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Tuesday, September 15, 2009
OFA Rally This Thursday in Vegas
Just thought you might be interested... Btw, Nevada SoS Ross Miller and Nevada Democratic Party Chair Sam Lieberman will also be there.
Good Health Care News?
First off, I want to show you this from "The Great Orange Satan":
Folks have called Howard Dean many things in the past, but "stupid" or "ignorant" has never been one of them. If he's sure that we have 51 Senate votes for a good health care bill, then perhaps there's still reason to hope. Oh yes, and this may also give us reason to hope. (via DKos)
The more we learn about "The Baucus Caucus Plan", the more reasons we have to fight it. It's downright disgusting. And worse yet, it will really hurt working-class families.
So what can we do? Keep jamming the phone lines and filling up the inboxes with pleas for real reform! Make sure our Representatives are hearing us loud and clear. Make sure The Progressive Block holds. We must do all we can to ensure real health care reform in 2009.
After all, Democrats will be punished in 2010 if they don't follow through.
Folks have called Howard Dean many things in the past, but "stupid" or "ignorant" has never been one of them. If he's sure that we have 51 Senate votes for a good health care bill, then perhaps there's still reason to hope. Oh yes, and this may also give us reason to hope. (via DKos)
Under the Baucus plan, described in a "framework" he released last week, as many as 4 million of the 46 million people who are currently uninsured would be required to buy coverage on their own, without government help, by some estimates. Millions more would qualify for federal tax credits, but could still end up paying as much as 13 percent of their income for insurance premiums -- far more than most Americans now pay for coverage.
People further down the income scale would receive much bigger tax credits, effectively limiting their premiums at 3 percent of their earnings. But experts on affordability say even those families could find it difficult to meet the new mandate without straining their wallets.
The more we learn about "The Baucus Caucus Plan", the more reasons we have to fight it. It's downright disgusting. And worse yet, it will really hurt working-class families.
So what can we do? Keep jamming the phone lines and filling up the inboxes with pleas for real reform! Make sure our Representatives are hearing us loud and clear. Make sure The Progressive Block holds. We must do all we can to ensure real health care reform in 2009.
After all, Democrats will be punished in 2010 if they don't follow through.
SB 283: SoS Ross Miller in Town to Explain New DP Law
[Nevada Secretary of State Ross] Miller is allowing couples to pre-file until Sept. 24 so they can receive their certificates on Oct. 1. Miller said his office has received about 350 filings.
“We’re already past Wisconsin, and we’re expecting a very high volume of filings in the first week,” Miller said. “To accommodate the high volume, we wanted to allow for a month of pre-filing so we would be able to process those registration forms.”
So far, it's continued good news on the SB 283 front. Miller was here in Vegas last night for The Center's forum on domestic partnerships (DPs). Notary publics were on hand to notarize DP registration forms. And fortunately, a number of remaining questions on DPs were answered by Miller, State Senator David Parks (D-Las Vegas) (who authored SB 283), and a large cast of lawyers specializing in family law.
Many couples were concerned about past debts affecting their current partners. Kunin explained that a person’s past debt is separate until the partnership is registered with the state.
“From the date of partnership backwards, it’s separate,” [attorney Ishi] Kunin said. “From the date of partnership forward, it’s community or joint.”
Other topics of interest included adoption, prenuptial agreements and medical benefits. The new bill doesn’t mandate that employers give health insurance to an employee’s partner, although some companies have said they’re willing to recognize an employee’s domestic partnership.
In case you still have questions about SB 283, take a look at what I uncovered some weeks ago. And if you need some real legal advice, contact one of these law firms for help.
And btw, speaking of The Center, today is National Center Awareness Day. And considering what The Center has done to make sure SB 283 became law, as well as what they're doing now in holding these town halls to help our community understand how SB 283 helps us, we should tip our hats and thank them for the great work they're doing.
NV-02: Helluva' Heller Delivers Hypocrisy!
OK, OK, I know I'm biased. I'm a Vegas gal, so I haven't talked much about the state beyond the Clark County line... With the obvious exception of Carson City. That's about to change, and you can thank Dean Heller for this!
