From the Black Agenda Report, via the always excellent Violet Sox:
Top Ten Ways To Tell that Obama is NOT Fighting For Health Care For Everybody
by BAR managing editor Bruce A. Dixon
1. Their plan doesn’t cover the uninsured until 2013.
2013 isn’t “day one.” It’s not even after the midterm election. It’s clear after the president’s second term, if he gets one. Congress passed Medicare in 1965 and president Lyndon Johnson rolled out coverage for millions of seniors in eleven months, back in the days before they even had computers.22,000 Americans now perish each year because they can’t get or can’t afford medical care, and this year three quarter million personal bankruptcies will be triggered by unpayable medical bills. Why this president and these Democrats are in such a hurry to pass health care now that doesn’t take effect till two elections down the road doesn’t make sense in any kind of good way.2. Their “public option” isn’t Medicare, won’t bring costs down and will only cover about 10 million people.
The “public option” was sold to the American people as Medicare-scale plan open to anybody who wants in that would compete with the private insurers and drive their costs downward. But in their haste not to bite the hands that feed them millions in campaign contributions each hear, the president and his party have scaled the public option back from a Medicare-sized 130 million to a maximum of 10 million, too small to put cost pressure in private insurers. Worse still, the president and his party are playing bait-and-witch, not telling the public they have reduced the public option, to nearly nothing.This remnant of a public option is not Medicare, as Howard Dean insists, and it will not lead to the sort of everybody-in-nobody-out health care system that most Americans, whenever they are surveyed say they want.
Some Senate and House Democrats want to ditch even the pretense of a “public option” in favor of something they’re calling a private insurance “co-op”, which as near as anybody can tell has the same relationship to an actual cooperative that clean coal has to actual coal.
3. The president and his party have already caved in to the drug companies on reimporting Canadian drugs, on negotiating drug prices downward and on generics.
This explains why Big Pharma, the same people who ran the devastating series of anti-reform “Harry and Louise” ads to spike the Clinton-era drive to fix health care are spending $100 million to run Obama ads using the president’s language about “bipartisan” solutions to health care reform.4. The president and his party have received more money from private insurers and the for-profit health care industry than even Republicans, with the president alone taking $19 million in the 2008 election cycle alone, more than all his Repubican, Democratic and independent rivals combined.
Democratic senator Max Bacaus got $1.1 million in 2008. Democratic senators Harkin, Landreau and Rockerfeller each got over half a million, and Senator Durbin got just under half a million. Other Democratic senators got a little less. Four Democrats in the House, Rangel, Dinglell, Udall and Hoyer got over half a million apiece in 2008, with other Democrats not far behind.Is there any wonder that the insurance companies, like the drug companies are also running “bipartisan health care reform” commercials using the president’s exact language?
5. The president’s plan, and those of Republicans and Democratic blue dogs too, will require families to purchase health insurance policies from private insurers.
This is something the policy wonks call an ‘individual mandate”, under which Individuals will be “mandated” to purchase affordable insurance, though companies would not be required to offer it. In Massachusetts, the prototype state for the Obama plan, a family with an income of $33,000 can be required to spend $9,000 in deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses before the insurance company is obligated to pay a dime. As in Massachusetts, public money is used to purchase private insurance for the very poorest citizens. With the revenues of insurance companies on the decline, individual mandate programs are a welcome bailout for the private insurance industry.6. The president’s plan, and those of Republicans and Democratic blue dogs too, could force you to buy junk insurance.
Think about an insurance policy that costs a lot, but is full of loopholes, exceptions and steep deductibles and co-payments. That’s junk insurance, and for many it’s the only insurance companies offer. Even more pernicious is the widespread practice among insurance companies of “recission” in which claimants are routinely investigated and disqualified in the event that they finally make a claim. Insurance companies admit they do this to half of one percent of policies per year. That means if you hold a health insurance policy twenty years, you don;t have insurance – you have a ninety percent chance of having insurance.7. The president’s plan, as well as those of Democratic “blue dogs” and Republicans, are to be funded in part with cuts in Medicare and Medicaid.
Private insurance companies have always hated Medicare because it is far more efficient than they are. Medicare’s administrative expenses are under five percent, as compared with the one third of every health care dollar taken by the for-profit insurance companies for their advertising, bad investments, billing and denial machinery, executive salaries and bonuses. Private insurers have, over the years, purchased enough influence in Congress and previous White Houses to restrict Medicare’s payment rates and partially privatize it. But president Obama’s plan, perhaps the most friendly to Medicare and Medicaid, calls for over $300 billion in cuts to the programs that now provide medical care to those with the fewest options, while failing to guarantee that care will come from elsewhere. In Massachusetts right now, hospitals are turning away poor people they used to be able to provide care for because funding that used to go to those institutions is now plowed into the state’s “individual mandate” system.8. The president, with the cooperation of corporate media and the Republicans is trying to make the argument about himself instead of a discussion on the merits of his policy.
The president and his critics are happy to talk about whether this will be “his Waterloo”, or his Dien Bien Phu, as if that matters more than the 22,000 Americans who die each year from lack of medical care, or the three quarter million who will go bankrupt because of unpayable medical bills. The concentration on whether the president looks good or bad takes up air, ink, and coverage time that might otherwise be spent explaining what is and isn’t in the various proposals, and why.If the president were not afraid of his own supporters publicly examining the merits and demerits of his proposals, he would mobilize those 13 million emails and phone numbers collected during the campaign. The reason he has not sone so already is that most of his own supporters favor a Medicare-For-All single payer health care system, HR 676.
9. The president and his party, and the corporate media have spent more time and energy silencing and excluded the advocates of single payer health care, mostly the president’s own supporters, than they have fighting blue dogs and Republicans.
But no matter how diligently the spokespeople for single payer are excluded from media coverage andinvitations to Obama’s policy forums and round tables, no matter how many times the White Housecuts their questions from transcripts and video of public events, the calls, emails and letters keep pouring into Congress and the White House demanding the creation of a publicly funded, everybody-in-nobody-out system, a Medicare-for-All kind of single payer health care plan.10. Despite the president’s own admission that only a single payer health care system will deliver what Americans want, he and the leaders of his party insist that Medicare For All, HR 676, us utterly off the table.
Before he became a presidential candidate, Barack Obama identified himself as a proponent of a single payer health care system. All we had to do, he told us, was elect a Democratic congress and senate, and a different president. Now that this has been done, he insists that “change” is just not possible, and we have to settle for less. The president continues to admit that only a single payer health care system will cover everybody, but insists that America just can’t handle that much change.The truth is that Barack Obama campaigned as the candidate of change, and a health care system that covers everybody from day one with no exceptions is what people imagined they voted for when they swept him and an overwhelming number of Democrats into office.
A single payer Medicare-For-All system will eliminate 500,000 insurance company jobs and replace them with 3.2 million new jobs in health care for a net gain of 2.6 million new jobs according to a study by the National Nurses Organization. That’s as many jobs as the US economy lost in all of 2007. Single payer will create hundreds of billions in annual wages and local and state tax revenues for cash strapped cities and towns. It will lift the shadow of bankruptcy for medical reasons from two thirds of a million American families yearly. It’s what we deserve.
It’s what we voted for, and we won’t stop demanding it.
* * * * * TODAY’S PROWL * * * * *
Copy and paste the above Ten Reasons into an email to all your friends and family (Be sure to include Bruce Dixon’s byline — he put a lot of work into developing that list and deserves credit). Remind them that obama is silencing critics ON HIS LEFT more strenuously than he is fighting the corporate interests who want the broken health care system to remain exactly as it is so they can keep the gravy train flowing.
Liberals in Congress appear to finally be joining in the fray and realizing what Pumas, and people like Violet Sox, have been saying for eighteen months:
“My problem with Obama is that he’s not liberal enough. If anybody’s a crypto-Republican, it’s him. The Obama movement combines all the worst elements of Republicanism into one juggernaut package: Rovian cheating, Reaganesque marketing, Bushian pseudo-religious fervor, wingnut propaganda, mindless worship of authority, hatred of women, contempt for the disadvantaged, and of course GOP political positions on everything from FISA to the environment.”
– Violet Sox
Part II — Contact your representatives in Congress by clicking HERE and send them an email saying:
STOP HR 3200.
It is a junk bill which no one has read or understood and is chock-full of loopholes and give-aways to special interests.
* * * * * * * * * *
HR 3200 is a dangerous bill. Of all the mega-bills obama has proposed in the last six months, each of which provided its own special component of middle class attack, THIS one has the potential to do the most serious and painful damage to the middle and working class. Reread #4, #5, and #6. These objections are 100% valid — critics from the left, right, and center agree on all three.
Have you ever had “Junk Insurance”? It’s really, really bad — if you get sick and find out your insurance is junk (and no one ever knows they have crappy health insurance UNTIL they are already sick, not an excellent time to be confronted with the prospect of bankruptcy and a protracted paperwork battle with a billion-dollar corporation) there is pretty much NOTHING you can do about it. Humiliating and menacing calls and letters from collection agencies don’t take a break just because you’re recovering from surgery or resting after chemotherapy. They DO NOT CARE that you are facing devastating choices and realizations during an illness — THEY WANT THEIR MONEY dammnit, and to them you are no different than a spendthrift who ran up her credit card at the shopping mall: a deceitful, irresponsible, and failed consumer.
I live in Massachusetts, where we have a mandated health insurance plan that is the model for parts of HR 3200. Not only is it failing poor people, it’s also infuriatingly ineffective at covering working people. Actually Mass is actively trying to avoid covering working and middle class people, because “just three years after mandating that residents get health insurance and requiring employers, insurers and taxpayers to chip in, Massachusetts has yet to control soaring costs that are eating up half its budget.”
What’s happening here in Massachusetts is what will happen if HR 3200 is passed. The bill has NO WAY to control costs, and so, just like is happening right under my nose, health care costs will continue to SOAR under HR 3200. Then the government will be forced to control how much it spends (not by limiting costs of course — THAT would be painful to the corporations) but by CUTTING PEOPLE OFF THE ROLLS. First they’ll make legal immigrants ineligible (for example the spouses of American citizens who are fully legal, tax-paying residents of their communities), and then they’ll start making it impossibly difficult for working class people to qualify so that those people will give up and buy (crappy) private insurance — anything to keep them off the rolls. Whatever mess of a “public option” makes it alive through the HR 3200 wrangle from hell, rest assured it will be much worse than the spectacularly bad plan we have here, which is not only failing, but taking the Ship of State down with it.
