I am sure the following letter I sent to my Senators is going to cause some anger, especially from the unemployed. I know they are hurting, have bills etc, but how much debt must the government go into? Seems to me the government should be pushing job creation by forcing banks to offer low interest loans to new businesses, especially those hiring from the ranks of the unemployed.
Secondly, let's clear out the illegals and force those employers to hire out of work Americans at legal salaries with benefits. Congress can make the changes, if they just get off their lazy butts.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Senator
I have been watching the news about extending unemployment benefits for the unemployed. Although I sympathize with their plight I have to ask, when does the national borrowing stop? Just how large a deficit can this country sustain? What happens when our creditors call in their notes?
This country is trillions of dollars in debt. If I ran my household in the same manner I would be on the street with nothing.
The time has come to stop borrowing. The government needs to learn how to survive with what it has, not what it wishes it had.
Fight unemployment by offering incentives to those creating new jobs. Help those starting businesses to get low interest loans from the banks - we the people bailed them out, it's about time the banks showed some appreciation by helping reverse the crisis they created.
Our current debt will not be paid in the life time of my great grand children. That is an unfair burden to put on any generation - much less the next five generations in this country.
As the government, you have to start spending responsibly, within the limits put on you by the revenue collected through our taxes. When the money is gone, then it's gone.
Our government's current practice of throwing money everywhere is turning our nation into a welfare state. People are becoming accustomed to the government taking care of them without them giving anything back.
The current budget deficits in the majority of our states shows that the people can no longer be dependent on the state to support them, they have to support the state.
Please stop the spending, fight for a balanced budget and do not allow our nation to continue in a downward spiral.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Showing posts with label Deficit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deficit. Show all posts
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Monday, July 20, 2009
More on Health Care Reform
As I look more into the health care overhaul, which I agree needs to be done, and no, I'm not sure how, the more troubling things come to light.
Already I am concerned about how its going to be paid for. I read that Pelosi is proposing that all individuals making over $500,000.00 a year will take on an additional tax, as will couples making more than $1,000,000.00. How many doctors fit into that category?
Okay, so the cost is an issue.
Then I just learned that insurance for the current uninsured will not be available until 2013, and that the actual overhaul will be completed "maybe" by 2018. We could have a new President in 2013 and only God knows what the make up of the House and Senate will be by then. Which means that all the talk and money could end up going for nothing.
In the mean time, what are the uninsured to do? I guess continue what their doing and leave it up to the middle class to pay the bills in one form or another.
President Obama is suppose to have a television conference on Wednesday. We all need to watch and listen. And then we all need to let him know what we think.
One good thing about the Obama White House is the accessibility to their email sight. Now, I have to admit that I have not received any responses to my questions and observations, but being an optimist, I hope that is a sign that millions of citizens are letting the President know their views and it is too much for his staff to handle. (The other option is that I'm being ignored, which I realize is the more likely reality.)
In any case remember to watch on Wednesday, then let your voices be heard.
Its Common sense!
Already I am concerned about how its going to be paid for. I read that Pelosi is proposing that all individuals making over $500,000.00 a year will take on an additional tax, as will couples making more than $1,000,000.00. How many doctors fit into that category?
Okay, so the cost is an issue.
Then I just learned that insurance for the current uninsured will not be available until 2013, and that the actual overhaul will be completed "maybe" by 2018. We could have a new President in 2013 and only God knows what the make up of the House and Senate will be by then. Which means that all the talk and money could end up going for nothing.
In the mean time, what are the uninsured to do? I guess continue what their doing and leave it up to the middle class to pay the bills in one form or another.
President Obama is suppose to have a television conference on Wednesday. We all need to watch and listen. And then we all need to let him know what we think.
One good thing about the Obama White House is the accessibility to their email sight. Now, I have to admit that I have not received any responses to my questions and observations, but being an optimist, I hope that is a sign that millions of citizens are letting the President know their views and it is too much for his staff to handle. (The other option is that I'm being ignored, which I realize is the more likely reality.)
In any case remember to watch on Wednesday, then let your voices be heard.
Its Common sense!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Obama Health Plan Saga
President Obama spoke out forcefully yesterday stating that his health plan will be passed this year. This was after not only Republican critics, but now some Democratic critics have come forward to state that the plan will not save money, but will actually create a larger debt.
