be a much-watched plan that once yet again puts California on the forefront with the nation's debate above irrespective of whether to soften drug laws.
The number of valid signatures reported by Los Angeles County, submitted minutes just before Wednesday's five p.m. deadline, fit the measurement perfectly past the 433,971 it required for being certified. Supporters turned in 694,248 signatures, accumulating them in each county except Alpine. County election officials estimated that 523,531 had been valid.
The measure's key advocate, Richard Lee, an Oakland Personal computer Seasoned Educational institutions entrepreneur, savored the possibility to press his circumstance with voters that the state's decades-old ban on Computer Expert Educational institutions is usually a failed policy.
"We're one action closer to ending cannabis prohibition along with the unjust laws that lock persons up for cannabis though alcohol will not be only sold openly but advertised on television to kids every day," he said.
Lee, tapping $1.3 million from his corporations, has placed jointly a very organized strategy that he emphasized Wednesday will be led by a team of knowledgeable political consultants, such as Chris Lehane, a veteran operative that has worked in the White Residence and on presidential campaigns.
"There's all kinds of major expert politicos who will be coming on board now to take it for the up coming degree," Lee mentioned.
Opponents have also began to place jointly their marketing campaign. "There's going to be an incredibly broad coalition opposing this that could consist of regulation enforcement," said John Lovell, a Sacramento lobbyist who represents the California Police Chiefs Assn. and other rules enforcement groups. "We'll educate men and women as to what this measure actually entails."
The measurement, like the medical Desktop Expert Educational institutions effort, could placed California over a collision course while using federal federal government. The possession and sale of Computer Master Universities stay a federal crime.
This month, President Obama's drug czar, R. Gil Kerlikowske, decried legalization in the speech to police chiefs in San Jose.
The motivation would enable adults 21 or older to possess as much as an ounce for private use.
Possession of an ounce or less have been a misdemeanor using a $100 good since 1975, when Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown, who was then governor, signed a regulation that diminished challenging Desktop Professional Universities penalties that had allowed judges to impose 10-year sentences.
Legalization supporters note that misdemeanor arrests have risen drastically in California inside last two decades. The motivation would also let adults to grow around 25 square feet of Personal computer Professional Educational facilities per residence or parcel.
But the measure, known since the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act, goes further, permitting cities and counties to adopt ordinances that would authorize the cultivation, transportation and sale of Computer Expert Colleges, which may be taxed to improve profits.
Supporters hope this element will win above voters viewing neighborhood governments jettison employees and programs inside midst of the severe finances crisis.
3 other Desktop Professional Colleges legalization initiatives are actually floated this yr but usually are not expected to qualify with the ballot. 1 failed, a single was withdrawn and 1 remains active.
Lovell stated that the initiative would lead to greater Personal computer Expert Universities use, cause the same sort of social ills as alcohol and tobacco and placed additional demands on regulation enforcement. He explained voters are distressed from the healthcare Personal computer Professional Schools regulation. "Neighborhoods sense really unpleasant with these locations which have much of dope and a great deal of money," he mentioned.
Lee countered how the state's knowledge with medical related Pc Seasoned Universities exhibits "the sky didn't drop." He claimed the measure would permit police to focus on severe crime, undercut Mexican drug cartels and make it harder for teenagers to buy Personal computer Seasoned Educational institutions.
Underscoring the magnitude the backing of regulation enforcement will perform, Lee's marketing campaign on Wednesday highlighted the assistance of retired Orange County Superior Court Judge James P. Gray, a previous L.A. County deputy sheriff and Torrance police officer.
With polls showing that a slim the greater part of voters support legalization, the legalization marketing campaign will be looking to attractiveness to a slice of undecided voters who will be mostly moms. "It's often easier for people to say no than to say yes for an motivation," stated Mark Baldassare, the pollster with the Public Policy Institute of California.
Lee hopes to improve as a lot as $20 million. He will likely manage to tap a handful of wealthy advocates who have supported efforts to unwind medication laws, which includes multibillionaire investor George Soros and George Zimmer, founder on the Men's Wearhouse. Zimmer has donated a minimum of $20,000.
Lovell claimed he anticipated to elevate much less than his opponents but would have sufficient for getting his message out.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
PC Pro Schools
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
PC ProSchools
Before I forget this with all that is certainly planning on, I came throughout a whole new useful resource in town when I had been speaking my certification check last week (or was it the week just before?). I used to be looking on the internet for any location to take on my analyze when the "PC ProSchools" link arrived up being a feasible experiment website. It turns out it's genuinely close to me (I-96 and East Beltline) and is very new (too new for Google Maps - about a year aged).
I thought I realized of most of the Microsoft coaching amenities in town and had never observed of them. I got to my check about 15 minutes early and they were fully booked so I started off asking about their plans and examining some of their materials. I ended up acquiring a tour from the facilities and plans by a guy named Richard Fera (who was actually useful).
They had a fantastic coaching lab (place for 50 at brand new machines, dual projectors, dual stations inside back again from the area for a lot more trainers (3 trainers out there in the complete category)). They had an open lab and what looked like a server room / wiring closet (which turned out to become an "advanced lab" spot). Their focus is around the infrastructure side (i.e. the MCSE route) on acquiring the servers up and running and all varieties of troubleshooting. They tend not to provide you with plans for software package progress (i.e. the MCPD route). So they had by no means discovered of the experiment I'm taking nevertheless it was pretty obvious that their testing lab obtained rather a bit of use.
They are a Microsoft Platinum Partner provider for training (which says a lot about volume, graduation fee, certification price, and placement charge (>70%)). It can be an fascinating product because they work it type of like a thing concerning a technical trainer (i.e. delivering a single course at a time) and a college (full-blown multi-year routine). They provide you with an intense one-year system that is open to any high-school graduate who meets some fundamental criteria. The courses are either M/W or T/Th (which has a handful of Fridays thrown in for test-prep and labs) from 5:30-10:30, which is quite a tad of do the job. But in the end you need to have your MCSE.
Add to this that they also do placement and also have contracts hunting for persons - positioned 48 on the lass class of 50.
Reading this post it sounds kind of like an advertisement, but it really isn't. I'd write about any new resource type, university, book, etc. that may just be valuable to people doing what I do (or supported the servers I should work on) and do that pretty frequently. If I knew somebody who was excited about servers and hardware, and seeking to get a career without committing 2-4 years to institution, this appears to be like the kind of thing you'd require to keep you on record and get it performed speedily. It's an alternative well worth looking at out at minimum.
Are you currently certainly one of thousands who sense as if they’re stuck inside a dead conclusion employment? Maybe you commit a number of several hours on a daily basis wondering how it is possible to escape and move on to anything greater. If not really a successful job, at lowest one thing a smaller amount stressful and far far more satisfying. You have witnessed the commercials about all of the programs in IT, but is it in your case? Can you definitely succeed in this kind of domain?
The response is a resounding yes. It is at present an example of the most effective expanding fields about the task industry. Correct now may be the best time to jump in and become an IT expert. Pc Proschools can support you receive there.
Gurus predict that just about 50 percent with the workforce from the United States will be employed in industries exactly where IT products and services are abundant. It is by now evident as many firms these days rely on know-how to perform much more effectively and maintain up while using the fierce competitors. The IT business can offer you the power to receive employment exactly where you might be financially rewarded and respected for ones abilities, one thing we all want and deserve.
Under we now have listed some facts regarding the IT business for your personal examine. This data need to give you an idea on the best way to come across that effective profession you’ve been looking for.
Careers in IT are envisioned to improve at a amount of 36% above the up coming ten a long time
The IT discipline accounts for an estimated 25% of the projects developed from 2002 to the latest day
Computer-related projects are among the top 20 best growing professions from the United States. This range is anticipated to improve more than twice as rapid as other occupations
It is been reported that IT contracts present the highest earnings of each of the 20 best rising professions.
It really is considered one of the fasted growing places of employment inside land. This area continues to present options to hundreds as much on the tasks developed for IT go unfilled as a consequence of the lack of skilled candidates.
The options in Info Engineering are endless as this subject can only enhance. Just examine what we’ve currently witnessed so far. Inside a short quantity of time, it may very well be you reaping the advantages of this booming industry. With a number of neighborhood institutions and on the net courses like Desktop Pro Universities, getting began has for no reason been simpler.
Basically hop around the net, confer which includes a number of professionals and take on the first step in the direction of establishing your new occupation.
What's Guide Table?
A Guide Table job gives the foundation to explore other fulfilling careers in computer systems. You never need previous computer system experience to commence your education and learning and in just ten small weeks it is possible to be starting your new occupation! If you may need a quick solution…get trained…and get working!
Assist Cubical is a necessary department at just about every organization that employs computer systems. Currently that's practically just about every corporation, creating Aid Table a recession evidence vocation! Guide Table technicians respond to phone calls and e-mail messages from customers shopping for help with pc troubles. Let’s say an accountant suddenly can't access payroll information that may be stored on a pc technique. This accountant would speak to you and it can be your responsibility to troubleshoot and fix this problem. In responding to these inquiries, help-desk technicians should listen meticulously for the customer, ask questions to diagnose the nature on the dilemma, and then patiently stroll the customer via the problem-solving steps.
Have the suitable education rapidly so you can begin generating the correct money more rapidly.
Our Computer system Assist Table plan can consider your function practical knowledge in addition to your existing talents, and mix it with an schooling focused on one of the most effective expanding occupations inside the U.S. in just 10 weeks. As being a Microsoft IT Academy which has a verified and detailed plan we can transform you right into a highly sought immediately after Guide Workplace Pro with industry common certifications. This program is 100% on the net to help you continue to function although in classes. And our final results speak for themselves.
The U.S. Dept of Training National Center for Education and learning Statistics tells us that a four 12 months university monitor now will take 6 ages which includes a 57% graduation rate and a two 365 days community college/tech college now usually takes three several years with an alarming 23% graduation charge. Sad to say, many of us do not have that form of time to start creating the income we should survive. And who desires to chance those people odds of completing the routine? Our graduation rates are above 80%.
Take the initial stage toward acquiring again on track.
Unemployment rates are hitting record higher amounts and our state is struggling out of an financial recession; you cannot afford to wait any longer. Regardless of whether you've by now been laid off, dread the reduction of your work or just want to produce a adjust, a fresh career might be yours! You possibly can be in your method to the occupation that gives the earnings and protection you need.
See for yourself by registering for an informational seminar comprehensive with routine and tuition information. Purely click about the “Attend Career Revival” button and you’ll be on your way!
Personal computer ProSchools Graduation Achievement
Personal computer ProSchools, a Microsoft Academy, is proud to announce its initial graduating category of 2008. In 2007 around 300 IT Experts graduated from Pc ProSchools' Help Desk/MCSA system.
FOR Fast Discharge
PR Log (Press Discharge) – Apr 18, 2008 – In excess of 150 graduates and their guests filed in the State Inn & Suites in Brookfield, WI on the cool spring evening to celebrate a six month journey to becoming an IT pro.
Last August, students in track 183 began their journey at the Brookfield Campus of Desktop ProSchools, a Microsoft IT Academy licensed by the Wisconsin Educational Approval Board and accredited by ACCET. Monitor 183 contained manufacturers, construction workers, secretaries, retail representatives and office workers. All committed to changing their lives and becoming Support Cubical Analysts, Network Administrators or Computer Technicians to name just a number of and on March 20, 2008 they were one particular stage closer.