Just yesterday I was talking with a recently married nanny who has no health insurance. Her new husband’s plan won’t cover her and she cannot get coverage from the Massachusetts public plan unless she becomes pregnant. She plans to have children but is waiting until they’ve saved up enough money to do some renovations and be able to afford a maternity leave (neither of their employers offers parental leave of course). SO, Massachusetts is basically telling them: forget about saving money — just get pregnant now so you can have health insurance!
Great public policy huh?
{ 3 trackbacks }
{ 191 comments… read them below or add one }
Rancho 07.31.09 at 11:55 am
Murphy
“Yesterday’s news about the “honor torture” of the 27 year old divorced mother of five by her father because he believed she had a boyfriend was an excellent reminder of why all freedom loving people should applaud a Freedom Award given to a person who supports Palestine.
oy vey.”
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oy vey is right! Speaking of awards, did you see my email? Any questions or comments I can forward to Jenny
Rancho 07.31.09 at 11:56 am
Snail mail donation for 1st post in the mail
HP Boston 07.31.09 at 11:58 am
Murphy you and Skipper have mail…………
Rancho 07.31.09 at 12:01 pm
Great prowl, Murphy. . .getting right on it!
admin 07.31.09 at 12:01 pm
HP, you have mail too!
Rancho 07.31.09 at 12:09 pm
Murphy . . any questions or comments I can forward to Jenny re. email?
Susie1945 07.31.09 at 12:15 pm
Hi PUMAs – just heard on fox news that Dodd the freeloader from CT is announcing that he has prostate cancer – don’t wanna wish him ill but payback is really a bitch, isn’t it???
simofish 07.31.09 at 12:36 pm
#7 – probably some trumped up bullshit medical excuse because he knows he’s going get his ass kicked next year in his re-election bid.
Bet he has really good health care coverage.
Karma is a bitch !!
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 12:39 pm
#7 and #8
Cancer treatment is too expensive… just give him an aspirin.
simofish 07.31.09 at 12:42 pm
DWP — you have a wicked sense of humor !!
Murph – I am working on a business trip to Boston – Sept 22nd / 23rd — fly in on the 21st — will keep you posted. I want to meet all the PUMA’s in Boston !!
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 12:48 pm
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 12:39 pm
#7 and #8
Cancer treatment is too expensive… just give him an aspirin.
—–
simofish 07.31.09 at 12:42 pm
DWP — you have a wicked sense of humor !!
—————
That’s what dodd would get under ohgotohell’s hellthcare bill. Sorta like that women’s mother who received a pacemaker… “pacemaker’s are expensive. I would tell her to take a pill.”–bo
Rancho 07.31.09 at 12:50 pm
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 12:39 pm
#7 and #8
Cancer treatment is too expensive… just give him an aspirin.
————————————–
OR SEND HIM THIS LINK . . .HE CAN BE THE FIRST IN CONGRESS, AND SET AN EXAMPLE! NOTE THE LAST TWO SENTENCES IN THIS POST!
http://www.fleming.house.gov/
“As of July 30, 2009, over 150,000 Americans from all 50 states have joined Congressman Fleming in supporting House Resolution 615. Sign the online petition and send a message to Congress – If You Vote For A Government Take Over of Health Care, Then Promise To Use The Plan!
Under the current draft of the Democrat healthcare legislation, members of Congress are curiously exempt from the government-run health care option, keeping their existing health plans and services on Capitol Hill. If Members of Congress believe so strongly that government-run health care is the best solution for hard working American families, I think it only fitting that Americans see them lead the way. Public servants should always be accountable and responsible for what they are advocating.
sistermoon3 07.31.09 at 12:56 pm
I truly believe i have come to my wits end on Health care, im soooooooo sick of hearing about it all the time. If i trusted anyone on this issue it might be different. I see now they are trying to get two more billion into the dumb name, Cash for Clunkers, i mean come on people, if they dont even have the right and have to do special interventions on that, what the hell do you think they are gonna do with healthcare, it should be called the Healthcare Nightmare. Im sick of all of em. Go Home, take a break, maybe some miracle will happen and some jobs will be created for the unemployed while you are gone. Please, go home, SHUT UP for a bit: Sorry for my rant, but im up to my eyebrows with this whole freaking congress. Period
sistermoon3 07.31.09 at 12:57 pm
PS no matter how badly i dislike Dodd i dont wish that on anyone
VTcat 07.31.09 at 1:01 pm
Henry Waxman gets deal on health bill
Liberals and a small core of conservative Democrats set aside long-standing ideological differences early Friday to cut a deal that should allow the House Energy and Commerce Committee to approve a sweeping health care bill, breaking a two-week deadlock that threatened President Barack Obama’s top domestic priority
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0709/25661.html
simofish 07.31.09 at 1:04 pm
sistermoon3 – the cash for clunkers – what a joke. First of all a car that is paid for and still running why would I want to buy a new one? The cheapest car is the car that’s paid for.
I am with ya, I don’t trust any of these assholes. Give them money and they waste it.
Cape Hatteras 07.31.09 at 1:07 pm
Look what else our tax dollars are buying in Gaza .
Vomit Alert . Scream alert! Thoughts of violent action alert!
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/
Susie1945 07.31.09 at 1:08 pm
Speakingof clunkers – my car is a 93 olds cutlass with only 83,000 miles on it – used to take bus to work every day so usually only drove on weekends and weeknights (if I needed to do something) – my car gets 22-24 mpg – more on freeway if I follow speed limit – WTF??? new cars must be 18 mpg??? guess I’ll be keeping my old car – have a really good mech if anything goes wrong…………….I really really really loathe those congress critters and all of the obots, every single fuckin’ one of them – they need to all be replaced & don’t anyone think that it’s always the other congresscritter – not yours that is the asshole – they ALL qualify – major majority of them are there for themselves – the hell with us
HP Boston 07.31.09 at 1:11 pm
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 12:39 pm
#7 and #8
Cancer treatment is too expensive… just give him an aspirin.
————————
AND vote the bums out…I am sure they won’t cancel his hc…even Teddie is holding on to his hc…….
Susie1945 07.31.09 at 1:17 pm
jezus h fuckin’ christ, cape – & this is supposed to be okay? – those poor little girls – hatred in my heart over this – I would shed no tears if the bastards all died today – good riddance from the earth and the human race……………
ISLAM SUCKS – ALL OF IT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Rancho 07.31.09 at 1:21 pm
This is a VERY timely and IMPORTANT prowl, but if we are contacting Congress, we need to make sure we do it before their August recess. (I heard Aug. 8? Is that true, and for both?) We could do this by phone or fax or email, but NOT letters . . .they can take up to two weeks to clear security.
I just got started with the prowl, but got a call and need to attend to my mother who was recently released from a hospital. I’ll check in later and finish up.
Murphy . . . in regards to my email, just email back? I’ll find your response better that way :, and I won’t have time to look on the blog today. Maybe an action next Monday, Tuesday next week?
(Or not-whatever you think) Let me know.
Deb55 07.31.09 at 1:21 pm
Off topic..Sorry..but MUST pass along to anyone following what is happening in this Gov’t. and all those following Islam in US
My friend in the GAO sent this to me and said start following the yellow brick road. I can not believe what I am reading..now ALOT is making sense..
Read about the first guy Neel Kashkari…and ask yourself..what caused our housing market bust..and WHO and Why??
After reading google ..Islamic Banking in US..
http://www.saneworks.us/uploads/news/applications/7.pdf
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 1:27 pm
Cape Hatteras #17
Goddamned freakin’ perverts. Enough is enough with these dickheads.
What can we do? I’m ready.
scarlet 07.31.09 at 1:33 pm
U.S. troops killed in deadliest month of Afghan war
KABUL (Reuters) – A U.S. service member was killed as the deadliest month for foreign troops in the Afghanistan war drew to a close, the U.S. military said on Friday, with commanders vowing to continue the fight despite the toll.
The death in southern Afghanistan brought to 40 the number of U.S. troops killed in July, by far the heaviest monthly toll in the 8-year-old war. The worst previous month for U.S. forces was in September 2008, when 26 were killed.
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSSP44175820090731
CODEPINK and others rally to “Ground the Drones!”
http://www.codepinkalert.org/article.php?id=4987
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Obama = Bush III
NikkisMom 07.31.09 at 1:38 pm
I think we can stop HR3200 as it’s already on a downhill slide. I admit I haven’t had time yet to seriously study HR 676, but I did look through the National Nurses’ link above.
Basically, it looks like they’re advocating putting everyone on a “Medicare for all”, single payer system….that only costs an additional NET $63 BILLION?? I take it the reason it is only 63 Billion, is because of the expected increased numbers from page 2 of that report – is that right? That number (63 B) seems awfully low for everyone in the U.S. to be covered, to me…hmmmm.
I need to understand better what people mean when they say “single payer”. If the nurses advocate just expanding “Medicare”, …an already established govt. program…then I could support that, if they made some improvements with the administration of the program also.
But if “single payer” means creating a new govt. bureaucracy, then I’m hesitant to support that. I don’t trust the govt., even less than I trust my health ins. company. I wouldn’t allow the govt. to babysit dung beetles, much less poke around in my healthcare & my privacy. So in the event a new entity needed to be setup to run this new healthcare system, who could you trust to run a “single payer” system, if it wouldn’t be the govt.?
sorry, crazy Friday, so if my post sounds disjointed…it’s because it is…just throwing thoughts out there.
HP Boston 07.31.09 at 1:38 pm
Susie1945 07.31.09 at 1:17 pm
jezus h fuckin’ christ, cape – & this is supposed to be okay? – those poor little girls – hatred in my heart over this – I would shed no tears if the bastards all died today – good riddance from the earth and the human race……………
ISLAM SUCKS – ALL OF IT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
———————
I second your emotion!
Islam sucks!
The Denocrats suck!
The republicans suck!
Vote the BUMS out!
Throw the bums out!
Rancho 07.31.09 at 1:44 pm
MURPHY . . .I just responded to your email.
I also included something I just received from Mr. Rancho . . .very interesting letter re. Healthcare and Obama . . sorry about the length. He wanted me to send it to you.
Gotta go be with mom. Check in later.
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 1:50 pm
HP
Vote the BUMS out!
Throw the bums out!
———-
Sounds good, but, I think we have to do more before any elections.
I don’t trust that our votes count for anything, do you?
murphy 07.31.09 at 1:51 pm
Islam sucks.
CJK 07.31.09 at 1:52 pm
Hey PUMAs! Great prowl, Murphy! Will do!