Yet Heller can send this clearly partisan political mailing on the government's 44 cents? It's just so... Republican! They don't like "big government", except when they're the ones benefitting from it.
Like the anti-big-government protesters over the weekend asking for directions to the Metro public transit system, Republican Rep. Dean Heller’s recent government mailing to his constituents had a bit of accidental irony to it.
Heller’s multi-part homage to small government was, of course, paid for with taxpayer dollars (and shipped via the U.S. Postal Service). [...]
Just how partisan can you be on Uncle Sam’s 44 cents? That has been a point of debate.
Heller included in the package home a bureaucratic flow chart — a popular prop used on the House floor by Republicans to mock the perceived complexity of the Democrats’ proposed health reform legislation.
The use of the chart in such mailings had been debated over the summer by the House Franking Commission, until a decision was reached by both Democrats and Republicans to allow it with a disclaimer that this was a Republican offering. [...]
The rules on franking privileges are as vast as they are gray. There is a full section devoted to prohibited “political and partisan references” in the mailings. It includes this rule of thumb: “Comments critical of policy or legislation should not be partisan, politicized or personalized.”
Yet Heller can send this clearly partisan political mailing on the government's 44 cents? It's just so... Republican! They don't like "big government", except when they're the ones benefitting from it.
Monday, September 14, 2009
What's Next for The Fontainebleau?
Cheese louise! This hotel isn't even open yet, but the drama's been checked in for quite some time. First there were construction problems, then the law suits started flying, then the current owners filed for bankruptcy... And now, the whole project is up in the air despite it already being 70% completed!
And now, they have to deal with this:
Meanwhile, rumors have surfaced that companies like Penn National Gaming may try to gobble up The Fontainebleau in bankruptcy. And hey, why not? Oh yeah, everything that we already talked about!
Still, this Strip property may be enough of a hidden gem for these suitors to seriously consider cleaning up the hot mess to take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a Strip casino for so cheap. Heh, if only we had the money to buy this "bargain"... ;-)
And now, they have to deal with this:
With the Las Vegas Fontainebleau resort bankruptcy case seemingly stalled, a group of contractors is seeking permission to pursue construction lien claims in state court in Nevada -- outside of the bankruptcy process.
The contractors, in a court filing Friday, said they want to get started protecting their lien claims in state court in part because those claims are under attack by lenders in the bankruptcy court.
The lenders' efforts to subordinate the contractors' liens is based on the questionable assumption that Fontainebleau will find funding to resume construction on the stalled $2.9 billion resort, the contractors argued.
"While the lienholders remain hopeful the debtor will find additional funds (either through an equity infusion and/or junior debt facility) to complete the project, we are 90 days into this reorganization proceeding and reality has begun to set in. After three months, debtors have identified no exit strategy nor source of additional outside capital. With no financing, no equity infusion, and no plan, it has become clear (the lienholders) are forced to take action to protect their interests."
Meanwhile, rumors have surfaced that companies like Penn National Gaming may try to gobble up The Fontainebleau in bankruptcy. And hey, why not? Oh yeah, everything that we already talked about!
Still, this Strip property may be enough of a hidden gem for these suitors to seriously consider cleaning up the hot mess to take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a Strip casino for so cheap. Heh, if only we had the money to buy this "bargain"... ;-)
"Strong public option" will pass by Christmas?
Well, that's what the new Senate HELP Chairman is saying.
At least we have some Senators in high places looking out for us plebes. Still, I feel we need to do all we can to back Harkin up. Don't let the insurance industry backed ConservaDems gut the health care bill. Do as Desert Beacon says, and contact our one sane Senator and two rational Representatives and make them promise to deliver a good, pro-consumer health care bill with a strong public option.
At his 32nd annual Steak Fry fundraiser, U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) was cheered by an enthusiastic crowd when he declared that a health care reform bill would pass both houses of Congress “by Christmas,” and that it would include a government-run, not-for-profit health insurance plan.
“Mark my word — I’m the chairman — it’s going to have a strong public option,” said Harkin, who last week replaced the late Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) as chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) committee.
“[It] now falls to me to pick up the torch” left by Kennedy, he noted.