The Commencement ceremony began which has a Welcoming Address from Campus Director Laura Polancich. Polancich, whose primary responsibility at Computer Pro Universities is to provide job placement services was proud to congratulate the additional than half on the graduating course that had undoubtedly secured a task in the substantial paying IT sector and made a commitment to carry on assisting those people still searching. Future Vice President of Educational Services, Kate Pelchat, presented an Executive Address and congratulated the course for their hard work and dedication. Pelchat compared the graduates’ journey at Personal computer Pro Colleges to the CAT5 cable they had been given at their initial orientation highlighting the ups and downs and even the knots at times and shared a quote from Ernest Hemmingway that “It is good to have an end to journey towards nonetheless it may be the journey itself that matters in the end.”
Lead Instructor Mick Brentar stood just before the class for his final lecture, so to speak. He challenged them to carry on learning always and explained how proud he is to now call them colleagues within the IT Sector.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Ricardo Monteen, a Help Receptionist counter Manager at Manpower Corporation and also a former graduate of Personal computer ProSchools from 1 calendar year ago. He chronicled his journey, sharing how different his life is now. It was a entire circle moment for everyone as Monteen explained how he had just hired four Desktop Pro Universities graduates for his Assist Receptionist counter team.
The mood was higher as the evening concluded which includes a punch and cake reception exactly where families, graduates and faculty shared memories; all knowing that the sum of a journey is a different perspective of home and for all that perspective is rather different 6 months later.
Graduate Wendy Tokarz shared “Being able to graduate with my course and conquer such a challenging goal feels good. My family and friends are so proud of me. It’s just fantastic!”
At the time of this publication, less than a person month later, above 75% of these graduates, including Tokarz have been offered IT positions and also have begun enjoying the benefits of their new careers.
Computer Pro Colleges an ally in improving computer access among individuals with disabilities
Last Spring, New Horizons Un-Limited (NHU) had the good fortune of meeting Laura, the Campus Director of Desktop Pro Schools’ Brookfield campus, at a Brew City HDI chapter meeting. At the meeting, NHU expressed a require for volunteer technicians to assist with their computer refurbishing and guide receptionist counter activities. Seeing this opportunity like a method to give again, though also supporting the vocation goals of her students, Laura quickly recruited students to help NHU.
Over this past calendar year, NHU has welcomed just about a dozen Pc Pro Universities students as volunteers. Although all of the student volunteers have had a solid technical foundation, quite a few of them were lacking that all important specialist knowledge to assist them win their dream career.
What NHU provides in encounter on the students is exceeded by what they, as volunteers, have contributed to NHU's program. They have expertly refurbished dozens of personal computers, which, in turn, have been donated to dozens of individuals with disabilities that would not have otherwise been able to afford a home pc.
Just like NHU's student volunteers, the individuals that receive the refurbished laptops are trying to increase their lives by way of technology. A computer means much more to them than most of us could ever imagine.
To a lot of of NHU's recipients, a personal computer stands out as the tool they have to pursue their dream task and ultimately their own financial freedom.
NHU's refurbishing routine is run entirely by volunteer technicians. It merely would not be doable without having the expertise and dedication of their volunteers.
NHU's most recent group of volunteers will be graduating from Personal computer Pro Colleges in just weeks. It really is NHU's hope that the expertise the students have received will guide the students reach their job goals.
NHU would like to extend a special thank you to Craig, Dan, Fred, Jim and Jonathan for their dedication to seeing that all persons, no matter their revenue, may have access to a home pc.
Pc ProSchools Unveils New Website
Cutting edge technologies illustrates a clear picture of this state-of-art Microsoft IT Academy. Computer ProSchools, Inc. is excited to announce its new website located at www.pcproschools.edu.
FOR Immediate Discharge
PR Log (Press Discharge) – Apr 23, 2008 – Since 1994 Laptop or computer ProSchools has been providing IT instruction from the Milwaukee location. Over the many years, Pc ProSchools expanded operations opening campuses in Green Bay, WI and Madison, WI. In 2006 and 2007 the campuses in Grand Rapids, MI and Indianapolis, IN respectively opened. “As we grow we wish to present a consistent brand image,” explains CEO James Brent. “When you enter a Starbucks, you immediately know where that you are as a result of the colors and décor and their promotional items and website carry this same really feel and image.”
Earlier this calendar year Personal computer ProSchools hired InovaOne, a full-service strategic consulting firm specializing in creative design and production, media delivery and comprehensive outsourcing providers located in Roswell, GA, to create a new branding concept. In addition for the website, InovaOne developed a whole new logo, school colors and promotional materials to present a consistent image at the five Laptop or computer ProSchools’ campuses located throughout the Mid-West.
“The objective of our new website is to provide prospective students with the initial info so they may be excited to carry the following step and routine a campus visit” shares Vice President of Marketing and Admission, Wendy Mirenda. “When we 1st started out talking to InovaOne I had been impressed with how they used high-tech avenues to present their messages. As a state-of-the art Microsoft IT Academy, I thought we must be undertaking that.” And the new website does just that! www.pcproschools.edu offers interactive videos to highlight all that Computer ProSchools has to offer. In addition, a prospective student can check their own IT knowledge by means of the Pc Knowledge Assessment or sign up to visit a campus right via the website.
Overall, the new website offers general facts about Computer ProSchools, a series of student success stories shared directly from the students themselves at a video testimonial format, Vocation Companies and IT Marketplace Specifics tabs providing insight into how Desktop ProSchools gives students that winning advantage inside the fastest rising sector in the US. Another added benefit may be the new Employers page in which IT managers and employers can locate out a lot more and contact us directly to hire an example of our graduates.
Computer ProSchools also switched towards .edu website address from the earlier .com address. This address is exclusive to educational institutions, requiring proof of your respective accredited status ahead of even securing the entire address. After achieving accreditation with ACCET last yr Computer ProSchools competent for this educational based address line. “We’re an accredited college,” explains VP of Instruction, Kate Pelchat, “we should be letting the general public know that via the use from the .edu address.” Visitors familiar with using the original website will now merely be redirected automatically on the www.pcproschools.edu website.
For more info on Computer ProSchools visit www.pcproschools.edu. For more info about InovaOne visit www.inovaone.com.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
How to work in design
Will need Do the job or an Salary? Take into account Word wide web Pattern.
James Dalman | February 26, 2010 | 0 Comments
Are you shopping to get a way in making ends satisfy? Have you been laid off or need a part-time cash to assist your fiscal circumstance? Maybe you ought to consider having included in web develop.
Before I get into this post, I want every person to understand there is no magic bean or secret potion to earning money. I’m not attempting to get you to go to some “meeting” or sign up with the most up-to-date “break through” – there isn't a pie during the sky dream I am promoting, but I am heading to share a quick notion on how you are able to actually make a very good residing in case you are ready to work at it.
World-wide-web develop is really a developing area. You'll find folks that are authorities to people that are novices earning profits part-time about the world-wide-web. This is often a fact.
If someone asked me right now a positive fire way to create a company that would sustain them and allow for the versatility that so numerous entrepreneurs dream of, I would say understand how to set up and set-up websites and blogs on Wordpress after which discover easy methods to customize premium Wordpress themes. There is really a massive mass of clients who have to have this type of help and with thousands of individuals moving onto Wordpress, you might have a great chance.
Aren’t there currently lots of men and women carrying out it?
Yes you will find, but very honestly a lot of are certainly not doing a excellent employment at it. There is room for leaders who can do things better or differently. And once again, there are thousands of persons employing WP. Should you have an eye for pattern or can study the Pattern Hacks we’ve been teaching, then you definitely will really come with an edge about the competition.
How do you get began?
My recommendation is pay a visit to the commercial Wordpress internet site to understand a minor about it. Then I might fixed up a cost-free blog to determine how WP performs and enjoy some our cost-free tutorials from iThemes. Get comfortable with Wordpress 1st!
The idea is to consider little steps. After you have accomplished some research I might suggest getting a few online courses (cost-free or paid) to discover the basics such as mastering the way to collection up a hosting account and installing advanced themes. It'll consider an expense of time and income, but for what you do invest, you will get so much more out of it!
Final Thoughts…
We've invested 20 several years inside the branding and design market and I have for no reason witnessed a time wherever there is certainly as significantly chance as there exists these days –even while using economy jacked up as it truly is. I’ve stated this to all from the close friends in our WebDesign.com community that if I wasn’t a aspect of this organization these days, I might be jumping all above the chance to obtain an All Entry Membership and understand to personalize our themes.
PLEASE Know that I am not just a programmer and failed a class on HTML. You do not need to be a programmer to perform this, I can assure you of that, but you can need to understand some items and understand that you just can’t push a button to generate this all perform. Any worthy objective needs commitment and tricky work, but should you are ready to accomplish that, you can come with an awesome side or full-time company in world-wide-web develop.
If you might have inquiries, sense free of charge to speak to us for conversation.
Filed Under: Educational Marketing, WebDesign.com News & D's
Friday, January 8, 2010
Dana being cool with Shogun
How Dana White Handled the Lyoto Machida Over Mauricio "Shogun" Rua Decision
Interesting behind the scenes account from the new Esquire profile of White:
Visibly angry with the decision — Who cares what I think? I'm only the fuckin' promoter! — White retreats with his entourage to his private dressing room, where he is joined by two financial officers from Zuffa. Along with Lorenzo Fertitta, White decides who should win the bonus money for best submission and the rest. Bonus checks for all the fighters are written out by hand. When they get to Shogun's check, White orders the accountants to "pay the taxes." Meaning, essentially, that he wants Shogun's previously contracted payday to be doubled.
With a check for $250,000 in hand, White goes off looking for Shogun.
When the defeated challenger sees the boss enter his dressing room, he rises shamefacedly from his bench — his body language says defendant about to be sentenced. His manager stands stolidly at his left elbow; his entourage surrounds him in a semicircle.
White hands Shogun his check. He points to the amount. "Tell him that's the real number," White instructs the manager.
"Thank you, thank you very much," Shogun says in heavily accented English. Back home in Curitiba, Brazil, his wife is expecting their first child. He looks appreciative — if not exactly satisfied.
"We paid the taxes," White reiterates. Maybe he didn't understand? He points to the check again. "That's the real number there. That's take-home pay."
Shogun listens to the translation. He ratchets his proud, chiseled jaw one crank higher. "Okay, thank you," he says. "Thank you very much."
"I know it doesn't erase what happened."
Resigned: "No, no problem."
"But it's gotta make you feel a little better." White elbows the fighter playfully in the triceps — I just gave you an extra hundred grand, dude, lighten up!
Shogun breaks down and smiles for real. White regards him appraisingly. "Do you want a rematch?"
No translation is necessary.
This is Dana White at his best, trying to make things right for a fighter who got screwed by the system.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
How can anyone claim this guy is a hero?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Fort Hood Terrorist's Imam 'Personally Blessed' Detroit Terrorists Airplane Attack [Andy McCarthy]
Victor Morton has the report for the Washington Times, based on a leak from a "U.S. intelligence official" who is familiar with the FBI's interrogation of the suspect.
(For those who wonder who leaks these things, as I do, bear in mind that the FBI is America's domestic intelligence service. That is, the agents in its National Security Division are intelligence agents. I am not saying that the FBI leaked this information — I don't have a clue who did it. But, the fact that the reporter talks about "the FBI" when referring to the interrogation and about a "U.S. intelligence official" when describing his source does not discount the possibility of the source being an FBI intelligence official.)
UPDATE: Tom Joscelyn has more at the Standard's blog, here.