Apologies that the following is OT, but I was not feeling well all day yesterday and last night, so I’m trying to catch up, and this is my first chance to comment.
Deb55 07.31.09 at 1:18 am
Deb55 07.31.09 at 1:35 am
Deb55, just wanted to thank you for these two particular comments posted last night, which added a lot of clarity to the discussion re ‘Gates gate’ and the ‘beer summit.’ What I wonder is why nobody in the media is asking BO this: Why was Sgt. Leon Lashley not invited to the ‘beer summit’? Of course, the ‘beer summit’ was nothing but an Axelrove-orchestrated photo op intended to deflect attention away from the stupid remark of the actual culprit in all of this: BO. But, one has to wonder, why would BO not invite this African-American officer who accompanied Sgt. Crowley on the possible break-in call??? IMO, if the ’summit’ really was intended to seriously discuss the matter, Lashley’s input would have been far more important/germaine than the input of Biden, no??? Another question: Why are the individuals calling Lashley an ‘Uncle Tom’ for rightfully supporting Crowley not being fired from their jobs for racist remarks???
CJK 07.31.09 at 1:56 pm
Deb55 07.31.09 at 1:21 pm
Deb55, thanks for that link. I’ve been concerned about the possible role of ’shariah-compliant finance’ in the U.S. economic meltdown. Those bios are very interesting. Any links to any of the speeches/presentations?
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 1:59 pm
what have they done with our Murphy???
HP Boston 07.31.09 at 2:34 pm
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 1:50 pm
HP
Vote the BUMS out!
Throw the bums out!
———-
Sounds good, but, I think we have to do more before any elections.
I don’t trust that our votes count for anything, do you?
————No shit! That is why I can’t stop screaming…..
Fuck em all!
NikkisMom 07.31.09 at 2:37 pm
wow, checking out their website & press release this group makes a lot of sense. I like what I’m reading!
http://www.calnurses.org/media-center/press-releases/2009/july/july-30th-america-s-nurses-doctors-seniors-celebrate-medicare-s-44th-birthday-and-toast-the-uniquely-american-healthcare-solution.html
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 2:38 pm
HP
start investigating other countries in which you’d happily live. I’ll be ready to leave in 4 1/2 years.
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 2:45 pm
DWP
I’m curious, what criteria did you use to select your run away countries?
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 2:50 pm
BCL
cost of living, standard of health care, climate, government, attitude toward ex-patriots, level of literacy, availability of the arts, internet connection and availabity (maybe this should be #1).
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 2:51 pm
#29
Murphy’s apprentice?
Susie1945 07.31.09 at 2:55 pm
Just saw an ad? commercial? info shit? on tv that CNN is adding another comedian to their NEWS (hahahahahahahahahhah) staff – Lopez guy from some stupid show that used to be on ABC – George Lopez – remembered his name – WTF? no wonder the MSN is dead – how stupid is this country anyway?????? can it get any worse – I mean Jon Stewart is most trusted newsperson – he’s a fuckin’ comedian and sometimes, not very funny at all –
I’m glad I’m old – I won’t have to suffer thru the idiots that are now running the asylum…………
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 2:57 pm
Wow, that is alot of criteria to check out – where did you do your investigation, especially ‘attitude toward expatriots’. I would guess Australia would be good in that area since they are a younger culturally country.
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 2:59 pm
Susie 1956
Yep, the older person’s lament – we remember how it used to be and that makes it hard to accept the way it has become.
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 2:59 pm
Susie 1956
Yep, the older person’s lament – we remember how it used to be and that makes it hard to accept the way it has become.
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 3:00 pm
Susie, sorry i meant to hit the 4 and 5 keys but hit the 5 and 6 keys instead.
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 3:01 pm
Oh oh now I’m double posting.
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 3:04 pm
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 2:57 pm
Wow, that is alot of criteria to check out – where did you do your investigation, especially ‘attitude toward expatriots’. I would guess Australia would be good in that area since they are a younger culturally country.
——————–
Those are basic criteria I’d keep in mind… that doesn’t mean that any one country or area has to meet all of them. I don’t want to be sitting in the middle of dumb fluck eqypt just because it has great health care, or weather, or anything else. There are certain things I prefer in my environment, otherwise there would be quality of life issues for me.
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 3:08 pm
DWP
Hsve thought about what you’re saying but did not come up with any good candidates. I love Europe but it is EXPENSIVE! Canada is close but cold. Son’t know alot about central and south America but it’s instability. Yada, yada, yada. Been thinking but no decisions.
HP Boston 07.31.09 at 3:13 pm
cost of living, standard of health care, climate, government, attitude toward ex-patriots, level of literacy, availability of the arts, internet connection and availabity, how long will it take to drag the U-Haul there, Iceland meet most basic criteria ‘cept the weather………..
NikkisMom 07.31.09 at 3:15 pm
Shameful:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/07/30/state/n184320D61.DTL
HP Boston 07.31.09 at 3:15 pm
Oh and New Zealand still looks good! And Timbucktoo……
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 3:17 pm
Yikes, the old folks (like me) are acting up and the congress people are locking them out. It’s getting time to take to the streets.
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 3:19 pm
HP Boston
New Zealand sounds good but for me it’s a long way away. Visiting grandkids back here or bringing them to me would be difficult.
bydesign001 07.31.09 at 3:19 pm
Dare I accuse CNN of playing the race card? I think so. During the Obama campaign, CNN hired D. L. Hughley to do an evening show on the weekend. During which time, that bonehead Roland Martin’s career took off.
Now we have Sonia Sotomayor who will be the first Latina Sup. Ct. Justice and CNN feels fit to hire George Lopez. CNN played up to the African American community with D. L. Hughley and Roland Martin just as they will now play up to the Latino community with George Lopez, who by the way, is another bonehead.
D. L. Hughley was CNN’s Amos and Andy and the African American community hated the show. I don’t know if it’s still on the air because I and everyone I know was totally insulted by Hughley’s less than stellar performance. I am not curious to see just how much Lopez will compromise himself. CNN should be ashamed of themselves and Roland Martin does not by a long shot represent all of the African American community.
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 3:20 pm
HP
Iceland meet most basic criteria ‘cept the weather………..
————
I don’t drink.
New Zealand, yes. Belize. Costa Rica… lots of ex-patriot communities there.
U-Haul? Getting there will be half the fun! Wagontrain, hooooo….
Maybe a houseboat past the 3 mile limit?
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 3:21 pm
Timbucktoo… don’t believe I will be living Africa any time soon.
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 3:25 pm
Is there culture in Belize and Costa Rica of the museum, theater, etc. kind? I am clueless about the Carribean and parts south as far as having ever gone there. Key West is as far as I’ve gone, mostly through lack of interest in the past. Love the water and the sun and sand, so you think I would have checked them out before, but haven’t.
goofsmom 07.31.09 at 3:26 pm
Hey (((((Pumas)))))
Busy day… will be in and out… Prowls done…
HP Boston 07.31.09 at 3:26 pm
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 3:19 pm
HP Boston
New Zealand sounds good but for me it’s a long way away. Visiting grandkids back here or bringing them to me would be difficult.
======================================
Oh I was planning on boynapping my one grandchild…and New Zealand will make a great hideout!
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 3:30 pm
HP Boston
My grandkids are teenagers, so whereever I go it will have to be cool enough that they will want to come.
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 3:33 pm
CNN should be ashamed of themselves and Roland Martin does not by a long shot represent all of the African American community.
—————-
Does any one media personality represent any one demographic?
Is the default position white males, and anyone else in an exception to be scrutinized? I think media, government, including the SC, should represent various segments of the population of the US, most especially women.
HP Boston 07.31.09 at 3:35 pm
Yup I guess we are going nowhere…the ties that bind are tight. I swear if we don’t get rid of that stupidsakofshit in 4 years or less I have a plan…I will leave this country and I won’t be saying good bye…………
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 3:37 pm
HP
::::::: raising hand::::::
I’d gladly help carry your luggage.
HP Boston 07.31.09 at 3:43 pm
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 3:37 pm
HP
::::::: raising hand::::::
I’d gladly help carry your luggage.
Okay your a lot younger so you can do the heavy lifting!
You know my plan is to become a Wican missionary and bugger off to Costa Rica. I can meet you in S Cal with the U-Haul and you can drive the rest of the way on down to Costa baby……..
HP Boston 07.31.09 at 3:45 pm
CNN should be ashamed of themselves and Roland Martin does not by a long shot represent all of the African American community.
————————
Who the hell cares who is on CNN..shut the tvee off…fuck em!
admin 07.31.09 at 3:49 pm
dwp #32, sorry — Skipper had control of the blog when I wasnt looking.
She was floored by that video of the little girls being married off to grown men.
(i really have to monitor her internet use better)
What kind of religion has rituals/ceremonies that are inappropriate for children to see?
that’s a pretty obvious condemnation. If children shouldnt see what the religion is doing, it’s time to take a look at the justification of the term “religious” to describe the activities.
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 3:53 pm
admin 07.31.09 at 3:49 pm
dwp #32, sorry — Skipper had control of the blog when I wasnt looking.
————-
No apologies. I loved it once I realized who it was! GOOD FOR HER!!
I can see her starting her own blog in the very near future. I’d read it every day! (and get rid of any perverted spam for her too!)
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 3:54 pm
or as persephone’s nonna might say: Get out of the TV!
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 3:58 pm
oh mannnnnnn
you edited her reaction… :0
“meaners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t you agree????????????????????????????
???????????????????????????????????????????”
HP Boston 07.31.09 at 3:58 pm
admin 07.31.09 at 3:49 pm
dwp #32, sorry — Skipper had control of the blog when I wasnt looking.
—————-
Woot! woot! Skipper you are the product of a strong moral family. I am proud of you, hope to see on a the very next sunny Monday! hint hint…swim swim swim….. hint hint. So catch up on your reading today, okay?
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 4:02 pm
Waxman smacked down a provision that would require Congress to be covered by the new health care plan. He says Congress will not have to join government health plan.
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 4:07 pm
What kind of religion has rituals/ceremonies that are inappropriate for children to see?
that’s a pretty obvious condemnation. If children shouldnt see what the religion is doing, it’s time to take a look at the justification of the term “religious” to describe the activities.
——————–
Exactly!
Here, what they call “religion”, we call child sexual assault by sexual deviants.
Shadowfax 07.31.09 at 4:09 pm
Were PUMAs at Diane Feinstein’s office today????
Police called on retirees at senator’s LA office
Police were called on a group of retirees who refused to leave Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s West Los Angeles office until she talked to them about health care reform.
