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!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
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!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Congressman Ruppersberger and the New GI Bill
I received an email from my Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger, thanking me for my interest in veterans affairs and providing information on the latest GI Bill.
I must confess that I have never expressed interest in veterans' affairs, an oversight on my part, so I thought I would share the information with my readers.
September 22, 2009
Mr. Michael Wolfe
123 Carolstowne Road
Reisterstown, Maryland 21136
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Knowing of your interest in veterans' affairs, I am proactively reaching out to my constituents to update you on landmark legislation that gives veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars the opportunity to a first-class education and future. I believe we should always take care of the brave men and women of the armed forces who have sacrificed themselves in defense of our country and our liberties. Our country is indebted to our veterans as well as their families. An affordable college education is one way to demonstrate our respect and gratitude for their service.
I was proud to support the post-9/11 GI bill, which Congress passed in June 2008 and took effect last month. This bill is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. It enables veterans, active service members, reservists and National Guard members a chance to receive a free, in-state, undergraduate college education at a public institution, including housing, books and supplies. Unused benefits can be transferred to veterans' spouses and children.
I think it is important that we balance the varied needs of our country's "new" veterans with the growing and changing needs of veterans from previous conflicts. An estimated 500,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are expected to take advantage of the bill this year alone. The bill provides financial support to veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Veterans must be honorably discharged to be eligible for the program.
The application process is complicated. I understand many who want to take advantage of this exciting opportunity will have questions about their benefits. For more information, please contact my office, or visit www.newgibill.org, a comprehensive resource that includes frequently asked questions, real-time bill updates, benefit calculators and eligibility requirements. You can also call 1-888-442-4551.
I think it is very important to communicate frequently with my constituents. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office or access my website at www.dutch.house.gov.
Sincerely,
C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger
Member of Congress
I must confess that I have never expressed interest in veterans' affairs, an oversight on my part, so I thought I would share the information with my readers.
September 22, 2009
Mr. Michael Wolfe
123 Carolstowne Road
Reisterstown, Maryland 21136
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Knowing of your interest in veterans' affairs, I am proactively reaching out to my constituents to update you on landmark legislation that gives veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars the opportunity to a first-class education and future. I believe we should always take care of the brave men and women of the armed forces who have sacrificed themselves in defense of our country and our liberties. Our country is indebted to our veterans as well as their families. An affordable college education is one way to demonstrate our respect and gratitude for their service.
I was proud to support the post-9/11 GI bill, which Congress passed in June 2008 and took effect last month. This bill is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. It enables veterans, active service members, reservists and National Guard members a chance to receive a free, in-state, undergraduate college education at a public institution, including housing, books and supplies. Unused benefits can be transferred to veterans' spouses and children.
I think it is important that we balance the varied needs of our country's "new" veterans with the growing and changing needs of veterans from previous conflicts. An estimated 500,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are expected to take advantage of the bill this year alone. The bill provides financial support to veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Veterans must be honorably discharged to be eligible for the program.
The application process is complicated. I understand many who want to take advantage of this exciting opportunity will have questions about their benefits. For more information, please contact my office, or visit www.newgibill.org, a comprehensive resource that includes frequently asked questions, real-time bill updates, benefit calculators and eligibility requirements. You can also call 1-888-442-4551.
I think it is very important to communicate frequently with my constituents. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office or access my website at www.dutch.house.gov.
Sincerely,
C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger
Member of Congress
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
David Axelrod for President Obama
As I promised yesterday, here is David Axelrod's message from president Obama. Let me know if it answers your questions.
Dear Friend,
Four minutes — that’s all you need to learn just what you get from health insurance reform. Take the few minutes and watch now:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health_care/?e=14&ref=image
The details the President outlines in this video are those that every American needs to know. No matter your political party or whether or not you have insurance, his plan for health care security and stability matters to all of us.
Millions of American citizens cannot get health insurance — and 14,000 are losing their insurance every day. If we do nothing, half of Americans under the age of 65 will lose their health insurance at some point in the next ten years.
That’s not right. Plain and simple. For Americans with insurance as well as those without it, inaction is not an option. In America, no one should go broke because they get sick.
Bottom line — health insurance reform will provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance, coverage for those who don’t, and will lower the cost of health care for our families, our businesses, and our government.
As the President says, now is the time to deliver the change we need on health care. Forward this email and make sure your family, friends and social networks take four minutes and watch this video.
Thank you,
David
David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President
Dear Friend,
Four minutes — that’s all you need to learn just what you get from health insurance reform. Take the few minutes and watch now:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health_care/?e=14&ref=image
The details the President outlines in this video are those that every American needs to know. No matter your political party or whether or not you have insurance, his plan for health care security and stability matters to all of us.
Millions of American citizens cannot get health insurance — and 14,000 are losing their insurance every day. If we do nothing, half of Americans under the age of 65 will lose their health insurance at some point in the next ten years.
That’s not right. Plain and simple. For Americans with insurance as well as those without it, inaction is not an option. In America, no one should go broke because they get sick.
Bottom line — health insurance reform will provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance, coverage for those who don’t, and will lower the cost of health care for our families, our businesses, and our government.
As the President says, now is the time to deliver the change we need on health care. Forward this email and make sure your family, friends and social networks take four minutes and watch this video.
Thank you,
David
David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