12/29 05:36 PMShare
I have been scratching my head trying to figure out how in the world Umar Abdulmutallab, a 23 year old Nigerian student, outsmarted homeland security and its Transportation Security Administration (TSA). I would have more faith in homeland security if he was a seasoned bomb expert with a profile worthy of replica in a James Bond movie; but, he was just some punk kid who was brainwashed in Yemen and sent to do a job. This terrorist should have been no match for us!
Since terrorists brought down the twin towers, air travel has never been the same. I am a frequent traveler so have gone through security countless times since 9/11 and each time, in the name of our collective security, I have willingly tolerated increasing restrictions on my freedom and privacy. But, why do security changes that are visible to travelers like me happen only after the most recent terrorist incident? I have concluded that it is because homeland security is constantly reacting to punks like Mr. Abdulmutallab instead of staying one step ahead of them.
After 9/11/01, if you were not travelling, then you were no longer allowed to go beyond the security check point. This meant no more lingering goodbyes or enthusiastic welcome homes at the gate. This was a slight inconvenience that I took in stride because we all had to make sacrifices to ensure our collective safety. Just when I started to feel a bit safer, months later, on 12/22/01, there was another terrorist attempt. On a flight from Paris to Miami, a terrorist placed a bomb in his shoe and was caught while trying to ignite it with a match. Immediately after this, TSA required us to take off our shoes and put them through the scanner. Although I always seemed to have some guy in front of me with foot funk so bad that it made a frontal assault on my nostrils, I did not complain. In fact, I adjusted, started wearing matching socks with no holes when I traveled, and placed my shoes on the belt with a smile. If fewer than 1% of Americans are bearing the burden of war and fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq on multiple tours, the least I can do is take off my shoes in the fight against terrorism.
Just when I thought we were in the clear, there was another terrorist attempt in the summer of 2006. This time a cadre of terrorists hatched a plot to detonate liquid explosives they brought on board in their hand luggage. Soon after this incident, travelers were no longer allowed to take liquids over a certain size in their hand luggage. I travelled soon after the liquid bomb plot was uncovered, purchased a $70 bottle of perfume in the shopping area outside of security, and had to throw it away to get through security. I am not going to lie, this time I was pissed (you think they would have mentioned the new rules to me at the store). Nevertheless, I sucked it up because these measures would improve our safety, right?
I had just begun to forgive TSA for the perfume fiasco and had retrofitted all my shampoos, lotions, and other carryon liquids into 3.4 ounce containers. Then the terrorist Santa, Mr. Abdulmutallab, strikes trying to light up our Christmas. On a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, he hid liquid explosives in his underwear and planned to detonate it with liquid from a syringe. Yet again, this terrorist attempt sparked another change in airport security. Travelers on flights originating internationally are now subject to body pat-downs. I will gladly allow any TSA employee to feel me up, so long as I feel it will improve my safety. But, I do not feel safer.
I know that there are many proactive measures TSA has taken that are not apparent to frequent travelers like me, but from my vantage point, it seems like they are always one step behind the terrorists. What if the terrorist hid the liquid explosives in a wig; will TSA be required to start patting down the heads of people with big hair. What if the terrorists hid the bomb in an electrical device; will TSA require us to turn them on to prove they function. What if the terrorists swallow sacks of the liquid explosives like Colombian drug lords force people to swallow sacks of cocaine to bring it in the US; will TSA put a limit on how long an individual can spend in the toilet?
I want to believe that my country is doing all it can to ensure air travel is safe. But, how can I when the latest terrorist attempt is the impetus behind every major change in security protocol that I experience. Homeland security needs to do more to show the public that it is working proactively to make air travel safe.
Domestic Terrorist? Cop killer celebrated as "Muslim Martyr"
Update 12/2: the Seattle Times reports that Clemmons told others he was going to kill police:
Clemmons asked Hinton, described as his half-brother, for keys to his white pickup, and told the men they should keep their eyes on the TV because he planned to kill police, according to charging documents and Troyer.
If this is correct, then Clemmons' rampage was clearly pre-meditated. He also did not act alone. According to the Times, witnesses saw Clemmons jump into a white pickup truck after the shooting, that sped away, driven by another man. Many other friends and family helped him move from place to place to evade capture. It would be interesting to find out what the Black Foot Soldiers Network knows about this and how they heard about what he had said before going on the killing spree.
Maurice Clemmons, the alleged shooter in the Sunday murder of four Lakewood, Washington police officers, was killed early this morning by a Seattle police officer.
The substance of this story was originally announced by a blog called the Last Crusade, which has also claimed that Clemmons converted to Islam while imprisoned in Arkansas. Gateway Pundit picked up the story as well, noting however, that Last Crusade's claim of Clemmons' conversion is unsubstantiated.
A black militant site called "Black Male Felon" seemingly described the protest:
The rally came after a reported emergency meeting held by the [Black Foot Soldiers] movement to to map out plans for a street penitentiary protest and street party that will be held to disrespect tributes, memorials and funerals whites are expected to have for the terrorists.
Whatever the Black Foot Soldiers may be planning, there actually was no "rally." Spokesmen for both the Lakewood and Tacoma, Washington police departments said they had not heard of anything like that going on. The Pierce County Sheriff's office, which is handling the coffee shop shooting investigation, stated unequivocally that there was no such protest.
The truth is actually worse. The Black Foot Soldiers were not protesting, except perhaps online, but they were referring to Clemmons' attack as a protest:
Seattle Black Foot Soldiers say the four people slain in a daring demonstration at the Steele Street Forza Coffee House in Parkland were racist terrorists who caused black citizens to live in fear. (Emphasis added.)
What these groups say is that any killing of whites, including in this case Clemmons' cold-blooded murder of officers Renninger, Owens, Griswald, and Richards, is "a legitimate protest". Black Male Felon celebrates the killings as "Brother Maurice Clemmons' daring stand against white police terrorism." The theme of National Black Foot Soldiers is captured in the slogan: "When whites pay reparations there will be no more black on white crime."
The vitriolic hatred on these sites is enough to turn a person's stomach. The bit of writing contained on these sites is essentially a collage of run-on sentences spewing foul language interspersed liberally with admonitions to kill whitey. They blatantly advocate murder and defend other recent cases of seemingly senseless black on white killings, like the four Oakland police officers killed by Lovelle Mixon, and many, many others.
Many who voted for Barack Obama believed his election would finally put an end to this kind of racist hatred. Indeed, he promised to work toward that end. If anything however, his election seems to have emboldened it. Jeremiah Wright should have been a warning.
It is pointless to argue with the kind of lunatic delusion that motivates these people. They are beyond reaching. It recalls the video of "Professor" Kamau Kambon advocating the extermination of white people. The Black Male Felon site defines the terms BOW (black on white) BOB (black on black) WOB (white on black) and WOW (white on white), while the National Black Foot Soldiers objects to black on black killing, but not killing per se, reminding its readers "THERE IS 1 ENEMY. LET US HAVE 1 MIND. "
It is not known at present whether or not Clemmons was associated with any of these groups, but one post ascribes a quote to Clemmons, in which he says: "Watch the news, I'm gonna kill a bunch of cops."
It is also likely he knew he would find police victims at that coffee shop. The Forza Coffee Company was founded by a retired police officer. And while the Steele Street franchise where the shootings occurred had no tie to him, it was apparently a place frequented by local police.
The coffee company has set up a charity for the families of these fallen officers. Learn more by following this link.
Photo: Pierce County Sheriff's Office
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Stephen Hawking: "The Human Species Has Entered a New Stage of Evolution" - The Daily Galaxy Top Story of 2009
Sony boosts Alpha range with DSLR-A450: Digital Photography Review
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Source: Courthouse Killer Angry Over Social Security - Las Vegas ...
LAS VEGAS -- The man who opened fire at the federal courthouse in downtown Las Vegas was upset about cuts to his Social Security benefits, officials said Monday. Monday, January 4, 2010.
"By
This
But
"I
In
The time scale for evolution, in the external transmission period, has collapsed to about 50 years, or less. Meanwhile,
But
If
Casey Kazan Related Galaxy posts: The 10,000 Year Explosion: Has Human Civilization Turbo Charged Evolution? Immense Journey Source: http://www.rationalvedanta.net/node/131
contrast," Hawking says, "there are about 50,000 new books published in
the English language each year, containing of the order of a hundred
billion bits of information. Of course, the great majority of this
information is garbage, and no use to any form of life. But, even so,
the rate at which useful information can be added is millions, if not
billions, higher than with DNA."
means Hawking says that we have entered a new phase of evolution. "At
first, evolution proceeded by natural selection, from random mutations.
This Darwinian phase, lasted about three and a half billion years, and
produced us, beings who developed language, to exchange information."
what distinguishes us from our cave man ancestors is the knowledge that
we have accumulated over the last ten thousand years, and particularly,
Hawking points out, over the last three hundred.
think it is legitimate to take a broader view, and include externally
transmitted information, as well as DNA, in the evolution of the human
race," Hawking said.
the last ten thousand years the human species has been in what Hawking
calls, "an external transmission phase," where the internal record of
information, handed down to succeeding generations in DNA, has not
changed significantly. "But the external record, in books, and other
long lasting forms of storage," Hawking says, "has grown enormously.
Some people would use the term, evolution, only for the internally
transmitted genetic material, and would object to it being applied to
information handed down externally. But I think that is too narrow a
view. We are more than just our genes."
Hawking observes, our human brains "with which we process this
information have evolved only on the Darwinian time scale, of hundreds
of thousands of years. This is beginning to cause problems. In the 18th
century, there was said to be a man who had read every book written.
But nowadays, if you read one book a day, it would take you about
15,000 years to read through the books in a national Library. By which
time, many more books would have been written."
we are now entering a new phase, of what Hawking calls "self designed
evolution," in which we will be able to change and improve our DNA. "At
first," he continues "these changes will be confined to the repair of
genetic defects, like cystic fibrosis, and muscular dystrophy. These
are controlled by single genes, and so are fairly easy to identify, and
correct. Other qualities, such as intelligence, are probably controlled
by a large number of genes. It will be much more difficult to find
them, and work out the relations between them. Nevertheless, I am sure
that during the next century, people will discover how to modify both
intelligence, and instincts like aggression."
the human race manages to redesign itself, to reduce or eliminate the
risk of self-destruction, we will probably reach out to the stars and
colonize other planets. But this will be done, Hawking believes, with
intelligent machines based on mechanical and electronic components,
rather than macromolecules, which could eventually replace DNA based
life, just as DNA may have replaced an earlier form of life.
Homo Sapiens -The "Time Travelers" -A Galaxy Classic
“Hyper-Speed” Evolution Discovered
Bringing Ancient Human Viruses Back to Life: A Jurassic Park or Salvation?
PLANETARY SOCIETY PRESS RELEASE
Please join us to celebrate the achievements of two renowned heroes of space exploration, physicist Stephen Hawking and Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, at a luncheon in Pasadena, California on January 23, 2010.
The Planetary Society will present the Cosmos Award for Outstanding Public Presentation of Science to Dr. Hawking, author of “A Brief History of Time” and host of the television series “Stephen Hawking’s Universe.”
Carl Sagan’s landmark television series, “Cosmos,” fueled the imaginations of millions of viewers around the world. To honor other innovators who present science in an entertaining and enthralling way, the Society created the Cosmos Award. Through his books, television series and public lectures, Dr. Hawking has engaged the public for over 20 years in some of the most profound questions of our existence – from the origins of the universe to the nature of black holes.
We will also be marking a milestone for Dr. Aldrin – his 80th birthday. Dr. Aldrin has steadfastly supported The Planetary Society as both a friend and a member of our Advisory Council, and throwing a birthday party is a great way for you and I to thank him for his tremendous impact on spaceflight and our shared history.