Los Angeles police Sergeant Rich Brunson said Thursday that police lured the group of seven outside somehow, then locked the building’s doors behind them.
Brunson had said earlier that eight people were being taken into custody, but corrected himself after getting new details from officers on the scene.
A spokeswoman for the 55- to 87-year-old activists said they arrived at Feinstein’s office around noon and remained in her conference room more than six hours.
Feinstein spokesman Gil Duran says staff offered the retirees an in-person meeting with the senator during a Los Angeles visit next week but that they demanded to speak with her immediately.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/07/30/state/n184320D61.DTL#ixzz0Mrxq53AJ
——-
Retirees that don’t want to be Soylent Green woodchips!
Where are the retirees in DC???? They should lock themselves in the Whitehouse and steal Joe’s beer. They can sneak out at night and harvest MO’s victory garden.
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 4:15 pm
Mrs Obama’s victory garden is full of lead.
They’d be feeding the family and guests from that garden too!
Not good.
Shadowfax 07.31.09 at 4:18 pm
Words of wisdom or the pot calling the kettle black?
Little Nasty has to say:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday ramped up her criticism of insurance companies, accusing them of unethical behavior and working to kill a plan to create a new government-run health plan.
“It’s almost immoral what
SHEthey are doing,” Pelosi said to reporters, referring to insurance companies. “Of course they’ve been immoral all along in how they have treated the people that they insure,” she said, adding, “They are the villains. They have been part of the problem in a major way. They are doing everything in their power to stop a public option from happening.”NikkisMom 07.31.09 at 4:25 pm
#73–
to continue Ms. Pelosi’s diatribe…”…but I’m still not going to return the insurance companies’ donations or repay any of their lobbyists’ contributions to the dem party. I’m just gonna talk smack about them in front of the camera while they slip me the dough under the table.”
Deb55 07.31.09 at 4:25 pm
This is the write up from the Britol Va townhall.
“O” looked those people in the face and LIED…stated that he would take this same healthcare (if still in congress for his family)..and said it was the same that was offered to congress!!!!
Also read that protestors had guns pointed at them from the last SUV’s with secret service as they pasted!! People are upset along Va State Police stated they had NEVER seen anything like this before!
http://www.bdtonline.com/local/local_story_210221550.html
http://www.bdtonline.com/local/local_story_210221550.html
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 4:27 pm
omg… Ms Pelosi, please, find a chair, sit down, and just STFU! Thank you.
waterpanther 07.31.09 at 5:12 pm
2013 is four years away, not eight. It’s scheduled so that BO will be able to use it as a campaign bludgeon: “Re-elect me or the Republicans will repeal insurance reform.”
admin 07.31.09 at 5:20 pm
waterpanther, right, and then it will continue to fail for the next 3 years, setting up the next Dem to LOSE as badly as W set the stage for Republicans’ losses the last two election cycles.
obama has only ONE MORE election to win in his lifetime (as miq pointed out yesterday). just one. It’s the only thing he cares about.
fredbckm 07.31.09 at 6:16 pm
SHOCKING ALERT: “Cash for Clunkers” website When logged on to the CARS system, your computer is considered a Federal computer system and is the property of the U.S. Government ” All Of Your FILES!!!!!
Glen Beck Exposed http://countusout.wordpress.com/
YOU GOT TO SPREAD THE WORD
goofsmom 07.31.09 at 6:18 pm
#78 Admin (Aka Murphy)
Yes… You are absolutely correct… but I don’t want a repub or a Dem… I want a free thinking woman at the helm.
W set it up for “O” to win by all his mistakes and missteps… now “O” is setting it up for an still to be named Repub to win… When will people get it thru their heads that it’s the same party… same bunch of political hacks!!!
Aaack, it’s freakin’ aggravating… both parties are the same, they say different things on the stump but when they get in office they all act the same way… they all want power and money…
Down with career politicians.
Vote them all out of office!!!
sheila7 07.31.09 at 6:38 pm
Hi PUMAS!
Prowl Done!
scarlet 07.31.09 at 6:39 pm
San Fran Nan went on one of her usual over-the-top rants today against evil big business.
Last year’s target was Big Oil. This year’s boogeyman, Big Insurance and HMOs.
“It’s almost immoral what they are doing,” Pelosi said to reporters, referring to insurance companies. “Of course they’ve been immoral all along in how they have treated the people that they insure,” she said, adding, “They are the villains. They have been part of the problem in a major way. They are doing everything in their power to stop a public option from happening.”
Mary Katherine Ham at the Weekly Standard reminds dear Nancy that,
Nancy Pelosi herself is in the top 20 House recipients of “insurance” contributions this cycle, and insurance companies are her 10th-most frequent contributor over the span of her career.
Could she possibly be any thicker? Why, yes, yes she could. Who do you suppose was the largest receipient of HMO money? Some big business loving Republican shill, right?
More here: http://www.punditreview.com/2009/07/does-nancy-pelosi-work-for-the-gop/
fredbckm 07.31.09 at 6:52 pm
The video has started a firestorm; it’s our duty to Stop this…..This has to be spread
Do not log on to “Cash for Clunkers” website When logged on to the CARS system, your computer is considered a Federal computer system and is the property of the U.S. Government ” All Of Your FILES on your computer belong to the Obama administration
http://countusout.wordpress.com/
freddiebrown 07.31.09 at 7:00 pm
I was reading the death of former female President Cory Aquino
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1914125,00.html?cnn=yes
As I read it, I can’t help but wish that Hillary Clinton held such power over her supporters. I know I would be on the streets for her. But the greatest country in the world is still not ready for a woman – for whatever and sundry reasons.
scarlet 07.31.09 at 7:11 pm
Caryn Sullivan: How will haste and heavy-handedness make health care better?
How would proposed reforms affect a future cancer patient’s ability to manage her care as I did in 2003? Could she obtain a second opinion from a surgeon? Choose either a single or a double mastectomy? Could she select one of several reconstruction options, at no additional expense, or would reconstructive surgery be subject to the proposed surcharge on plastic surgery? As a Stage I patient, could she opt for the less potent chemotherapy regimen, regardless of cost, and receive the drugs in a timely fashion, or would she have to wait in line for an IV pole behind Stage II, III or IV patients?
Our daughter’s situation raises other concerns. At 10 years old, she acquired a blood disease, diagnosed after months of visits with doctors who, in retrospect, did not do enough testing.
http://www.twincities.com/opinion/ci_12949585?nclick_check=1
fredbckm 07.31.09 at 7:24 pm
When you log in to “Cash for Clunkers” website you have consented without consent to
“Any or all uses of this system and all files on this system may be intercepted, monitored, recorded, copied, audited, inspected, and disclosed to authorized CARS, DoT, and law enforcement personnel, as well as authorized officials of other agencies, both domestic and foreign.”
scarlet 07.31.09 at 7:46 pm
Cash Flow: The Real Reason for the “Cash for Clunkers” Suspension
Rebates have been denied for an untold number of reasons; including a blank field in the 20-page application.
http://excarsalesman.typepad.com/cars/2009/07/the-real-reason-for-cash-for-clunkers-suspension-cash-flow.html plus a video
scarlet 07.31.09 at 7:49 pm
U.S. ‘Clunkers’ Auto Program Suspended, Senator Says
The program, which gave qualified consumers up to $4,500 to trade their old car in for a new, more efficient model, “has been suspended” six days after it began, said Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow.
“It is amazing that ‘cash for clunkers’ would be this successful this quickly,” Stabenow said. Really, it’s not that amazing… When you offer people free money, they tend to take it. Stabenow is urging “congress and the administration to provide additional funding.”
So don’t worry… Your tax dollars will soon help your fellow Americans get more shiny, new cars.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=au8ruz5HPu70
Headclunker 07.31.09 at 7:49 pm
Poll Index Comparison Update:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31592459@N08/3775817573/
How Low will BO go?
Crash and Burn.
scarlet 07.31.09 at 7:49 pm
CASH FOR GEEZERS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grbSQ6O6kbs
sheila7 07.31.09 at 8:09 pm
Someone sent me this in an email. It’s not the greatest site but I couldn’t resist posting the link to this picture. As it says, a picture is worth a thousand words.
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2009/07/obamas_revealing_body_language.html
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 8:10 pm
psssssst scarlet
don’t say that so loudly… all the youngins here will be trading us in for dollars or donuts or cupcakes or something.
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 8:13 pm
Today’s adventure, girls and boys, is an overnight camping trip to Idyllwild, Ca.
I’m about anhour and half away right now.
More later…
sheila7 07.31.09 at 8:17 pm
Have fun Dances.
HP Boston 07.31.09 at 8:19 pm
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 8:13 pm
Have a wonderful time and it is always a great pleasure traveling with on your weekend jaunts. Thank you so much for taking us along, sorry no one ever chips in for gas. I’ll get ya next time is all they ever say.
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 8:23 pm
Leaving Old Town Temecula… est. 1869.
Sweet. Was searching for foie gras. No such luck!!
Casper Cat 07.31.09 at 8:37 pm
DWP… Be careful traveling up the mountain…. And, remember the altitude difference… It might take a little while to adjust….. Did you stop and shop at any of the Antique shops in Temecula???? Maybe, we could plan a get together in Temecula and have a wonderful Lunch at my friends Rest. and visit the Antique shops in Old Town…. Oh, and the Vineyard tours are great too… And, anyone willing to go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride… Well, I know someone who does that too…. but, they do like to leave no later than 4:30 am…. to catch the Sunrise…. Oh, and Landing is something very special….
I did it once…. Never again!!!!!! Just my experience… 
Just like Scuba Diving… Never again!…. 
I do like my feet on the Terra Ferma…. 
Casper Cat 07.31.09 at 8:38 pm
Geeze!!!!!!!!!!!
I forgot to say ‘have a wonderful time’ 
Oh, and take pic’s for us…. 
honora 07.31.09 at 8:49 pm
I just got this sent to me by the Health Justice people. It seems incredible, if I were not married I would be in love with the cute congressman, no I do not mean Waxman. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0fA2DfwFn4
Rancho 07.31.09 at 8:52 pm
(((Hi Casper!))) I wanna go on a balloon ride! I was in Canyon Lake today,nearby, but taking care of mom.
It’s been a while, and I REALLY am sad that I couldn’t make San Diego. I missed seeing you, and the rest of the gang Maybe we need to meet in Temecula next time. Maybe let me know when you need an Italian Deli fix and we can meet up!
persephone 07.31.09 at 8:56 pm
Cash for Clunkers..financed by suckers!
