Archive for January 2009
Our eyes should be on the prize!
January 30th, 2009 9:26 am
Liberal Groups Seek Single-Payer Health Care Bill
By Alex Wayne / CQ Politics
A coalition of liberal advocacy groups and labor unions is trying to breathe new life into the idea of a European-style “single-payer” health system in the United States, a concept thought discredited after the collapse of President Bill Clinton’s attempt at overhauling the health care system.
The groups announced Wednesday the launch of a lobbying campaign to build support for a health care overhaul that would expand Medicare, the health entitlement for the elderly, to cover everyone and act as the “single payer,” putting health insurance companies out of business. (more)
Obama calls the $18B in Wall Street Bonuses ‘SHAMEFUL’
“There will be time for them to make profits, and there will be time for them to get bonuses,” Obama said. “Now is not that time.”
I don’t understand how anyone believes that change on Wall Street can occur if the same executives are left in place that created the problem. You can’t fix the problem if you don’t remove the problem! The harsh tongue lashing is good! It won’t however bring about any change in their behavior… Perhaps if you had the FBI investigate their under-handed dealings for laws being broken, or quit giving them more money, that might be a fresh approach to fix the problem?!?
Not one vote!
House Passes Obama’s Stimulus Package – By Jackie Calmes / New York Times
WASHINGTON — Without a single Republican vote, President Obama won House approval on Wednesday for an $819 billion economic recovery plan as Congressional Democrats sought to hold down their own difference over the enormous package of tax cuts and spending.
As a piece of legislation, the two-year package is among the biggest in history, reflecting a broad view in Congress that urgent fiscal help is needed for an economy in crisis, and at a time when the Federal Reserve has already cut interest rates almost to zero.
But the size and substance of an economic stimulus package remain in dispute, as House Republicans blamed Democrats for a package that tilted heavily toward new spending instead of tax cuts
All but 11 Democrats voted for the plan and 177 Republicans voted against it. The 244-188 vote came a day after Mr. Obama traveled to Capitol Hill to seek Republican backing — if not for the package than on future issues. (more)
Conyers to Rove: Time to Talk About US Attorneys
January 27th, 2009 6:56 am
Conyers to Rove: Time to Talk About US Attorneys – By Zachary Roth / TPM Muckraker
Last week, we talked to a number of experts who said that President Obama’s executive order on presidential records might well affect the ongoing effort to get information about the Bush White House’s role in the US Attorney firings.
And it looks like John Conyers is of the same mind. The House Judiciary chair this afternoon issued a subpoena to Karl Rove to testify before the committee on February 2.
Rove had claimed immunity from an earlier Conyers-issued subpoena, citing executive privilege. (The case is currently on appeal.) As a press release accompanying today’s subpoena points out, “[t]hat “absolute immunity” position was supported by then-President Bush, but it has been rejected by U.S. District Judge John Bates and President Obama has previously dismissed the claim as ‘completely misguided.'”
In other words, although Obama’s order on records directly addressed only the question of a former president’s material docuement — not testimony from his aides — there’s reason to think that the principle of openness over secrecy that Obama has outlined both in the order and elsewhere could strengthen Conyers’ position on this issue.
Said Conyers:
“I have said many times that I will carry this investigation forward to its conclusion, whether in Congress or in court, and today’s action is an important step along the way. Change has come to Washington, and I hope Karl Rove is ready for it. After two years of stonewalling, it’s time for him to talk.”
We’ll be watching this very closely…
Un-employed – Check out Career Day with Todd
If you haven’t been exposed yet to Odd Todd, may I suggest that you visit his web-site. (LINK) Todd has done exceptional job of identifying the self-esteem, motivation, and psychological issues that one encounters when laid off , out of work and unable to find work… As it turns out the real Todd, creating these comics (while unemployed) and posting them on his web-site has gained quite a following! Likely a lot of un-employed folks (myself included) that too much time, and get distracted from sending out resumes and the like…
MRSA more deadly than AIDs ?
Interesting statistics, 85% of MRSA cases are being acquired from hospitals and medical facilities! Isn’t this where you go to get well? There are a number of non-traditional treatments that are available, and some appear to have very good results. A company in the UK, Allicin International has developed a process to produce stabilized allicin – natures’ anti-microbial agent from garlic. They even go so far as to test each lot against MRSA before being shipped. There are also companies marketing diet treatments and other treatments available using silver. Since it reported that the over-use of traditional antibiotics is part of the problem, and dirty medical facilities being another. I would not discount the alternative treatments available. With the death rate climbing, it would seem apparent that the BIG Pharma firms don’t have the solution…! Be aware of this issue!
Frost Nixon Interview – Do you Remember?
Since I am un-employed these days (a lot us of are) I have the luxury of flexibility in my day! Today I went to the theater for a mid day showing of FROST / NIXON. This is not a movie review, however, I would recommend it! What startled me the most was that it was so reminiscent of the last eight years of George Bush’s Presidential term. Nixon was forced into resigning, where as George was allowed to let his term expire. In so far as the significance of crimes committed against the Constitution, of Dick versus George… I would suggest that George’s alleged crimes are ,to a far greater extent! I can only hope that the current President will not do as Gerald Ford did, by granting a pardon to George and his administration for their alleged crimes. I do think it is now important to move forward, but I also feel that no President is above the law and should be as accountable, as you or I.
