I wrote the following letter to my senators regrading the health care reform bill. Please feel free to us all or any part of it when writing to your legislators.
They need to answer some questions and be held accountable for their actions.
Its Common Sense!!
Dear Senator
The Health Care Reform Bill was able to pass through the Senate along party lines. In all probability the Senate Democrats and House Democrats will be able to work out a compromise between their two bills and have the votes to present a Congressional bill to the President in a couple of months.
Several things about this bill bother me.
1. The rush - all we have been hearing is how important it is for this legislation to be passed and we have seen the midnight oil burning at the Capital to demonstrate the importance of this legislation. If it is so important why will it go into effect in 2013? Why aren't you taking the time to get all of the details right at the beginning so that when the President signs on the dotted line it can go immediately into effect?
2. Medicare and Medicaid - as I have stated in previous correspondence, I do not believe there can be any effective health care reform until the government proves it can manage Medicare and Medicaid. Currently there are billions of dollars stolen every year from both programs in fraud scams. Recently a news show interviewed members of a special FBI investigation unit in southern Florida, as well as some of the criminals they caught who revealed how easy it was to steal from Medicare and Medicaid.
Before there can be reform, the government has to be properly managing Medicare and Medicaid. If the government can not clean up the fraud in those programs, then the current reform will only generate more fraud, and increase the tax burden on an already over burdened populace.
3. Lack of bi-partisan support - the fact that not one Republican will sign onto to the bill makes me nervous. I know there are ideological differences but if the true goal of this bill is to better things for the American public, then why are no Republicans on board? Is this really a bill for the good of the American public or is this to make President Obama and the Democrats look good for the short term?
4. Cost - who foots the bill? I heard that my premiums will be rising. My fear is that with the 2013 start date insurance companies will be free to raise premiums as high as they want, just like the banks have gone crazy in raising interest rates on credit cards. Congress failed to protect us from the banks - even though our tax money bailed them out - and I fear that the insurance companies will follow the lead of the banks.
What assurances can you offer that my medical premiums will not become unaffordable and that I will be forced into a plan that offers less coverage?
Do you honestly believe that this bill is the best thing for the American people, that it will truly be cost effective and that it will not put our country deeper into debt?
I eagerly await your response.
Happy New Year!
Michael Wolfe
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Flying Terrorists
The news is once again filled with a story about an "alleged" terror attack on an airline. I use the term "alleged" because the young Nigerian in question, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, although charged has not been convicted.
The fact that the explosive and syringe were found on him, not to mention the fact that he started a fire, makes him guilty to me, and rather than waste the expense of a trial, I think he should be sent off to that maximum security prison in Illinois where the rest of the Gitmo gang is probably headed.
What I want to know, is if the young man was on a potential terrorist list, did USA Intelligence share this with Netherlands Intelligence? Was Abdulmutallab on a Europe wide alert list, or did the USA fail to share the information?
If a flyer is on the terrorist watch list, does TSA routinely take these individuals aside and do body searches, or do they mainly follow normal procedure? If someone is on a terrorist watch list I want to know why they are no subjected to a body search as part of the normal routine.
After all, if you are on some kind of suspicious terrorist watch list, then logic tells me this individual needs to be subjected to special attention whenever they use public transportation. In my mind that means trains and buses, as well as airplanes.
Which leads to another question, what precautions are in place for train and bus travel?
Since Abdulmutallab boarded his final flight in Amsterdam I will be curious to see what hearings in the USA Congress will resolve. Will Netherlands Intelligence share what they find out about whether Abdulmutallab obtained the explosives in the Netherlands, or did he bring them from Nigeria? Will Nigerian Intelligence share anything they find out about Abdulmutallab and his activities in Nigeria?
If USA Intelligence does not get the whole story, then the gaps are going to be hard to fill in.
Finally, what effect will all of this have on air travel in the USA? Will we be forced to more detailed searches and longer delays?
What is the best method to protect American flyers with the least amount of inconvenience?
I will be writing to my senators with specific questions and I will share the letter and any responses.
If the USA is going to truly fight a world wide war on terror, then we and the rest of the world need to start cooperating fully to bring about a victory in this long running war.
Its Common Sense!!
The fact that the explosive and syringe were found on him, not to mention the fact that he started a fire, makes him guilty to me, and rather than waste the expense of a trial, I think he should be sent off to that maximum security prison in Illinois where the rest of the Gitmo gang is probably headed.
What I want to know, is if the young man was on a potential terrorist list, did USA Intelligence share this with Netherlands Intelligence? Was Abdulmutallab on a Europe wide alert list, or did the USA fail to share the information?
If a flyer is on the terrorist watch list, does TSA routinely take these individuals aside and do body searches, or do they mainly follow normal procedure? If someone is on a terrorist watch list I want to know why they are no subjected to a body search as part of the normal routine.
After all, if you are on some kind of suspicious terrorist watch list, then logic tells me this individual needs to be subjected to special attention whenever they use public transportation. In my mind that means trains and buses, as well as airplanes.
Which leads to another question, what precautions are in place for train and bus travel?
Since Abdulmutallab boarded his final flight in Amsterdam I will be curious to see what hearings in the USA Congress will resolve. Will Netherlands Intelligence share what they find out about whether Abdulmutallab obtained the explosives in the Netherlands, or did he bring them from Nigeria? Will Nigerian Intelligence share anything they find out about Abdulmutallab and his activities in Nigeria?
If USA Intelligence does not get the whole story, then the gaps are going to be hard to fill in.
Finally, what effect will all of this have on air travel in the USA? Will we be forced to more detailed searches and longer delays?
What is the best method to protect American flyers with the least amount of inconvenience?
I will be writing to my senators with specific questions and I will share the letter and any responses.
If the USA is going to truly fight a world wide war on terror, then we and the rest of the world need to start cooperating fully to bring about a victory in this long running war.
Its Common Sense!!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
President Obama's Campaign Promises
President Obama during a recent interview with Oprah gave himself a B+ for his performance to date. Needless to say, I think he has given himself a very favorable curve, especially based on what I have seen of his performance to date.
Troops are being pulled out of Iraq, but at a slower rate than promised and now it appears that more will be staying than in the original plan.
The USA's commitment to Afghanistan has increased with the ordering of an additional thirty thousand troops, not to mention billions in finanical aid. Where is the end of al-Quada and the Taliban?
There are still prisoners in Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo) even though the President promised it would be closed in the first year of his Administration. There is talk of the prisoners being moved to a high security facility in Illinois, but nothing has been finalized.
Health Care Reform is an on going battle being fought along clearly partisan lines. What happened to the spirit of cooperation and unity in government?
Where are the new jobs? Where are all the new Green businesses? Unemployment has slowed down, but for millions nothing has improved.
Where are strong regulations to control banks? They are paying off the bail out money, paying employees big bonuses, increasing interest on credit cards, withholding loans for home buyers, and taking no precautions for the future. Why is the Obama Administration not making things tougher on Wall Street?
Other areas not going well. Obama failed to bring the Olympics to Chicago. Personally I do not think he should have even gone to plead the city's case, but the fact is he went and lost. Not a pretty picture.
Obama receives the Noble Peace Prize but no one, including himself, understands why. Regardless of the justification supplied by the Noble Committee, it still looks like Obama got the prize based on future hopes as opposed to any real action he has performed to date.
Climate control and saving the environment. Obama went to Copenhagen and failed miserably. Now,to be fair he tried, but it is evident other world leaders do not hold him in that high esteem because he could not even get the nations to agree to an enforceable plan. In truth, it looks like business will continue as always and future generations will pay the price for the greed of their ancestors.
Overall, I give Obama a C-. A lot of talk, a lot of promises but very little to show.
He got elected by people who really thought he was different, that he was more than just another politician, that he was a man of his word and that he would make things happen. Having been part of the system he knew how it worked, so he should only have promised what he knew was doable. Instead, he stayed a politician wanting to win and has put us in our current situation.
Understand that I know he can do nothing on his own. He has to deal with the Congress. But having been a part of Congress he knew what obstacles he would be up against and he should have been honest about them up front. Instead he gave the impression that he could overcome the obstacles and thus far he has failed miserably.
The real challenge for Obama is to see if his Administration can turn things around or he could end up being another one term president.
Actions speak louder than words, now Obama's actions need to live up to his words.
Its Common Sense!
Troops are being pulled out of Iraq, but at a slower rate than promised and now it appears that more will be staying than in the original plan.
The USA's commitment to Afghanistan has increased with the ordering of an additional thirty thousand troops, not to mention billions in finanical aid. Where is the end of al-Quada and the Taliban?
There are still prisoners in Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo) even though the President promised it would be closed in the first year of his Administration. There is talk of the prisoners being moved to a high security facility in Illinois, but nothing has been finalized.
Health Care Reform is an on going battle being fought along clearly partisan lines. What happened to the spirit of cooperation and unity in government?
Where are the new jobs? Where are all the new Green businesses? Unemployment has slowed down, but for millions nothing has improved.
Where are strong regulations to control banks? They are paying off the bail out money, paying employees big bonuses, increasing interest on credit cards, withholding loans for home buyers, and taking no precautions for the future. Why is the Obama Administration not making things tougher on Wall Street?
Other areas not going well. Obama failed to bring the Olympics to Chicago. Personally I do not think he should have even gone to plead the city's case, but the fact is he went and lost. Not a pretty picture.
Obama receives the Noble Peace Prize but no one, including himself, understands why. Regardless of the justification supplied by the Noble Committee, it still looks like Obama got the prize based on future hopes as opposed to any real action he has performed to date.
Climate control and saving the environment. Obama went to Copenhagen and failed miserably. Now,to be fair he tried, but it is evident other world leaders do not hold him in that high esteem because he could not even get the nations to agree to an enforceable plan. In truth, it looks like business will continue as always and future generations will pay the price for the greed of their ancestors.
Overall, I give Obama a C-. A lot of talk, a lot of promises but very little to show.
He got elected by people who really thought he was different, that he was more than just another politician, that he was a man of his word and that he would make things happen. Having been part of the system he knew how it worked, so he should only have promised what he knew was doable. Instead, he stayed a politician wanting to win and has put us in our current situation.
Understand that I know he can do nothing on his own. He has to deal with the Congress. But having been a part of Congress he knew what obstacles he would be up against and he should have been honest about them up front. Instead he gave the impression that he could overcome the obstacles and thus far he has failed miserably.
The real challenge for Obama is to see if his Administration can turn things around or he could end up being another one term president.
Actions speak louder than words, now Obama's actions need to live up to his words.
Its Common Sense!
Senate Health Care Bill
It appears that the Democrats in the Senate are just about ready to pass their version of a health reform bill. Evidently there has been a lot of back room negotiating and compromising but Senator Harry Reid is promising a bill to the President by Christmas Eve.
The fact that evidently no Republicans have sign on, even Olympia Snow, makes me wonder if we really want to place the future of our health care in partisan hands. If all bi-partisan efforts have failed, do we really want to be saddled with a plan that will pass with the barest majority necessary?
Of course, once it comes out of the Senate, then the Senate and House will need to come together and work out the differences between their two bills, so that a final plan can be presented to the President.
Will the House go a long with the Senate, or are we in for some more long nights and backroom deals?
Will a finalized bill ever reach the President?
I am curious to see what the final result of all of this will be. I think that in the end the two houses of Congress will not be able to come to an agreement and that President Obama will once again have failed to deliver on a campaign promise.
I am going to try and read through the new bill the Senate wants to pass, although I have a feeling I will not get far. The language really gets to be a problem. Maybe Congress needs to pass a law that all legislation needs to be written in terms the average American can understand without assistance from an attorney.
Congress is suppose to make laws for the people, the people should be able to read the laws.
Its Common Sense!
The fact that evidently no Republicans have sign on, even Olympia Snow, makes me wonder if we really want to place the future of our health care in partisan hands. If all bi-partisan efforts have failed, do we really want to be saddled with a plan that will pass with the barest majority necessary?
Of course, once it comes out of the Senate, then the Senate and House will need to come together and work out the differences between their two bills, so that a final plan can be presented to the President.
Will the House go a long with the Senate, or are we in for some more long nights and backroom deals?
Will a finalized bill ever reach the President?
I am curious to see what the final result of all of this will be. I think that in the end the two houses of Congress will not be able to come to an agreement and that President Obama will once again have failed to deliver on a campaign promise.
I am going to try and read through the new bill the Senate wants to pass, although I have a feeling I will not get far. The language really gets to be a problem. Maybe Congress needs to pass a law that all legislation needs to be written in terms the average American can understand without assistance from an attorney.
Congress is suppose to make laws for the people, the people should be able to read the laws.
Its Common Sense!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Democrats and Health Care Reform
Just when you thought the Democrats in the Senate were going to join together and pass the health care bill they assure us the country really needs, they fall apart.
Howard Dean comes out of left field to state the bill in a fraud and useless. Others are raising issues regarding abortion coverage, others about the lack of a national option and others, well they just want their couple of minutes of TV time.
John McCain came out on the Senate floor to let everyone know he is in agreement with Howard Dean about the need to start the health care package at square one.
Independent Joe Lieberman was shocked when he asked for additional time to speak, thinking it was an automatic and new Minnesota Senator Al Franken objected. Evidently Al had heard enough from the Senator from Connecticut and wanted to give the floor to someone else.
Now some of the Senate leaders are threatening to stay in session through Christmas to get the legislation to pass. I doubt that will happen.
What I think may happen is that all of the work of both the House of Representatives and the Senate will come to naught, the crisis in Afghanistan will heat up (especially if the rumor of a possible coup in Pakistan proves true) and health care will be placed on the back burner, just like when Clinton tried.
The fact that the Democrats cannot or will not united on a bill which is so important to their Democrat President shows just how bad things are getting.
Let's hope that the differences they are fighting over are real and not just political. Let's hope that no one is putting their campaign for reelection above the needs of the American people.
If their hesitation to vote in favor is based on conscience and the true best interest of the American people, then more power to them. However, if their motivation is for self serving purposes, then I hope their constituents see through them and vote them out of office. They are not the kind of representatives we want or need on Capital Hill.
Its Common Sense!
Howard Dean comes out of left field to state the bill in a fraud and useless. Others are raising issues regarding abortion coverage, others about the lack of a national option and others, well they just want their couple of minutes of TV time.
John McCain came out on the Senate floor to let everyone know he is in agreement with Howard Dean about the need to start the health care package at square one.
Independent Joe Lieberman was shocked when he asked for additional time to speak, thinking it was an automatic and new Minnesota Senator Al Franken objected. Evidently Al had heard enough from the Senator from Connecticut and wanted to give the floor to someone else.
Now some of the Senate leaders are threatening to stay in session through Christmas to get the legislation to pass. I doubt that will happen.
What I think may happen is that all of the work of both the House of Representatives and the Senate will come to naught, the crisis in Afghanistan will heat up (especially if the rumor of a possible coup in Pakistan proves true) and health care will be placed on the back burner, just like when Clinton tried.
The fact that the Democrats cannot or will not united on a bill which is so important to their Democrat President shows just how bad things are getting.
Let's hope that the differences they are fighting over are real and not just political. Let's hope that no one is putting their campaign for reelection above the needs of the American people.
If their hesitation to vote in favor is based on conscience and the true best interest of the American people, then more power to them. However, if their motivation is for self serving purposes, then I hope their constituents see through them and vote them out of office. They are not the kind of representatives we want or need on Capital Hill.
Its Common Sense!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Senator Mikulski on Health Care Reform
As the battle tightens up in the senate over Health Care reform, and Democrats begin courting Independent Joe Lieberman for his vote, I received a letter from senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland regarding my concerns.