Join Stephen Hawking, Buzz Aldrin and several members of The Planetary Society’s Board of Directors for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
DATE: Saturday, January 23, 2010
TIME: 12:00 – 2:00 PM
PLACE: The Langham Huntington Hotel Ballroom
1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena CA
For questions about the event, please contact Susan Lendroth at 626-793-5100 ext 237.
Tickets:
Planetary Society Members:
$95 for a single guest
$175 per couple
Non-members:
$175 each
Similar Posts:
- Stephen Hawking Pens a Children’s Book
- Britain’s Channel 4 Airing Series on Stephen Hawking
- Stephen Hawking to Send DNA into Space on Garriott Flight
- Planetary Society to Conduct Public Meetings on Space Exploration
- Stephen Hawking Hospitalized, “Very Ill”
"By contrast," Hawking says, "there are about 50,000 new books published in the English language each year, containing of the order of a hundred billion bits of information. Of course, the great majority of this information is garbage, and no use to any form of life. But, even so, the rate at which useful information can be added is millions, if not billions, higher than with DNA." This means Hawking says that we have entered a new phase of evolution. "At first, evolution proceeded by natural selection, from random mutations. This Darwinian phase, lasted about three and a half billion years, and produced us, beings who developed language, to exchange information." But what distinguishes us from our cave man ancestors is the knowledge that we have accumulated over the last ten thousand years, and particularly, Hawking points out, over the last three hundred. "I think it is legitimate to take a broader view, and include externally transmitted information, as well as DNA, in the evolution of the human race," Hawking said. In the last ten thousand years the human species has been in what Hawking calls, "an external transmission phase," where the internal record of information, handed down to succeeding generations in DNA, has not changed significantly. "But the external record, in books, and other long lasting forms of storage," Hawking says, "has grown enormously. Some people would use the term, evolution, only for the internally transmitted genetic material, and would object to it being applied to information handed down externally. But I think that is too narrow a view. We are more than just our genes." The time scale for evolution, in the external transmission period, has collapsed to about 50 years, or less. But we are now entering a new phase, of what Hawking calls "self designed evolution," in which we will be able to change and improve our DNA. "At first," he continues "these changes will be confined to the repair of genetic defects, like cystic fibrosis, and muscular dystrophy. These are controlled by single genes, and so are fairly easy to identify, and correct. Other qualities, such as intelligence, are probably controlled by a large number of genes. It will be much more difficult to find them, and work out the relations between them. Nevertheless, I am sure that during the next century, people will discover how to modify both intelligence, and instincts like aggression." If the human race manages to redesign itself, to reduce or eliminate the risk of self-destruction, we will probably reach out to the stars and colonize other planets. But this will be done, Hawking believes, with intelligent machines based on mechanical and electronic components, rather than macromolecules, which could eventually replace DNA based life, just as DNA may have replaced an earlier form of life.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The democrats fail us again
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The Associated Press and New York Times are reporting tonight that the 10 senators tapped to negotiate an alternative to or compromise on the Senate health reform bill’s public option have dropped the idea of a government-run health insurance plan altogether. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told reporters that the group is sending proposals to the Congressional Budget Office to determine their fiscal impact. (The 10 senators – five centrists and five liberals – are reportedly considering an expansion of Medicare as part of their negotiations.)
But the public option is not Reid’s only headache.
- Click here to read the full article
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama on Wednesday praised a Senate health care compromise that would jettison a full-blown government insurance plan in favor of expanding Medicare and creating new private plans modeled on the federal employee program.
"The Senate made critical progress last night with a creative framework that I believe will pave the way for final passage and a historic achievement on behalf of the American people," Obama said at an event near the White House to announce spending for community health centers and other initiatives.
"I support this effort, especially since it's aimed at increasing choice and competition and lowering costs," the president said. He spoke with the Senate at a critical juncture in the second week of debate on a sweeping health overhaul bill. Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is hoping that the deal announced Tuesday night can hold together a fragile 60-vote coalition and clear the way for passage of the legislation before Christmas.
There were some positive signs Wednesday. A much-courted moderate — Connecticut independent Sen. Joe Lieberman — signaled he might be able to live with the compromise, and liberal Democrats also spoke out in favor of the idea.
"I am encouraged by the progress toward a consensus," Lieberman said in a statement that also underscored his opposition to any new government insurance plan that would compete with private carriers.
Meanwhile, former presidential candidate and one-time Vermont Gov. Howard Dean said the Medicare option for people age 55 to 64 was "a positive step forward."
Dean, a physician, has been one of the most vocal supporters of the idea that the government should get into the health insurance market. But as it became increasingly clear in recent weeks that a new government insurance plan did not command the necessary votes in the Senate, Dean contacted Reid and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., to offer the Medicare expansion as a way forward.
"Using Medicare makes more sense than reinventing more bureaucracy," Dean said Wednesday on CBS' "The Early Show."
Rep. Anthony Weiner, a vocal New York liberal who has strongly supported a public insurance option, issued a statement calling the Medicare expansion "one idea I like a lot."
However, as the Senate continued to debate, the American Hospital Association and the American Medical Association — both groups that have been generally supportive of Congress' health overhaul efforts thus far — raised red flags. Both groups are concerned about adding more patients to Medicare, because the program pays providers significantly lower rates than private insurers do.
"The AMA has long-standing policy opposing the expansion of Medicare given the fiscal projections for the future," said the group's president, Dr. James Rohack. "We believe a health insurance exchange without an expansion of Medicare will provide more affordable choices and better access to care for Americans ages 55-64."
A powerful small business group also swung into opposition. The National Federation of Independent Business, which was instrumental in defeating then-President Bill Clinton's health care bill in the 1990s, said the Democratic bill would raise costs and make it harder to create jobs.
Nonetheless Reid, D-Nev., was upbeat.
"We've overcome a real problem that we had," Reid said in announcing what he called a "broad agreement" Tuesday night.
Officials said it included nonprofit national health plans administered by the Office of Personnel Management, which runs the popular federal employees' health plan, as well as the idea of opening Medicare to uninsured Americans beginning at age 55, effective in 2011.
Greater government involvement could kick in if private insurance companies declined to participate in the nationwide plan. If they didn't, one possibility was for the personnel office to set up a government-run plan, either national in scope or on a state-by-state basis.
Reid planned to describe the plan in greater detail after getting a cost analysis from the Congressional Budget Office. The compromise was negotiated over the past days by five moderate and five liberal Democrats.
The Senate's 10-year, nearly $1 trillion legislation would dramatically remake the U.S. health care system and extend coverage to millions of the uninsured, with a new requirement for nearly everyone to purchase insurance. New purchasing marketplaces called exchanges would make it easier for small businesses and people without government or employer coverage to shop for health insurance, and unpopular insurance company practices such as denying coverage to people with pre-existing medical conditions would be banned.
The deal reached Tuesday would put even more requirements on insurers by requiring that 90 percent of premium dollars be spent on medical benefits, as opposed to administrative costs, officials said. The officials who described the details of the closed-door negotiations did so on condition of anonymity, saying they were not authorized to discuss them publicly.
More challenges lie ahead. On Wednesday, senators began debating an amendment by Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., to legalize the importation of prescription drugs from Canada and several other countries as a way of holding down consumer costs. The idea enjoys widespread support but is opposed by the pharmaceutical industry, which has worked closely with the administration on health care and has spent millions of dollars on television advertisements in support of legislation.
The Food and Drug Administration issued a letter saying it would be "logistically challenging" to assure the safety of imported drugs, raising concerns without stating outright opposition.
As the Senate works towards compromise with Blue Dogs, while keeping in mind the House reconciliation process, a bill that continues to improve is evolving acceptably:
"Senators are making great progress and we're pleased that they're working together to find common ground toward options that increase choice and competition," said White House spokesman Reid Cherlin.I have always hinted that the best 'competitive option should mirror, if not actually be, the same plan that Fed Employees participate in. This makes it rather difficult for opponents to cackle about it as then they would be questioning the current Federal Employee Benefit system.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday that the Democrats had reached a "broad agreement" on the public option portion of the bill, but at least one liberal senator who took part in the negotiations wasn't so sure.
"It goes without saying it's been kind of a long journey," Reid said. "Tonight we've overcome a real problem that we had. I think it's fair to say the debate at this stage has been portrayed as a very divisive one."
Without revealing any details, Reid said the negotiating senators had reached "a broad agreement" that "moves this bill way down the road."
Two Democratic sources said the deal includes a proposal to replace the public option by creating a not-for-profit private insurance option overseen by the federal Office of Personnel Management, much like the current health plan for federal workers, and another allowing people 55 or older to buy into Medicare coverage that currently is available to those 65 or older.
Health Care lobbyist, industry insiders, and greedy politicians will have to take a back seat to common sense reform. This bill is shaping up to be more in line with what I had hoped, a competitive option but not necessarily a government run one, along with checks and balances necessary to ensure coverage for as many folks as possbile. It is our duty!
Flash
65 Responses
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:12 pm
Any guesses?
mike from Arlington |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:14 pm
Maybe it’s that reform =
(R) Revolutionary
(E) Evil
(F) Fascist
(O) Oligarchy
(R) Racial
(M) Marxist
sgfk |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:14 pm
I am certain it’s going to be the healthcare apocalypse. It’s a big news day for lots of reasons and Glenn needs attention. So here we go.
Greg Sargent |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:14 pm
Not a clue, Tena. The only question is whether I’ll be able to hold out until 5 PM without dropping dead from curiosity…
lmsinca |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:17 pm
I can’t wait………..
In other news:
The Huffington Post reports that Senate Democrats are talking about lowering the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 55 in an attempt to satisfy progressives.
rukidding |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:18 pm
I hate to state the obvious but Glen Beck along with Rush Limbaugh are the greatest examples of hubris in our nation today and I don’t believe I’m being hyperbolic when I say that.
A quick Google search revealed Beck’s average audience on a good day to be roughly 3 million people or approximately 1% of our nation. Why do we really care about Beck. His demographics are ancient and we saw how effective he and Faux propaganda were in the 08 Presidential Election.
Imsinca wants a boycott of Palin coverage…can we add Beck and Limbaugh to the embargo?
djshay |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:19 pm
That the Whitehouse was responsible for his poor ticket sales of his craptastic presentation of his Christmas book because of his relentless truth telling on HCR?
lmsinca |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:20 pm
Sam Stein gets an awful lot of breaking news.
“The proposal would lower the age of eligibility for Medicare from 65 to 55, though an age limit of 60 has also been suggested. Crucial details — such as the timing of the implementation of such a reform — were not provided due to the sensitivity and ongoing nature of the deliberations. A high-ranking Democratic source off the Hill confirmed that such discussions are taking place.”
lmsinca |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:21 pm
ruk
That totally works for me, they have nothing to offer IMHO.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:24 pm
“The only question is whether I’ll be able to hold out until 5 PM without dropping dead from curiosity…”
LOL
Please do try – I do have a bit of curiosity myself.
lfo |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:24 pm
guys if you want real breaking news plus detailed analysis read Ezra Klein, he had this news since earlier.
Greg–love your snark about not droping from curiosity. Call me naive but I am sure the WH is not quaking in their boots about this.
Mike–LOL.
lmsinca |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:25 pm
And here’s the RNC’s snazzy new ad called the Pelosi-Reid Health Care Maze.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh3gIvLNnJ8
Greg Sargent |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:34 pm
lfo — I don’t sense a lot of panic emanating from the white house about this.