Here is the President's plan.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/fy2010_key_healthcare/
Here is the President's plan.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/fy2010_key_healthcare/
Now here is the bill Congress just passed.
http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h676/show
Now I know there is a lot to read and that the majority of you are going to give up before getting to the end. I know I did. Which is the important thing. There is too much to digest. Just from the little I read I am confused.
If you take the government program, does that mean as a senior you are no longer entitled to Medicare?
Are all states going to be forced to accept the directives of the bill, (if it passes the Senate & receives the President's signature) or are their options available?
Will private insurers, such as Care First, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Aetna etc, be limited on how they can raise their premiums, or will they be able to force some of their clients into the government program and only keep their high paying clients?
Most importantly, who is going to pay for this health care act? Will the cost be equally distributed, or will the burden once again fall on the middle class tax payer?
As I look at this bill and the rush to pass it, I feel we are charging into a nightmare that will be mismanaged, and spiral into an out of control money pit.
Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I'm just a pessimist who has no faith in government run programs being cost efficient and help full.
Send your opinions. Show me the silver lining around the cloud.
If you also don't see one, then write your representatives and let your voices be heard. We cannot allow our taxes and debt to continue to rise to support useless programs.
Its Common Sense!
Friday, July 17, 2009
National Health Care Reform
Yesterday I spoke on my fears about committing billions of dollars to a national health care program. After thinking about it, I realized that venting on the blog was not enough, so I sent a letter to the President, my senators and my Congressman. The letter follows.
Feel free to use all or part in writing to your own representatives. We need to let Washington know that we will not stand for them to continue spending money we do not have for programs they cannot control.
Enough is enough. We have to let Washington know what we think and take control.
Its Common Sense!!
Dear (Varied depending on Recipient)
National Health Care is the big issue, especially since it appears that Judge Sotomayor will be confirmed to the US Supreme Court with no problem.
I agree that health care needs to be available and affordable for all of us here in the United States. However, I believe that before the Federal Government undertakes the task of establishing an equitable health care system, where the patient will have true options for health coverage and premium payments that the government first needs to take control of the two health programs it already runs.
I am speaking of Medicare and Medicaid. Currently both programs are mismanaged, have no accountability and are costing taxpayers millions of dollars every year due to fraud, the inability to negotiate provider services, and because many doctors do not want to participate due to antiquated payment and accounting procedures.
Before Congress commits billions to yet another new program that we the taxpayers cannot afford, why not show us how a well run health program should work?
I think your first objective should be to revamp Medicare and Medicaid, get rid of the waste, permit negotiation for provider services, prosecute those defrauding the system and do away with the overspending, so that seniors on Medicare do not need to have their Part B premiums raised every year, and that the percentage of the cost of services paid by Medicare does not keep decreasing.
As for Medicaid, the system needs an entire overhaul, in every state, and citizens should no longer feel they have a right to free health care just because of their financial situation. Medicaid is a health care assistance program, not a do all program.
Within their means, everyone needs to assist in the payment of health care. Those working and already paying health care premiums and deductibles should not have to take on the additional burden and tax of paying for those not working or having coverage.
This country needs to get away from the welfare state mentality, where some pay for all, and enforce a mentality of individual responsibility. If we accept our own responsibilities, then we can create a collective responsibility.
Please, no new national health care programs until the current two are actually running smoothly and debt free. We the people cannot assume any more debt or deficit. It is time for all of us to live within our means, and that includes all government spending.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Feel free to use all or part in writing to your own representatives. We need to let Washington know that we will not stand for them to continue spending money we do not have for programs they cannot control.
Enough is enough. We have to let Washington know what we think and take control.
Its Common Sense!!
Dear (Varied depending on Recipient)
National Health Care is the big issue, especially since it appears that Judge Sotomayor will be confirmed to the US Supreme Court with no problem.
I agree that health care needs to be available and affordable for all of us here in the United States. However, I believe that before the Federal Government undertakes the task of establishing an equitable health care system, where the patient will have true options for health coverage and premium payments that the government first needs to take control of the two health programs it already runs.
I am speaking of Medicare and Medicaid. Currently both programs are mismanaged, have no accountability and are costing taxpayers millions of dollars every year due to fraud, the inability to negotiate provider services, and because many doctors do not want to participate due to antiquated payment and accounting procedures.