After you read it let me know if it makes you feel better about the proposed bill because all it left me was depressed, frightened and confused.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about health care reform. It's great to hear from you.
Health care is one of the most important issues facing families and our economy. We need to:
?reduce health care costs for families, business and government
?protect people's choice of doctors, hospitals and health plans
?assure affordable, quality health care for all Americans
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) represents the combined efforts of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) and the Senate Committee on Finance. This bill takes a giant step forward in providing health care that is available, undeniable and affordable for all Americans.
There are many issues being discussed as part of health care reform. I will keep your views in mind as we continue our work on this important issue.
Thanks once again for writing. Please let me know if I can be of assistance in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
After you read it let me know if it makes you feel better about the proposed bill because all it left me was depressed, frightened and confused.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about health care reform. It's great to hear from you.
Health care is one of the most important issues facing families and our economy. We need to:
?reduce health care costs for families, business and government
?protect people's choice of doctors, hospitals and health plans
?assure affordable, quality health care for all Americans
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) represents the combined efforts of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) and the Senate Committee on Finance. This bill takes a giant step forward in providing health care that is available, undeniable and affordable for all Americans.
There are many issues being discussed as part of health care reform. I will keep your views in mind as we continue our work on this important issue.
Thanks once again for writing. Please let me know if I can be of assistance in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Senate Budget
Sunday the Senate passed a $1.1 trillion dollar spending bill. This is to keep the government working. Of course there is a hell of a lot of pork included but that's expected. Our representatives certainly love to spend our great grand children's' money.
What really upsets me is that now Congress wants to raise the debt ceiling, now at $12.1 trillion, to $14 trillion, so the Treasury can continue to borrow.The question is, who is going to continue to lend the USA money?
The Democrats in Congress are getting crazier and crazier and yes, I will be writing in the next day or so.
Where is fiscal responsibility? Why are there still pork projects? When are these people going to lead rather than be guided by greed?
Remember this $1.1 trillion has nothing to do with the proposed Health Care Reform bills. God only knows what the final price tag to the American tax payer will be when all is said and done.
The country is facing a financial crisis - the highest unemployment on record, home foreclosures all over the place, small companies failing, some big companies collapsing as well and Congress's solution is let's spend more.
Maybe some of these senators and congress people need to be put on the unemployment line so that they can taste the reality of millions of Americans.
Congress needs to wake up to reality and get their heads out of the stars (or a part of their anatomy.)
At the same time we need to start making noise because its our money not theirs.
Share your thoughts and ideas, we need to work together to save the country from the dreamers on Capital Hill.
Its Common Sense!
What really upsets me is that now Congress wants to raise the debt ceiling, now at $12.1 trillion, to $14 trillion, so the Treasury can continue to borrow.The question is, who is going to continue to lend the USA money?
The Democrats in Congress are getting crazier and crazier and yes, I will be writing in the next day or so.
Where is fiscal responsibility? Why are there still pork projects? When are these people going to lead rather than be guided by greed?
Remember this $1.1 trillion has nothing to do with the proposed Health Care Reform bills. God only knows what the final price tag to the American tax payer will be when all is said and done.
The country is facing a financial crisis - the highest unemployment on record, home foreclosures all over the place, small companies failing, some big companies collapsing as well and Congress's solution is let's spend more.
Maybe some of these senators and congress people need to be put on the unemployment line so that they can taste the reality of millions of Americans.
Congress needs to wake up to reality and get their heads out of the stars (or a part of their anatomy.)
At the same time we need to start making noise because its our money not theirs.
Share your thoughts and ideas, we need to work together to save the country from the dreamers on Capital Hill.
Its Common Sense!
Random Thoughts on President Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize
Clearly as surprised as the majority of the world, President Obama was selected to be this year's winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Newly elected to office, he has not done anything yet, although in the time between being named the winner and going to Oslo to accept the prize, he did order another thirty thousand combat troops into Afghanistan. As for the withdrawal from Iraq, I am unclear if it is moving on schedule or not.
To his credit, President Obama shared his surprise and then gave what I considered to be a fairly good acceptance speech, which followed along the lines of St Paul's just war theory.
However, the bottom line is, he should never have even been a candidate for the prize. One has to wonder about the motives of the selection committee. Were they so happy to see President Bush replaced with a younger, perhaps more opened and more world visioned individual? Did they think the United States deserved some kind of an award for electing a bi-racial president?
I don't know. I just wish they had selected someone else, because now there will be additional unneeded pressure placed on Obama to prove he is truly a peacemaker.
With our current economic situation, the unemployment rate, the debate over health care and the two ever present wars, Obama in having enough trouble trying to keep the peace within the United States, much less through out the world.
A side note, totally unrelated, but something that has been bothering me, is the First Lady's taste in clothes. The off greens and weird yellows just do nothing for her. Call me a traditionalist but I think she looks much better in a single colored gown of black or dark red. These combination colors or the whole yellow to beige group needs to be thrown out.
Doesn't she have consultants? Let's hope her wardrobe improves.
I know, that's my opinion and means very little, but I needed to get it out.
As for the President and peace, we will just have to wait and see if the strategy he has formulated will play out the way he hopes. If it does not, then its back to the drawing board and yet another new war strategy. Let's hope this one works, after eight years we need to get things finished once and for all and bring our troops home for good.
Its Common Sense!
To his credit, President Obama shared his surprise and then gave what I considered to be a fairly good acceptance speech, which followed along the lines of St Paul's just war theory.
However, the bottom line is, he should never have even been a candidate for the prize. One has to wonder about the motives of the selection committee. Were they so happy to see President Bush replaced with a younger, perhaps more opened and more world visioned individual? Did they think the United States deserved some kind of an award for electing a bi-racial president?
I don't know. I just wish they had selected someone else, because now there will be additional unneeded pressure placed on Obama to prove he is truly a peacemaker.
With our current economic situation, the unemployment rate, the debate over health care and the two ever present wars, Obama in having enough trouble trying to keep the peace within the United States, much less through out the world.
A side note, totally unrelated, but something that has been bothering me, is the First Lady's taste in clothes. The off greens and weird yellows just do nothing for her. Call me a traditionalist but I think she looks much better in a single colored gown of black or dark red. These combination colors or the whole yellow to beige group needs to be thrown out.
Doesn't she have consultants? Let's hope her wardrobe improves.
I know, that's my opinion and means very little, but I needed to get it out.
As for the President and peace, we will just have to wait and see if the strategy he has formulated will play out the way he hopes. If it does not, then its back to the drawing board and yet another new war strategy. Let's hope this one works, after eight years we need to get things finished once and for all and bring our troops home for good.
Its Common Sense!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Medicare Reform/Healthh Care Reform
I read an article regarding a plan to allow people to receive Medicare coverage at age 55. Having always considered Medicare a retirement health plan I am confused with allowing people to receive it ten years earlier than is the current policy. I do not see how the change is financially sound and how in the long run it will help anyone.
Due to my doubt I decided to write the President and my senators for clarification. Copies of the letters follow. Feel free to use all or any part when contacting your representatives. We need to know how all of this is going to be paid for before it get's totally out of control.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Mister President
Please explain to me how opening Medicare to people beginning at age 55 will help the health care crisis. Does this mean that all of us will have Medicare as our primary insurance at age 55 and that we will need a supplement?
How and who is this going to pay for this? By opening the age, you are extending the time people will be covered. Can the medical system handle a Medicare program that will give baby boomers a ten year extension?
The news has been full of stories of Medicare fraud and now the Senate and your administration want to open the system up to even more fraud.
How is this helping the American tax payer? Why must you continue to increase our debt?
Please, do not take this action. Before you make any changes to the present Medicare Program, clean it up. Manage Medicare properly and take firm action against those who defraud the system. Recover the millions that have been loss. Once you have accomplished that, then talk to us about changing Medicare.
The American tax payer can only take so much. Get people working; get the ball rolling on creating natural energy sources. Once you get a few million of the unemployed back on the tax rolls, then talk about Medicare reform.
Until that time clean up Medicare but do not change it.
Thank you.
Dear Senator
Please explain to me how opening Medicare to people beginning at age 55 will help the health care crisis. Does this mean that all of us will have Medicare as our primary insurance at age 55 and that we will need a supplement?
How and who is this going to pay for this? By opening the age, you are extending the time people will be covered. Can the medical system handle a Medicare program that will give baby boomers a ten year extension?
The news has been full of stories of Medicare fraud and now the Senate wants to open the system up to even more fraud.
How is this helping the American tax payer? Why must you continue to increase our debt?
Please, do not take this action. Before you make any changes to the present Medicare Program, clean it up. Manage Medicare properly and take firm action against those who defraud the system. Recover the millions that have been loss. Once you have accomplished that, then talk to us about changing Medicare.
The American tax payer can only take so much. Get people working; get the ball rolling on creating natural energy sources. Once you get a few million of the unemployed back on the tax rolls, then talk about Medicare reform.
Until that time clean up Medicare but do not change it.
Thank you.
Due to my doubt I decided to write the President and my senators for clarification. Copies of the letters follow. Feel free to use all or any part when contacting your representatives. We need to know how all of this is going to be paid for before it get's totally out of control.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Mister President
Please explain to me how opening Medicare to people beginning at age 55 will help the health care crisis. Does this mean that all of us will have Medicare as our primary insurance at age 55 and that we will need a supplement?
How and who is this going to pay for this? By opening the age, you are extending the time people will be covered. Can the medical system handle a Medicare program that will give baby boomers a ten year extension?
The news has been full of stories of Medicare fraud and now the Senate and your administration want to open the system up to even more fraud.
How is this helping the American tax payer? Why must you continue to increase our debt?
Please, do not take this action. Before you make any changes to the present Medicare Program, clean it up. Manage Medicare properly and take firm action against those who defraud the system. Recover the millions that have been loss. Once you have accomplished that, then talk to us about changing Medicare.
The American tax payer can only take so much. Get people working; get the ball rolling on creating natural energy sources. Once you get a few million of the unemployed back on the tax rolls, then talk about Medicare reform.
Until that time clean up Medicare but do not change it.
Thank you.
Dear Senator
Please explain to me how opening Medicare to people beginning at age 55 will help the health care crisis. Does this mean that all of us will have Medicare as our primary insurance at age 55 and that we will need a supplement?
How and who is this going to pay for this? By opening the age, you are extending the time people will be covered. Can the medical system handle a Medicare program that will give baby boomers a ten year extension?
The news has been full of stories of Medicare fraud and now the Senate wants to open the system up to even more fraud.
How is this helping the American tax payer? Why must you continue to increase our debt?
Please, do not take this action. Before you make any changes to the present Medicare Program, clean it up. Manage Medicare properly and take firm action against those who defraud the system. Recover the millions that have been loss. Once you have accomplished that, then talk to us about changing Medicare.
The American tax payer can only take so much. Get people working; get the ball rolling on creating natural energy sources. Once you get a few million of the unemployed back on the tax rolls, then talk about Medicare reform.
Until that time clean up Medicare but do not change it.
Thank you.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Senator Mikulski on Women's Health Care
Thought I would share the following from Senator Mikulski's newsletter.
Mikulski Amendment Guarantees Women Access to Affordable Preventive Care
Last week, the Senate put women first in health care reform when it passed my amendment to guarantee women access to preventive care and screenings at no cost. It was the first amendment considered and approved in the Senate's debate on health care reform.
We must end the punitive practices of the private insurance companies that treat simply being a woman as a preexisting condition. That's why I support the Senate health reform bill and why I introduced my amendment. In the United States of America, health care is a women's issue. Health care reform is a must-do women's issue, and health insurance reform is a must–change women's issue.
Too often women face the punitive practices of insurance companies that charge women more and give them less in benefits. A 25–year–old woman pays more for health insurance than her male counterpart of the same health status. A 40–year–old woman pays almost 35 percent more for her insurance than a man of similar age and health status.
More than half of American women report that they skip or delay needed care due to cost. My amendment guarantees that women of all ages will receive, at no cost, an annual women's health exam, which will include screenings for the leading causes of death for women — cancer, heart disease, and chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
Right now, insurance company bureaucrats decide what preventive services will be covered for women. But we know that early detection saves lives, curtails the expansion of disease, and, in the long run, saves money. That's why my amendment expands key preventive services for women based on recommendations of women's health experts - scientists and doctors - and supported by the Centers for Disease Control and the Health Resources and Services Administration.
And under my amendment, decisions about preventive care and screenings - like mammograms - will be made between a woman and her doctor in a medical office. It will not be made by an insurance company, a member of Congress or by a stranger.
Without this amendment, there would be no guarantee that women under 50 would be covered for mammograms, no guarantee of an annual women's health exam that would include screenings for heart disease, and no guarantee that women would have access to this preventive care at no cost. Insurance companies have used every trick in the book to deny coverage to women. This amendment makes sure that the insurance companies must cover the basic care that women need at no cost.
It's a big step forward. But with votes on the final legislation ahead, the fight's not over yet. Women can count on me to keep fighting for them on the Senate floor and all the way to the White House to end punitive insurance company practices that discriminate against women in the insurance marketplace.
Mikulski Amendment Guarantees Women Access to Affordable Preventive Care
Last week, the Senate put women first in health care reform when it passed my amendment to guarantee women access to preventive care and screenings at no cost. It was the first amendment considered and approved in the Senate's debate on health care reform.
We must end the punitive practices of the private insurance companies that treat simply being a woman as a preexisting condition. That's why I support the Senate health reform bill and why I introduced my amendment. In the United States of America, health care is a women's issue. Health care reform is a must-do women's issue, and health insurance reform is a must–change women's issue.
Too often women face the punitive practices of insurance companies that charge women more and give them less in benefits. A 25–year–old woman pays more for health insurance than her male counterpart of the same health status. A 40–year–old woman pays almost 35 percent more for her insurance than a man of similar age and health status.
More than half of American women report that they skip or delay needed care due to cost. My amendment guarantees that women of all ages will receive, at no cost, an annual women's health exam, which will include screenings for the leading causes of death for women — cancer, heart disease, and chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
Right now, insurance company bureaucrats decide what preventive services will be covered for women. But we know that early detection saves lives, curtails the expansion of disease, and, in the long run, saves money. That's why my amendment expands key preventive services for women based on recommendations of women's health experts - scientists and doctors - and supported by the Centers for Disease Control and the Health Resources and Services Administration.
And under my amendment, decisions about preventive care and screenings - like mammograms - will be made between a woman and her doctor in a medical office. It will not be made by an insurance company, a member of Congress or by a stranger.
Without this amendment, there would be no guarantee that women under 50 would be covered for mammograms, no guarantee of an annual women's health exam that would include screenings for heart disease, and no guarantee that women would have access to this preventive care at no cost. Insurance companies have used every trick in the book to deny coverage to women. This amendment makes sure that the insurance companies must cover the basic care that women need at no cost.
It's a big step forward. But with votes on the final legislation ahead, the fight's not over yet. Women can count on me to keep fighting for them on the Senate floor and all the way to the White House to end punitive insurance company practices that discriminate against women in the insurance marketplace.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Iranian Student Protest
Iranian students are protesting against the current administration of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and clerics who actually control Iran. The University of Tehran has been put under a virtual lock down, surrounded by the militia and police, as well as the Republican Guard.
The students feel that the government is repressing them and not allowing them to be free to express themselves.
For those in my age group this is a form of deja vue. Remember the late '70's when the students at Tehran University were protesting against the Shah and how he was not allowing them the freedom to express themselves? Remember how those same students became the beginning of the Republican Guard and stormed the United States Embassy, terrorizing the employees and causing then President Jimmy Carter to order a failed rescue attempt that cost him his chance for reelection?
It is the children of the '70's protesters who are now protesting what has happened to their country? Did their parents allow the pendulum to swing too far in the opposite direction or do this youths have more insight than their parents and a desire for a truly better world?