At least we have some Senators in high places looking out for us plebes. Still, I feel we need to do all we can to back Harkin up. Don't let the insurance industry backed ConservaDems gut the health care bill. Do as Desert Beacon says, and contact our one sane Senator and two rational Representatives and make them promise to deliver a good, pro-consumer health care bill with a strong public option.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
I Look to You, Whitney
Need to feel better? OK, then. Watch this.
Feel better now? Good. Whitney helped me, too. If she can come back, so can we. ;-)
Feel better now? Good. Whitney helped me, too. If she can come back, so can we. ;-)
One Mormon Tells the Truth...
And an LDS Church bishop cuts off his mic.
H/T to Chino Blanco for discovering this. And to think, the LDS Church is just one of many religious right groups jumping into politics (legally?) to take away other people's civil rights. Shouldn't they be asking what Jesus would do?
H/T to Chino Blanco for discovering this. And to think, the LDS Church is just one of many religious right groups jumping into politics (legally?) to take away other people's civil rights. Shouldn't they be asking what Jesus would do?
Friday, September 11, 2009
NV-Gov: Buckley Will NOT Run
Well, I guess Rory Reid has one fewer challenger to worry about.
The bad news: This leaves Rory Reid in the Democratic Primary (for now).
The good news: This leaves Rory Reid in the Democratic Primary (for now).
On one hand, early polling has shown that Reid, Jr., may be the weakest potential Democrat to run for Governor next year. But on the other hand, a smooth primary may help Rory solidify his numbers and prepare for the general election while the Republicans continue slinging mud at each other. (They haven't even waited until the new year to start!)
Of course, there's always a chance that "Mr. Mayor" Oscar Goodman will shake things up by either jumping in the primary to steal Rory's thunder (he's not even in [yet], and Oscar's already out-polling Rory) or playing a spoiler role in the general as an "Independent". While all eyes are on Harry Reid right now, I'm sure he'll find a way (yet again) to outsmart the GOP and all our eyes will be on the Governor's race as the marquee race in Nevada next year. And while Barbara Buckley may have just made Rory Reid's political life a little easier today, I doubt things will stay this calm for long.
Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley won't be a candidate for Nevada governor in 2010.
Buckley was widely presumed to be running for governor despite never officially entering the race.
Sun columnist Jon Ralston reported Buckley's decision this morning. Buckley released a statement later in the morning, saying she decided not to enter the race to spend more time with her family.
“In the weeks since the end of the legislative session, I have had the time and opportunity to have serious, in-depth discussions with my family about my potential candidacy. After taking stock of the impact a 14-month campaign would have on my family, particularly my 10-year-old son, I have made the decision that now is not the right time for me to run," she said in a statement.
Buckley's decision leaves Clark County Commission Chairman Rory Reid as the sole frontrunner in the race for the Democratic nomination.
The bad news: This leaves Rory Reid in the Democratic Primary (for now).
The good news: This leaves Rory Reid in the Democratic Primary (for now).
On one hand, early polling has shown that Reid, Jr., may be the weakest potential Democrat to run for Governor next year. But on the other hand, a smooth primary may help Rory solidify his numbers and prepare for the general election while the Republicans continue slinging mud at each other. (They haven't even waited until the new year to start!)
Of course, there's always a chance that "Mr. Mayor" Oscar Goodman will shake things up by either jumping in the primary to steal Rory's thunder (he's not even in [yet], and Oscar's already out-polling Rory) or playing a spoiler role in the general as an "Independent". While all eyes are on Harry Reid right now, I'm sure he'll find a way (yet again) to outsmart the GOP and all our eyes will be on the Governor's race as the marquee race in Nevada next year. And while Barbara Buckley may have just made Rory Reid's political life a little easier today, I doubt things will stay this calm for long.
9/11: Then & Now
Where were you? How did you feel? What did it feel like when it seemed the world was coming to an end?
I can't forget that day. It was my second day of school. When I woke up and got prepared, it seemed like any other normal school day. I didn't even bother to turn on the TV.
But as soon as I arrived on campus, something didn't seem right. No one was chirpy and cheery as usual. And as soon as first period started, the geography teacher broke us the news.
A terrorist attack? The Twin Towers are burning down? The Pentagon is under attack? What is the world coming to?