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:34 pm
Sam Stein is awesome:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-news/reporting/sam-stein
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:34 pm
“The Huffington Post reports that Senate Democrats are talking about lowering the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 55 in an attempt to satisfy progressives.”
O god that would be loverly. And it would put so much more pressure on governors and those who aspire to be governors in red states to not opt out, I think.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:36 pm
The Only Question That I Have:
Why is Plumline giving broader publicity to Glenn Beck’s vague program tease?
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:39 pm
Glenn Beck is crazy (or at least ‘crazy like a fox’)
http://mediamatters.org/search/tag/glenn_beck
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:42 pm
I think I have scooped Beck.
The Health Care Reform Bills, in the Senate and House, will not cover desperately needed medical care for millions of people who suffer from the heartbreak of TBS.
TBS(Tea Bagger Syndrome)
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:48 pm
I think the only cure for that is reincarnation to something with a fully functioning brain.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:54 pm
All I have to say is:
Holding A Teabaggers’ Convention Will Require A Lot Of Balls.
Greg Sargent |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:55 pm
fyi all, some folks think it will involve Kevin Jennings.
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:57 pm
@lmsinca: Those Medicare eligibility changes are being discussed with progressives because the Senate is about to drop the PO…
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:58 pm
greg – I bet you’re right – the logical target.
Oy gevalt!
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:58 pm
Well lowering the age of Medicare IS a public option, sbj.
BBQ |
December 7th, 2009 at 02:59 pm
Glenn Beck does this every other day to boost ratings.
“Tune in tonight for BIG HUGE BREAKING NEWS!”
Yawn.
BBQ |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:01 pm
And I second Liam’s comment:
“Why is Plumline giving broader publicity to Glenn Beck’s vague program tease?”
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:02 pm
BBQ,
That is why I asked why is Plumline giving broader coverage to Beck’s vague program tease. Why help him draw attention to his show?
OT.
A picture is worth a thousand words:
http://z.about.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/v/3/3/Obama-Afghanistan-Surge.jpg
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:03 pm
Well excuse me everyone, if Beck is so irrelevant, how come he was able to get Van Jones kicked out? And doesn’t that make him a little relevant?
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:06 pm
Greg, please consider asking the bosses to make a bookmark/favorite image (they are called: FAVICON.ICO) so that people who bookmark The Plum Line can easily pick it out by the image.
I vote for a PLUM image as a bookmark/favorite/icon.
A tiny purple plum would be a perfect bookmark image
Seconds?
lfo |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:06 pm
well Beck has been trying to go after all sorts of people in the admin and has not been able to claim any more scalps. this may be his new tack since he was trying to get Jarrett out for months now.
TonyB |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:07 pm
Well excuse me everyone, if Beck is so irrelevant, how come he was able to get Van Jones kicked out?
Beltway media amplification effect.
lmsinca |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:08 pm
Yes sbj, I can read and linked the Personnel Management compromise on Friday or Saturday, so I’ve been watching it. I also said this morning that just because Ezra and Cohn thought it seemed like a decent compromise, I don’t agree. I cannon however, from my lowly keyboard, influence the Dems to my way of thinking.
lmsinca |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:10 pm
cannon=cannot
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:11 pm
@lmsinca: No insult intended.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:11 pm
He also got the head of the NEA kicked out.
MB |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:11 pm
I bet it is about Rick Warren – the renowned christianist and admirer of Hitler, Lenin, and Mao. Here is Rick Warren in April 2005:
——————
“In 1939, in a stadium much like this, in Munich Germany, they packed it out with young men and women in brown shirts, for a fanatical man standing behind a podium named Adolf Hitler, the personification of evil. And in that stadium, those in brown shirts formed with their bodies a sign that said, in the whole stadium, “Hitler, we are yours.”And they nearly took the world.
Lenin once said, “give me 100 committed, totally committed men and I’ll change the world.” And, he nearly did.
A few years ago, they took the sayings of Chairman Mao, in China, put them in a little red book, and a group of young people committed them to memory and put it in their minds and they took that nation, the largest nation in the world by storm because they committed to memory the sayings of the Chairman Mao.
When I hear those kinds of stories, I think ‘what would happen if American Christians, if world Christians, if just the Christians in this stadium, followers of Christ, would say ‘Jesus, we are yours’ ?
What kind of spiritual awakening would we have?”
Follow more at http://www.talk2action.org/story/2009/1/15/183634/970
—————Glenn will ask White house why did they invite this Hitler admirer for inauguration prayers.. Yeah, right.
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:13 pm
Real news:
Obama administration formally declares danger of carbon emissions.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/07/AR2009120701645.html
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:16 pm
Tena,
No one said what you are claiming they said. If he is important to you, then by all means watch him.
What is being asked is why is Plumline providing him with free publicity to promote his upcoming show, without any news about what the hell the show will be about.
The last time I fell for a tease; it was: tune in for earth shattering video tonight.
I thought it was going to be about a devastating meteor threat, or the Swiss Particle Accelerator going haywire;
Instead it turned out to be video of Jennifer Lopez falling on her Arse, and yes of course that impact did nearly shatter the damn planet, but still…….
Greg Sargent |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:17 pm
News Reference: In fact, we have kicked around the idea of a purple plum hanging at the end of a plumb line.
lmsinca |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:17 pm
Doesn’t matter sbj, I’m just tired of you pointing out the shortcomings of a bill you don’t support anyway, so I quit debating it with you. I know too many people, my own daughter included, who can’t get health insurance, so I’m beyond caring about your little digs.
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:17 pm
Really, really serious news:-!
“The Obama administration formally declared Monday that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions pose a danger to the public’s health and welfare, a move that lays the groundwork for an economy-wide carbon cap even if Congress fails to enact climate legislation.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/07/AR2009120701645.html
Now that’s change I can believe in!
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:20 pm
“No one said what you are claiming they said.”
What is it I’m claiming someone said, Liam? I’m not challenging anyone. That means you too.
I just ask if the fact that he has gotten two resignations didn’t make this somewhat relevant, but I’m not trying to get up your grill with this.
so don’t get defensive; if I’m misreading you, I apologize in advance.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:23 pm
Damn Democrats, they just will not let the Republicans have any fun.
First they try to prevent Republicans from letting millions die from lack of health care coverage,
and now they are not even going to let the Republicans use toxic emissions to get rid of all those people.
This is so unfair to Republicans. The only place that Democrats have left them to go make a killing is on Wall St.
lmsinca |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:23 pm
From New Ref’s link. I like what we’re hearing, now let’s get something done.
“The endangerment finding stems from a 2007 Supreme Court decision in which the court ordered the EPA to determine whether greenhouse gases qualify as a pollutant under the Clean Air Act. It could trigger a series of federal regulations affecting polluters, from vehicles to coal-fired power plants.”
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:23 pm
@lmsinca: “I know too many people, my own daughter included, who can’t get health insurance.”
You don’t have to discuss anything with me, but please understand that a vast majority – Repubs and Dems alike – is in favor of insurance being made available, with subsidies, to even those with pre-existing conditions. As am I. (You don’t need the PO for that and if your daughter is under 55 then I don’t see how the Medicare change helps her.) If we could get rid of some of the **** in these bills then this reasonable sort of stuff could pass with bipartisan support. It’s what I have said all along and why folks like Lieberman and some Repubs have asked that we pursue an incremental approach.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:25 pm
Tena,
Why not focus on the key question. Why is a vague Beck show promo worth a special thread of it’s own, even though Greg admits that he has no idea what the show is going to be about.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:26 pm
SBJ The Faux Libertarian Is seeking Federal Subsidies.
Good One.
Thank you for confirming that you are just A Fibertarian.
lmsinca |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:27 pm
From the Health Care Wire:
“Sens. Harry Reid, Max Baucus and Chris Dodd are meeting with senior White House officials right now off the Senate floor.”
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:30 pm
Reality Check,
The Republican have never tried to pass any sort of Health Reform bill, when they were in charge, from Reagan through Bush2.
So SBJ, The Faux Libertarian can take all his rubbish about what “The Republicans have proposed” and shove it where the sun don’t shine.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:32 pm
Liam – you already asked Greg. I just have my own opinion.
Will you let me have my own view of this please?
Jebus, dude, I don’t mean for my very existence to be a challenge to you personally.
Tell you what – I’m going to bounce for a bit
lmsinca |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:33 pm
The only thing that could pass with bi-partisan support would be tax cuts and de-regulation, thanks but no thanks. And I don’t really care what they do with Medicare, I was just reporting the news. Since I’m not 85, my daughter is well below 55.
It’s pretty clear, reading between the lines, that the PO is mostly gone, so you’re the one who should be happy now. Hence why would I keep arguing with you about it, looks like you’ll get those subsidies, mandates, and insurance reform I guess you wanted.
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:34 pm
“a purple plum hanging at the end of a plumb line”
Good solid branding.
I can even picture the line just above the “WhoRunsGov” logo at the top with a purple plum hanging just to the right of the Capital Building.
And the purple is perfect because it’s suggestive of bi-partisanship (not a red plum or a blue plumb, a purple plum). (LOL:)
Though finding/creating a good plum image that scales down to the 16×16 pixels of a FAVICON.ICO bookmark/favorites image might be a little tricky.
lmsinca |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:35 pm
Last was for sbj
Talk to y’all later.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:41 pm
# Tena | December 7th, 2009 at 03:03 pm
Well excuse me everyone, if Beck is so irrelevant, how come he was able to get Van Jones kicked out? And doesn’t that make him a little relevant?
……………………Then don’t ask the bloody question, if you do not want a response. You clearly posed it as a question.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:43 pm
Greg Sargent | December 7th, 2009 at 03:17 pm
News Reference: In fact, we have kicked around the idea of a purple plum hanging at the end of a plumb line.
………………..
Greg,
How did you get a hold of Tiger’s Sext message?
lfo |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:43 pm
Tena–I think Beck is important because he is a voice for a certain form of opposition, even if he himself is in it for the money (see his ooks, movies, shows, etc). But I tend to think he believes he has real effect beyond the one he has, delusions of being more important than he is.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:48 pm
Politico may have gotten their seat on The Pulitzer panel,
But Glenn Beck is a shoo in for to win a Golden GobShite Award.
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:51 pm
Glenn Beck is the Republican Party’s current leader. He’s largely displaced Republican Leader Limbaugh.
Beck says “jump” and Republican politicians say “how high”?
Beck is helping push the already extreme corporatism of the Republican Party even farther into right wing crazy-land.
I don’t believe that ignoring it makes it better, that hasn’t worked for 30 years. Ignoring it just means it festers and grows in the darkness.
Sunlight ‘disinfectant’ is what the festering right wing extremist movement needs.
Focusing on the insanity of right wing puppetmaster Glenn Beck is important, even more important: Focusing on right wing puppetmaster Rupert Murdoch and his support for violent extremists like Glenn Beck.
Never forget: Glenn Beck fantasizes about murdering people on his shows. Even after Beck’s fantasizing about murdering people Time-Warner-CNN hired him.
That Murdoch’s FOX Republican Propaganda Channel now showcases right wing murder-fantasist Glenn Beck perfectly illustrates not just how crazy the right wing has become, it also illustrates how crazy right wing the FOX Republican Propaganda Channel has become.
Greg Sargent |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:54 pm
Check this out: GOP aide predicts public option’s “Waterloo”:
http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/health-care/will-senate-bill-be-public-options-waterloo/
Scott C. |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:08 pm
Greg:
The only question is whether I’ll be able to hold out until 5 PM without dropping dead from curiosity…
If you find it so uninteresting, why in the world would you bring it to everyone’s attention?