I hope it is the second. I also hope that the students and their supporters will be able to bring about reform and the beginnings of a true democracy in Iran.
It will take time, all things like this do, but with the proper support, these young protesters just might be able to pull off the change in Iranian politics that the USA and Europe have been unable to sway.
Let's support the youth and hope for the best.
Its Common Sense!
The students feel that the government is repressing them and not allowing them to be free to express themselves.
For those in my age group this is a form of deja vue. Remember the late '70's when the students at Tehran University were protesting against the Shah and how he was not allowing them the freedom to express themselves? Remember how those same students became the beginning of the Republican Guard and stormed the United States Embassy, terrorizing the employees and causing then President Jimmy Carter to order a failed rescue attempt that cost him his chance for reelection?
It is the children of the '70's protesters who are now protesting what has happened to their country? Did their parents allow the pendulum to swing too far in the opposite direction or do this youths have more insight than their parents and a desire for a truly better world?
I hope it is the second. I also hope that the students and their supporters will be able to bring about reform and the beginnings of a true democracy in Iran.
It will take time, all things like this do, but with the proper support, these young protesters just might be able to pull off the change in Iranian politics that the USA and Europe have been unable to sway.
Let's support the youth and hope for the best.
Its Common Sense!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
President Karzai and the Ally Deadline
Afghan President Hamid Karzai states that he has no problem with the withdrawal plan of the USA and NATO troops from his country in eighteen months. Even though it is unlikely Afghanistan will have time to train the approximate 250,000 soldiers they will need to continue the fight against the Taliban and al Quada, President Karzai is confident the Afghan people can take the initative and be ready.
Another interesting statement he made involves the Taliban. He stated that he has always wanted to open negations with the Taliban and that it has been th USA that has blocked the initiative.
Interesting. I suggest that President Karzai clean up the nepotism and corruption in his administration before meeting with the Taliban. After all, the Taliban way be extremist nuts but they frown on corruption and deceit, two things very prevalent in the current Afghan government.
I hope that President Karzai is serious about cleaning up his act and working with the the world aide agencies to better the condition of the people of Afghanistan. At the same time I hope he makes a real effort to create a true coalition government of the various tribes that make up Afghanistan and that he cooperates with the USA and NATO in what should be a very intense eighteen months.
Let us hope that the effort of the next eighteen months leads to the beginning for a democratic Afghanistan where all are truly equal. Or, at least more equal than they have ever been in the past.
If Karzai does not cooperate and reform, then our human and material treasures will have been wasted in Afghanistan and that is unacceptable.
Its Common Sense!
Another interesting statement he made involves the Taliban. He stated that he has always wanted to open negations with the Taliban and that it has been th USA that has blocked the initiative.
Interesting. I suggest that President Karzai clean up the nepotism and corruption in his administration before meeting with the Taliban. After all, the Taliban way be extremist nuts but they frown on corruption and deceit, two things very prevalent in the current Afghan government.
I hope that President Karzai is serious about cleaning up his act and working with the the world aide agencies to better the condition of the people of Afghanistan. At the same time I hope he makes a real effort to create a true coalition government of the various tribes that make up Afghanistan and that he cooperates with the USA and NATO in what should be a very intense eighteen months.
Let us hope that the effort of the next eighteen months leads to the beginning for a democratic Afghanistan where all are truly equal. Or, at least more equal than they have ever been in the past.
If Karzai does not cooperate and reform, then our human and material treasures will have been wasted in Afghanistan and that is unacceptable.
Its Common Sense!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Afghanistan Surge - HELP!!!
I watched President Obama's speech this evening regarding sending an additional thirty thousand troops to Afghanistan to put down the Taliban and al Qaeda while giving the Afghan people a chance for something better.
A nice speech but vague. I wrote and sent the following letter to the President and then a similar one to my senators. They follow below.
If you have similar concerns, feel free to use all or part in your own correspondence with the President and your representatives. It's out fortune and future they appear to be using frivolously and they need to be called to task.
Its Common Sense!
Dear President Obama,
I watched your speech this evening regarding the actions you are planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
You spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why are you and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why have you not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. Your administration is pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt you are creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Dear Senator
I watched the President's speech this evening regarding the actions he is planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
The President spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why is the United States and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why has the United States not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. The Obama Administration, along with the majority of Democrats in Congress are pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt our government is creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
A nice speech but vague. I wrote and sent the following letter to the President and then a similar one to my senators. They follow below.
If you have similar concerns, feel free to use all or part in your own correspondence with the President and your representatives. It's out fortune and future they appear to be using frivolously and they need to be called to task.
Its Common Sense!
Dear President Obama,
I watched your speech this evening regarding the actions you are planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
You spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why are you and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why have you not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. Your administration is pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt you are creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Dear Senator
I watched the President's speech this evening regarding the actions he is planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
The President spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why is the United States and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why has the United States not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. The Obama Administration, along with the majority of Democrats in Congress are pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt our government is creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Monday, November 30, 2009
Obama and India's Prime Minister (Forget the Salahis)
All weekend we have been seeing and reading how Michaele Salahi and her husband crashed the the Obama Administration's first State Dinner for the Prime Minister of India. We all know about the couple and their desire for stardom and to be famous.
Unfortunately, what we do not know is what agreements, if any, the USA and India made during the Prime Minister's visit.
Was Obama able to convince the Prime Minister to go easy on Pakistan, so that Pakistan can concentrate on attacking Taliban and al Qaeda strongholds, rather than stationing troops on their border with India?
Will India provide money to help the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan? I know Indian troops would not be welcomed, but gold is welcomed everywhere.
And what about trade agreements? Were deals made that will be favorable to American consumers and more importantly, the American worker?
This is the information I am looking for, not how some blond bombshell smiled her way past the Secret Service.
Our country is in major trouble and we should be focusing on bringing down debt and creating jobs, rather than the next reality star.
Its Common Sense!!
Unfortunately, what we do not know is what agreements, if any, the USA and India made during the Prime Minister's visit.
Was Obama able to convince the Prime Minister to go easy on Pakistan, so that Pakistan can concentrate on attacking Taliban and al Qaeda strongholds, rather than stationing troops on their border with India?
Will India provide money to help the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan? I know Indian troops would not be welcomed, but gold is welcomed everywhere.
And what about trade agreements? Were deals made that will be favorable to American consumers and more importantly, the American worker?
This is the information I am looking for, not how some blond bombshell smiled her way past the Secret Service.
Our country is in major trouble and we should be focusing on bringing down debt and creating jobs, rather than the next reality star.
Its Common Sense!!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Iran and Nuclear Power
Iran announced its building at least ten more uranium processing plants. It appears that Ahmadinejad just gave the United Nations the finger. Okay, we know he is not the real power in Iran and that the old mullahs are calling the shots, but regardless of who is in charge, what is the United Nations and the rest of the world going to do?
Let's be honest, the government of Iran cannot be trusted. No one can believe that they are going to show UN inspectors anymore than they want to show. No one knows where they are as far as creating a nuclear weapon.
Sanctions and embargoes are talked about, yet Iran continues to get the materials they need to create these plants. Where are the materials coming from? Who is making a profit? Which nations and/or companies are ignoring the embargo/sanctions and using what ever means necessary to take millions from Iran?
Personally, I do not believe the United Nations can be trusted to serve as a vigilant watch dog. There is too much corruption in that organization and in many ways I believe it has out lasted its purpose. For the United Nations to be effective, it has to be reorganized, given some teeth, and the member nations have follow the rules.
Easier said than done I know.
Now the USA and the European Nations (not to mention Israel) will have to keep a careful watch on things by whatever means are available. The last thing the world needs is for Iran to build a dirty bomb and give it to al Quaeda or one of the other extremist terrorist groups.
Iran needs to be put down. The questions is how?
Let's be honest, the government of Iran cannot be trusted. No one can believe that they are going to show UN inspectors anymore than they want to show. No one knows where they are as far as creating a nuclear weapon.
Sanctions and embargoes are talked about, yet Iran continues to get the materials they need to create these plants. Where are the materials coming from? Who is making a profit? Which nations and/or companies are ignoring the embargo/sanctions and using what ever means necessary to take millions from Iran?
Personally, I do not believe the United Nations can be trusted to serve as a vigilant watch dog. There is too much corruption in that organization and in many ways I believe it has out lasted its purpose. For the United Nations to be effective, it has to be reorganized, given some teeth, and the member nations have follow the rules.
Easier said than done I know.
Now the USA and the European Nations (not to mention Israel) will have to keep a careful watch on things by whatever means are available. The last thing the world needs is for Iran to build a dirty bomb and give it to al Quaeda or one of the other extremist terrorist groups.
Iran needs to be put down. The questions is how?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Happy Thanksgiving! Traditionally today is the day we come together with friends and family to celebrate all we are thankful for. For a lot of people this year, like last year, finds them with less to be thankful for than normal.
Many families have one or more loved one fighting in Afghanistan or Iraq. Their prayer is for the safe return of that loved one.
Others find themselves depending on the aide of family or state or church agencies to help them eat this Thanksgiving because they fall in the category of the millions of unemployed.
Of course the fat cat bank executives have their fancy bonuses, so they'll be eating fine and I have a feeling very few of them will be helping out at local soup kitchens.
Congress is in recess and I am sure the Democrats and Republicans are getting ready to fight about Health Care, Social Security and the National Debt. Of course, they will also probably work in a raise for themselves even though they decided the elderly did not need the Social Security raised.
We all need to sit back and see what we are thankful for. for myself I am thankful for my wife, daughter, family and friends.
I am thankful that I am employed and in conditions to do a little to help others.
I am thankful that I live in a country where I can write a blog, criticize my government and not have to worry about imprisonment.
All of us have something to be thankful for. Let's celebrate today, and continue the fight tomorrow.
Its Common Sense!
Many families have one or more loved one fighting in Afghanistan or Iraq. Their prayer is for the safe return of that loved one.
Others find themselves depending on the aide of family or state or church agencies to help them eat this Thanksgiving because they fall in the category of the millions of unemployed.
Of course the fat cat bank executives have their fancy bonuses, so they'll be eating fine and I have a feeling very few of them will be helping out at local soup kitchens.
Congress is in recess and I am sure the Democrats and Republicans are getting ready to fight about Health Care, Social Security and the National Debt. Of course, they will also probably work in a raise for themselves even though they decided the elderly did not need the Social Security raised.
We all need to sit back and see what we are thankful for. for myself I am thankful for my wife, daughter, family and friends.
I am thankful that I am employed and in conditions to do a little to help others.
I am thankful that I live in a country where I can write a blog, criticize my government and not have to worry about imprisonment.
All of us have something to be thankful for. Let's celebrate today, and continue the fight tomorrow.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Church verses State
This past week the Catholic Bishops of the United States let the US Senate know that they did not want abortion operations included as a procedure covered by the Health Care Bill. Evidently the bishops have enough influence that the Senate followed their request.
Earlier, the bishops had let Speaker of the House Pelosi, a "good" Catholic Italian girl know their thoughts on abortion. Congress's version of the bill does not cover the cost of abortions.
Being a "good" Catholic myself, I find it fascinating to see the influence the bishops have over our political leaders. We have heard of the "MORAL MAJORITY" for years, and this is usually linked with conservative/fundamentalist Protestant denominations. However, this vote shows just how much "quiet" influence the Catholic bishops have in this county. Evidently, more Catholics than one thinks vote according to the "suggestions" of their religious leaders.
Which raises interesting questions. If this country practices the concept of separation of Church and State, why do the religious groups have so much power?
The truth is that the ideal of separation is simply that, an ideal. The majority of people in this country, whether they admit it openly or not, are guided to some degree by the teachings and directives of their religious leaders.
In general that is for the good, but there are times when religious leaders are locked into mentalities of the pass and are not willing to adjust to changing thoughts and concepts.
I find it sad (although not surprising) that our political leaders once again putting their political futures above what is best for the people.
We need to let the Capital Hill gang know that they work for us and not the religious leaders of the country. What is best for the people is not what is always best for the people.
Its Common Sense!
Earlier, the bishops had let Speaker of the House Pelosi, a "good" Catholic Italian girl know their thoughts on abortion. Congress's version of the bill does not cover the cost of abortions.
Being a "good" Catholic myself, I find it fascinating to see the influence the bishops have over our political leaders. We have heard of the "MORAL MAJORITY" for years, and this is usually linked with conservative/fundamentalist Protestant denominations. However, this vote shows just how much "quiet" influence the Catholic bishops have in this county. Evidently, more Catholics than one thinks vote according to the "suggestions" of their religious leaders.
Which raises interesting questions. If this country practices the concept of separation of Church and State, why do the religious groups have so much power?
The truth is that the ideal of separation is simply that, an ideal. The majority of people in this country, whether they admit it openly or not, are guided to some degree by the teachings and directives of their religious leaders.
In general that is for the good, but there are times when religious leaders are locked into mentalities of the pass and are not willing to adjust to changing thoughts and concepts.
I find it sad (although not surprising) that our political leaders once again putting their political futures above what is best for the people.
We need to let the Capital Hill gang know that they work for us and not the religious leaders of the country. What is best for the people is not what is always best for the people.
Its Common Sense!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Senator Mikulski on Bonuses for Bankers
Senator Mikulski responded to my concerns about bonuses for bankers. I find her response weak and it is evident Congress did not think things through before throwing out the bailout money.
Read her response and see if you agree with me.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about the bonuses being paid out to executives at financial companies receiving support from the government. I appreciate hearing from you about this issue.
The taxpayers need to see that the government is serious about being stewards of their money, and corporate America needs a clear message from Congress that they've got to get serious about working with President Obama to get this economy back on track.
People who played by the rules and trying to run a small business don't have access to credit. They're worried about keeping their jobs. They're losing their life savings. They're worried about holding on to their homes or their health insurance. They've seen irresponsible lending practices and watched Wall Street gamble on risky investments. And they've watched those same executives pay themselves lavish salaries.
My priorities for when the government uses taxpayer dollars are transparency, integrity, and accountability. We need to make sure the money is going to good use. I sent a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of AIG asking his employees to voluntarily give up the bonuses.
Knowing of your views is very helpful to me and I will keep them in mind. If you'd like to read more, I encourage you to visit my website where you can read the transcript of my floor statement on this issue and my letter to the CEO of AIG http://mikulski.senate.gov/Newsroom/PressReleases/index.cfm.
Again, thanks for contacting me. Please let me know if I can be of help to you in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Read her response and see if you agree with me.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about the bonuses being paid out to executives at financial companies receiving support from the government. I appreciate hearing from you about this issue.
The taxpayers need to see that the government is serious about being stewards of their money, and corporate America needs a clear message from Congress that they've got to get serious about working with President Obama to get this economy back on track.
People who played by the rules and trying to run a small business don't have access to credit. They're worried about keeping their jobs. They're losing their life savings. They're worried about holding on to their homes or their health insurance. They've seen irresponsible lending practices and watched Wall Street gamble on risky investments. And they've watched those same executives pay themselves lavish salaries.
My priorities for when the government uses taxpayer dollars are transparency, integrity, and accountability. We need to make sure the money is going to good use. I sent a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of AIG asking his employees to voluntarily give up the bonuses.
Knowing of your views is very helpful to me and I will keep them in mind. If you'd like to read more, I encourage you to visit my website where you can read the transcript of my floor statement on this issue and my letter to the CEO of AIG http://mikulski.senate.gov/Newsroom/PressReleases/index.cfm.