That's how I felt immediately upon hearing this. But of course, there was soon more to digest.
al-Qaeda? Who are they? Muslims? Muslim terrorists? Why would this happen? And what else is happening? Another plane crash in Pennsylvania?
I was starting to "rebel" as a teenager, and this became increasingly evident later in the day... And especially in the coming weeks and months. I was then attending a Christian Fundamentalist private school. I was scared then, and deeply in the closet. But as everyone around me started repeating everything George W. Bush said as if it were the word of god as they pumped their fists and threatened to "kill all the Muslims", I became frightened... Of these people I thought I knew.
I felt so weird back then. Everyone else was cheering for wars and more wars. I was not. I remember hearing the pleas from RAWA not to invade Afghanistan. I remember wondering why everyone all of a sudden was calling for war on Iraq when Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. I remember why everyone seemed so willing to give up what made America so free in order to "stay safe".
I wasn't directly affected by 9/11, but it nonetheless turned my world upside down. While so many were lavishing George W. Bush with hero worship, I felt like the only one who actually noticed the real courage of Barbara Lee being the lone voice of reason as she spoke against what would soon become endless wars and countless attacks on our civil liberties. While so many were suddenly changing their tunes from "getting bin Laden" to "getting Saddam", I was wondering what was happening to my country.
Eight years ago, I never expected I'd register to vote as a Democrat. I never expected I'd become a member of the ACLU. I never expected I'd become a "peacenik". I didn't expect then that I would be here now.
I guess in some way, this reflects the story of how this nation has changed in the last eight years. Perhaps I was "ahead of the curve", but it's interesting to now see that most Americans now oppose the endless war in Afghanistan and that so many people are now talking about our Constitution and civil liberties. Of course, now all we hear is "Obama wants a government takeover of health care!" Ironically, these are the same blowhards who never questioned Bush when he really was stripping away our Constitutional rights. The same right-wing extremists who once supported every criminal act of Bush are now "concerned" about Obama's "un-American socialist attacks on our freedom"? Gimme a break.
But hey, at least dissent is no longer considered "un-American". And maybe one day, this nation will wake up and realize that another world is possible. A world at peace. A world of social justice. A world without terrorism, whether it's a bunch of cruel extremists attacking a city or government sponsored attacks on other nations.
I can't forget that day. It was my second day of school. When I woke up and got prepared, it seemed like any other normal school day. I didn't even bother to turn on the TV.
But as soon as I arrived on campus, something didn't seem right. No one was chirpy and cheery as usual. And as soon as first period started, the geography teacher broke us the news.
A terrorist attack? The Twin Towers are burning down? The Pentagon is under attack? What is the world coming to?
That's how I felt immediately upon hearing this. But of course, there was soon more to digest.
al-Qaeda? Who are they? Muslims? Muslim terrorists? Why would this happen? And what else is happening? Another plane crash in Pennsylvania?
I was starting to "rebel" as a teenager, and this became increasingly evident later in the day... And especially in the coming weeks and months. I was then attending a Christian Fundamentalist private school. I was scared then, and deeply in the closet. But as everyone around me started repeating everything George W. Bush said as if it were the word of god as they pumped their fists and threatened to "kill all the Muslims", I became frightened... Of these people I thought I knew.
I felt so weird back then. Everyone else was cheering for wars and more wars. I was not. I remember hearing the pleas from RAWA not to invade Afghanistan. I remember wondering why everyone all of a sudden was calling for war on Iraq when Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. I remember why everyone seemed so willing to give up what made America so free in order to "stay safe".
I wasn't directly affected by 9/11, but it nonetheless turned my world upside down. While so many were lavishing George W. Bush with hero worship, I felt like the only one who actually noticed the real courage of Barbara Lee being the lone voice of reason as she spoke against what would soon become endless wars and countless attacks on our civil liberties. While so many were suddenly changing their tunes from "getting bin Laden" to "getting Saddam", I was wondering what was happening to my country.
Eight years ago, I never expected I'd register to vote as a Democrat. I never expected I'd become a member of the ACLU. I never expected I'd become a "peacenik". I didn't expect then that I would be here now.