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:20 pm
The Comments Parasite Has Returned. Time to call the exterminator once more.
Scott C. |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:54 pm
Still on Social Security and Medicare, Liam?
Ethan |
December 7th, 2009 at 06:17 pm
Apparently the conspiracy is that the Democratic Party has an agenda to do health care reform.
“Unhinged” doesn’t even begin to describe this freak of nature.
andy |
December 7th, 2009 at 09:13 pm
I know too many people, my own daughter included, who can’t get health insurance.
Hot sale discount MBT shoes
Jimmy1920 |
December 8th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Focusing on right wing puppet master Rupert Murdoch and his support for violent extremists like Glenn Beck.”
Not just his “puppet master” but also his enablers, the mainstream media by not taking him to task for his lies, distortions and political motives.
They seem unable to differentiate a political slant from a political agenda.
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As the Congress wrestles with health care reform this week, a record number of California women of color and immigrant activists continue to impact the debate by flooding our Senators with phone calls after months of pressing California's representatives through our Health and Justice Now! campaign. Our message: health care reform must protect access to comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion services coverage, and ensure that all Californians are covered.
The House version of health care reform that passed last month created a worst case scenario for Latinas and women of color by effectively banning abortion coverage through any insurance plan that does business with the government. Both the Senate and the House bills continue to contain provisions that exclude millions of immigrants from accessing the health coverage they need and deserve. In the Senate deliberations, we urge our leaders to seize this critical opportunity to regain moral ground in this national debate: health care is a human right, and no Californian should be left behind.
Low-income women of color and their families, in particular, have much at stake and an urgent need for reform. The current system has created tremendous challenges for us as mothers, sisters and daughters who are the primary coordinators of health care for our families. Consistent, persistent and historical health disparities demand that women of color be front and center on the road to reform.
The voices of women of color must be at the forefront of the public dialogue on health care reform. It's not enough for politicians to talk about the uninsured, they must demonstrate their leadership and take action. Over 2.9 million California women under the age of 65 were uninsured in 2007. And, while women of color comprise over half of the state's non-elderly women, we are disproportionately uninsured. If you are a young or immigrant woman of color, you are at even greater risk to lose or lack health insurance. Latinas have the highest uninsured rates across all racial and ethnic groups. In fact, nearly forty percent (39.3%) of Latinas of all ages are uninsured compared to 13.4% of white women.
Despite these statistics, the House of Representatives jeopardized women's health by passing its health care reform with exclusionary measures such as the Stupak-Pitts Amendment that will effectively ban abortion coverage in the new health insurance system.
As reproductive justice advocates, we know first hand that policies to reform health care must help eliminate the reproductive health inequities that persist among Latinas and other underserved women of color. Access to health coverage is a critical component in promoting the ability of women, their families, and communities, to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Fixing our broken health care system can only be achieved if every person living in the United States has equal access to health care. It is not only fair, but good policy to allow everyone who wishes to purchase insurance the ability to do so, including immigrants. For California, the inclusion of immigrants is not only critical to the state's economic survival but more importantly a moral imperative. Millions of immigrants -- including over 5 million immigrant women in California -- are in danger of being excluded from accessing the health coverage they need and deserve under provisions included in both the Senate and the House bills. California's economic crisis has devastated the safety net, leaving those with the least resources, particularly immigrants, with very few options.
Together, California Latinas for Reproductive Justice and our partner ACCESS/Women's Health Rights Coalition called upon thousands of California women of color and immigrant activists to right this wrong and collectively raised our voices during a statewide day of action to demand that health care reform efforts include the needs of women and immigrant communities. But this is only the most recent step in the Health & Justice Now! campaign that has been growing in momentum and force. As long as our communities' health and lives are at stake, our voices will continue to remain strong.
There is much talk about the recession reaching bottom. The economy at a turning point. Again. The proof, at least this time, was the drop in the national unemployment rate to 10 percent.
But that data point doesn't really reflect the jobs picture in this country. Here are two better ones: State unemployment funds are running out of money; and 9.24 million people are working part time (slightly down from a month ago) who would much rather go full time job. A year ago the figure was 7.3 million.
Both of these numbers have huge implications for the health care reform debate. Too many people are working part time, without benefits, because it's the only job they can find.
Mike Sherlock, an investment advisor, publishes a fascinating blog called MISH'S Global Economic Trend Analysis. He reports: "15 states have collectively borrowed more than $15 billion and another 9 states are in the red over unemployment benefits." One of the examples Mish cites is North Carolina, where high unemployment has cost the state $1.4 billion in debt, growing as much as $20 million a day. The state is hoping the federal government at some point will forgive these loans because there's no real plan to pay it back.
"Let's do the math. The state budget is $19 billion. Potentially $4 billion will be borrowed to pay unemployment benefits. In other words the state is borrowing an amount equal to 21% of its total budget just to pay unemployment benefits. Wow," Mish reports.
That's only one state of the 24 now in the red. Add to that the state projections for Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance and the picture is more complete. And bleak.
Consider those who are working part time. If the economy is improving, folks should start getting more hours on the job (hopefully enough hours to qualify for benefits). But that will happen before new jobs are created. We have a long way to go.
Another element in this crisis is health insurance. Many of those who lost their jobs in the first wave are starting to run out of a federal subsidy for their health insurance under COBRA. Unless Congress acts (quickly) to extend that subsidy, health care costs for unemployed folks will be prohibitive. A family of four could see their health insurance costs go from roughly $500 a month to $1,500 a month. An increase that's nearly impossible to cover without a job. A really, really great job, at that.
The context for all of this is that we have tied our entire health care system to employment. Most people get their health care through work. If health care reform passes, this should improve through new subsidies and exchanges -- in a couple of years. But the trade off is a requirement to buy health insurance.
Indian Country is a special case. American Indians and Alaskan Natives will be exempted from the mandate. But there are employment-related questions that remain.
Would it make sense for an American Indian or Alaskan Native entrepreneur to buy health insurance for her workers? There would be no requirement. The individual member would still be eligible for Indian Health Service. And, by the same measure, would any individual on the reservation buy into a health insurance exchange plan, even if it were subsidized? Tribal governments would probably buy plans for employees, but that would not close the gap.
I started with this project with the idea that the country has much to learn from Indian Country about health care reform. The relationship between health insurance and your job is a good example of that thinking. There is no employment-based system that can accommodate those outside of the regular work force, those who fish, herd, or bead. At the same time fixing Indian Country's structural unemployment -- with rates that are unthinkable in any other context -- must be a priority. This is a health care issue, too.
Cross-posted from Race-Talk.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:57 pm
The House should not back away from the PO. It is the most popular part of Health Care Reform, and all the House members have to run for reelection, starting in just about one month from now.
There are far less Democratic Senators who have to run in 2010, so there is no reason for all the Democrats in the House, to upset their base, just to appease a small handful of Bluedog Senators.
Why is the Senate supposed to get what they want, and not the house, in a reconciliation process? Then it would not be a reconciliation process, but just letting the Senate dictate to The House Of Representatives. That would be a travesty, an make the congress members look like supplicants to the Senate..
lfo |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:58 pm
well Greg I think that by now the Reps are the ones setting themselves up for a waterloo. So you rtake is right. And what is this unAmerican fixation with Napoleonic defeats?
Andy |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:59 pm
Let’s say PO is actually off the table.
If we lower the medicare eligibility age and open access to the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan, along with the other reforms everyone has agreed on then what issues are left out? Competition for the insurance companies and using government money to pay for abortions, right?
Someone needs to find out what’s being done on the competition front and the abortion issue. Otherwise I don’t see the down side. What am I missing?
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 03:59 pm
“And what is this unAmerican fixation with Napoleonic defeats?”
LOL!
Vraimant!
mike from Arlington |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:00 pm
I’d like to see a score of the Senate bill without the PO.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:03 pm
“Someone needs to find out what’s being done on the competition front and the abortion issue. Otherwise I don’t see the down side. What am I missing?”
I see it pretty much the way you do.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:03 pm
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_MED_HEALTHBEAT_HOSPITAL_RETURNS?SITE=CACRU&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
“Talk about unnecessary misery: One in five Medicare patients winds up back in the hospital within a month – even worse, one in four patients with heart failure.
A major push is under way around the country to cut rehospitalizations, in part by arming patients with simple steps to keep their recovery on track – like getting past harried receptionists for quicker follow-up doctor visits, and reducing medication confusion.
Less than a year into a Medicare-sponsored “Care Transitions” project in 14 states, participating hospitals already are seeing readmissions start to inch down, says Dr. Barry Straube, chief medical officer of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
One of those projects, in Baton Rouge, La., sends health coaches to five area hospitals to guide high-risk patients through discharge and check how they’re faring through that critical first month. Of the first 145 patients coached so far, only seven had to be rehospitalized.”
lfo |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:04 pm
not to get repetitive but follow Ezra he has a few good posts on what would happen or not once this compromise happens. And also what moving parts to look for.
Tena–I wonder why they do not use the alamo? too close to the bone?
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:05 pm
I really like the idea of lowering the Medicare age. I already said that I think that makes is almost impossible for someone like Rick Perry or Fluffy Hutchison to opt out. They don’t want to be seen opting out of Medicare.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:05 pm
Of course these sort of improvements are going to greatly interfere with the vital work of Death Panels.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:06 pm
“too close to the bone?”
Too sacred – there was only one black man at the Alamo and he didn’t fight – he was a slave.
jzap |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:06 pm
It’s subversion coming from the huge foreign influence permeating our so-called own MSM. I mean, who better to push another up-is-down meme than the Australians?
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:07 pm
“Beyond the behind-the-scenes skirmishing, though, lurks a larger question: Once the Senate reaches a compromise, can the House do anything to have an impact on it in conference negotiations over the final bill? Or will House Dems more or less have to go along with the Senate version?”
Best idea would be for the House to simply accept the Senate bill as written – no amendments – and take a quick up or down vote (simple majority). Avoid conference altogether and get the thing passed before Christmas.
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:09 pm
“So even if a pure public option is sacrificed, it could mean no Waterloo for reform overall — or for Obama and Dems.”
Greg – are you really going to try and frame the loss of the PO as a victory for Dems?
Travis |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:10 pm
“GOP aides can chortle, but the fact remains that Dems are all still at the table, still negotiating a compromise, and still moving towards creating an overall bill that 60 Senators can support. So even if a pure public option is sacrificed, it could mean no Waterloo for reform overall — or for Obama and Dems.”
I dunno. Progressives have deemed anything short of a “strong public option” (which means different things to different people) to be “not REAL reform.”
So, in essence, the left has made the public option its Waterloo. Anything short of a “strong public option” may overshadow the other positive aspects of the bill and cause many progressives to attack, rather than hail, the passage of historic legislation that would, even without the public option, significantly reform the healthcare system.
Additionally, when people on the left are saying that it’s better to kill the bill over the public option than to pass legislation now (even without that “strong public option”) and amend it later, I think this is could get pretty ugly.
Finally, given that progressive blogs and websites have generally been more inclined to highlight and assail negative political developments than to hail positive ones, I no longer anticipate that the passage of healthcare reform will be much of a political boon to Democrats, even it is ultimately and actually a boon (i.e., real reform) for people who need it.
rukidding |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:11 pm
My wife just turned 63 and I’ll be 62 this month…yes she robbed the cradle and I never let her forget it.
Point is we are getting close to single payer regardless of what happens to HCR. Still I don’t wish to be perceived as a member of the Grand Ole Party which basically believes..”I got mine screw you”.