If you have’t seen the movie yet, do so, see what you think?!?
Consumer Fraud in Healthcare? Duh!
Another fine example of how the cards are all stacked in favor of the Health Insurance company! What they do best, is make BIG profits providing consumers with a feel good sense of security, until they really need help… They control the stacked deck all the way to the law makers in Washington DC … Let’s put healthcare back into the hands of healthcare providers!
Please take the time to learn about Single Payer HR676 and support real reform without Health Insurance Company thugs and thieves…
Big Bucks, Big Pharma: Marketing Disease & Pushing Drugs
This video just only touches on the extent of what tactics Big Pharma will do to keep their double digit growth numbers. After spending 22 years in the industry, I can assure you that your safety, your ability to pay, and their contributions to the public well being, is NOT foremost in the plans… I highly encourage everyone to visit the TAF.org web site to see just how many times these companies are caught in fraud, pay enormous fines, and then continue doing business, never admitting to any wrong doing. You will be astonished at the percentage of companies that are caught, that are Big Pharma. Be an informed consumer!
President Barack Obama 2009 Inauguration and Address
I can think of no better topic to post this day than the new President Obama addressing the nation, following his swearing-in during the presidential inauguration ceremony. In his address he spoke about the themes of sacrifice and renewal, calling on Americans to set aside differences and join in efforts to restore government and make America prosperous for all citizens. If you didn’t get to see it, then take the 20 minutes …
Many states are running out of un-employment funds!
Not only are the job losses at the highest level since 1945, now many states are running out of re-serves to pay unemployment insurance. The U.S. Department of Labor recommends that states maintain a balance to sufficiently cover benefits for one year during a typical recession. According to the National Conference of State Legislators, five states have Unemployment Trust Fund accounts re-serves of less than three months to cover benefits. Another eight states have reserves of less than six months, and six states have less than a year in reserve.
George and company left things in quite a mess… Thanks George – I hope history remembers you, as I will *@!?…
Iran: A nation of bloggers
Vancouver Film School
Bloggers are indeed the true voice of the next generation… expressing views in this highly political and susceptible world. Blogs are one way people can echo their voice.
Death By Spreadsheet
Death By Spreadsheet Booklet Now Available from Healthcare-Now.org
This booklet contains testimonials detailing injustices of the American health care system. These are firsthand accounts of tragedy and death due to insurance denials and lack of coverage.
At a time when 47 million American people are uninsured and 80 million more Americans have inadequate coverage, these expressions of suffering–posted to our online petition–document the experiences of people in the midst of this health care crisis. In a society that can attribute 101,000 unnecessary deaths each year to problems with our health insurance system and lack of preventative care, these are the voices of just a few of the victims.
Remember, insurance companies must deny healthcare claims in order to increase their profits.
Please download the booklet (LINK)
Who owns the patent on that vaccine?
A quote from Jonas Salk in 1952 – the inventor of the polio vaccine; when asked who owns the patent, his reply was not something you will NOT hear today…
“The people I would say, there is no patent, can you patent the sun?”
Outrageous profiteering is now what is fundamentally wrong with our healthcare system. How can you put a price on who gets to live, or who gets to die. That seems strong, but thousands are dying monthly in the Unites States needlessly just for that reason! They are your relatives, neighbors, co-workers and friends!
Please get involved – Your help is needed now- Support Single Payer HR676! To learn how you can help, go to Healthcare-Now.org & The Physicians for a National Health Program.
The Single-Payer Job Recovery Plan
Additional graphs – (LINK)
First-of-Its-Kind Study Released
Medicare for All (Single Payer) Reform Would Be Major Stimulus for Economy with 2.6 Million New Jobs, $317 Billion in Business Revenue, $100 Billion in Wages. The number of jobs created by a single payer system, expanding and upgrading Medicare to cover everyone, parallels almost exactly the total job loss in 2008, according to the findings of a groundbreaking study released today.
Read the complete press release at California Nurses Association (LINK)
Looking for Love? Look at the Car!
Will this Valentine’s Day have you looking for love? Maybe you just want to know more about your mate. Not only does the type of vehicle we drive say a lot about us, but so does the color. New research actually shows what kind of car you should look for to find the mate you’re looking for. What Your Car or Truck Says About You ?
Just because you might be in love with the Porsche 911 doesn’t mean you should be attracted to the driver. Its buyers are 86.8% male with the average age of 51. They make a lot of money and often give themselves big rewards for personal successes.
This might be good news if you’re not in the market for a soul mate. In that case, go ahead and drive something fast and sexy. For speed daters, a sports car is the way to go.
If you are looking to attract a woman, you may want to steer clear of women driving an SUV. Nearly 80% of all female SUV buyers are married.
If marriage is what you’re looking for, you may want to give off a mature, financially-responsible, and ready-to-settle-down vibe. Drive a hybrid. Save money, look modern, and score points for going green.