Before Congress commits billions to yet another new program that we the taxpayers cannot afford, why not show us how a well run health program should work?
I think your first objective should be to revamp Medicare and Medicaid, get rid of the waste, permit negotiation for provider services, prosecute those defrauding the system and do away with the overspending, so that seniors on Medicare do not need to have their Part B premiums raised every year, and that the percentage of the cost of services paid by Medicare does not keep decreasing.
As for Medicaid, the system needs an entire overhaul, in every state, and citizens should no longer feel they have a right to free health care just because of their financial situation. Medicaid is a health care assistance program, not a do all program.
Within their means, everyone needs to assist in the payment of health care. Those working and already paying health care premiums and deductibles should not have to take on the additional burden and tax of paying for those not working or having coverage.
This country needs to get away from the welfare state mentality, where some pay for all, and enforce a mentality of individual responsibility. If we accept our own responsibilities, then we can create a collective responsibility.
Please, no new national health care programs until the current two are actually running smoothly and debt free. We the people cannot assume any more debt or deficit. It is time for all of us to live within our means, and that includes all government spending.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Obama's Health Care Reform
We have all been hearing that President Obama wants to have a health care reform bill passed before the end of August. Sounds good. However, what are the specifics?
I do not understand how giving everyone health care will bring down the cost? I definitely do not understand how having another Federal Government Health Care Provider will do anything but add to the national debt.
Currently the Federal Government is responsible for the Medicare Health Care Program, and oversees the states Medicaid Health Care Programs. No big surprise to find that they are mismanaged, victims of all kind of fraud and over billing schemes, and that there does not appear to be a plan in place to bring order to the system.
If the government cannot manage the health care programs for the elderly and the poor, is there any way they can provide an agency that can realistically compete with health care insurers already in place?
Why aren't the President and Congress first fixing Medicare & Medicaid? Take control of the wasted millions in those programs, put together an efficient organization that actually brings down costs, bargains with providers and allows patients premiums to remain the same or even decrease, and then consider a National Health Insurance program.
With the current lose of jobs, the deficit and debt, we can not afford to have more wasteful out of control spending. The President and Congress need to prove that they can put what they actually have to good use, then come to the people with a realistic plan.
I know there are many with out health care. I also know that the majority still get treated in emergency rooms and clinics across the country and that my tax dollars and my increasing health care premiums go to pay the difference, because my costs at the doctors and hospital keep increasing to offset what is lost from those who do not pay.
I do not expect that to change in the near future.
What I do hope changes is the government's attitude. Let's fix things using what we have. If Medicare & Medicaid are managed competently, responsibly, with accountability, millions of dollars will become available for a national program.
Let's fix the current problem, rather than leave it broken and start another agency that will only add chaos to the situation, rather than order.
Its Common Sense!!
I do not understand how giving everyone health care will bring down the cost? I definitely do not understand how having another Federal Government Health Care Provider will do anything but add to the national debt.
Currently the Federal Government is responsible for the Medicare Health Care Program, and oversees the states Medicaid Health Care Programs. No big surprise to find that they are mismanaged, victims of all kind of fraud and over billing schemes, and that there does not appear to be a plan in place to bring order to the system.
If the government cannot manage the health care programs for the elderly and the poor, is there any way they can provide an agency that can realistically compete with health care insurers already in place?
Why aren't the President and Congress first fixing Medicare & Medicaid? Take control of the wasted millions in those programs, put together an efficient organization that actually brings down costs, bargains with providers and allows patients premiums to remain the same or even decrease, and then consider a National Health Insurance program.
With the current lose of jobs, the deficit and debt, we can not afford to have more wasteful out of control spending. The President and Congress need to prove that they can put what they actually have to good use, then come to the people with a realistic plan.
I know there are many with out health care. I also know that the majority still get treated in emergency rooms and clinics across the country and that my tax dollars and my increasing health care premiums go to pay the difference, because my costs at the doctors and hospital keep increasing to offset what is lost from those who do not pay.
I do not expect that to change in the near future.
What I do hope changes is the government's attitude. Let's fix things using what we have. If Medicare & Medicaid are managed competently, responsibly, with accountability, millions of dollars will become available for a national program.