Again, thanks for contacting me. Please let me know if I can be of help to you in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Out Sourcing Workers
Remember when we complained about companies - especially banks - outsourcing jobs, especially in telemarketing. As far as certain industries like steel, productions of clothing, shoes, etc. the majority of that also went overseas where labor is a lot cheaper and there are less rules.
Now, not only are jobs being out sourced, American workers are out sourcing themselves to countries that are in need of their skills and abilities. Three countries opened for skilled labor and technicians are Brazil, Dubai and India, as well as several others along the Pacific Rim. Americans who have been unemployed for months are willing to take a wage drop to be employed. In some cases, based on their skill levels, wages are comparable to what they received in the USA.
Where are the jobs the Obama Administration promised to save and create?
Its a sad commentary that after years of complaining about the labor invasion from the South that our workers are now going to be the labor invasion from the North.
The President, Congress, the labor unions and businesses need to get together, compromise and get American workers working in America soon. If they do not, then we sadly will see the decline not only the decline of the US economy but the decline of the nation as well.
Its Common Sense!
Now, not only are jobs being out sourced, American workers are out sourcing themselves to countries that are in need of their skills and abilities. Three countries opened for skilled labor and technicians are Brazil, Dubai and India, as well as several others along the Pacific Rim. Americans who have been unemployed for months are willing to take a wage drop to be employed. In some cases, based on their skill levels, wages are comparable to what they received in the USA.
Where are the jobs the Obama Administration promised to save and create?
Its a sad commentary that after years of complaining about the labor invasion from the South that our workers are now going to be the labor invasion from the North.
The President, Congress, the labor unions and businesses need to get together, compromise and get American workers working in America soon. If they do not, then we sadly will see the decline not only the decline of the US economy but the decline of the nation as well.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Flu Shots for Prison Inmates
Friday I went to see my family doctor for my annual check up. As I near sixty, I am trying to be more attentive to my health needs because I want to reach at least one hundred.
During the course of the physical he asked if I had received a flu shot and I said yes. He knows I work for the Federal Government and he shook his head. The government, the big guys like Walgreen, Walmart and CVS all got plenty but small time practitioners like him are on waiting lists.
To be honest I thought it was only the swine flu shots that are in short supply, I did not realize it was regular flu shots as well.
And then I learned that doses are being sent to immunize inmates in State and Federal Prisons. According to reports its only for those in the danger category but it still irritates me.
I have felt for a long time that are correctional facilities are too easy on the inmates. Yes, they are locked behind bars and there are gang fights etc. But they are fed, they have better medical coverage than a lot of tax paying Americans - remember when an inmate was pushed to top of the line for a kidney transplant, even though he was a murderer? - air conditioning, cable tv and exercise equipment.
Does not sound too bad to me. Where is the punishment? Bring back the chain gang and have them provide work to the state that is housing them.
Anyway, I do not understand why anyone in prison is entitled to preferential treatment until all of the rule following citizens are taken care of. I have never heard of a massive flu outbreak in a prison - have you?
Get out the pen and let your representatives know that prisoners need to be last. Let's get the kids and elderly immunized first. Once all the "good" citizens are in the clear, then we can worry about those in prison.
Its Common Sense!
During the course of the physical he asked if I had received a flu shot and I said yes. He knows I work for the Federal Government and he shook his head. The government, the big guys like Walgreen, Walmart and CVS all got plenty but small time practitioners like him are on waiting lists.
To be honest I thought it was only the swine flu shots that are in short supply, I did not realize it was regular flu shots as well.
And then I learned that doses are being sent to immunize inmates in State and Federal Prisons. According to reports its only for those in the danger category but it still irritates me.
I have felt for a long time that are correctional facilities are too easy on the inmates. Yes, they are locked behind bars and there are gang fights etc. But they are fed, they have better medical coverage than a lot of tax paying Americans - remember when an inmate was pushed to top of the line for a kidney transplant, even though he was a murderer? - air conditioning, cable tv and exercise equipment.
Does not sound too bad to me. Where is the punishment? Bring back the chain gang and have them provide work to the state that is housing them.
Anyway, I do not understand why anyone in prison is entitled to preferential treatment until all of the rule following citizens are taken care of. I have never heard of a massive flu outbreak in a prison - have you?
Get out the pen and let your representatives know that prisoners need to be last. Let's get the kids and elderly immunized first. Once all the "good" citizens are in the clear, then we can worry about those in prison.
Its Common Sense!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Medicare Fraud
Today came out the information that Medicare has been defrauded approximately $40 billion this past year. That sounds like a lot of money to me. I did not see how much, if any, of that money was recovered.
Articles like that is what has me scared about the government assuming even more control over the health care system. It is evident that Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid can not control or even get a hold on the fraud.
So once again, I am asking the US Congress to prove they can manage just Medicare, before they attempt to take over the majority of health care in the country. I think they need to adequately staff and train the Centers for medicare and Medicaid, teach them how to work with law enforcement and then turn them loose on the perpetrators of these frauds.
Once they can bring back the $40 billion, then I will be willing to listen to them talk about passing their health care bill.
Prove you have the power and ability to complete one job. Once you guys and gals on Capital Hill have accomplished that, then we will be willing to hear you talk about how you will run health care reform.
Its Common Sense!
Articles like that is what has me scared about the government assuming even more control over the health care system. It is evident that Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid can not control or even get a hold on the fraud.
So once again, I am asking the US Congress to prove they can manage just Medicare, before they attempt to take over the majority of health care in the country. I think they need to adequately staff and train the Centers for medicare and Medicaid, teach them how to work with law enforcement and then turn them loose on the perpetrators of these frauds.
Once they can bring back the $40 billion, then I will be willing to listen to them talk about passing their health care bill.
Prove you have the power and ability to complete one job. Once you guys and gals on Capital Hill have accomplished that, then we will be willing to hear you talk about how you will run health care reform.
Its Common Sense!
Friday, November 13, 2009
9/11 Suspects to be tried in New York
The Obama Administration announced that mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed and four other Guantanamo Bay detainees are going to New York City to be tried for their part in 9/11. Nothing like a speedy trial system.
Why has it taken so long for these men to be brought to trial? Why were they allowed to sit in Cuba, rather than face justice here in the United States where they perpetrated their crime?
Does the Justice Department only now have enough evidence? There are a lot of questions that need answers.
Word was also given that Abu al-Rahim al-Nashiri, the suspected mastermind of the attack on the US Cole is going to face a military tribunal. I wonder if he should not be tried by the World Court in the Hague. After all, his was an attack of terrorism, not war. Yemen has never declared war on the United States, and I do not believe you can be at war with a group of religious fundamentalists, which only leaves terrorism as the crime.
In truth, Khalid Sheik Mohammed and his "friends" should also be going to the World Court because the attack on the Twin Towers was not just an attack against New York and the United States, but against the entire world. All nations have a stake in seeing justice met, this needs to be on the world stage.
Now we will have to wait and see what transpires. Will the be demonstrations and acts of violence in New York? Will the proceedings of the military tribunal be opened or closed?
These men acted against all of us and I believe we have the right to see how they are dealt with and to insure that true justice is served.
Its Common Sense!
Why has it taken so long for these men to be brought to trial? Why were they allowed to sit in Cuba, rather than face justice here in the United States where they perpetrated their crime?
Does the Justice Department only now have enough evidence? There are a lot of questions that need answers.
Word was also given that Abu al-Rahim al-Nashiri, the suspected mastermind of the attack on the US Cole is going to face a military tribunal. I wonder if he should not be tried by the World Court in the Hague. After all, his was an attack of terrorism, not war. Yemen has never declared war on the United States, and I do not believe you can be at war with a group of religious fundamentalists, which only leaves terrorism as the crime.
In truth, Khalid Sheik Mohammed and his "friends" should also be going to the World Court because the attack on the Twin Towers was not just an attack against New York and the United States, but against the entire world. All nations have a stake in seeing justice met, this needs to be on the world stage.
Now we will have to wait and see what transpires. Will the be demonstrations and acts of violence in New York? Will the proceedings of the military tribunal be opened or closed?
These men acted against all of us and I believe we have the right to see how they are dealt with and to insure that true justice is served.
Its Common Sense!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
President Obama and Afghanistan
President Obama is not satisfied with any of the recommendations of his war council regarding what policy to follow in Afghanistan, so he has put a decision on hold. He is off on a trip to Asia and maybe when he gets back he will have a plan.
I have a few suggestions to make.
1) Tell Karzai it is time to get tough with the poppy growers and all drug traffic in Afghanistan. The Taliban wiped out the drug trade when they were in power, and revitalized it to supply the funding for their war. The Afghan military, not the USA & NATO, need to take the lead on the war on drugs.
2) Invite the Muslim nations of the world to send humanitarian aide, educators, doctors and construction personnel to aide in the rebuilding of Afghanistan. It would also help if they sent some militaryto assist in the training and building of the Afghan Army. That will USA and NATO troops free to concentrate on going after al Qaeda and the Taliban.
3) Following that thought,give our military a clear objective. Be it to go after al Qaeda and the Taliban or provide stability to Afghanistan. The truth of the matter is that our military presence is not big enough to do both. Which is why I think our troops should deal with al Qaeda which Muslim troops help train and support the Afghan military.
My opinion. We'll and wait and see if the President is thinking along the same lines.
I have a few suggestions to make.
1) Tell Karzai it is time to get tough with the poppy growers and all drug traffic in Afghanistan. The Taliban wiped out the drug trade when they were in power, and revitalized it to supply the funding for their war. The Afghan military, not the USA & NATO, need to take the lead on the war on drugs.
2) Invite the Muslim nations of the world to send humanitarian aide, educators, doctors and construction personnel to aide in the rebuilding of Afghanistan. It would also help if they sent some militaryto assist in the training and building of the Afghan Army. That will USA and NATO troops free to concentrate on going after al Qaeda and the Taliban.
3) Following that thought,give our military a clear objective. Be it to go after al Qaeda and the Taliban or provide stability to Afghanistan. The truth of the matter is that our military presence is not big enough to do both. Which is why I think our troops should deal with al Qaeda which Muslim troops help train and support the Afghan military.
My opinion. We'll and wait and see if the President is thinking along the same lines.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Desperate measures for health Care Reform
Evidently Democratic leaders in the Senate are concerned about passing Health Care Reform even with some of their own members and so they decided to call out a big gun, Bill Clinton.
I find it interesting that President Obama went to Capital Hill to cajole Democratic House members to go along with the Health Care Reform Bill, but when it comes to the Senate the thought is Bill Clinton has more influence. Why?
That's something to keep an eye on. How dependent is the Obama Administration becoming on the former Clinton Administration? Where does the power lie?
As you know, I want answers before any final vote is taken on the bill. I hope all of you are asking for answers as well.
Its our tax dollars that will end up paying for all of this, let's make sure they are spent wisely.
Its Common Sense!
I find it interesting that President Obama went to Capital Hill to cajole Democratic House members to go along with the Health Care Reform Bill, but when it comes to the Senate the thought is Bill Clinton has more influence. Why?
That's something to keep an eye on. How dependent is the Obama Administration becoming on the former Clinton Administration? Where does the power lie?
As you know, I want answers before any final vote is taken on the bill. I hope all of you are asking for answers as well.
Its our tax dollars that will end up paying for all of this, let's make sure they are spent wisely.
Its Common Sense!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Credit Card Rage
I know there are a lot of important and pressing things going on in the world.
It is nice to remember that twenty years ago today the Berlin Wall came down and capitalism with all its positives and negatives engulfed the nations that had been "protected" by the Iron Curtain. Many things have happened in those twenty years and many more will follow.
However, today I want to vent about credit cards, or specifically the banks that control them. My only credit card is with CitiCard and today I received a letter informing me that starting in December my interest rate will be 19.99%. I have never been late with a payment, I rarely have a balance for more than a month, and I have been a faithful customer for fifteen years. This is my repayment, an interest rate jump of 8%.
We, the American taxpayer; bailed out the banks from collapse due to their greed and mismanagement and to show their thanks they decide its time to rip us off.
In addition, our thoughtless legislators in Washington D.C. are allowing this to happen and not doing any thing for the consumer. When is enough enough? It is almost to point where I want to tell the IRS where they can spend my tax money and where they can not use it.
Due to my anger I called CitiCard. For ten minutes I listened to a recording telling me how much they valued me and the next available caller would attend me. Finally someone spoke and I guessed he was from the great Asian sub-continent, probably residing in Mumbai. He was pleasant and tried to understand my concerns. Unfortunately, due to his accent, I did not understand half of what he was saying.
To my credit I did not rant and rave at this young man. I know he has no power and that he is being paid chump change because no one in the USA would accept such a low salary. (More saving on the part of CitiBank, why not share with your customers?)
Anyway, I am now faced with a dilemma. Do I dump CitiBank and go to another financial institution? I did some looking and all the major players seem to charging the same rate - no help there. So, I think I will check out my credit union and see if they have something positive to offer.
One thing is certain, I will appear in the offices of my senators if these banks ever ask for a bailout again and stage a one man sit down strike.
Hopefully, many of you share my sentiment and will be join me in D.C.
Its Common Sense!
It is nice to remember that twenty years ago today the Berlin Wall came down and capitalism with all its positives and negatives engulfed the nations that had been "protected" by the Iron Curtain. Many things have happened in those twenty years and many more will follow.
However, today I want to vent about credit cards, or specifically the banks that control them. My only credit card is with CitiCard and today I received a letter informing me that starting in December my interest rate will be 19.99%. I have never been late with a payment, I rarely have a balance for more than a month, and I have been a faithful customer for fifteen years. This is my repayment, an interest rate jump of 8%.
We, the American taxpayer; bailed out the banks from collapse due to their greed and mismanagement and to show their thanks they decide its time to rip us off.
In addition, our thoughtless legislators in Washington D.C. are allowing this to happen and not doing any thing for the consumer. When is enough enough? It is almost to point where I want to tell the IRS where they can spend my tax money and where they can not use it.
Due to my anger I called CitiCard. For ten minutes I listened to a recording telling me how much they valued me and the next available caller would attend me. Finally someone spoke and I guessed he was from the great Asian sub-continent, probably residing in Mumbai. He was pleasant and tried to understand my concerns. Unfortunately, due to his accent, I did not understand half of what he was saying.
To my credit I did not rant and rave at this young man. I know he has no power and that he is being paid chump change because no one in the USA would accept such a low salary. (More saving on the part of CitiBank, why not share with your customers?)
Anyway, I am now faced with a dilemma. Do I dump CitiBank and go to another financial institution? I did some looking and all the major players seem to charging the same rate - no help there. So, I think I will check out my credit union and see if they have something positive to offer.
One thing is certain, I will appear in the offices of my senators if these banks ever ask for a bailout again and stage a one man sit down strike.
Hopefully, many of you share my sentiment and will be join me in D.C.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
US Senate & Health Care Reform
As I promised yesterday, I attempted to read the House Health Reform Bill and got confused by all of the legalize. I do not understand why they cannot write these bills so that anyone other than an attorney can read them.
I am not satisfied with the explanation of how the bill will be paid. I think a lot of things are either implied or hidden very carefully.
So, I wrote to my senators asking them not to vote on the bill until they could explain to me in layman's terms just what the bill includes, what it doesn't include, how much it will really cost and where the money is coming from - what new taxes - to pay for it.
As always feel free to use all or any of the letter when you write to your senators.
Here's the letter.
Dear Senator
I attempted to read House Bill H.R. 3962 with little success. I wish you could generate a bill the common person could read without a legal expert.
That said I need you to clarify some items of the bill.
How is cutting Medicare by $400 billion over the next ten years going to help seniors, especially since the number of senior citizens on Medicare will be increasing greatly during that same time?
Currently the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services is unable to deal with the amount of fraud perpetrated against Medicare. Recently a news program interviewed members of a special FBI task force in southern Florida who report that the amount being paid in Medicare fraud is more than what is being paid for illegal drugs.