We don’t HAVE billions in the UST!
What happened to tax credits for hybrids? At least TAXPAYERS benefitted and the feds weren’t just writing checks for chrissake.
Not having any money in the UST means we also have to pay interest on the billions being disbursed for the “clunkers.” (yes, for real-there is interest on the debt carried)
Why didn’t the O administration help the homeowners who were being foreclosed on? What about the elderly who can’t afford prescriptions and got booted off fuel assistance last year? And the people with no health insurance?
Cash for Clunkers???
WTF.
Assholes.
Rancho 07.31.09 at 8:57 pm
I just wrote and sent my emails to my Rep. David Dreier, as well as Senators Boxer and Feinstein. It took me a while ’cause I added a lot. I don’t want to post my letter here ’cause it’s too long, put I tried to focus on systems like Intermountain Healthcare, Geisinger Health Systems, Mayo Clinic, or Kaiser Permanente, that have received a lot of recognition and praise from Congress, as well as Obama and the media.
I concluded my email with the following:
Rep. Jason Altmire (D-04-Pennsylvania) stated in a television interview that FIRST, work needs to be done to find ways to cut costs in a FLAWED SYSTEM, then move to pull in the uninsured. (Fix the broken parts first, then find ways to help those who need it!)
Rather than recreate a NEW Healthcare system, why not support the systems that are already in existence like Intermountain Healthcare, Geisinger Health Systems, Mayo Clinic, or Kaiser Permanente?
PLEASE challenge your colleagues to study these programs, and encourage and support these programs! Use the August recess to inform yourselves of the options that are already in place! SUPPORT the ideal systems out there, and encourage them to become even better. Find a way that these IDEAL systems can support and insure the uninsured! Use them and reward them!
The great state of California has to have a balanced budget, (as well as us all as private citizens). The federal government should NOT be given permission to finance an EXPERIMENT on the backs of taxpayers, AND future generations!) You can’t insure millions with THIS PLAN and save money at the same time. What happened to fiscal responsibility? Healthcare reform is necessary, but work with what is working!
NO Obamacare!
persephone 07.31.09 at 8:58 pm
Do Cash for Clunkers recipients have to prove they are US citizens?
Casper Cat 07.31.09 at 9:00 pm
Rancho….. ((((((((Rancho)))))) you are sooooooo missed too!!
YES! 1000% YOU must be at the next get together…… Maybe, when DWP returns from her traveling vacation… We can put it together very soon…. that would be great…. Things have started to settle down and have been catching up on everything…. Phew!!! Hope your water pipe problems have been taken care of … I know, I have been there too!… Yes, when I go to Claro’s again I will let you know… 
I just love that place…. Hope you are doing well…. And, I do look forward to seeing you soon….
honora 07.31.09 at 9:00 pm
persephone- If they do, I guess Obama will not be able to qualify. He seems to have a problem providing a birth certificate.
Rancho 07.31.09 at 9:04 pm
Balloons, Casper . . Reminds me of a Youtube. (Was it the Fifth Dimension
When this Obamacare gets canned, or approval rating hits -15, we need to CELEBRATE! (Which ever comes first.) I’ve NEVER been in a balloon and always wanted to. I feel a party coming on!
persephone 07.31.09 at 9:05 pm
hi honora!
Casper Cat 07.31.09 at 9:08 pm
Rancho…. Enjoy! Yes, it was the Fifth Dimension
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsVgSqAwSEI 
Puma-SF 07.31.09 at 9:08 pm
Hey Dances, You’ll be close so if you have time give me a call. I leave tomorrow but would love to see you if it works out.
Today is the one year anniversary of my first meeting Hillary and the video that went viral. It was one of the best days of my life.
persephone 07.31.09 at 9:10 pm
Obama SUCKS.
Pelosi sucks too.
These people are thugs.
Congress needs to be replaced.
Puma-SF 07.31.09 at 9:13 pm
I’m with you, persephone. Let’s boot them all out of office including O’bloviator.
HP Boston 07.31.09 at 9:18 pm
persephone 07.31.09 at 9:10 pm
Ya throw the bums out
Can we still vote? have they passed a new law saying fuck you Americans we don’t count votes anymore, only clunkers, ha HA we got em all now!!
HP Boston 07.31.09 at 9:22 pm
Hey I went up in a beautiful balloon, it was great. Yup CC the landing is the hard part..and yes the farmer gets a bottle of wine!
newohiopuma 07.31.09 at 9:24 pm
Well, I fired off emails to my “friend” in Congress, Mr. Tim Ryan, telling him to stop H.R.3200. Every day it seems more and more like Timmy is just not listening. I really hope that he has a townhall meeting during his break because I got a few words to say. I’d like to tell him about my 85 year old bedfast Dad who is scared to death about what will happen to him if this healthcare piece of poo passes.
Rancho 07.31.09 at 9:27 pm
THANK YOU CASPER! That looked like sooo much fun! I loved the scene at the end with the fireworks, especially. Wouldn’t that be amazing? (Maybe dangerous tho!) Yep! We need a party, but a reason to celebrate, first. Keeps me going!
The water problem is finally fixed but the front patio is ripped up. We’re looking for a bricklayer that would be willing to do a 1/2 day job at most, with bricks. Know anyone? If so, email me?
Gotta go meet hubby for dinner. I’ll try to check in later.
scarlet 07.31.09 at 9:36 pm
LEGISLATION
HR 676
United States National Health Care Act or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act (Introduced in House)
Link to bill at 411 on the 111 pumapac forum:
http://pumapac.org/forums/411-on-the-111/ post 264
BillieJo 07.31.09 at 9:51 pm
Questions for the Jackass:
1- Do Cash for Clunkers recipients have to prove they are US citizens?
-persephone
2- Can I turn in a non working clunker and take that cash and buy a brand new Electric scooter?
3- Where can I find a bunch of lead so I can have a Victory Garden just like MO?
4- Do women drink beer too, or is it just for men at the important Beer Sumits?
BillieJo 07.31.09 at 9:52 pm
Questions for the Jackass:
1- Do Cash for Clunkers recipients have to prove they are US citizens?
-persephone
2- Can I turn in a non working clunker and take that cash and buy a brand new Electric scooter?
3- Where can I find a bunch of lead so I can have a Victory Garden just like MO?
4- Do women drink beer too, or is it just for men at the important Beer Summits?
BillieJo 07.31.09 at 9:53 pm
Don’t read the first of the double posts, it contains toxic typos…
BigCatLover 07.31.09 at 10:06 pm
What’s with the story about the lead in the Obama garden. I haven’t heard this.
Casper Cat 07.31.09 at 10:09 pm
Hey BillieJo…. Well, 1. I would say No…. 2. we will have to have our advisory board evaluate that and we will get back to you within 1-2 years… Oh, and that can change if an election year is in place… 3.No, problem… I have a factory in China that can supply you with all the lead you need… for a cheap price…. 4. Yes, women do drink beer… In fact that is the only thing I (Casper) will have.. Light beer only… And, I do have friends (women) who enjoy a beer on a hot day or just for a social hour…. Oh, no Summit needed…. We Women are about that!!!!!
Hope this helps…. 
Oh, the above info is just my Opinion….. 
Great to see you… Well, not really see You… But, you know what I mean…. 
simofish 07.31.09 at 10:10 pm
The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 31-28 to approve a sweeping health-care bill, clearing the way for a September showdown on President Obama’s top domestic priority.
Energy and Commerce was the last of three House committees to act on the health bill. The vote came on the last day of the House’s session before its annual summer recess.
In the Senate, many deadlines came and went as Sen. Max Baucus struggled to piece together a bipartisan bill. On Friday, Mr. Baucus and a group of senators struggling to write bipartisan legislation had set a new deadline: Sept. 15.
The House and Senate — which begins its recess next Friday — will head home without meeting President Obama’s goal of passing major health-care bills before adjourning.
But the debate so far has crystallized the battle lines over the proposal to help cover the nation’s estimated 46 million uninsured people.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124904924956696935.html#mod=djemalertNEWS
Casper Cat 07.31.09 at 10:11 pm
OOPS!!!!!!!!!!! Post # 121…. ‘We women are ABOVE that!!!!’ Crap… Sorry,
DancesWithPumas 07.31.09 at 10:15 pm
Toni
no can do this time… Heading to Santa Cruz and maybe Bodega Bay.
Psssssssst caspie and Rancho, you don’t need me to organize agathering altho the actioncenter @ pumapac org is available to email those not on our previous emailings.
Ciao fo Niao
BillieJo 07.31.09 at 10:23 pm
Good to see you too Casper (with her trailing sockpuppet followers)
BillieJo 07.31.09 at 10:24 pm
Casper…:shock:
Casper Cat 07.31.09 at 10:45 pm
BillieJo…. sorry, I was feeding the dogs….
I know the sockpuppets just keep following me…. who know’s why? 
See, what I mean…. 
Casper Cat 07.31.09 at 10:49 pm
DWP… NO can do… We need YOU!!!! Hope you arrive safe and don’t forget to take some pic’s to share….
Oh, let me know when you are ready to do a traveling tour of Big Bear… 
We can all wait until you get back…. I know you have the iphone…. But, that is not the same… 
scarlet 07.31.09 at 10:56 pm
Michelle Obama’s toxic veggie nightmare: White House organic garden polluted with sludge
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/07/30/michelle-obamas-toxic-veggie-nightmare-white-house-organic-gar/
Eat shit
TexasTigress 07.31.09 at 10:59 pm
scarlet 07.31.09 at 10:56 pm
Michelle Obama’s toxic veggie nightmare: White House organic garden polluted with sludge
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/07/30/michelle-obamas-toxic-veggie-nightmare-white-house-organic-gar/
Eat shit
_____________________________________
sweet
TexasTigress 07.31.09 at 11:02 pm
Oooooo- even sweeter – it’s apparently from the Clinton White House using sludge to fertilize the lawn ….
eat Clinton shit
Libby 07.31.09 at 11:05 pm
Great thread. End HR 3200 during the break.
Cash for Clunkers is the new sub-prime home mortgage scam. This money is going to find it’s way back to Goldman Sachs and other financial giants.
Only two people I know that seem to have taken advantage of this program in the past week: an unemployed guy and a woman who works 20 hours a week in a library cafe. I have no clue how they will be able to make the payments once they are past the “gifted” parts of this program.
Between ObamaGates beerfest and Health Care Insurance, who has time to digest the long term effects of Cash for Clunkers. I’m betting it will be every bit as bad as subprime housing.