Let's fix the current problem, rather than leave it broken and start another agency that will only add chaos to the situation, rather than order.
Its Common Sense!!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Senator Mikulski on the Stimulus
Senator Mikulski finally responded to my letter on the stimlus. Here it is.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5). It's good to hear from you.
I appreciate hearing your views about this issue. We have inherited a terrible mess, our economy is teetering, and we need to work together to get out of it.
President Obama and Congress have taken a major step forward by enacting the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Only a few weeks into a new Congress and a new Administration, we stood up for America and enacted the most significant economic stimulus legislation in our nation's history. By standing with President Obama, we stand up for America to create jobs for people who have lost them and to help those who have jobs keep them. This really is about jobs, jobs, jobs.
The ARRA creates jobs by investing in our infrastructure. It fixes aging physical infrastructure like roads, bridges, public transit and water systems. It invests in the technological infrastructure like broadband to expand small businesses. And it makes major improvements to our social infrastructure by investing in education so that families and local school districts can help special needs children, extending unemployment insurance for struggling families, and increasing federal assistance for the Medicaid program so states won't cut care for seniors and the poor. It also has targeted tax breaks to help families and small businesses.
I'm heartened that my automobile amendment was included in this legislation. It makes state sales or excise car tax deductible for all new cars purchased before the end of this year. It helps consumers and it helps save jobs in the automobile industry. From the salesman who sells the car, to the manufacturers who make it, to the mechanic who fixes it, and office managers who process the paperwork.
Last month 598,000 people lost their jobs, so this bill is a victory for America. It stimulates the economy today and lays the groundwork for a stronger economy tomorrow.
For more information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, you may be interested in the White House website http://www.recovery.gov, where you can read the full text of the legislation and see how the money is being spent.
Thanks again for getting in touch with me about these issues. Knowing of your views was helpful to me. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you in the future.
Sincerely, Barbara A. MikulskiUnited States Senator
P.S. If I can be of further assistance in the future,please visit my website at http://mikulski.senate.govor call my Washington D.C. office at 202-224-4654
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5). It's good to hear from you.
I appreciate hearing your views about this issue. We have inherited a terrible mess, our economy is teetering, and we need to work together to get out of it.
President Obama and Congress have taken a major step forward by enacting the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Only a few weeks into a new Congress and a new Administration, we stood up for America and enacted the most significant economic stimulus legislation in our nation's history. By standing with President Obama, we stand up for America to create jobs for people who have lost them and to help those who have jobs keep them. This really is about jobs, jobs, jobs.
The ARRA creates jobs by investing in our infrastructure. It fixes aging physical infrastructure like roads, bridges, public transit and water systems. It invests in the technological infrastructure like broadband to expand small businesses. And it makes major improvements to our social infrastructure by investing in education so that families and local school districts can help special needs children, extending unemployment insurance for struggling families, and increasing federal assistance for the Medicaid program so states won't cut care for seniors and the poor. It also has targeted tax breaks to help families and small businesses.
I'm heartened that my automobile amendment was included in this legislation. It makes state sales or excise car tax deductible for all new cars purchased before the end of this year. It helps consumers and it helps save jobs in the automobile industry. From the salesman who sells the car, to the manufacturers who make it, to the mechanic who fixes it, and office managers who process the paperwork.
Last month 598,000 people lost their jobs, so this bill is a victory for America. It stimulates the economy today and lays the groundwork for a stronger economy tomorrow.
For more information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, you may be interested in the White House website http://www.recovery.gov, where you can read the full text of the legislation and see how the money is being spent.
Thanks again for getting in touch with me about these issues. Knowing of your views was helpful to me. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you in the future.
Sincerely, Barbara A. MikulskiUnited States Senator
P.S. If I can be of further assistance in the future,please visit my website at http://mikulski.senate.govor call my Washington D.C. office at 202-224-4654
Monday, February 23, 2009
Let's take a minute to breath
I think that now is the time we all need to sit back and calmly reflect on what is going on. The stimulus package, like it or not, is passed and the money is going to be disbursed, sooner better than later. Some governors have problems with some of the money and that's fine. They should ask their constituents' opinion on the spending of any "questionable" money from the Federal government. This money is for the people, not for politicians to play with.
This week President Obama will unveil his budget and his plan to cut his inherited deficit in half during his term. Details will be important. Following the details will be even more important.
