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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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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.







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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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.