Puma-SF 07.31.09 at 11:11 pm
Dances: Okay but if you come through SF you have to come visit. I have an extra room with your name on it.
prplvette85 07.31.09 at 11:18 pm
TexasTigress 07.31.09 at 10:59 pm
scarlet 07.31.09 at 10:56 pm
Michelle Obama’s toxic veggie nightmare: White House organic garden polluted with sludge
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/07/30/michelle-obamas-toxic-veggie-nightmare-white-house-organic-gar/
Eat shit
_____________________________________
sweet
——————————————————–
TexasTigress 07.31.09 at 11:02 pm
Oooooo- even sweeter – it’s apparently from the Clinton White House using sludge to fertilize the lawn ….
eat Clinton shit
—————————————–
too funny, laughed so hard I almost peed! Classic TT!
There’s a bumper sticker in there somewhere
BillieJo 07.31.09 at 11:28 pm
Casper Cat
I know the sockpuppets just keep following me…. who know’s why? 
See, what I mean…. 
———-
You have your own fan club, cause you’re so cute.
BillieJo 07.31.09 at 11:30 pm
TexasTigress
scarlet
Michelle Obama’s toxic veggie nightmare: White House organic garden polluted with sludge
————-
Maybe MO should start growing Organic turds.
BillieJo 07.31.09 at 11:31 pm
or maybe it’s a sign that everything BO and MO touch, turns to shit.
BillieJo 07.31.09 at 11:36 pm
prplvette85
TexasTigress
Oooooo- even sweeter – it’s apparently from the Clinton White House using sludge to fertilize the lawn ….
eat Clinton shit
—————————————–
too funny, laughed so hard I almost peed! Classic TT!
There’s a bumper sticker in there somewhere
————-
Here’s a hint for your new bumper sticker….
If you get stuck with lemons…………..
Casper Cat 07.31.09 at 11:36 pm
BillieJo…. Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!! post #137…. Oh, YA!!!!!
Casper Cat 07.31.09 at 11:39 pm
BillieJo… That is a bumper sticker I would proudly display on my vehicles…. “Everything BO and MO touch,turns to shit”…. DWP……Where are YOU???? this is great!…. I love it…
BillieJo 07.31.09 at 11:43 pm
Caspie, we gotta get Dances rollin’ on bumper stickers. The park ranger must have her on trash pick up duty on her road trip.
Poor Dances, works her fingers to the bone.
Caster and her pet friends
Casper Cat 07.31.09 at 11:59 pm
BillieJo…. I do think our DWP is out and about distributing flyers and puma bumper stickers all over Idllywild….I bet she will have to answer to the Mayor in the morning….
Oh, I know the Mayor, and she will gladly give DWP an award for all of her hard work…. 
I just hope she doesn’t stick any bumper stickers on any bears… Oh, that could be dangerous…Well, we all know DWP is from NY…. and, they kinda of live on the edge…. 
BillieJo 08.01.09 at 12:03 am
Casper, you have DancesWithBears pegged.
Casper Cat 08.01.09 at 12:06 am
BillieJo…. shall we change DWP name while she is out and about??? You know, like.. DancesWithBumperStickersandBears… Or, DancesAroundBearstoPlaceBumperStickersonthem….
GOSUEF4HIL 08.01.09 at 12:14 am
Ye gads! I am just in from a long day at work and lovely evening with my short people- when I was going through my e-mail and got a request from Harry Mitchell, my representative- asking for my feedback-
I sent him quite an earful- then I get over here and see you all are doing the same damn thing (I did get the PUMA alert in my inbox. but read it after Harry’s)-
And no worries on my two senators- Kyl ( a jerk) and McCain (you know the story)- both are vehemently against it- Kyl because he hates anything democratic and McCain because he is fiscally responsible.
At any rate- this piss poor watered down version of “reform” is just disgraceful. One can only imagine poor Hillary, seething at this.
We have officially become the United Serfs of American under the grand Puba himself.
I am moving to France
GOSUEF4HIL 08.01.09 at 12:17 am
BTW- prowl done
GOSUEF4HIL 08.01.09 at 12:25 am
prplvette85 07.31.09 at 11:18 pm
TexasTigress 07.31.09 at 10:59 pm
scarlet 07.31.09 at 10:56 pm
Michelle Obama’s toxic veggie nightmare: White House organic garden polluted with sludge
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/07/30/michelle-obamas-toxic-veggie-nightmare-white-house-organic-gar/
Eat shit
_____________________________________
sweet
——————————————————–
TexasTigress 07.31.09 at 11:02 pm
Oooooo- even sweeter – it’s apparently from the Clinton White House using sludge to fertilize the lawn ….
eat Clinton shit
—————————————–
too funny, laughed so hard I almost peed! Classic TT!
There’s a bumper sticker in there somewhere
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Oh haooy day- I too am ROTFLMAO!!!
GOSUEF4HIL 08.01.09 at 12:25 am
happy day…
duh!
sorry
Casper Cat 08.01.09 at 12:28 am
Hey, GOSUEF4HIL…..THANK YOU!!!! Remember, Don’t give in and don’t give up!!!! BO is committing his own Political Suicide…. It is OVER!!!!!!!!!! I just have this gut feeling he will not make it… And, let’s pray and get the American People together to request a RECALL….
GOSUEF4HIL 08.01.09 at 12:36 am
from your mouth to god’s ear caspercat-
I have predicted it is so over for him for a year now- and I have been proven wrong time and time again- but I keep the faith that one day the hopeium fog will lift and Americans will see clearly again!
Quiet here tonight- is everyone sleeping?
Luckyseven 08.01.09 at 12:37 am
Bruce Dixon is advocating a single payer system. I DO NOT WANT A SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM. The people I know are very happy with their present insurance.
***(More competition in providing healthcare should be a good thing. A single payer system – a monopsony- is as anti competitive as a monopoly. This single payer, whatever it is, must set prices and choose whom to pay.
Better to have more providers and cutthroat competition.)
If medicare is so great (single payer system) why is it necessary to have a secondary insurance carrier which my husband and I have? If medicare is so great, why is there so much fraud and waste in it? If medicare is so terrific, why do they want to cut their costs?
***(Yes, some insurance companies dictate what they will and will not pay for. So, perhaps there have to be reforms in place for the insurance companies and tort reform.
Insurance market reforms, including guaranteed issue/renewability, modified community rating;
Premium subsidies for individuals with incomes unable to pay for private insurance.)
A single payer system sounds good – but then they have the chaotic problem of controlling all the paperwork — Don’t you think that the government will be forced to control costs. Cost controls will create less options for the sick. The issue of administrative efficiency of public vs. private plans is beyond trickery–it’s sloppy methodology. Medicare costs don’t account for OIG oversight, CMS offices or salaries, related tax collection, annual Congressional shenanigans, etc. (Look what happened when many car dealerships were closed – some went to their democratic reps and were allowed to remain open. What will happen when someone who has supported a certain congressman or senator needs something that they cannot legitimately get – will they complain to the congressman and then get the service because they contributed to his or her campaign!!!)
When Obama was asked about his thoughts on the lady’s 100 year old mother who received a pace maker and was still going strong at 105, his response was that perhaps she could have taken a pain pill. That is an absolutely chilling response. In England, I just read where the PSA test for prostate cancer is not routine and it is only done if there are other warning signs. Well thank goodness, it was done routinely on my husband, because he had NO OTHER warning signs and his cancer was discovered early and he went through 42 radiation treatments. Eliminating a routine test for cost effectiveness would not have had wonderful results for my husband. It is very easy for people to want to eliminate what they think are those things that are viewed as unnecessary “extra’s”, until they are in a situation where a deemed unnecessary extra, might be a very necessary pill, test or procedure for them or a loved one.
Yes, I agree that there has to be an improvement in health care. Just some suggestions ***( )
In addition, will ALL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES come under a single player plan, or will they still have their own special coverage????
GOSUEF4HIL 08.01.09 at 12:37 am
oh- and here is a little pick-me-up-
http://baracksteleprompter.blogspot.com/
I am in tears every time I leave this site- this writer is CLASSIC!!
Luckyseven 08.01.09 at 12:44 am
THIS IS RAPE!!!!
Hamas sponsors mass wedding for little girls
Hamas sponsored a mass wedding on Wednesday night for ‘450 couples.’
Hamas dignitaries including Mahmud Zahar, one of the militant group’s top leaders, were on hand to congratulate 450 grooms who took part in the carefully stage-managed event.
“We are saying to the world and to America that you cannot deny us joy and happiness,” Zahar told the men, all of whom were dressed in identical black suits and hailed from the nearby Jabalia refugee camp.
Each groom received a present of 500 dollars from Hamas, which said its workers had also contributed five percent of their monthly salaries to add to the wedding gift.
The 450 brides shared none of the glamour, taking seats among the audience of around 1,000 party guests: most couples had already taken part in religious ceremonies elsewhere, with more marriages planned for the next few days.
“We are presenting this wedding as a gift to our people who stood firm in the face of the siege and the war,” local Hamas strongman Ibrahim Salaf said in a speech.
The following is raw video of the even. Pay close attention to the ‘brides’ – especially as they walk in with the ‘grooms’ around the 4:00 mark. There is no way that any of these little girls – half the heights of their husbands – is more than 10 years old.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=a4b_1249043706
GOSUEF4HIL 08.01.09 at 12:46 am
Luckyseven- you make a lot of good points- I work in geriatrics so almost all of my patients are medicare recipients-
The problem w/ the proposed plan is that it will add layers and layers of bureaucracy while eliminating covered services to medicare and medicaid recipients.
If he isn’t serious about reform- he should just let the current system stand as is-
If he is serious- then the only serious plan is the single payer and Americans have got to accept the fact that there will be some denial-
I see people who have been in a persistent vegetative state for years and years, alive only because of ventilators, feeding tubes, catheters, colostomies, suction machines, antibiotics, medications, nursing care, long term care facilities, hospital beds, specialty beds, wound care supplies…
If it were my family member… what would I do? Is it my decision alone if the tax payers are footing the bill?
So which one do we choose? Private companies who run on profits? Single payer government sponsored who are very inefficient?
Neither system is perfect- both have faults. The problem with wishy-washy, flippy-floppy Obama is he wants to make both sides happy and in trying to do so, he is making more of a mess than there is today.
Obama sucks.