Pulling back from Iraq may save some money, but the truth of the matter is if we are to save Afghanistan from the Taliban and Al Quada, then we are going to have to spend heavily on education and modernization. In the past no country has defeated the Afghans because they only tried to destroy and break. To be successful we will have to work with the Afghans to help them grow and expand. All of which will take money.
So, we will sit and wait. There was a big conference today about the economy and the future of the country. All the experts were there. What we have to wait and see is if the "experts" can make their thoughts and dreams practical so that something beneficial will happen for the country.
Its Common Sense!
This week President Obama will unveil his budget and his plan to cut his inherited deficit in half during his term. Details will be important. Following the details will be even more important.
Pulling back from Iraq may save some money, but the truth of the matter is if we are to save Afghanistan from the Taliban and Al Quada, then we are going to have to spend heavily on education and modernization. In the past no country has defeated the Afghans because they only tried to destroy and break. To be successful we will have to work with the Afghans to help them grow and expand. All of which will take money.
So, we will sit and wait. There was a big conference today about the economy and the future of the country. All the experts were there. What we have to wait and see is if the "experts" can make their thoughts and dreams practical so that something beneficial will happen for the country.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Obama's Budget
Word has leaked out about some of the items that will be included in President Obama's budget that will help cut the deficit in half by the time his term ends. Now, there is no doubt that the Bush Administration and Congress left a huge deficit/debt, but I think Obama is suffering from wishful thinking if he thinks he can actually reduce the deficit in half in four years.
One thing is to reduce the spending in Iraq and Afghanistan. Is that really going to happen? Hopefully the majority of our troops will be out of Iraq by 2011, but how much financial support will the USA continue to provide to the Iraq government?
Afghanistan will be receiving new troops shortly. New troops means more equipment, infrastructure and more cooperation with the Afghanistan government and military. In addition, if there is going to any real success against Al Quada and the Taliban, the USA and NATO are going to need to invest heavily in Afghanistan's education system, economic situation, and the creation of jobs that are non-poppy related and can offer competitive salaries.
These things will cost money. If the USA skimps, we will pay the price in more blood and bodies over the long haul.
Obama plans to let the tax cuts for the rich - those earning over $250,000.00 a year - run its course and expire in 2010. I can see the Republicans staying quiet and not asking for a renewal of the tax break.
With all the money that has been borrowed for the stimulus, the government's concentration should be on getting American business in the + column again, and then begin the work of taxing the public and industry fairly to bring in the revenue to pay off the debt.
As for controlling the deficit, Congress and the President have to start working off a balanced budget. No more out of control spending, taking loans from anyone willing to give us a handout. Our status in the world is going down because our leaders are perceived as money hungry bureaucrats.
A balance budget means that all of us need to start making sacrifices and live within in our means. At the same time we have to stay safe and strong. Hard to do but possible.
Its Common Sense!
One thing is to reduce the spending in Iraq and Afghanistan. Is that really going to happen? Hopefully the majority of our troops will be out of Iraq by 2011, but how much financial support will the USA continue to provide to the Iraq government?
Afghanistan will be receiving new troops shortly. New troops means more equipment, infrastructure and more cooperation with the Afghanistan government and military. In addition, if there is going to any real success against Al Quada and the Taliban, the USA and NATO are going to need to invest heavily in Afghanistan's education system, economic situation, and the creation of jobs that are non-poppy related and can offer competitive salaries.
These things will cost money. If the USA skimps, we will pay the price in more blood and bodies over the long haul.
Obama plans to let the tax cuts for the rich - those earning over $250,000.00 a year - run its course and expire in 2010. I can see the Republicans staying quiet and not asking for a renewal of the tax break.
With all the money that has been borrowed for the stimulus, the government's concentration should be on getting American business in the + column again, and then begin the work of taxing the public and industry fairly to bring in the revenue to pay off the debt.
As for controlling the deficit, Congress and the President have to start working off a balanced budget. No more out of control spending, taking loans from anyone willing to give us a handout. Our status in the world is going down because our leaders are perceived as money hungry bureaucrats.
A balance budget means that all of us need to start making sacrifices and live within in our means. At the same time we have to stay safe and strong. Hard to do but possible.
Its Common Sense!
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