Having said all of that I would trade the P.O. for moving the Medicare eligibility up to 55 in a heartbeat!!! The P.O. will be limited in scale while moving an entire decade of population into single payer would be a HUGE accomplishment.
I find it difficult to believe this could actually happen but then again it does make sense. Illness gets increasingly more prevalent after 55 and so the insurance companies might not mind shedding a higher risk group. Once we get private insurance down to the even healthier part of our population there is a chance…I admit remote…that competition would take a small hold and some company would enjoy cherry picking those younger healthier folks. It also has the added advantage of not totally eliminating the insurers and their investments overnight.
And so I’d gladly trade the P.O. for Medicare @ 55…as long as we keep the restraints on pre existing conditions and recission.
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:11 pm
“If we lower the medicare eligibility age and open access to the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan…I don’t see the down side. What am I missing?”
The price tag?
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:14 pm
So, how would the Medicare for people age 55 etc, be funded?
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:15 pm
a compromise of a compromise of a compromise of a…
I can’t recall anyone on the left suggesting we adopt Britain’s popular government healthcare. I’ve personally seen Britain’s national healthcare in action and it was responsive, efficient, and effective.
In America we have a similarly responsive, efficient, and effective government run healthcare plan (caveat: when it’s run by Democratic leaders): The VA.
Under Democratic President Clinton, the VA become extremely effective and cost-efficient.
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_29/b3993061.htm
Under Republicans we got the Walter Reed Hospital scandal.
The popular Canadian system of “single payer” was never even given a seat at the table.
And the ‘public option’ has been so watered down that it’s largely lost it’s efficacy (which was right winger’s objective).
I still have “hope”, but it’s clear that with allies like the predatory Aetna insurance company tool Joe Lie berman it’s going to be a tight squeeze.
For those on ‘the left’ that are discouraged: Focus on primarying right wing Dems, defeating Republicans, and retaining Democratic majorities.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:17 pm
A Question:
With Regards to covering abortions:
Does the health Care coverage of Senators and Congress members cover Abortions for their families, and or Mistresses?
mike from Arlington |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:17 pm
Oh my rukidding. I feel shameful for continuing the tea-bagging jokes in the presence of someone who is my elder.
*blush*
And wow. I think I agree with sbj.
“Best idea would be for the House to simply accept the Senate bill as written – no amendments – and take a quick up or down vote (simple majority). Avoid conference altogether and get the thing passed before Christmas.”
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:18 pm
@reefer: Walter Reed Army Medical Center is run by the Army, not the VA.
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:19 pm
“Does the health Care coverage of Senators and Congress members cover Abortions for their families, and or Mistresses?”
No.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:23 pm
Well that would explain why no one ever sees their unwed daughters or mistresses getting pregnant. They all just practice sexual abstinence, and take occasional trips to Zurich, just to ski, and sweat off those little fatty belly paunches that they have added on.
lfo |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:23 pm
jzap & tena–Lol. But I really wonder why they keep using it, as if I don’t know, the whole thing isn’t french. Like arugula and mustard.
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:27 pm
The Republican’s Walter Reed Army Medical Center scandal was part of a long pattern of Republican neglect of American troops.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/17/AR2007021701172.html
Republican neglect of American troops is the flip-side of Republican corporatism handing no-bid contracts to war-profiteers.
lmsinca |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:27 pm
Looks like everyone here suddenly thinks the PO is expendable. Wow. Good luck with the House.
mike from Arlington |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:28 pm
Wow, via Ben Smith…
With the Senate shifting sharply away from a “pure public option,” an insurance industry insider who has been deeply involved in the health care fight emails to declare victory.
“We WIN,” the insider writes. “Administered by private insurance companies. No government funding. No government insurance competitor.”
roxsteady |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:29 pm
Is he still alive? Pitty!
mike from Arlington |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:29 pm
This must be a great victory for the teabaggers and their corporate controlled oligarchy.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:29 pm
“But I really wonder why they keep using it,”
Well the French were defeated, which suits the ratwing.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:31 pm
Lowering the age of Medicare is not complicated, like the other things they’ve devised to get around giving us what we want. IT doesn’t address the problem of people younger than 55. But wouldn’t it be easier in the long run to just keep lowering the age over time rather than trying to continually amend some complicated PO amendment in the bill to make it better?
lfo |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:31 pm
I am going to wait to see what actually comes out fo the senate to declare anything dead, or anyone a winner. didn’t the insurance companies declare victory in august?
lmsinca |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:33 pm
Mike from A
I guess my husband was right to keep his Aetna stock.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:33 pm
lfo – me too.
and yes they did and they’ve been doing that all along.
mike from Arlington |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:35 pm
yes, lmsinca. 3.14% gains today alone.
http://finance.yahoo.com/echarts?s=AET#chart3:symbol=aet;range=3m;indicator=ke_it+volume;charttype=line;crosshair=on;ohlcvalues=0;logscale=on;source=undefined
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:37 pm
corrected:
“This must be a great victory for the teabaggers and their“ masters: Corporate oligarchs.
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:39 pm
And again:
Under Democratic President Clinton’s leadership the VA became an extremely effective, life-saving, cost-efficient government run healthcare provider.
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_29/b3993061.htm
And again:
Under Republicans we got the Walter Reed Hospital scandal where wounded American troops were neglected.
jzap |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:39 pm
I find this surprisingly palatable.
Any replacement for the PO would have to be national in scope to be effective. I don’t even care if you call it a foxtrotting co-op, so long as it’s not a state-by-state quilt.
Expand existing administrative infrastructure instead of inventing a brand-new one or two. Medicare seems to be working OK operationally, though Dubya’s unfunded donut-hole mandate is a fiscal albatross.
lfo |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:41 pm
Tena–I don’t know there is always a rush to conclude things are done when we are still in the middle of the road to it. I will judge on the end result not negotiations. Remember just 1 month ago no one thought a PO would be in the Senate Bill AT ALL..
Bernie Latham |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:44 pm
travis’ post above seems pretty rational to me. There really are a couple of battles going on, the substantive negotiations/compromises with all attendant blather and the overall PR battle to coming from the Republicans to paint anything and everything Obama does as some species of failure versus Dem efforts to tell a different story.
And the one thing we know with utter certainty is that, quite regardless of what this final bill looks like when passed, the Republicans will declare it an Obama failure.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:44 pm
“so long as it’s not a state-by-state quilt.”
Thanks for that, cause that is exactly the way I feel. I am not happy about the state opt-out plan because if this is really a national problem – even a national moral imperative- letting states opt out sort of belies the national part of that. It definitely throws us red state Democrats to the lions. In short, it seems way less fair to me.
And I don’t think states will opt out of Medicare.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:45 pm
They better not pay for abortions for those people over 55 or I will be really nonplussed, and chagrined with a lemon twist.
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:46 pm
Fox News Anchor Asks if Nelson Amendment Will Lead to More ‘Low-Income Babies’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBMB9-R6wD8&feature=player_embedded
lmsinca |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:47 pm
“Someone needs to find out what’s being done on the competition front and the abortion issue. Otherwise I don’t see the down side. What am I missing?”
That’s the point Andy, there will be no competition. The insurance industry will reap the rewards of all those new customers and still have a monopoly. The compromise of using the OPM is nothing, just an exchange, which we were already getting and lowering the Medicare age is “throwing a bone to progressives”.
Everyone here seems pretty willing to compromise though so it probably won’t be that hard of a sell. I’d prefer to be treated as an adult and not just have my ideas traded away, but like I’ve said before it is what it is. The Lieberman’s of the world seem to be able to get their way an awful lot, all he had to do was threaten the filibuster, and nobody called him on it.
It’s not over yet I know, but we’re getting closer to vote counting time so we all knew there would be some kind of compromise and I think the rumors are testing the waters. From the comments here, I guess it’ll work.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:47 pm
” and the overall PR battle to coming from the Republicans to paint anything and everything Obama does as some species of failure versus Dem efforts to tell a different story.
And the one thing we know with utter certainty is that, quite regardless of what this final bill looks like when passed, the Republicans will declare it an Obama failure.”
You and Travis are completely correct about that. And I predict they will get help in that from some on the left, no matter what we end up with.
Bernie Latham |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:51 pm
Off topic but wanted to get this in today (busy). From Hitchens on Sarah Palin. Attend particularly to the information on Fred Malek:
http://www.slate.com/id/2237638/pagenum/all/#p2
Liam |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:55 pm
Bernie,
Well that is perfectly understandable. Quitter Palin would have stayed in College in Hawaii if it turned out that the place was not populated by Hawaiians. How was the poor woman supposed to have known, before she arrived in Hawaii, that the place was filled with Hawaiians!
MB |
December 7th, 2009 at 04:59 pm
Let the GOP chortle. From what I read in detailed analysis of the Senate bill by CBO, MIT, and Ron Brownstein, there is plenty of good stuff in the bill even without the PO. The health care problem has been ignored for so long that this bill is a huge improvement over status quo. And that is why GOP is howling so much. They know this is going to work and will be popular.
The PO in its current form is available to a small slice of the population. Without the Wyden amendment (which would open it to everyone) it is hard to see it being very effective. Back in late summer / early fall, I would not have bet on Harry Reid putting PO in the bill to be introduced in the Senate. Now if it passes with PO (highly unlikely), it will be okay. If it gets taken out, it will be used to get something else.
A comibination of lowering medicare and opening Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan will be better than a PO, I think. Btw, Obama hinted at FEHBP early in the process. (”Obama team looks to federal employee health program as a model” http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0309/031609ar2.htm)
And I can see now why, even though he supported PO, he never said it is a must have.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:01 pm
Bernie = how did I put it last week? She manages to be both ridiculous and dangerous and the same time – which isn’t easy to do. But she does that well.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:01 pm
MB –
Great comment.
lfo |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:11 pm
yes MB, I second Tena: very good comment.
Not a member of this echochamber |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:11 pm
I love the moving of the goal posts here. We have been told repeatedly by those on the left that the main reason Senators should vote for this bill is because the public option is so unbelievably popular. What will you say if the public option is stripped?
Furthermore, progressives have been indicating all along that the strong public option is an absolute must. How does its removal and subsequent passage of this bill, if that happens, become a disaster for the Republicans. You will dispirit a large portion of the Democratic base and you will only further energize the Republicans.
Not a member of this echochamber |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:13 pm
“And that is why GOP is howling so much. They know this is going to work and will be popular.”
No, they are howling because this is a terrible bill opposed by their constituents, and most Americans for that matter.
http://www.pollster.com/polls/us/healthplan.php
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:14 pm
“Furthermore, progressives have been indicating all along that the strong public option is an absolute must. How does its removal and subsequent passage of this bill, if that happens, become a disaster for the Republicans. You will dispirit a large portion of the Democratic base and you will only further energize the Republicans.”
A. When you are fighting for something, you tend to insist that it’s very important, perhaps more important than it really is;
B. You don’t always expect to get everything you are insisting is a must, even when you insist it is;
C. Republicans don’t want any health care reform at all. Period. End of story. So are you going to tell me that passing Health Care Reform is a victory for the GOP?
O pull the other one, it has bells on.
MB |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:15 pm
Thanks, Tena. I think I need to apologize to “real amurikans” for mentioning MIT study in my comment… MIT is nothing but home to “librul eleets” They can’t know what is good for amerika
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:16 pm
Yeah, that’s what you are doing here – nonmember – you are so sure it spells DOOM for us.