How is the abuse going to be controlled? How will the fraud money be recovered? How are seniors going to be guaranteed their coverage?
Another question, what controls are in place so that private insurers cannot raise their premiums through the roof?
I am a Federal employee and the current rumor is our premiums will be raised anywhere from 8% to 20%. With no cost of living raise, that is a big.
(Imagine seniors with no COLA increase this year still having to pay higher premiums on their supplementary policies. Is any one really looking out for the seniors?)
Finally, where is the $1.2 trillion to pay for this legislation going to come from? Unemployment is at an all time high, meaning income tax revenues are down to an all time low. I do not see the new and saved jobs the stimulus was suppose to provide. Did the banks pay back interest on their bailout money? They seem to have plenty of bonus money available; I hope the government is getting its fair share.
What tax increases will we taxpayers be facing? I know a about the tax on those earning over $500,000.00 but how many fall in that category? What taxes are going to fund this Health Care Reform? (How much money are you borrowing from China to things going?)
Senator, please respond before voting on this people. The people who are going to have to pay for the legislation need to be guaranteed that is going to managed adequately, fairly and continually. There can be no loopholes and no favoritism.
Please show all the details in clear easy to read language.
Convince me that this legislation is the best thing for the country.
Thank you,
Michael Wolfe
I am not satisfied with the explanation of how the bill will be paid. I think a lot of things are either implied or hidden very carefully.
So, I wrote to my senators asking them not to vote on the bill until they could explain to me in layman's terms just what the bill includes, what it doesn't include, how much it will really cost and where the money is coming from - what new taxes - to pay for it.
As always feel free to use all or any of the letter when you write to your senators.
Here's the letter.
Dear Senator
I attempted to read House Bill H.R. 3962 with little success. I wish you could generate a bill the common person could read without a legal expert.
That said I need you to clarify some items of the bill.
How is cutting Medicare by $400 billion over the next ten years going to help seniors, especially since the number of senior citizens on Medicare will be increasing greatly during that same time?
Currently the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services is unable to deal with the amount of fraud perpetrated against Medicare. Recently a news program interviewed members of a special FBI task force in southern Florida who report that the amount being paid in Medicare fraud is more than what is being paid for illegal drugs.
How is the abuse going to be controlled? How will the fraud money be recovered? How are seniors going to be guaranteed their coverage?
Another question, what controls are in place so that private insurers cannot raise their premiums through the roof?
I am a Federal employee and the current rumor is our premiums will be raised anywhere from 8% to 20%. With no cost of living raise, that is a big.
(Imagine seniors with no COLA increase this year still having to pay higher premiums on their supplementary policies. Is any one really looking out for the seniors?)
Finally, where is the $1.2 trillion to pay for this legislation going to come from? Unemployment is at an all time high, meaning income tax revenues are down to an all time low. I do not see the new and saved jobs the stimulus was suppose to provide. Did the banks pay back interest on their bailout money? They seem to have plenty of bonus money available; I hope the government is getting its fair share.
What tax increases will we taxpayers be facing? I know a about the tax on those earning over $500,000.00 but how many fall in that category? What taxes are going to fund this Health Care Reform? (How much money are you borrowing from China to things going?)
Senator, please respond before voting on this people. The people who are going to have to pay for the legislation need to be guaranteed that is going to managed adequately, fairly and continually. There can be no loopholes and no favoritism.
Please show all the details in clear easy to read language.
Convince me that this legislation is the best thing for the country.
Thank you,
Michael Wolfe
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Congress Health Care Bill
According to Speaker of the House Pelosi, the House Health Care Bill should pass anytime. Then its off to the Senate to see what they'll do. If the Senate follows suit it will get the President's signature.
Tomorrow I plan to write my senators and try to get some clarification. According to what I've read Medicare is going to be cut by $400 billion over the next ten years, and the new Health Care Bill is still going to cost around $1.2 trillion during the same period.
How is cutting benefits to senior citizens good? We know that there is rampant fraud committed against Medicare now. Does Congress really think the agency in charge of Medicare is suddenly going to regain control of the situation?
Of course the big questions is where this $1.2 trillion is going to come from? Taxes are going to need to be increased on categories other than those earning over $500,000.00 a year. (I imagine members of Congress who fall in that category will be exempt.)
I need some more specifics. All of us need to see what is really covered, who is covered and who is going to pay what.
I plan to try and read the House bill and write my senators. You all need to do the same.
An informed public is an enlightened public.
Its Common Sense!
Tomorrow I plan to write my senators and try to get some clarification. According to what I've read Medicare is going to be cut by $400 billion over the next ten years, and the new Health Care Bill is still going to cost around $1.2 trillion during the same period.
How is cutting benefits to senior citizens good? We know that there is rampant fraud committed against Medicare now. Does Congress really think the agency in charge of Medicare is suddenly going to regain control of the situation?
Of course the big questions is where this $1.2 trillion is going to come from? Taxes are going to need to be increased on categories other than those earning over $500,000.00 a year. (I imagine members of Congress who fall in that category will be exempt.)
I need some more specifics. All of us need to see what is really covered, who is covered and who is going to pay what.
I plan to try and read the House bill and write my senators. You all need to do the same.
An informed public is an enlightened public.
Its Common Sense!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Fort Hood Tragedy
No commentary, no accusations, no questions.
Let's just take some time to pray and remember the dead, the wounded and their families.
May God grant the dead eternal rest, and may He give the rest of us the power to examine what happened calmly and rationally and then seek out responsible solutions so that it never happens again.
Amen!
Let's just take some time to pray and remember the dead, the wounded and their families.
May God grant the dead eternal rest, and may He give the rest of us the power to examine what happened calmly and rationally and then seek out responsible solutions so that it never happens again.
Amen!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Election 2009 - Who Cares?
Yesterday New Jersey and Virginia elected Republican Governors and the TV pundits are trying to explain what it means now and what it could foretell about the 2010 Congressional election.
I can tell them what its all about, the American people are pissed off at all of their leaders and are looking for fresh options.
Congress made us bailout the banks and financial markets with our tax dollars and are now allowing those same banks to pay exorbitant bonuses to the same jerks who put us in the crisis. In addition, these same banks are now upping credit card interest rates every two weeks, with some rates reaching the 40% range. Congress has a bill that would curb interest rate increases. Problem is, they were waiting for February 2010 to take effect. By then interest rates could be at 80%. (I heard this evening on the news that Congress is going to move that bill up, but established interest rates will not be touched.)
The USA is still fighting, after eight years, two wars, neither of which is promising to be resolved as a clear victory for the USA or the world over terrorism.
The government wants to take over even more of health care in this country. Its not enough that they are totally mismanaging MEDICARE and MEDICAID (there was a special recently about a special FBI unit in southern Florida combating MEDICARE fraud. According to their spokesperson, MEDICARE fraud is generating millions more dollars than the drug trade in what used to be the cocaine capital of the USA.)
Where are all the jobs Obama promised? Congress has extended unemployment benefits once again, although I am unclear where the money is coming from to pay for these benefits.
The swine flu pandemic is sweeping the nation and there isn't enough vaccination for the children, much less adults.
When you take all of this into account, its a wonder the reaction of the American public has been as calm and controlled as it has been.
That said, if the current Presidential Administration and Congressional majority don't get their act together and show some real concrete progress, then the independents who brought them to power are going to go seeking someone else who offers better hope.
Politicians in this country need to wake up to the fact that the independents are on the rise and they have no loyalty to either of the primary political parties. Independents are looking for truth, honestly and a square deal. They'll listen, they'll vote and if they feel they were mislead or lied to, they'll do it all again next time for somebody else.
Wake up Congress - its time to start doing your job and representing your constituents, not the power boys and lobbyists.
Its Common Sense!
I can tell them what its all about, the American people are pissed off at all of their leaders and are looking for fresh options.
Congress made us bailout the banks and financial markets with our tax dollars and are now allowing those same banks to pay exorbitant bonuses to the same jerks who put us in the crisis. In addition, these same banks are now upping credit card interest rates every two weeks, with some rates reaching the 40% range. Congress has a bill that would curb interest rate increases. Problem is, they were waiting for February 2010 to take effect. By then interest rates could be at 80%. (I heard this evening on the news that Congress is going to move that bill up, but established interest rates will not be touched.)
The USA is still fighting, after eight years, two wars, neither of which is promising to be resolved as a clear victory for the USA or the world over terrorism.
The government wants to take over even more of health care in this country. Its not enough that they are totally mismanaging MEDICARE and MEDICAID (there was a special recently about a special FBI unit in southern Florida combating MEDICARE fraud. According to their spokesperson, MEDICARE fraud is generating millions more dollars than the drug trade in what used to be the cocaine capital of the USA.)
Where are all the jobs Obama promised? Congress has extended unemployment benefits once again, although I am unclear where the money is coming from to pay for these benefits.
The swine flu pandemic is sweeping the nation and there isn't enough vaccination for the children, much less adults.
When you take all of this into account, its a wonder the reaction of the American public has been as calm and controlled as it has been.
That said, if the current Presidential Administration and Congressional majority don't get their act together and show some real concrete progress, then the independents who brought them to power are going to go seeking someone else who offers better hope.
Politicians in this country need to wake up to the fact that the independents are on the rise and they have no loyalty to either of the primary political parties. Independents are looking for truth, honestly and a square deal. They'll listen, they'll vote and if they feel they were mislead or lied to, they'll do it all again next time for somebody else.
Wake up Congress - its time to start doing your job and representing your constituents, not the power boys and lobbyists.
Its Common Sense!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Karzai - Second Term
Abdullah Abdullah evidently decided that even with UN inspectors monitoring the polling stations, that he would not get a fair vote count, and bowed out of Afghanistan's presidential race. His departure allowed the Election Committee to give President Karzai his second term.
USA President Obama congratulated Karzai but said that Karzai's actions would speak louder than words and would be very influential in what actions the USA takes over the next several months.
Why did Abdullah bow out? Okay, we know the first election was corrupt and rigged, but this time the hope was UN inspectors would make some kind of difference. If nothing else, a close contest would have put pressure on Karzai to focus on the Afghan people and his country, rather than himself and immediate family.
My fear is that Karzai will now consider himself invincible, becoming arrogant, aloof and a dangerous ally.
Hopefully I am wrong. Time will tell. In the meantime tens of thousands of American military service personnel are putting their lives on line to free Afghanistan of the Taliban and al Qaeda. If they do not receive the support they need - foremost from the Afghan people and government - then their mission will fail and the deaths of thousands (American and Afghan) will have been for nothing.
President Obama needs to watch President Karzai closely and insure the security of our military personnel. If Karzai betrays us, the the USA and NATO need to withdraw from Afghanistan and join with hunting down the Taliban and al Qaeda in Pakistan. Karzai will be left to his own devices, and maybe that desperate act will allow the Afghan people to have a true chance for freedom.
Its Common Sense!
USA President Obama congratulated Karzai but said that Karzai's actions would speak louder than words and would be very influential in what actions the USA takes over the next several months.
Why did Abdullah bow out? Okay, we know the first election was corrupt and rigged, but this time the hope was UN inspectors would make some kind of difference. If nothing else, a close contest would have put pressure on Karzai to focus on the Afghan people and his country, rather than himself and immediate family.
My fear is that Karzai will now consider himself invincible, becoming arrogant, aloof and a dangerous ally.
Hopefully I am wrong. Time will tell. In the meantime tens of thousands of American military service personnel are putting their lives on line to free Afghanistan of the Taliban and al Qaeda. If they do not receive the support they need - foremost from the Afghan people and government - then their mission will fail and the deaths of thousands (American and Afghan) will have been for nothing.
President Obama needs to watch President Karzai closely and insure the security of our military personnel. If Karzai betrays us, the the USA and NATO need to withdraw from Afghanistan and join with hunting down the Taliban and al Qaeda in Pakistan. Karzai will be left to his own devices, and maybe that desperate act will allow the Afghan people to have a true chance for freedom.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Congress and Ethics
Congress leaks that several members are under ethics investigations. WOW!!
Is that a surprise? I think the surprise will be if anything happens to the members currently under investigation.
We have seen some of those names many times in the past, like my favorite, John Murtha of Pennsylvania. Why do the people keep reelecting him? Who has he paid off? Who does he have dirt on?
As for the others I'm sure we will find it is someone else's fault and that they are totally innocent.
The big question is why the investigations are such a big secret. And why was Congress so upset about the leak? Hell, we all know Congress leaks anything they want to, which makes any real investigation a true challenge.
Maybe what Congress needs is an outside, impartial, non-political watchdog group to handle their ethics violations. A group independently financed, owing nothing to no one. If Congress had that kind of ethic committee we just might see justice served.
Its Common Sense!
Is that a surprise? I think the surprise will be if anything happens to the members currently under investigation.
We have seen some of those names many times in the past, like my favorite, John Murtha of Pennsylvania. Why do the people keep reelecting him? Who has he paid off? Who does he have dirt on?
As for the others I'm sure we will find it is someone else's fault and that they are totally innocent.
The big question is why the investigations are such a big secret. And why was Congress so upset about the leak? Hell, we all know Congress leaks anything they want to, which makes any real investigation a true challenge.
Maybe what Congress needs is an outside, impartial, non-political watchdog group to handle their ethics violations. A group independently financed, owing nothing to no one. If Congress had that kind of ethic committee we just might see justice served.
Its Common Sense!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Hillary - No Holds Barred
Our Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, let the Pakistani press, and the people and government of Pakistan, know that she does not believe they are putting forth an all out effort to capture al Qaeda operatives in their country. Mrs Clinton made it clear that she finds it impossible to believe that the Pakistan government does not know where the al Qaeda terrorists are hiding.
Mrs Clinton also stated that she does not understand why the people of Pakistan are willing to give up land and let their country grow smaller as they cede parts of it to the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Tomorrow she will be meeting with top Pakistani military leaders to discuss their current war on the Taliban and al Qaeda. One thing I bet she will hear is that Pakistan wants the Afghanistan military, as well as the USA soldiers and their NATO allies to begin taking charge of their side of the Afghanistan/Pakistan border. After all, Pakistan would not have all their current Taliban and al Qaeda problems if the troops in Afghanistan had secured their border.
It will be interesting to see if Mrs Clinton's tough talk will have any positive outcome. The Negatives are already out, we'll see after her talks with the Pakistan military bring anything positive.
Yesterday she spoke of possibly cutting off aide to Pakistan. A pretty big stick, but I do not know what carrot she dangled along with it.
Richard Holbrook will probably find himself confronted with a barrel of new issues - especially hurt feelings - once Hillary leaves. Hopefully he'll be able to get the Pakistan government to work with all of the allies and bring about a meaningful peace in that mountainous region of the world.
Time will tell.
Its Common Sense!
Mrs Clinton also stated that she does not understand why the people of Pakistan are willing to give up land and let their country grow smaller as they cede parts of it to the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Tomorrow she will be meeting with top Pakistani military leaders to discuss their current war on the Taliban and al Qaeda. One thing I bet she will hear is that Pakistan wants the Afghanistan military, as well as the USA soldiers and their NATO allies to begin taking charge of their side of the Afghanistan/Pakistan border. After all, Pakistan would not have all their current Taliban and al Qaeda problems if the troops in Afghanistan had secured their border.
It will be interesting to see if Mrs Clinton's tough talk will have any positive outcome. The Negatives are already out, we'll see after her talks with the Pakistan military bring anything positive.
Yesterday she spoke of possibly cutting off aide to Pakistan. A pretty big stick, but I do not know what carrot she dangled along with it.