Casper Cat 08.01.09 at 12:49 am
GOSUEF4HILL…. Please don’t be in tears…. Just keep focused and stay the course and WE will prevail…. I truly believe that…… Given the history I have with politics in my City and County.. And, working with the Courts…. I can tell YOU…. The Big SHIT BALL is about to happen……. That is why all of the advertising and media the shit stations(Cnn-Msnbc-nbc-etc) are scrambling now….. The People can be fool some of the time…. But, you Can’t fool the People all of the time…..Remember, Head’s up and march forward…. And, always remember the famous words of Murphy…. ‘We are not going anywhere’……..
I hope this helps….
goofsmom 08.01.09 at 12:57 am
Lucky Seven,
#153
OMFG!!!!… I watched the video and am completely horrified… those girls looked like they were 5 or 6… one looked like she was about 4 years old…
I am totally disgusted and enraged…
Luckyseven 08.01.09 at 1:27 am
GOSUEF4HIL 08.01.09 at 12:46 am
I would like to see our system remain what it is if they only come up with 3200 or the Conyers bill. They certainly can increase medicaid benefits (since any other change would cost money – wouldn’t it?) In addition, I think that if illegal aliens need health care, then they should be sent back to their native countries for this care. I don’t feel that our government should foot this bill, when we have our own very needy citizens who should have a priority over the illegal aliens. While this might sound cruel in denying them help (they can still get help in their own country), I think it would be crueler to limit options to our citizens because of the burden of paying for illegal aliens.
These complaints about insurers making profit is somewhat ridiculous. We are a capitalistic society and a republic. Companies are entitled to make profits. There is nothing wrong with profit = as I stated before, laws can be passed to help regulate these companies so that people are not denied because of prior conditions, etc. (And by the way, it is also WE THE PEOPLE who also invest in these companies!!!) It is amazing what Pelosi said about the insurance companies “They are the villains in this. They have been part of the problem in a major way, It’s almost immoral, what they are doing,” She sure has been the recipient of a lot of profit considering that she is the 9th richest member of the House and lives in a million dollar house. No one complains about the outrageous multi-millions of dollars made by people in the entertainment industry or in sports.
By the way, who are the ones responsible for entertainers etc. making this money – WE THE PEOPLE are when we go to their movies – sports events etc.
They bailed out Wall Street and won’t complain about the profits that these companies will make or have made!!!
Luckyseven 08.01.09 at 2:05 am
Friday, July 31, 2009
Democrat in DC Vote Down Blunt Resolution for Obamacare for Congress
Democrat Cretins in DC Vote Down Blunt Resolution for Obamacare for Congress
The majority on the House Energy and Commerce Committee refused to consider an amendment by Health Care Solutions Group Chairman Roy Blunt to require all federal elected officials, including the president, vice-president, and the Congress, to join the government health care plan.
It was voted down –of course. Blunt has my vote (hat tip Laura). Blunt says,
“If the majority is really so confident that their plan will provide the very best health care for the people we represent, we ought to demonstrate that confidence by enrolling ourselves,” Blunt said. “I’m surprised, given that other committees in both the House and Senate have considered similar efforts in the last several weeks.”
“I, for one, don’t believe that a government-run health care plan will be the best for the people we represent,” Blunt continued, “But clearly the majority has discovered how potent this issue is. After all, if we are going to force this government takeover on the American people, let’s put our money where our mouths are and enroll ourselves.”
If it’s good enough for us, why not for Congress. America should be outraged. OUTRAGED.
Welcome to the new America: special privilege for special classes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tj8MVPCnPA&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eblunt%2Ehouse%2Egov%2FRead%2Easpx%3FID%3D1168&feature=player_embedded
Luckyseven 08.01.09 at 2:20 am
No Extra Help for Breast Cancer Patients, Democrats Decide
July 31, 2009
WASHINGTON – Breast cancer survival may be declining under government-run health care systems across the world, but not to worry about that in America, Democrats said Friday.
They voted 36-22 against allowing women with a risk or history of breast cancer to get specialized care under insurance that focuses on breast cancer. The amendment to create a special option for women was “disingenuous,” said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif.
The proposal’s author, U.S. Rep. John Shadegg, R-Ariz., said his amendment required an annual study on five-year survival rates, and if they decline, “then women could chose to pick a plan that focused on breast cancer.”
Another Republican, Florida U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick, a nine-year breast cancer survivor, said she was the beneficiary of a system that permitted her “to see six doctors all told, and have three mammograms and an ultrasound before it was finally diagnosed. I knew something was wrong. In other systems, I would not have had that benefit.”
Waxman, however, argued that minimum benefits under the Democrats’ government system will do the job, (interpretation = rationed care)and said that the Shadegg proposal was based on “a weak causation, at best.”
The amendment and roll call tally can be found here.
http://republicans.energycommerce.house.gov/news/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=7261
Rancho 08.01.09 at 2:27 am
Luckeyseven, #158
You saw this didn’t you?
As of July 30, 2009, over 150,000 Americans from all 50 states have joined Congressman Fleming in supporting House Resolution 615. Sign the online petition and send a messaage to Congress – If You Vote For A Government Take Over of Health Care, Then Promise To Use The Plan!
http://www.fleming.house.gov/
Has everyone signed?
Notyoursweetie 08.01.09 at 6:45 am
Millbank calls Hillary Mad Bitch – B0bots are in shock – reality as we know it is gone
http://edgeoforever.wordpress.com/2009/08/01/b0bots-shocked-who-ever-called-hillary-a-bitch/
Delle 08.01.09 at 7:17 am
If anyone from New York is interested in attending a Tea Party Protest, there will be one at the Merrick LIRR Station on Monday, August 3rd, at 5:00 PM.
Come join the party!
prplvette85 08.01.09 at 7:48 am
Good Morning. Sad news in the Philippines:
Revolutionary Ex-Philippines President Corazon Aquino Dies at 76
President Corazon Aquino, who swept away a dictator with a “people power” revolt and then sustained democracy by fighting off seven coup attempts in six years, died on Saturday, her son said. She was 76.
————————————-
then there is this:
Harvard scholar Gates sends flowers, note to woman who unwittingly sparked a national debate on race by alerting police to what she thought was a break-in at his home.
Was this something that was an afterthought that came up at the WH male bonding beer fest love-in? you sexist fucking pig….you scream racism…I scream sexism…. take your flowers and shove it
————————-
NewOrleansPuma 08.01.09 at 7:57 am
Re possibilities here …as we follow the misguided ways of England and other socialistic countries…and the elderly..
Think this can not happen here? Wake up…
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article1963745.ece
prplvette85 08.01.09 at 7:58 am
sorry forgot link to the Gates story:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,535964,00.html
———————————————————–
What you really need to know about Google:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,535902,00.html?test=latestnews
Users of Gmail, Google’s e-mail system, offer the company even more personal information. The company’s computers scan all e-mail sent and received on the site, and Google uses the words contained in the e-mail messages to tailor the pop-up ads featured on the site to each individual consumer.
“It’s just creepy,” Charlie Heffernan, a Gmail user, said. “Somebody is reading the content of my e-mail to discover what I’m talking about.”
There’s more. Google may know your address, where you drive and — if you sign up for Google Health — the personal information on your health records.
persephone 08.01.09 at 8:36 am
How House Bill Runs Over Grandma
By INVESTOR’S BUSINESS DAILY | Posted Friday, July 31, 2009 4:20 PM PT
Rationing: In the recesses of the House health care “reform” bill is a provision for end-of-life counseling for seniors. Don’t worry, granny, they’re from the government and they’re here to help.
IBD Exclusive Series: Government-Run Healthcare: A Prescription For Failure
At a town hall meeting at AARP headquarters in Washington, D.C., President Obama was asked by a woman from North Carolina if it was true “that everyone that’s Medicare age will be visited and told they have to decide how they wish to die.”
At first, the president joked that not enough government workers existed to ask the elderly how they wanted to die. The idea, he said, was to encourage the use of living wills and that critics were misrepresenting the intent of the “end of life” counseling provided for in the House bill. He did not say, “No, they wouldn’t be contacted.”
This administration, pledging to cut medical costs and for which “cost-effectiveness” is a new mantra, knows that a quarter of Medicare spending is made in a patient’s final year of life. Certainly the British were aware when they nationalized their medical system.
The controlling of medical costs in countries such as Britain through rationing, and the health consequences thereof are legendary. The stories of people dying on a waiting list or being denied altogether read like a horror movie script.
The U.K.’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) basically figures out who deserves treatment by using a cost-utility analysis based on the “quality adjusted life year.”
One year in perfect health gets you one point. Deductions are taken for blindness, for being in a wheelchair and so on.
The more points you have, the more your life is considered worth saving, and the likelier you are to get care.
the disgusting rest:
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?secid=1501&status=article&id=333933006516877&secure=1&show=1&rss=1
honora 08.01.09 at 8:48 am
Luckyseven- That video should be required viewing. Little Catholic girls dress like that for 1st Holy Communion at about 8 years of age. Most of those girls look like they were too young to even do that. Do those men really have sex with those babies, or do they wait until they are older? I really am in shock.
NikkisMom 08.01.09 at 9:05 am
Well, the house committees passed it….
Does everyone think we are reviewing the current version of HR3200 or should we download another version? I think I need to get busy with my reading assignment.
If anyone can attend their congressmen’s townhall’s this Aug., I think it would be very effective.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D99PPHV80&show_article=1
persephone 08.01.09 at 9:11 am
Auntie Zeituni speaks:
Barack Obama’s aunt at home in Southie digs
“Boston is my second home,” she said. “(South Boston) is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever lived in. People are very kind, and I’m enjoying the beaches.”
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20090731barack_obamas_aunt_at_home_in_southie_digs/srvc=home&position=also
Glad she’s comfy.
I know women who are single moms and taxpaying American citizens who who are not eligible for housing or daycare or healthcare or tuition subsidies but their tax dollars are paying for this illegal immigrant’s housing, across the street from a beach?
That is a slap in the face.
How is this acceptable?
Government, get out of our pockets.
persephone 08.01.09 at 9:13 am
HP Boston
if that useless rag Rep Niki Tsongas is having another bogus healthcare townhall lets go and scream our brains out.
mamapuma will spring us if we got thrown in the pokey.
NikkisMom 08.01.09 at 9:23 am
80% of Americans are happy with their healthcare:
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1913619,00.html?xid=rss-topstories
waterpanther 08.01.09 at 9:38 am
Here’s a link to a NYT story about a mass celebration of weddings sponsored by Hamas in Syria. The picture shows a number of little girls dressed similarly to the ones in Gaza, but they’re not the brides. They’re dancers:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/31/world/middleeast/31gaza.html
The brides in the Syrian story are adults.