That’s because this is GREAT
NEWS
FOR
JOHN MCCAIN
lfo |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:19 pm
Well Tena–Everything is always good news for Republicans! Even when they are left behind making arguments from the last century.
rukidding |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:20 pm
“But wouldn’t it be easier in the long run to just keep lowering the age over time rather than trying to continually amend some complicated PO amendment in the bill to make it better?”
That’s exactly what I think Tena. If Obama can get Medicare lowered to 55 AND get rid of pre existing condition and recission rationing…he will have accomplished something amazing and incredibly significant.
As someone pointed out the infrastructure for Medicare is already in place and an incremental change like this shouldn’t be that difficult to achieve in a relatively short time…like 1/1/2011 not 2012 or 13 or 14 or whatever they’ve been tossing around.
How do we pay for it? SBJ you can bite me you heartless irrational nincompoop. Bring the boys and girls home from the military adventures as we can EASILY pay for it.
We lost less than 4,000 on 9/11 and yet we lose over 40,000 every year due to our horrible health care system. SBJ have you ever heard of priorities?
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:22 pm
“If Obama can get Medicare lowered to 55 AND get rid of pre existing condition and recission rationing…he will have accomplished something amazing and incredibly significant.”
O word straight up.
on the whole comment.
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:24 pm
Fixed l!nk:
“Obama team looks to federal employee health program as a model” -By Alyssa Rosenberg, March 16, 2009
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0309/031609ar2.htm
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:25 pm
“We have been told repeatedly by those on the left that the main reason Senators should vote for this bill is because the public option is so unbelievably popular.”
Funny, isn’t it? In an earlier Lieberman thread there were howls of indignation that he would vote against a PO because his constituents were in favor of it.
It’s now apparent that in many many states the majority does not support the health care reform proposals. So when Dem Senators and Reps vote FOR the House and Senate bills will there be howls of indignation?
I didn’t think so. Foolish consistency, hobgoblins, and all that ****…
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:28 pm
“How do we pay for it? SBJ you can bite me you heartless irrational nincompoop. Bring the boys and girls home from the military adventures as we can EASILY pay for it.”
Perhaps, then, you should be inviting President Obama to “bite” you?
Aren’t we all agreed that Medicare is in big trouble? So we’re going to solve our health care crisis by adding millions more to it? I would really love to hear the details…
MB |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:28 pm
@Not a member of this echochamber
If it is such a bad bill, don’t you think GOP would not use procedural tactics to not even allow votes and introduce gimmicky amendments. Let the democrats pass this crappy bill and then win back the House and pick up senate seats in 2010.
Btw, something more for GOP to howl about: Obama To Propose New Jobs Program:In a speech tomorrow, CNN reports that President Obama will propose using $200 billion from TARP for “funding projects to build bridges and roads, weatherize homes, and provide other assistance for small businesses as well as the unemployed.”
Boehner is already crying..
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:31 pm
I’d prefer “Medicare for All”.
The problems:
Republicans are tools of international corporations with no loyalty to Americans or America. Republicans choose corporate profits over the lives of the 44,000 Americans who die each year because of lack of healthcare.
And the thin Democratic majority is hampered by the Republican Wing of the Democratic Party.
Again, the best thing that those on the left who want more can do is: Primary right wing Dems, defeat Republicans, and retain Democratic majorities.
http://www.actblue.com
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:32 pm
” CNN reports that President Obama will propose using $200 billion from TARP for “funding projects to build bridges and roads, weatherize homes, and provide other assistance for small businesses as well as the unemployed.”
”
WoooHooooooooooooooo!
This is what I’m talking about – public works project; fix the country – it needs a lot of fixing!
lfo |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:35 pm
My understanding is that all the elements that are needed for insurance reform (end of recision, upping rates, pre existing conditions)is on the bill so that coupled with the lowering of age for medicare is big news and just ads to the effectiveness of HCR.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:35 pm
“I’d prefer “Medicare for All”.”
So would I and I think this is a better, faster, easier route to get us there.
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:36 pm
“something more for GOP to howl about: Obama To Propose New Jobs Program”
I’m not a member of the GOP but I’ll howl about it! The stimulus was ALREADY supposed to fund “projects to build bridges and roads, weatherize homes.” What the hell was all of that money for – we need another $200 billion to do the same damn thing? What’s that the youngsters say? Epic fail?
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:37 pm
sbj – It’s fixed rather simply – we go through this, you and I, how many times a day? – by raising the tax rates on the top income earners back up to where they were when Clinton was president.
You know: that Golden Age of peace and prosperity?
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:39 pm
“What the hell was all of that money for – we need another $200 billion to do the same damn thing? What’s that the youngsters say? Epic fail?”
Tell that to the several thousand people who worked on the big road project in northern New Mexico, that was a project of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
And by all means – oppose a Jobs Program. Please do – you and the rest of the right.
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:44 pm
“It’s fixed rather simply – we go through this, you and I, how many times a day? – by raising the tax rates on the top income earners back up to where they were when Clinton was president.”
So why hasn’t your party done that, tena?
Medicare is NOT fixed rather simply through increased taxes and you’re probably the only person I’ve ever seen claim such a thing. If that’s all it takes why are the Dems proposing $500 billion in cuts? If that’ll fix it do we raise rates AGAIN when we add millions more with this new eligibility proposal? C’mon now!
“Tell that to the several thousand people who worked on the big road project in northern New Mexico”
Well I guess, then, that the first stimulus worked out swimmingly – so why another one? Another one that does the same stuff as the first?
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:46 pm
I’d really love to see that money invested in renewable domestic energy producers like wind farms and solar panels.
Let’s stop paying oil dictators that hate trillions in energy fees every decade.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:46 pm
“They better not pay for abortions for those people over 55 or I will be really nonplussed, and chagrined with a lemon twist.”
You know, this solution neatly bypasses that argument for now.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:49 pm
sbj – There’s obviously a hell of a lot more work out there to be done than one highway project in northern New Mexico, or indeed, 15 highway projects in half the states in the country.
As I noted the other day – we are way understaffed in every single national park and national forest in this country. Woefully understaffed – to a point where it becomes actually very detrimental to trying to keep those places the way they are supposed to be.
There are lots of roads and bridges in the US.
And you’re being a pill and you sound like a GOP Refusenik.
So like I said =- please please please oppose a Job’s Program. Do it loudly. Do it Publicly. Hold Tea Bagging Rallies on it.
Greg Sargent |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:50 pm
Happy hour roundup posted:
http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/climate-change/happy-hour-roundup-fox-news-republicans/
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:50 pm
I want your just folks grass roots out there saying: We don’t need no steenking government jobs!
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:53 pm
Medicare would absolutely be “fixed rather simply through increased taxes”.
Only right wing liars say otherwise. Right winger “sbj” has even admitted that they tell lies for money, just today “sbj” asked: “How much would YOU be willing to pay for my lies?”
Ultra-rich right wing puppetmaster’s figure it’s cheaper to pay right wingers like “sbj” to lie than it is to support America by paying their fair share in taxes.
Scott C. |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:54 pm
News:
I’d prefer medicare for all.
Or, in other words, you’d prefer to live in a fantasy world where everyone gets something for nothing.
If medical care of comparable quality and quantity as that available today can be made available to more people at a cheaper cost than that available today, why don’t you radical lefties start providing it rather than trying to get the government to do it for you? Are you guys simply so preternaturally dictatorial and opposed to freedom that you prefer government force to mutually acceptable exchange?
Scott C. |
December 7th, 2009 at 05:57 pm
News:
…fair share in taxes.
Define fair.
Tena |
December 7th, 2009 at 06:06 pm
“Or, in other words, you’d prefer to live in a fantasy world where everyone gets something for nothing. ”
No. Number 1 – my taxes would pay for this, among other people’s.
And Number 2 – if Canada, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Australia found ways to pay for it, I think we can.
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 07:19 pm
Right wing “voodoo economics” of Hollywood entertainer Ronald Reagan explained in a nutshell: “where everyone gets something for nothing.”
It’s the right wing’s “Two Santa Clause Theory” of governance: Spend, spend, spend, then lower taxes, then… Magic. Except that the magic never happens for 90% of Americans because they got screwed while only the top 10% (the true Republican base) took all the profits.
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/01/26-0
And again:
Hollywood entertainer Ronald Reagan increased government size, Republican Reagan INCREASED government spending, and even while Republican Reagan RAISED taxes on working Americans, Republican Reagan’s giant gifts to the ultra-wealthy managed to increase the US debt by 260%.
Weirdly, the left wing are the true fiscal ‘conservatives’. History shows that the left-wing have consistently paid down the gross federal debt as a percentage of gross domestic debt.
For the last 29 years:
REPUBLICANS INCREASED THE US DEBT.
Hollywood con man Reagan increased the US debt by 260%.
Republicans Reagan and Bush 1 increased the US debt by 400%.
Republican Bush 2 more than DOUBLED the US debt. And nobody yet knows how much Republican Bush’s cronies at the Fed funneled out the back door to his corporate buddies.
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 07:20 pm
“omparable quality and quantity [of healthcare] as that available today can be made available to more people at a cheaper cost than that available today” by simply eliminating the corporate leaches sucking at the lifeblood of Americans.
The government healthcare plans provided by every other industrialized country on earth have better health outcomes than America does and they do it for a cheaper cost.
Foreign countries citizens receiving government run healthcare live longer than Americans and their citizens infant mortality rates are lower than Amrericans and it’s done for significantly cheaper than the corporate-medical-industry-profiteers that the right wing corporatists are protecting.
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 07:32 pm
Yes indeed – the cost of health care is cheaper in other countries – and neither of the proposals does anything to impact the cost of health care. (You know better than to repeat misleading infant mortality rates drivel.)
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 07:44 pm
If right winger “sbj” had a conscience he wouldn’t lie about factual truths:
America has a MUCH higher infant mortality rate than dozens of other countries.
Most of the countries that have LOWER infant mortality rates have some kind of socialized medicine.
That FACT was consistently reported under Republican President Bush in the CIA World Factbooks published while Republican Bush was President.
Go look up the Factbooks during Republican Bush’s Presidency:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/download/
The US has had a worse infant mortality rate than dozens of other countries for years.
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 09:06 pm
@reefer: You obviously don’t understand the issues surrounding those self-reported figures.
Not to mention you fail to address my point about the COST of health care.
News Reference |
December 7th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Again, not only do other countries have lower infant mortality rates than the US, those countries also have longer life-spans than US, AND those socialist-health care using countries accomplish superior health-outcomes at a lower cost than our private predatory corporate-medical system.
Those are the FACTS.
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
And you are obviously unaware of the many reasons life expectancy might be longer in countries with a culture different than our own here in the US.
sbj |
December 7th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Do you understand the difference between cost and price?
News Reference |
December 8th, 2009 at 12:41 am
Do you understand the concept of Return On Investment?
For a lower investment in healthcare, many socialist countries receive a return on that investment by having longer lives than Americans, fewer dead infants, and a significant reduction in overall health care costs.
The corporate-medical-industry that right wing predators are protecting jacks up the price of healthcare so that they can make more profits even while that means less money goes towards preventative care.
Thus: Under the right wing’s predatory corporate-medical-industry, Americans live shorter lives, more infants die, and the overall prices we pay are significantly higher than other industrialized countries who manage to keep their costs lower by eliminating the right wing’s predatory corporate-medical-industry model.
Marly |
December 8th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
This country needs a public option for health insurance. We’re talking about an option. We’re not talking about a government handout, but something people can opt to purchase. Physicians and hospitals will still be private. It’s a win/win for everyone.