Richard Holbrook will probably find himself confronted with a barrel of new issues - especially hurt feelings - once Hillary leaves. Hopefully he'll be able to get the Pakistan government to work with all of the allies and bring about a meaningful peace in that mountainous region of the world.
Time will tell.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Public Option
It appears that the Public Option of the Health Care Reform Bill is gaining some support. However, its gaining support because states will have the option not to take it.
How is the Public Option open to the public, if individual states decide if their residents will be allowed that option?
Personally, I am against the Public Option. I am against any health plan that allows the government to be in charge. The government has failed miserably managing Medicare and Medicaid, and the same can only be expected of a government run Public Option.
Repeating what i have stated in the past, the government needs to clean up Medicare and Medicaid. Make them function at a profit, get rid of the fraud and corruption and once that is accomplished, then come to the public and talk about this public option.
Tax payers are paying enough - we have to bail out banks, we bail out car companies, we have to bailout homeowners who did not do their homework before buying, we have to pay for two wars, and now we are being asked to pay other people's health care.
Its too much. There is only so much we can provide. Government needs to get big business and the health insurance companies to start paying their share. The cost of medical procedures need to be regulated. Tort reform needs to be enacted.
Clear up the current mess before creating another one with the Public Option.
Its Common Sense!
How is the Public Option open to the public, if individual states decide if their residents will be allowed that option?
Personally, I am against the Public Option. I am against any health plan that allows the government to be in charge. The government has failed miserably managing Medicare and Medicaid, and the same can only be expected of a government run Public Option.
Repeating what i have stated in the past, the government needs to clean up Medicare and Medicaid. Make them function at a profit, get rid of the fraud and corruption and once that is accomplished, then come to the public and talk about this public option.
Tax payers are paying enough - we have to bail out banks, we bail out car companies, we have to bailout homeowners who did not do their homework before buying, we have to pay for two wars, and now we are being asked to pay other people's health care.
Its too much. There is only so much we can provide. Government needs to get big business and the health insurance companies to start paying their share. The cost of medical procedures need to be regulated. Tort reform needs to be enacted.
Clear up the current mess before creating another one with the Public Option.
Its Common Sense!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Will A New Election Help Afghanistan?
Let's face it, there was plenty of fraud in the Afghanistan election, and probably not just by the Karzai crowd. Now there will be a run off. In all probability there will be more fraud, but hopefully with more of the world watching, the UN/NATO observers can keep things more on the up and up.
What will be interesting to see after the election, regardless of what happens and who wins, is if President Obama will honor the promises of all around assistance the United States offered Afghanistan. Just as important is if the United States will honor the pledges it made to Pakistan.
Again I question - why other Islamic nations are not at the fore front in attempting to bring peace to the region? Where are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Indonesia and even Turkey? Why cannot they send a peace keeping force, not only to monitor the elections but to show the people of Afghanistan that they have religious allies, not just western democratic allies?
The Islamic world needs to take the lead and show that Islam is a religion of peace. Regrettably we in the West are believing more and more every day that Islam is a religion of close minded conservative fanatics who believe that the answer to all problems is death if who do not agree with what they say.
The Islamic world needs to remind the West that they are a people of deep spirituality, who still field some of the finest doctors, teachers, lawyers, politicians and religious men in the world.
Islam needs to show peace and harmony, not chaos and war.
Maybe if other Islamic nations provide the support and guidance for the upcoming Afghanistan election, the world will see Al Qaeda and the Taliban for what they truly are, a very small and narrow minded group of fanatics within a much larger and much more enlightened Islamic majority.
Its Common Sense!
What will be interesting to see after the election, regardless of what happens and who wins, is if President Obama will honor the promises of all around assistance the United States offered Afghanistan. Just as important is if the United States will honor the pledges it made to Pakistan.
Again I question - why other Islamic nations are not at the fore front in attempting to bring peace to the region? Where are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Indonesia and even Turkey? Why cannot they send a peace keeping force, not only to monitor the elections but to show the people of Afghanistan that they have religious allies, not just western democratic allies?
The Islamic world needs to take the lead and show that Islam is a religion of peace. Regrettably we in the West are believing more and more every day that Islam is a religion of close minded conservative fanatics who believe that the answer to all problems is death if who do not agree with what they say.
The Islamic world needs to remind the West that they are a people of deep spirituality, who still field some of the finest doctors, teachers, lawyers, politicians and religious men in the world.
Islam needs to show peace and harmony, not chaos and war.
Maybe if other Islamic nations provide the support and guidance for the upcoming Afghanistan election, the world will see Al Qaeda and the Taliban for what they truly are, a very small and narrow minded group of fanatics within a much larger and much more enlightened Islamic majority.
Its Common Sense!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Afghanistan Election - Try Number 2
Even though it is evident Karzai and his cronies tried to win Afghanistan's presidental election with a little (ok, a lot of help) Karzai has agreed to run off foot in early November. The fact that he has given in without a lot of kicking and crying means, 1. that he still thinks he can win (if he cheats this time his people will hopefully be much more clever), 2. he knows he cannot survive without US and NATO support (daah!!) 3. if the USA leaves he's a dead man anyway you look at it.
So, kudos to Afghanistan. They are really trying. Even if democracy is not for them, no one can say they did not try it out.
It will be interesting to see if the Taliban gets any representation in their parliament or not. That would make things interesting.
The next month should prove to an interesting time in Afghanistan. They need the opportunity to hold their election the right way this time.
Let's hope that the fighting stays in Pakistan. If the US & NATO troops can move to the border with Pakistan, maybe a combined effort can do some serious damage to the Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters. Hopefully it will lessen tensions in Kabul and the rest of Afghanistan to allow the people to vote.
We will watch and hope for the best.
Its Common Sense!
So, kudos to Afghanistan. They are really trying. Even if democracy is not for them, no one can say they did not try it out.
It will be interesting to see if the Taliban gets any representation in their parliament or not. That would make things interesting.
The next month should prove to an interesting time in Afghanistan. They need the opportunity to hold their election the right way this time.
Let's hope that the fighting stays in Pakistan. If the US & NATO troops can move to the border with Pakistan, maybe a combined effort can do some serious damage to the Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters. Hopefully it will lessen tensions in Kabul and the rest of Afghanistan to allow the people to vote.
We will watch and hope for the best.
Its Common Sense!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Goldman-Sachs Bonuses
I have been watching and reading the news regarding the huge bonuses Goldman-Sachs plans to pay their employees this year. Since my taxpayer money went to keep them from being on the street, I want to know why there has been no mention of my bonus.
Concerned that history will repeat itself and we will have to bailout these greedy bastards again, I have written to my senators. What I want to know is if the banks have to create escrow accounts to protect themselves from future collapse. Makes sense to me. I'm curious to see what the senators have to say.
As always, feel free to use any or all of the letter to ask the same questions of your representatives.
They work for us, are they really protecting us?
Here is the letter.
Dear Senator,
Goldman-Sachs has evidently recovered from their financial crisis, and the big news is the size of the bonuses they are going to pay their employees.
It is my hope that they have paid back the entire loan that we American taxpayers provided for them, and that there was a nice interest rate on the loan. (Out of curiosity, just how much interest was on the loan?)
I notice that there is no mention of any bonuses being paid to the taxpayers who saved their sorry, greedy butts.
What I want to know is the following. As part of the bailout/loan program, did the US Congress mandate as part of the bailout process, that the banks establish escrow accounts once their profits returned to insure they would never face a disaster again? Seems to me that all this bonus money should be going into an escrow account to insure that Goldman-Sachs never has to come running for a Federal bailout again. An escrow equal to the bonuses guarantees Goldman-Sachs stability far into the future. Needless to say, I expect that all the other banks would follow the same procedure.
So, did Congress include this or a similar stipulation when they gave our money to bailout the banks? Once was enough, we never should have to do it again.
Did you protect your constituents from ever having to sacrifice for the banks (who never showed any appreciation) again?
Eagerly awaiting your response.
Michael Wolfe
Concerned that history will repeat itself and we will have to bailout these greedy bastards again, I have written to my senators. What I want to know is if the banks have to create escrow accounts to protect themselves from future collapse. Makes sense to me. I'm curious to see what the senators have to say.
As always, feel free to use any or all of the letter to ask the same questions of your representatives.
They work for us, are they really protecting us?
Here is the letter.
Dear Senator,
Goldman-Sachs has evidently recovered from their financial crisis, and the big news is the size of the bonuses they are going to pay their employees.
It is my hope that they have paid back the entire loan that we American taxpayers provided for them, and that there was a nice interest rate on the loan. (Out of curiosity, just how much interest was on the loan?)
I notice that there is no mention of any bonuses being paid to the taxpayers who saved their sorry, greedy butts.
What I want to know is the following. As part of the bailout/loan program, did the US Congress mandate as part of the bailout process, that the banks establish escrow accounts once their profits returned to insure they would never face a disaster again? Seems to me that all this bonus money should be going into an escrow account to insure that Goldman-Sachs never has to come running for a Federal bailout again. An escrow equal to the bonuses guarantees Goldman-Sachs stability far into the future. Needless to say, I expect that all the other banks would follow the same procedure.
So, did Congress include this or a similar stipulation when they gave our money to bailout the banks? Once was enough, we never should have to do it again.
Did you protect your constituents from ever having to sacrifice for the banks (who never showed any appreciation) again?
Eagerly awaiting your response.
Michael Wolfe
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Senator Barbara Mikulski on Women's Health Care
I received the following from Senator Mikulskion Wednesday 10/14/09. Seems that all of the gang in Washington want to get in the act.
Senator Mikulski: Fighting for Fairness in Women's Health CareTuesday, October 13, 2009 7:02 PM
From: "senator@mikulski.senate.gov"Add sender to ContactsTo: izamike@yahoo.com
OCTOBER, 2009
In This Issue:
Woman's Health Care
Fast Facts
This Week in the Senate:
Hearing of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
Title: What Women Want: Equal Benefits for Equal Premiums
Date: Thursday, October 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Place: SD-430
Watch the Hearing Live
“Coverage for women is often skimpy and spartan… We women are here to fight for change.”
Senator Mikulski, September 30, 2009
Subscribe to My
E-Newsletter
Unsubscribe from My E-Newsletter
Senator Mikulski
Photos
Video Gallery
Press Releases
On the Issues
Constituent Services
About Maryland
Contact
503 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-4654
Fax: 202-224-8858
Comments Page
Fighting for Health Care Reform That Works for Women
Health care reform is one of the most important issues facing the nation right now, and it’s particularly important for women.
Health care is a woman’s issue, health care reform is a must-do woman’s issue, and health insurance reform is a must-change woman’s issue. That’s why my Democratic women colleagues and I have been busy fighting for equal benefits for equal premiums.
Today our health care system offers women skimpy and spartan coverage. It often doesn’t cover basic women’s health care like maternity care and O.B. services, or preventive care like mammograms and pap tests. Women are denied coverage because of “pre-existing conditions,” including C-sections, past pregnancies and domestic violence. We don’t believe in battered women, whether it’s in the home or in the insurance market place.
We women pay more and we get less. A 25 year old woman is charged up to 45 percent more than a 25 year old man with the same health status for the same policy. And once she reaches 40, it can be up to 140 percent more.
We women are here to fight for change - to end the punitive practices of insurance companies that discriminate on the basis of gender and pre-existing conditions. We want to protect and strengthen Medicare, to emphasize quality and prevention to save lives and save money, and to expand access to health care reform in a well-paced, phased-in and affordable way.
I helped write the HELP Committee’s bill, The Affordable Health Choices Act, to improve women’s access to affordable, quality health care. It stops insurance companies from charging women higher premiums or refusing to cover victims of domestic violence. It requires insurance companies to cover basic health care - like maternity care. And it requires coverage for screening and preventive services, like mammograms and pap tests, at minimal or no cost.
That’s what we are fighting for - equal benefits for equal premiums. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the issue.
Links in This Story
Senator Mikulski on Women’s Health Care (Video)
Women of the Senate Talk Health Reform on Larry King Live (Video)
Roadblocks to Health Care (White House Report)
In Maryland
In 2006, 1 in 3 births were by C-section, meaning coverage exclusions or rejection for tens of thousands of women.
In 2007, 15% of Maryland women were uninsured.
By 2016, premiums for family coverage are projected to reach $23,608.
64% of individual health plans do not include maternity care.
Fast Facts
17 million women are uninsured - that’s about 1 in 5 women.
One in 10 women is covered under Medicaid.
More than half of all Medicare beneficiaries (56%) are women.
Three in five women have problems paying their medical bills.
Women are more likely than men to neglect care or treatment because of cost.
Most individual insurance policies exclude maternity care.
Only 20 states require private insurance companies to cover annual mammograms.
Please do not respond directly to this e-mail. The originating e-mail account is not monitored.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please click here
Senator Mikulski: Fighting for Fairness in Women's Health CareTuesday, October 13, 2009 7:02 PM
From: "senator@mikulski.senate.gov"
OCTOBER, 2009
In This Issue:
Woman's Health Care
Fast Facts
This Week in the Senate:
Hearing of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
Title: What Women Want: Equal Benefits for Equal Premiums
Date: Thursday, October 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Place: SD-430
Watch the Hearing Live
“Coverage for women is often skimpy and spartan… We women are here to fight for change.”
Senator Mikulski, September 30, 2009
Subscribe to My
E-Newsletter
Unsubscribe from My E-Newsletter
Senator Mikulski
Photos
Video Gallery
Press Releases
On the Issues
Constituent Services
About Maryland
Contact
503 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-4654
Fax: 202-224-8858
Comments Page
Fighting for Health Care Reform That Works for Women
Health care reform is one of the most important issues facing the nation right now, and it’s particularly important for women.
Health care is a woman’s issue, health care reform is a must-do woman’s issue, and health insurance reform is a must-change woman’s issue. That’s why my Democratic women colleagues and I have been busy fighting for equal benefits for equal premiums.
Today our health care system offers women skimpy and spartan coverage. It often doesn’t cover basic women’s health care like maternity care and O.B. services, or preventive care like mammograms and pap tests. Women are denied coverage because of “pre-existing conditions,” including C-sections, past pregnancies and domestic violence. We don’t believe in battered women, whether it’s in the home or in the insurance market place.
We women pay more and we get less. A 25 year old woman is charged up to 45 percent more than a 25 year old man with the same health status for the same policy. And once she reaches 40, it can be up to 140 percent more.
We women are here to fight for change - to end the punitive practices of insurance companies that discriminate on the basis of gender and pre-existing conditions. We want to protect and strengthen Medicare, to emphasize quality and prevention to save lives and save money, and to expand access to health care reform in a well-paced, phased-in and affordable way.
I helped write the HELP Committee’s bill, The Affordable Health Choices Act, to improve women’s access to affordable, quality health care. It stops insurance companies from charging women higher premiums or refusing to cover victims of domestic violence. It requires insurance companies to cover basic health care - like maternity care. And it requires coverage for screening and preventive services, like mammograms and pap tests, at minimal or no cost.
That’s what we are fighting for - equal benefits for equal premiums. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the issue.
Links in This Story
Senator Mikulski on Women’s Health Care (Video)
Women of the Senate Talk Health Reform on Larry King Live (Video)
Roadblocks to Health Care (White House Report)
In Maryland
In 2006, 1 in 3 births were by C-section, meaning coverage exclusions or rejection for tens of thousands of women.
In 2007, 15% of Maryland women were uninsured.
By 2016, premiums for family coverage are projected to reach $23,608.
64% of individual health plans do not include maternity care.
Fast Facts
17 million women are uninsured - that’s about 1 in 5 women.
One in 10 women is covered under Medicaid.
More than half of all Medicare beneficiaries (56%) are women.
Three in five women have problems paying their medical bills.