Not all cars or trucks were studied, but some psychologists think you can learn something from any vehicle.
Black cars denote an aggressive personality or someone who’s an outsider or rebel.
Silver cars indicate someone who’s cool, calm and slightly aloof.
Green cars can often be chosen by people with hysterical tendencies.
Yellow cars signify someone who is idealistic and novelty loving.
Blue cars are chosen by the more introspective, reflective and cautious driver.
Gray cars represent those who are calm, sober and dedicated to their work.
Red cars denote those who are full of zest, energy and drive and who think, move and talk quickly.
Pink cars are chosen by gentle, loving and affectionate drivers.
White cars represent status-seeking extrovert drivers.
Cream cars are the least likely to be involved in accidents and denote self-contained and controlled owners.
These are all generalizations, and many people say their car color does not reflect their personality. But it might just be worth thinking about if you’re thinking about love.
Valentines Day Gifts
U.S. autoworkers urge Canadians to join fight
George Windau, 57, a Jeep worker for 30 years in Toledo, is among autoworkers who protested Sunday, the first news media day of the Detroit auto show at Cobo Center.
ANDRE J. JACKSON/Detroit Free Press
January 13th, 2009 2:06 am
U.S. autoworkers urge Canadians to join fight
Demonstration at NAIAS to protest more concessions – By Grace Macaluso / Windsor Star
American autoworkers urged their Canadian counterparts Sunday to join forces and fight “union busting” concessions that are part of multi-billion-dollar loan agreements designed to keep the Detroit Three afloat.
About 50 placard-waving protesters staged a demonstration outside the North American International Auto Show in a bid to draw attention to the push for wage and benefit concessions they fear will be forced on autoworkers in negotiations between the UAW and the companies.
“We’re in this mess altogether, and I think we need to have cross-border solidarity,” said Frank Hammer, a General Motors retiree. “And I’d love to see Canadian and U.S. workers in the same union once again. I believe in many ways they’ve led the way especially in national health care in Canada. This is what we need to have on this side of the river.”
Wendy Thompson, a UAW retiree and co-ordinator of the protest, said provisions designed to bring UAW wages in line with workers at foreign auto plants are unacceptable.
Outgoing president George W. Bush “wants to destroy unions,” said Thompson. “To say as conditions unions have to go down to standards, wages, benefits of non-union workers will cause wages of non-union plants to spiral downward. The message we want to get out is unions help the economy. they don’t hurt it because if you lower wages, who can buy anything?”
Thompson called on president-elect Barack Obama to rescind the conditions being imposed on unions in the loan agreements. She also urged Canadian labour leaders to support the fight for universal health care in the U.S.
“In the United States, we need a single-tier health-care system like you have in Canada,” said Thompson.
She said autoworkers on both sides of the border must stand united in the fight to preserve North American jobs.
The Bush administration agreed to provide about US$17 billion in financial assistance to General Motors, Chrysler and Ford, while the Canadian and Ontario governments agreed to dole out about C$4 billion to the Canadian auto companies.
Although details of the Canadian aid have yet to be disclosed, Canadian Auto Workers leader Ken Lewenza has repeatedly rejected calls for wage and benefits concession, saying that his members have already sacrificed enough to keep the automakers competitive.
Visit the Physicains for a National Health Programs, frequently asked questions (LINK) to see how a single payer system would also benefit American business & YOU!
Swiss Rocketman
I received such a positive response to my post – (This is the fastest-growing sport in Norway – Flying without an airplane!), that I thought I should locate another spectacular achievement in mans quest to fly without an airplane. I’m still trying to raise funds for my trip to Norway… so please feel free to put a quarter in the tip jar!
Yves Rossy did successfully cross the English Channel!
Jobless Numbers for 2008: 2.6 Million!
That is the largest number since 1945. The Bush administration indicates that they have taken broad and decisive action! But, it will take time to have effect. Yes, I would concur that they took decisive action, the numbers are still climbing in 2009. The current unemployment rate is now 7.2%, the highest since Geoerge Bush Sr ran the show…
Good job George(s)!
Healthcare Crisis – Why Not HR676 Single Payer?
For those who would argue that the HR 676 single payer is socialized plan, I would argue that health insurance companies are for-profit. If you intend to keep the profit margins high, you deny care. I would suggest for those that hold the position that healthcare services should not be socialized, (ooohh! scary word, defined – tax aprobation) to reconsider!
Healthcare should not be for sale! Only those who can afford it are allowed to live?!? People are dying everyday at the hands of for-profit insurance companies! People are dying everyday because they can’t afford health insurance! People are dying everyday because they can’t afford available treatment. These are not a few, they are thousands, they are growing in masses every day, and they are your loved ones. They are your neighbors, your co-workers and your relatives…
I ask for your support, so please write, phone, or visit your federal, state and community representatives and encourage an open and honest dialogue on single payer HR 676. (LINK) The time is now and your support is essential to stop the unecessary deaths of thousands!
Need facts – go to The Physicians for a National Health Plan or Healthcare-Now.org
Joint Effort 