I guess in some way, this reflects the story of how this nation has changed in the last eight years. Perhaps I was "ahead of the curve", but it's interesting to now see that most Americans now oppose the endless war in Afghanistan and that so many people are now talking about our Constitution and civil liberties. Of course, now all we hear is "Obama wants a government takeover of health care!" Ironically, these are the same blowhards who never questioned Bush when he really was stripping away our Constitutional rights. The same right-wing extremists who once supported every criminal act of Bush are now "concerned" about Obama's "un-American socialist attacks on our freedom"? Gimme a break.
But hey, at least dissent is no longer considered "un-American". And maybe one day, this nation will wake up and realize that another world is possible. A world at peace. A world of social justice. A world without terrorism, whether it's a bunch of cruel extremists attacking a city or government sponsored attacks on other nations.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Home Cookin': It Isn't Just for Housewives Any More!
What is it about Mr. ELV's blog that always gets me thinking? Today, he talked about how he hasn't gone out for dinner in five days. I can see how this is shocking news for a restaurant critic, but this is pretty much my ordinary life. And worse yet, I know people who haven't gone out to eat in months!
Sometimes, it really sucks when I plan weeks ahead for a glorious night out with someone special... Only for it to be taken away when the someone special is hurt and in a wheelchair and/or a friend calls to borrow money from me because the bank screwed with his account. It really sucks that I can't eat out that often these days because I may be only one broken leg or one broken window away from financial ruin. And yes, it really sucks when my next great vacation full of culinary bliss is always at risk of vanishing away if I ever lose the roommate at the house or my dad needs money to pay for my grandmother's next trip to the hospital.
Let's face it, this rotten economy is ruining a good night out for all of us. So what do we do?
Fortunately, I still enjoy the privilege of eating out at restaurants about once or twice a week. The rest of the time, I've been eating in. Yes, I'm learning to cook more and more... And I don't feel sad or frustrated about it.
Last weekend, my dad was pretty wowed when I turned his beloved “eggs & potatoes” (yes, he really isn’t into “fancy food” like I am) into a breakfast frittata that had his taste buds singing. Let’s see, I also think my “Mexitalianese” stir fry with extra firm tofu strips, shredded carrots, sundried tomatoes, and Parmigiano Reggiano for dinner recently was another winner. I just can’t wait until tomorrow when I’ll have time to make my signature gnocchi dish (with crimini mushrooms, shittake mushrooms, and Manchego cream sauce) for dinner!
Maybe I’m weird, but I feel most comfortable when I’m in my home kitchen. Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy eating out. I guess I just feel like I’ve accomplished something truly meaningful when I eat something that I cooked myself from scratch or near-scratch.
Perhaps this is looking on the bright side of the recession, but I feel glad in a way that I do more of my own cooking these days. And maybe by cutting out so much driving and by using "local" (or as close as we can get to it in Vegas) and organic ingredients in my own home cooking, I'm doing my part to reduce my carbon footprint and help save the planet. Ironically, living green also saves serious "green".
Yes, I guess I have channeled my inner "no really, she's for real housewife!" and I don't feel bad about it at all. ;-)
Sometimes, it really sucks when I plan weeks ahead for a glorious night out with someone special... Only for it to be taken away when the someone special is hurt and in a wheelchair and/or a friend calls to borrow money from me because the bank screwed with his account. It really sucks that I can't eat out that often these days because I may be only one broken leg or one broken window away from financial ruin. And yes, it really sucks when my next great vacation full of culinary bliss is always at risk of vanishing away if I ever lose the roommate at the house or my dad needs money to pay for my grandmother's next trip to the hospital.
Let's face it, this rotten economy is ruining a good night out for all of us. So what do we do?
Fortunately, I still enjoy the privilege of eating out at restaurants about once or twice a week. The rest of the time, I've been eating in. Yes, I'm learning to cook more and more... And I don't feel sad or frustrated about it.
Last weekend, my dad was pretty wowed when I turned his beloved “eggs & potatoes” (yes, he really isn’t into “fancy food” like I am) into a breakfast frittata that had his taste buds singing. Let’s see, I also think my “Mexitalianese” stir fry with extra firm tofu strips, shredded carrots, sundried tomatoes, and Parmigiano Reggiano for dinner recently was another winner. I just can’t wait until tomorrow when I’ll have time to make my signature gnocchi dish (with crimini mushrooms, shittake mushrooms, and Manchego cream sauce) for dinner!