Women are more likely than men to neglect care or treatment because of cost.
Most individual insurance policies exclude maternity care.
Only 20 states require private insurance companies to cover annual mammograms.
Please do not respond directly to this e-mail. The originating e-mail account is not monitored.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please click here
Senator Ben Cardin on Health Care Reform (2)
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for contacting me about Medicare and health care reform.
Earlier this year, several Congressional committees began work on legislation to reduce the overall cost of health care for all Americans and expand coverage to the millions who are uninsured. Our overarching goal is to achieve meaningful reforms that will maintain what works in our health care system and fix what is broken. Although the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare, Medicaid, and the financing of health reform, has not yet reported a bill, it is expected to do so shortly. Please be assured that I have read the bills that have been reported so far, and I will carefully read the Senate Finance Committee's bill before its provisions are debated on the Senate floor.
There has been much discussion about what will happen to the Medicare program. The Senate Finance Committee, which is meeting now to consider how to pay for health reform, is debating several options, many of which have been recommended by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, or MedPAC, a non-partisan body that advises Congress on changes that should be made to Medicare. MedPAC comprises hospital representatives, doctors and other medical professionals, and they vote on how to update Medicare policies, but Congress has the final say. Perhaps the biggest change being considered would reduce the billions of dollars in overpayments being made to private insurers who offer Medicare HMO plans. That change would strengthen Medicare in the long run and keep down increases in your part B premium that would otherwise occur. I want to emphasize that your Medicare benefits will not be cut. To the contrary, we are considering proposals that would gradually eliminate the Part D "donut hole," make preventive benefits more affordable for you, and improve the low-income subsidy programs in Medicare so that more seniors can get financial assistance with Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
As the Senate continues deliberation, I hope we can agree that the only option that should not be on the table is the status quo. We cannot allow the current state of our health care system, which is too expensive and too fragmented, to continue. My objective is to make health care more affordable for American families' budgets and for our nation's budget. In order to achieve balanced federal budgets again, we must get health care costs under control, and in doing so, we will be able to make America more competitive in the global economy.
In addition, there are more than 46 million Americans who lack health insurance, and that number has grown by 20 percent in the past eight years. In Maryland , 760,000 people are uninsured. Underscoring the need for action is the fact that every day, Americans are filing for personal bankruptcy because they can't pay the health care bills they have incurred. In addition, when the uninsured cannot pay, health care providers shift those costs to those who can. It has been estimated that each American family with health insurance pays an additional $1,100 in premiums each year because of those who are unwilling or unable to get coverage.
I support reform that builds on our current system. I am privileged to represent a state that is home to two great medical centers-Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland --and to the National Institutes of Health. Marylanders are justifiably proud of our state's tradition of high quality medical care. We want to maintain the ability to choose the doctors and hospitals where we receive care. I want Marylanders and all other Americans to be able to choose the health care plan in which they participate. For these reasons, we need to build on our current system.
As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, I firmly believe that any reform proposals we enact must be fully paid for, and the budget resolution passed by Congress requires that. I will carefully evaluate all options for financing health reform, keeping in mind the disproportionate effect that some provisions under discussion would have on working families. Health care access is an issue that stretches across all communities and many income levels, and it is not limited to members of one political party.
The President has made health care reform a priority for this Administration, and Congress has been striving to achieve workable solutions that can move our nation forward. I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner for solutions that will truly bring down the cost of health care in this country and expand access to quality care for all.
Again, thank you for letting me know your views on this important issue.
Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter.
Thank you for contacting me about Medicare and health care reform.
Earlier this year, several Congressional committees began work on legislation to reduce the overall cost of health care for all Americans and expand coverage to the millions who are uninsured. Our overarching goal is to achieve meaningful reforms that will maintain what works in our health care system and fix what is broken. Although the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare, Medicaid, and the financing of health reform, has not yet reported a bill, it is expected to do so shortly. Please be assured that I have read the bills that have been reported so far, and I will carefully read the Senate Finance Committee's bill before its provisions are debated on the Senate floor.
There has been much discussion about what will happen to the Medicare program. The Senate Finance Committee, which is meeting now to consider how to pay for health reform, is debating several options, many of which have been recommended by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, or MedPAC, a non-partisan body that advises Congress on changes that should be made to Medicare. MedPAC comprises hospital representatives, doctors and other medical professionals, and they vote on how to update Medicare policies, but Congress has the final say. Perhaps the biggest change being considered would reduce the billions of dollars in overpayments being made to private insurers who offer Medicare HMO plans. That change would strengthen Medicare in the long run and keep down increases in your part B premium that would otherwise occur. I want to emphasize that your Medicare benefits will not be cut. To the contrary, we are considering proposals that would gradually eliminate the Part D "donut hole," make preventive benefits more affordable for you, and improve the low-income subsidy programs in Medicare so that more seniors can get financial assistance with Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
As the Senate continues deliberation, I hope we can agree that the only option that should not be on the table is the status quo. We cannot allow the current state of our health care system, which is too expensive and too fragmented, to continue. My objective is to make health care more affordable for American families' budgets and for our nation's budget. In order to achieve balanced federal budgets again, we must get health care costs under control, and in doing so, we will be able to make America more competitive in the global economy.
In addition, there are more than 46 million Americans who lack health insurance, and that number has grown by 20 percent in the past eight years. In Maryland , 760,000 people are uninsured. Underscoring the need for action is the fact that every day, Americans are filing for personal bankruptcy because they can't pay the health care bills they have incurred. In addition, when the uninsured cannot pay, health care providers shift those costs to those who can. It has been estimated that each American family with health insurance pays an additional $1,100 in premiums each year because of those who are unwilling or unable to get coverage.
I support reform that builds on our current system. I am privileged to represent a state that is home to two great medical centers-Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland --and to the National Institutes of Health. Marylanders are justifiably proud of our state's tradition of high quality medical care. We want to maintain the ability to choose the doctors and hospitals where we receive care. I want Marylanders and all other Americans to be able to choose the health care plan in which they participate. For these reasons, we need to build on our current system.
As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, I firmly believe that any reform proposals we enact must be fully paid for, and the budget resolution passed by Congress requires that. I will carefully evaluate all options for financing health reform, keeping in mind the disproportionate effect that some provisions under discussion would have on working families. Health care access is an issue that stretches across all communities and many income levels, and it is not limited to members of one political party.
The President has made health care reform a priority for this Administration, and Congress has been striving to achieve workable solutions that can move our nation forward. I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner for solutions that will truly bring down the cost of health care in this country and expand access to quality care for all.
Again, thank you for letting me know your views on this important issue.
Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Senator Ben Cardin on Health Care Reform (1)
I received two emails today from Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland regarding Health Care Reform and the Senate Health Care Bill. I am printing the first today and the one that came five minutes later tomorrow.
Read carefully, especially in light of what the insurance companies stated over the weekend and in light of the bill that was approved in the Senate Finance Committee and is making its way to the floor.
Does Congress really understand our concerns?
Share your thoughts, at least I'll listen if no one else will.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for contacting me about the affordability of health care reform.
Earlier this year, several Congressional committees began work on legislation to reduce the overall cost of health care for all Americans and expand coverage to the millions who are uninsured. Our overarching goal is to achieve meaningful reforms that will maintain what works in our health care system and fix what is broken. Although the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare, Medicaid, and the financing of health reform, has not yet reported a bill, it is expected to do so shortly. Please be assured that I have read the bills that have been reported so far, and I will carefully read the Senate Finance Committee's bill before its provisions are debated on the Senate floor.
Everyday, more than 14,000 Americans lose their health insurance coverage, and the cost of medical care increases in this country, so the cost of inaction is greater than the cost of reform. Ten years ago, the average cost of a family health insurance policy in Maryland was $7,000, it is now more than $12,000, and if we do nothing, it is projected to be $23,000 by 2016. Providing Americans with a guarantee of stable, comprehensive medical coverage, along with strong insurance regulation will bring down the cost of care. A public option can help bring down the cost of health care. With fewer insurance companies offering coverage, competition is eroded and there is less incentive to control costs. This is apparent in Maryland, where only two companies control 71 percent of the private insurance market. A public plan could save money through lower administrative costs and greater efficiencies, which would in turn incentivize private insurers to be more efficient.
As the Senate continues deliberation, I hope we can agree that the only option that should not be on the table is the status quo. We cannot allow the current state of our health care system, which is too expensive and too fragmented, to continue. My objective is to make health care more affordable for American families' budgets and for our nation's budget. In order to achieve balanced federal budgets again, we must get health care costs under control, and in doing so, we will be able to make America more competitive in the global economy.
In addition, there are more than 46 million Americans who lack health insurance, and that number has grown by 20 percent in the past eight years. In Maryland , 760,000 people are uninsured. Underscoring the need for action is the fact that every day, Americans are filing for personal bankruptcy because they can't pay the health care bills they have incurred. In addition, when the uninsured cannot pay, health care providers shift those costs to those who can. It has been estimated that each American family with health insurance pays an additional $1,100 in premiums each year because of those who are unwilling or unable to get coverage.
I support reform that builds on our current system. I am privileged to represent a state that is home to two great medical centers-Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland --and to the National Institutes of Health. Marylanders are justifiably proud of our state's tradition of high quality medical care. We want to maintain the ability to choose the doctors and hospitals where we receive care. I want Marylanders and all other Americans to be able to choose the health care plan in which they participate. For these reasons, we need to build on our current system.
As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, I firmly believe that any reform proposals we enact must be fully paid for, and the budget resolution passed by Congress requires that. I will carefully evaluate all options for financing health reform, keeping in mind the disproportionate effect that some provisions under discussion would have on working families. Health care access is an issue that stretches across all communities and many income levels, and it is not limited to members of one political party.
The President has made health care reform a priority for this Administration, and Congress has been striving to achieve workable solutions that can move our nation forward. I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner for solutions that will truly bring down the cost of health care in this country and expand access to quality care for all.
Again, thank you for letting me know your views on this important issue.
Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter.
Read carefully, especially in light of what the insurance companies stated over the weekend and in light of the bill that was approved in the Senate Finance Committee and is making its way to the floor.
Does Congress really understand our concerns?
Share your thoughts, at least I'll listen if no one else will.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for contacting me about the affordability of health care reform.
Earlier this year, several Congressional committees began work on legislation to reduce the overall cost of health care for all Americans and expand coverage to the millions who are uninsured. Our overarching goal is to achieve meaningful reforms that will maintain what works in our health care system and fix what is broken. Although the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare, Medicaid, and the financing of health reform, has not yet reported a bill, it is expected to do so shortly. Please be assured that I have read the bills that have been reported so far, and I will carefully read the Senate Finance Committee's bill before its provisions are debated on the Senate floor.
Everyday, more than 14,000 Americans lose their health insurance coverage, and the cost of medical care increases in this country, so the cost of inaction is greater than the cost of reform. Ten years ago, the average cost of a family health insurance policy in Maryland was $7,000, it is now more than $12,000, and if we do nothing, it is projected to be $23,000 by 2016. Providing Americans with a guarantee of stable, comprehensive medical coverage, along with strong insurance regulation will bring down the cost of care. A public option can help bring down the cost of health care. With fewer insurance companies offering coverage, competition is eroded and there is less incentive to control costs. This is apparent in Maryland, where only two companies control 71 percent of the private insurance market. A public plan could save money through lower administrative costs and greater efficiencies, which would in turn incentivize private insurers to be more efficient.
As the Senate continues deliberation, I hope we can agree that the only option that should not be on the table is the status quo. We cannot allow the current state of our health care system, which is too expensive and too fragmented, to continue. My objective is to make health care more affordable for American families' budgets and for our nation's budget. In order to achieve balanced federal budgets again, we must get health care costs under control, and in doing so, we will be able to make America more competitive in the global economy.
In addition, there are more than 46 million Americans who lack health insurance, and that number has grown by 20 percent in the past eight years. In Maryland , 760,000 people are uninsured. Underscoring the need for action is the fact that every day, Americans are filing for personal bankruptcy because they can't pay the health care bills they have incurred. In addition, when the uninsured cannot pay, health care providers shift those costs to those who can. It has been estimated that each American family with health insurance pays an additional $1,100 in premiums each year because of those who are unwilling or unable to get coverage.
I support reform that builds on our current system. I am privileged to represent a state that is home to two great medical centers-Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland --and to the National Institutes of Health. Marylanders are justifiably proud of our state's tradition of high quality medical care. We want to maintain the ability to choose the doctors and hospitals where we receive care. I want Marylanders and all other Americans to be able to choose the health care plan in which they participate. For these reasons, we need to build on our current system.
As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, I firmly believe that any reform proposals we enact must be fully paid for, and the budget resolution passed by Congress requires that. I will carefully evaluate all options for financing health reform, keeping in mind the disproportionate effect that some provisions under discussion would have on working families. Health care access is an issue that stretches across all communities and many income levels, and it is not limited to members of one political party.
The President has made health care reform a priority for this Administration, and Congress has been striving to achieve workable solutions that can move our nation forward. I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner for solutions that will truly bring down the cost of health care in this country and expand access to quality care for all.
Again, thank you for letting me know your views on this important issue.
Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Obama- Nobel Peace Prize - What's Next?
As we all now know, the Nobel Commission selected President Obama to be this year's recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. From all indications it was as much a shock to Obama as it was to the rest of the world. After all, other than some speeches, President Obama has done very little to take any measurable actions towards world peace.
It could be that the selection committee was impressed with his rhetoric and the idea that the USA was attempting to embark on a role as working with other nations for peace, rather than striking out independently as it had for the previous eight years.
Regardless of the reasons, the committee has now put Obama in a position where everyone will be watching his every move, ready to criticize regardless of what he decides.
We know that the next year will have many decisions effecting world peace. What will happen when the USA & her allies withdrawal from Iraq? Will there be peace or will things get worse? (I think a three way civil war, Sunni, Shiite and Kurd.)
In Afghanistan will the concentration be on Al Qaeda or due to the recent invasion of the Pakistan Pentagon by Taliban militants, will the USA also need to concentrate on destroying the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan to prove we are Pakistan's ally?
And finally of course there is Israel and Palestine. What will the USA do there?
And let's not forget Iran, the real joker in the deck.
Action in some of the most violent places in the world. How will the Obama Administration bring peace, or at the very least stability? Is it something that his Administration should even attempt?
During the next few years it will be interesting to see if the Nobel Peace Prize will prove to be a burden too heavy for Obama to wear.
We will need to watch and see if his actions are guided by living up to the Prize, or putting the USA's interest's first. Let's hope the latter has the priority.
Its Common Sense!
It could be that the selection committee was impressed with his rhetoric and the idea that the USA was attempting to embark on a role as working with other nations for peace, rather than striking out independently as it had for the previous eight years.
Regardless of the reasons, the committee has now put Obama in a position where everyone will be watching his every move, ready to criticize regardless of what he decides.
We know that the next year will have many decisions effecting world peace. What will happen when the USA & her allies withdrawal from Iraq? Will there be peace or will things get worse? (I think a three way civil war, Sunni, Shiite and Kurd.)
In Afghanistan will the concentration be on Al Qaeda or due to the recent invasion of the Pakistan Pentagon by Taliban militants, will the USA also need to concentrate on destroying the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan to prove we are Pakistan's ally?
And finally of course there is Israel and Palestine. What will the USA do there?
And let's not forget Iran, the real joker in the deck.
Action in some of the most violent places in the world. How will the Obama Administration bring peace, or at the very least stability? Is it something that his Administration should even attempt?
During the next few years it will be interesting to see if the Nobel Peace Prize will prove to be a burden too heavy for Obama to wear.
We will need to watch and see if his actions are guided by living up to the Prize, or putting the USA's interest's first. Let's hope the latter has the priority.