In the Gaza story, it says that “the 450 brides shared none of the glamour, taking seats among the audience.” So apparently the little girls in white are not the brides here, either, since they are dressed rather “glamourously” and are certainly not seated among the audience apart from the grooms.
May I suggest that a bit of skepticism is in order when linking to or repeating stories from sites like Atlas Shrugs or free republic, both of which are right-wing hate mongers? It really doesn’t do PUMA any good to be associated with them.
waterpanther 08.01.09 at 9:47 am
Another conservative–but honest–site has a picture of the actual brides, taken from the BBC:
http://pointriderrepublican.typepad.com/pr/2009/07/hamas-mass-wedding.html
BigCatLover 08.01.09 at 10:16 am
NikkisMom 08.01.09 at 9:2
80% of Americans are happy with their healthcare:
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1913619,00.html?xid=rss-topstories
*****************************************
This so called statistic is being repeated all over rightwing media and I don’t believe it for a minute. Only people who do not have health problems are satisfied with their health insurance. Health care switched to prevention awhile ago and so they now pay for what they call preventive care – but if you actually have a health problem, good luck getting coverage for treating or controlling it. Thye may pay part of the cost, but healthcare is so expensive, that paying for the rest can bankrupt you.
I watched Bill Moyers show on PBS last night that was a repeat of a prior show with a man (named Potter) who was the Communications Director at Cigna Health for 15 years, making big money and believing all his company’s hype about denying coverage and dropping insureds off the rolls. Until he went home to visit rural VA and happeded upon a rural health clinic event at a nearby fairgrounds. He saw hundreds of people lined up for dental, optical and physical care with volunteer medical professionals because they could not afford healthcare or were dropped after they became sick. He left Cigna and now speaks out about the healthcare policies. He says that what the healthcare industry wants is for Americans to be so upset that they kill healthcare reform. So when you write to Congress to complain about HR3200, also let them know that you do want reform, just not that reform.
And for the record, I do want single payer health insurance and do not buy all the horror stories pushed by corporate interests. My doctos have told me that is the only way to go as far as they are concerned.
BigCatLover 08.01.09 at 10:20 am
Here is the link to the Bill Moyers healthcare program with the Cigna ex employee:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/index-flash.html
persephone 08.01.09 at 10:21 am
Single payer may be the only way to stop the INSURANCE HOGS that are getting fat off of us and have bought off our elected reps..
BigCatLover 08.01.09 at 10:23 am
persephone 08.01.09 at 10:21 am
Yes and at least it is something different than the other things we’ve tried in America that have left us where we are now – screwed.
NikkisMom 08.01.09 at 11:13 am
BCL #174 – I agree with you on the problems with big ins. companies. I have United Healthcare and I have problems with them all the time. I posted that link to reflect what Time said and to present the idea that there will be a lot of pissed off people going to see their congresscritters at their townhalls this Aug. BTW, I don’t think Time is ‘rightwing media’ since they’ve had Obama on their cover ~12 times now.
I do believe we need healthcare reform – they make out like bandits with OUR money and there is nothing fair in their system.
However, regarding this: “And for the record, I do want single payer health insurance and do not buy all the horror stories pushed by corporate interests. My doctos have told me that is the only way to go as far as they are concerned.”
I think the issue – the root question (for me) is – who would be the “single payer” health insurance? The government can’t run the DMV, TSA or even a simple “cash for clunkers” program and I certainly don’t want them receiving my “course of treatment” information from my Dr. everytime I visit him. I don’t think they can run a healthcare system such as proposed in HR3200…and that looks like what we’re headed for….a whole new govt.-bloated bureacracy that will have control of YOUR healthcare.
That said, I’ve read some stuff at the California Nurses Org. that I really like and is actually what I’ve thought all along – why not expand Medicare to be more inclusive, improve the administration problems and write laws that will exert more control on catastrophic illness insurance, pre-existing conditions, portability, etc. and address the real root-cause problems of bankruptcy, etc.
By the way, just a side note, you may not believe all the horror stories about socialized healthcare from the corp. interests, but I can tell you from my friends’ personal experiences, these stories are real….at least from the anecdotal stories relayed to me from my friends in Canada. And they are not involved in any corporation. I don’t know what the answer is, but I think we should learn from other countries’ mistakes and not repeat them here.
persephone 08.01.09 at 11:30 am
Nikkismom
ITA on expanding medicare.
My Canadian friends use their country’s health care but they travel to the US for supplemental care. Waits are long and specialists sparse.
They live in Metis and there is no heart specialist so they fly to Texas to see one and pay out of pocket!
They don’t have a lot of money-this comes at a huge financial sacrifice. (They are retired airline employees.)
I also have concerns about government control.
It would be perfectly acceptable to me if private insurance was regulated instead.
If good regulations regulated prices and patient policy we wouldn’t be in this mess at all.
(which proves your point-government gets a failing grade so why trust them with more responsibility?)
Rancho 08.01.09 at 11:31 am
This was part of the prowl I sent to my Senators Boxer, and Feinstein, and my Rep. David Dreier
A piece in TIME Magazine a month ago quoted Senator and Committee Chair Max Baucus: “If there is an ideal out there, it can be seen in the kind of medicine already being practiced by Kaiser Permanente, the Mayo Clinic, Intermountain Healthcare and Geisinger Health System.
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1902708,00.html
A piece in The Wall Street Journal said “Integrated health systems like Kaiser Permanente, which serve as both insurer and care provider. . .are much more likely to deliver cost-effective care that keeps their members well because these organizations are involved in both delivery and financing of care. ”http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124881294102087507.html?mg=com-wsj
Rep. Jason Altmire (D-04-Pennsylvania) stated in a television interview that FIRST, work needs to be done to find ways to cut costs in a FLAWED SYSTEM, then move to pull in the uninsured. (Fix the broken parts first, then find ways to help those who need it!)
Rather than recreate a NEW Healthcare system, why not support the systems that are already in existence like Intermountain Healthcare, Geisinger Health Systems, Mayo Clinic, or Kaiser Permanente? (Obama’s grandmother had Kaiser and liked it. “So my grandmother was generally very happy with her care, and if we could actually get our health-care system across the board to hit the efficiency levels of a Kaiser Permanente or a Cleveland Clinic or a Mayo or a Geisinger, we actually would have solved our problems.”
PLEASE challenge your colleagues to study these programs and OTHERS, and encourage and support these programs! Use the August recess to inform yourselves of the options that are already in place! SUPPORT the ideal systems out there, and encourage them to become even better. Find a way that these IDEAL systems can support and insure the uninsured! Use them and reward them!
The great state of California has to have a balanced budget, (as well as us all as private citizens). The federal government should NOT be given permission to finance an EXPERIMENT on the backs of taxpayers, AND future generations!) You can’t insure millions with THIS PLAN and save money at the same time. What happened to fiscal responsibility? Healthcare reform is necessary, but work with what is working!
NO OBAMACARE!
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My persepective . . my husband works for an HMO/Kaiser and it’s a well-run machine. . it finances AND delivers its own care with no insurance middleman.
scarlet 08.01.09 at 11:36 am
LEGISLATION
Single Payer Health Care is HR 676
United States National Health Care Act or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act (Introduced in House)
Link to bill at 411 on the 111 pumapac forum:
http://pumapac.org/forums/411-on-the-111/ post 264
&
Shadegg Amendment: Fighting Breast Cancer – post 266
&
S. 703:
111th Congress
American Health Security Act of 2009
Senate version of Single Payer
Post 267
persephone 08.01.09 at 11:37 am
thank you scarlet, and happy saturday.
persephone 08.01.09 at 11:39 am
no i mean
thank you scarlet, and happy saturday.
scarlet 08.01.09 at 11:43 am
persephone 08.01.09 at 11:37 am
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Happy Saturday to you, too. I am going to a family party today so it will be a happy day. I love being with them.
scarlet 08.01.09 at 12:11 pm
Healthcare reforms warnings from France and Canada
Comments are interesting and some informative….
http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2009/07/20/healthcare-reforms-warnings-from-france-and-canada/
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I took my mother to her drop dead gorgeous eye candy cardiologist yesterday and he told me that he loves medicine, but will not stay in it if he is controlled by the government. He has already written letters to his senators and congressperson opposing HR 3200.
Rancho 08.01.09 at 12:20 pm
persephone 08.01.09 at 8:36 am
ersephone for the post
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?secid=1501&status=article&id=333933006516877&secure=1&show=1&rss=1
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More of the disgusting rest. Thanks, persephone!
The controlling of medical costs in countries such as Britain through rationing, and the health consequences thereof are legendary. The stories of people dying on a waiting list or being denied altogether read like a horror movie script.
The U.K.’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) basically figures out who deserves treatment by using a cost-utility analysis based on the “quality adjusted life year.”
One year in perfect health gets you one point. Deductions are taken for blindness, for being in a wheelchair and so on.
The more points you have, the more your life is considered worth saving, and the likelier you are to get care.
People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn’t have a chance in the U.K., where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless.
honora 08.01.09 at 12:26 pm
waterpanther- I really am relieved that those little girls were not the brides. Thanks for clearing it up for us.
Rancho 08.01.09 at 12:30 pm
Off topic . . .
NOT a Glenn Beck fan, but received this from a friend this morning.
IF you go to the cars for clunkers program, the US government can take over your computer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAOBlqUqUZ8
NewOrleansPuma 08.01.09 at 12:35 pm
One reality has been consistent re the current healthcare bill…Congressional people in DEFIANCE of all polls from they
public are doing what they want to do.
We must turn every one of these people out in 2010 who so acts.
We must as well begin to elect people who are not LAWYERS.
No more lawyers to Congress…There are far too many ..and one of the reasons the text of laws are torturous and convoluted to the point of little or no understanding for even those who are lawyers. Citizen representatives from other walks of life must be included in 2010 elections.
GET RID OF THE LAWYERS IN CONGRESS WHO WRITE THEIR LAWS TO SUIT THEIR SYCOPHANTS AND PAYEES…Their clients and t
NewOrleansPuma 08.01.09 at 12:39 pm
..continued..toadies…
Find and elect citizen representatives. Return our legistaures to the people.
During the recess…call and go to your town hall meetings…tell your representatives that you know what they have done is not reform…Tell them they will pay for their actions…not their words…Tell them and vote them out if they continue to turn us over to the crushing garbage contractors of the Insurance Industry and the increasing repercussions of the utter amoral cruelty of government.
admin 08.01.09 at 12:41 pm
Open Thread posted,
take it upstairs!
Bring links.
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