Its Common Sense!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Afghanistan Eight Years Later
Eight years ago yesterday the USA attack Al Qaeda locations in Afghanistan after the ruling Taliban party refused to turn over Osama bin Laden and his henchmen after the 9/11 attack.
For eight years the USA and allies have been involved in trying to hunt down and wipe out Al Qaeda, in Afghanistan and where ever else they are hiding.
Unfortunately this war got side tracked when the Bush Administration decided to focus their attention on Iraq.
Now focus is returning to Afghanistan, but big talk and promises are fading and the Obama Administration is face with dealing with the realities.
The Afghan people are not happy with Karzai. I cannot blame them because there seems to be a lot of corruption. At the same time, the majority do not appear to want a return of Taliban control. I sympathize with that because I would not want to be ruled by archaic Middle Age laws applied by fanatics armed with AK47s.
What I believe the USA needs to do is refocus on the original mission. Get bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Our original objective was not to bring democracy to Afghanistan. That is something the Afghans will have to handle for themselves. I believe we can offer financial aide to rebuild infrastructure and help with education and modernization but political change needs to come from the people.
These tribes have been sparring with each other for centuries, they need to resolve their issues without outside interference.
The USA and its allies need to concentrate their military and intelligence operation on hunting down and capturing/killing bin Laden and all his Al Qaeda network. They need to concentrate in Afghanistan and Pakistan and once they have finished there they will need to move to Somalia, Sudan and any other country that is offering Al Qaeda a haven.
The UN needs to issue a proclamation that any nation harboring Al Qaeda criminals need to surrender them or face the consequences.
Obama needs to let Afghanistan and Iraq take care of themselves, offer aide for building, but the military needs to concentrate on Al Qaeda.
Its Common Sense!
For eight years the USA and allies have been involved in trying to hunt down and wipe out Al Qaeda, in Afghanistan and where ever else they are hiding.
Unfortunately this war got side tracked when the Bush Administration decided to focus their attention on Iraq.
Now focus is returning to Afghanistan, but big talk and promises are fading and the Obama Administration is face with dealing with the realities.
The Afghan people are not happy with Karzai. I cannot blame them because there seems to be a lot of corruption. At the same time, the majority do not appear to want a return of Taliban control. I sympathize with that because I would not want to be ruled by archaic Middle Age laws applied by fanatics armed with AK47s.
What I believe the USA needs to do is refocus on the original mission. Get bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Our original objective was not to bring democracy to Afghanistan. That is something the Afghans will have to handle for themselves. I believe we can offer financial aide to rebuild infrastructure and help with education and modernization but political change needs to come from the people.
These tribes have been sparring with each other for centuries, they need to resolve their issues without outside interference.
The USA and its allies need to concentrate their military and intelligence operation on hunting down and capturing/killing bin Laden and all his Al Qaeda network. They need to concentrate in Afghanistan and Pakistan and once they have finished there they will need to move to Somalia, Sudan and any other country that is offering Al Qaeda a haven.
The UN needs to issue a proclamation that any nation harboring Al Qaeda criminals need to surrender them or face the consequences.
Obama needs to let Afghanistan and Iraq take care of themselves, offer aide for building, but the military needs to concentrate on Al Qaeda.
Its Common Sense!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
President Obama & Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live opened their show this week with "President Obama" stating that after almost one year as president he had nothing to show. Prisoners still in Gitmo, troops in Iraq, things worse in Afghanistan, no health care, questionable stimulus, etc.
I thought it was pretty funny.
Monday I'm looking at CNN, the Focus Room with Wolf Blitzer. Not only had CNN had a Fact Check service investigate the truths of the Saturday Night Live skit, they had a panel of "experts" discuss what had occurred.
Give me a break. For thirty-five years SNL has been making fun of presidents, its a way of life. I don't remember anyone worrying about doing fact checks. Were fact checks made on what SNL's "Sarah Palin" said? I don't think so.
I find it sad that a supposed "impartial" news agency finds it necessary to try and put a positive spin on the actions of the president. We expect as much from FOX with the conservatives, and MSNBC with the liberals, but CNN is suppose - or at least I thought is was suppose - to be neutral ground. Guess I was wrong.
News shows should stick to the news and leave editorializing to others.
SNL is a comedy, let's enjoy it for what it is and not make it into something it is not.
Its Common Sense!
I thought it was pretty funny.
Monday I'm looking at CNN, the Focus Room with Wolf Blitzer. Not only had CNN had a Fact Check service investigate the truths of the Saturday Night Live skit, they had a panel of "experts" discuss what had occurred.
Give me a break. For thirty-five years SNL has been making fun of presidents, its a way of life. I don't remember anyone worrying about doing fact checks. Were fact checks made on what SNL's "Sarah Palin" said? I don't think so.
I find it sad that a supposed "impartial" news agency finds it necessary to try and put a positive spin on the actions of the president. We expect as much from FOX with the conservatives, and MSNBC with the liberals, but CNN is suppose - or at least I thought is was suppose - to be neutral ground. Guess I was wrong.
News shows should stick to the news and leave editorializing to others.
SNL is a comedy, let's enjoy it for what it is and not make it into something it is not.
Its Common Sense!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Olympics 2016
Well the waiting is over and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is the winner of the 2016 Summer Olympics. With Brazil hosting the World Cup (Soccer Championship where teams from around the world compete in 2014, unlike American baseball's World Series which features two teams from the United States)Brazil will probably be in good shape. The recent discovery of two large oil fields will definitely help stimulate the economy and the building and tourist dollars will keep a lot of people employed in one form or another for the next decade.
Since my wife is Brazilian I am happy that Brazil gets to be the first South American country to ever host the Olympics.
Of course we have to comment on the whole process. Because the American President and First Lady got involved in lobbying for the city of Chicago, President Lula came to represent Rio de Janeiro, King Juan Carlos came for Madrid and members of the royal family put in an appearance for Tokyo.
The world is in an economic crisis and the leaders of the world decided that the priority is to promote sportsmanship and athletics, maybe to distract peoples' attention away from the fact that more than half the world is unemployed and living under the poverty level. I realize that competitions like the Olympics bring short term employment, but they can also bring long term debt and these factors need to be balanced and considered very carefully.
Personally, I think the mayors of the cities involved, along with their committees should have handled the presentations. The appearance of the heavy guns, especially in Chicago's case of the Obamas and the Oprah. My opinion is that they did more harm than good and we will wait and see if the members of the Olympic Board share their thoughts.
Anyway, the vote is done, now hopefully President Obama can get back to the White House and concentrate on the economy and health care.
Time will tell.
Its Common Sense!
Since my wife is Brazilian I am happy that Brazil gets to be the first South American country to ever host the Olympics.
Of course we have to comment on the whole process. Because the American President and First Lady got involved in lobbying for the city of Chicago, President Lula came to represent Rio de Janeiro, King Juan Carlos came for Madrid and members of the royal family put in an appearance for Tokyo.
The world is in an economic crisis and the leaders of the world decided that the priority is to promote sportsmanship and athletics, maybe to distract peoples' attention away from the fact that more than half the world is unemployed and living under the poverty level. I realize that competitions like the Olympics bring short term employment, but they can also bring long term debt and these factors need to be balanced and considered very carefully.
Personally, I think the mayors of the cities involved, along with their committees should have handled the presentations. The appearance of the heavy guns, especially in Chicago's case of the Obamas and the Oprah. My opinion is that they did more harm than good and we will wait and see if the members of the Olympic Board share their thoughts.
Anyway, the vote is done, now hopefully President Obama can get back to the White House and concentrate on the economy and health care.
Time will tell.
Its Common Sense!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Senator Cardin on the Bailout
Senator Cardin finally responded to my letter regarding bailouts. I find it interesting that he is responding now, just as a new fiscal year is starting for the US government and Congress is planning to spend some money in a variety of strange places.
More on that tomorrow. Here's Senator Cardin's view on the bailout and fiscal responsibility. Let me know what you think.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for contacting me about our nation's financial crisis. Please know that supporting Marylanders during this crisis is a top priority.
These are challenging times for our nation's economy and all Americans. We need to take strong action that will put Americans back to work and restore confidence in our future. If consumer spending sinks and financial markets continue to falter, more Americans risk losing their jobs and their homes. What began in the housing market and moved to the financial markets has turned into a serious world-wide economic recession. We must get the global financial system working again. It is essential for transactions from the purchase of an automobile or home, to starting a business or stabilizing the stock market.
Congress is working diligently to enact bipartisan reforms to ameliorate our nation's dire financial situation. In February 2009, Congress passed the American Recovery + Reinvestment Act (ARRA), a $789 billion stimulus package. ARRA will save 66,000 jobs in Maryland and more than 3.5 million jobs nationwide. I supported ARRA and I co-sponsored the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 (S. 2636), which includes crucial measures to help families keep their homes.
I am committed to taking timely and targeted steps to lessen the severity of this recession. We must continue to take bipartisan action to restore confidence in our economy and must closely examine our financial system. Conservative, moderate, and liberal economists all agree that strong action, which will put Americans back to work and restore confidence in our future, is required.
Again, thank you for contacting me about this important issue.
Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter.
More on that tomorrow. Here's Senator Cardin's view on the bailout and fiscal responsibility. Let me know what you think.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for contacting me about our nation's financial crisis. Please know that supporting Marylanders during this crisis is a top priority.
These are challenging times for our nation's economy and all Americans. We need to take strong action that will put Americans back to work and restore confidence in our future. If consumer spending sinks and financial markets continue to falter, more Americans risk losing their jobs and their homes. What began in the housing market and moved to the financial markets has turned into a serious world-wide economic recession. We must get the global financial system working again. It is essential for transactions from the purchase of an automobile or home, to starting a business or stabilizing the stock market.
Congress is working diligently to enact bipartisan reforms to ameliorate our nation's dire financial situation. In February 2009, Congress passed the American Recovery + Reinvestment Act (ARRA), a $789 billion stimulus package. ARRA will save 66,000 jobs in Maryland and more than 3.5 million jobs nationwide. I supported ARRA and I co-sponsored the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 (S. 2636), which includes crucial measures to help families keep their homes.
I am committed to taking timely and targeted steps to lessen the severity of this recession. We must continue to take bipartisan action to restore confidence in our economy and must closely examine our financial system. Conservative, moderate, and liberal economists all agree that strong action, which will put Americans back to work and restore confidence in our future, is required.
Again, thank you for contacting me about this important issue.
Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Public Option
The Health Care Debate continues and now it is Democrat against Democrat in whether a Public or Government financed option needs to be part of the package. Rockefeller of West Virginia wants the government option to follow the payment plan set up for Medicare recipients. Schumer of New York wants to discuss options then come up with a formula.
Of course the big questions is - Who is going to pay for this? Where will the funding come from to initiate this government run Health Care Organization?
Those of us already satisfied with our health plans will not be in favor of our tax dollars, especially increased tax dollars, going to finance this option.
The majority of people who will opt for this option are low income, or unemployed, so they will not be able to pay premiums. (At least Medicare recipients have their Medicare premium deducted from their monthly Social Security check.)
Without increasing taxes I do not believe the government plan will have the funding it needs. All the savings by tightening down on Medicare and Medicaid fraud will not be seen for years, if they ever actually appear.
I agree that all people need health coverage. But let's be honest and say the truth. For health care reform to work all the American public is going to have to pay. There is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that will finance this reform. The only pot of gold is the one from our pay checks, those of us who are lucky enough to be working these days.
The liberals can ask for everything under the sun. What they need to do is explain simply and clearly how they plan on paying for the reform.
Its Common Sense!
Of course the big questions is - Who is going to pay for this? Where will the funding come from to initiate this government run Health Care Organization?
Those of us already satisfied with our health plans will not be in favor of our tax dollars, especially increased tax dollars, going to finance this option.
The majority of people who will opt for this option are low income, or unemployed, so they will not be able to pay premiums. (At least Medicare recipients have their Medicare premium deducted from their monthly Social Security check.)
Without increasing taxes I do not believe the government plan will have the funding it needs. All the savings by tightening down on Medicare and Medicaid fraud will not be seen for years, if they ever actually appear.
I agree that all people need health coverage. But let's be honest and say the truth. For health care reform to work all the American public is going to have to pay. There is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that will finance this reform. The only pot of gold is the one from our pay checks, those of us who are lucky enough to be working these days.
The liberals can ask for everything under the sun. What they need to do is explain simply and clearly how they plan on paying for the reform.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
G8 to G20
This week there was a meeting first in New York with the leaders of the world at the United Nations, and then later in the week there was a meeting of the G20 in Pittsburgh.
Remember when it was the G8? Things are changing, especially in the world economy, and if the USA is not careful, although we will always be a consumer nation, what kind of producer we are will be up for grabs.
After all, the name of the game is look for cheap labor, which means out sourcing. That practice has helped India and China to rise on the world economic field and others are following suit.
As world competition grows, it is time for companies in the USA, as well as the labor unions, to begin rethinking their partnerships and come up with ways for American products built in America be on the top of the field.
When you go into a store, just how many items do you find that say "Made in the USA"?
Let's face it, China has us beat hands down, and products from other countries are rising. Our stores may sell the products, but they are not products made here by our labor force.
America needs to get producing, or we are headed on a down hill ride that will eventually lead to third world status.
Its Common Sense!
Remember when it was the G8? Things are changing, especially in the world economy, and if the USA is not careful, although we will always be a consumer nation, what kind of producer we are will be up for grabs.
After all, the name of the game is look for cheap labor, which means out sourcing. That practice has helped India and China to rise on the world economic field and others are following suit.
As world competition grows, it is time for companies in the USA, as well as the labor unions, to begin rethinking their partnerships and come up with ways for American products built in America be on the top of the field.
When you go into a store, just how many items do you find that say "Made in the USA"?
Let's face it, China has us beat hands down, and products from other countries are rising. Our stores may sell the products, but they are not products made here by our labor force.
America needs to get producing, or we are headed on a down hill ride that will eventually lead to third world status.
Its Common Sense!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Democratic Power
I see that Vice-President Biden swore in Paul Kirk as temporary Senator of Massachusetts, giving the Democrats their 60 seats in the Senate.
Frankly, I am not happy that the Obama Administration used the Kennedy influence to insure he has enough votes to ram Health Care Reform through the Congress if the Republicans do not get any of the compromises they are seeking.
The state of Massachusetts decided years ago on a policy to replace a US Senator and I feel that policy should be respected. If the citizens of Massachusetts want to change the policy, then there should be a state referendum and a decision made by the people, not some lawmakers looking for payback at a later date.
Between asking the governor of New York not to run, and pushing for the governor of Massachusetts to give them a friendly man for the Senate, I think the Obama Administration are stepping out of bounds.
Blatant interference is not the way to inspire the confidence of the people.
These actions are a disappointment. Obama, and especially his team need to be a little more considerate of the feelings of the American public or they just might discover they are in for a short time in Washington.
Its Common Sense!
Frankly, I am not happy that the Obama Administration used the Kennedy influence to insure he has enough votes to ram Health Care Reform through the Congress if the Republicans do not get any of the compromises they are seeking.
The state of Massachusetts decided years ago on a policy to replace a US Senator and I feel that policy should be respected. If the citizens of Massachusetts want to change the policy, then there should be a state referendum and a decision made by the people, not some lawmakers looking for payback at a later date.
Between asking the governor of New York not to run, and pushing for the governor of Massachusetts to give them a friendly man for the Senate, I think the Obama Administration are stepping out of bounds.
Blatant interference is not the way to inspire the confidence of the people.
These actions are a disappointment. Obama, and especially his team need to be a little more considerate of the feelings of the American public or they just might discover they are in for a short time in Washington.
Its Common Sense!
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