Maybe I’m weird, but I feel most comfortable when I’m in my home kitchen. Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy eating out. I guess I just feel like I’ve accomplished something truly meaningful when I eat something that I cooked myself from scratch or near-scratch.
Perhaps this is looking on the bright side of the recession, but I feel glad in a way that I do more of my own cooking these days. And maybe by cutting out so much driving and by using "local" (or as close as we can get to it in Vegas) and organic ingredients in my own home cooking, I'm doing my part to reduce my carbon footprint and help save the planet. Ironically, living green also saves serious "green".
Yes, I guess I have channeled my inner "no really, she's for real housewife!" and I don't feel bad about it at all. ;-)
HRC Sez: Repeal DOMA Now!
Good news on the DOMA front. Human Rights Campaign looks to be getting serious about repealing DOMA. They're now starting a campaign to make it happen.
If you want to get started, go to HRC's action page and send a letter to our Congresscritters asking them to give married LGBT families the same federal rights and responsibilities they provide to married hetero families. As I've explained before, DOMA really has no legal ground to stand upon. Either it will eventually be overturned in the courts or Congress will do its job and get rid of this heinous "law" now. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-New York) will be introducing the bill next week, so let's whip some real support for it in Congress to make it happen!
50,000 of you took our survey on how the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) harms families. And with Congress back in session this week, we personally delivered your responses – and thousands of heartfelt comments – to help build the case for repealing this discriminatory law. Now is the time to really put the pressure on and tell Congress it’s time to Repeal DOMA Now (which is coincidentally the name of our new campaign).
In the past year, tens of thousands of loving same-sex couples have legally been married in Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont. And with new laws soon to take effect in New Hampshire and Maine, thousands more will surely join them. Enacted in 1996, the Defense of Marriage Act purports to allow states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.
DOMA also creates a federal definition of “marriage” and “spouse” for the first time in our country’s history. This is an unprecedented intrusion by the U.S. Congress into an area traditionally left to the states. Marriage is defined as a “legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife,” and spouse is defined as “a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.” Marriages that do not fit this description are not eligible for any benefits offered by the federal government. Under DOMA, even same-sex couples lawfully married under the laws of their states are ineligible for numerous rights, benefits, and responsibilities, including those related to Social Security, immigration, family and medical leave, joint taxation, federal employee benefits and many more.
If you want to get started, go to HRC's action page and send a letter to our Congresscritters asking them to give married LGBT families the same federal rights and responsibilities they provide to married hetero families. As I've explained before, DOMA really has no legal ground to stand upon. Either it will eventually be overturned in the courts or Congress will do its job and get rid of this heinous "law" now. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-New York) will be introducing the bill next week, so let's whip some real support for it in Congress to make it happen!
My Letter to the Editor on Health Care... Will It Get Published?
OK, I just wrote a letter to The Sun & The R-J. Let's see if it ever gets published. Wish me luck! ;-)
I'm Open to Compromising, But Not Diluting
Overall, I think President Obama's speech on health care was quite good. He spoke eloquently as usual. He stated a good case for health care reform. He finally explained the details of what he wants that we have all been waiting for.
However, there was something in that speech that disturbed me. The President finally defended the proposed Medicare-like public option, but then said he may be willing to sacrifice it for the sake of getting any bill passed. I just can't agree with that.
Do I mind compromise? No. In fact, progressive Democrats have already compromised in foregoing a "Medicare for All", also known as a single-payer, plan that would provide everyone with quality, affordable health care and stop the HMOs from bullying consumers and denying us the care we need as they charge us more and more in premiums. We compromised because we were promised that the public option would be an option we could all choose if we want to.
This is why it's important that a strong Medicare-like public option must be included in the final health care reform package. Without that needed competition, the insurance companies will never feel compelled to abide by President Obama's other proposed reforms, like ending discrimination based on pre-existing conditions. "Co-ops" have been designed by the HMOs to fail, as they already have in areas where they were first implemented, and "triggers" can easily be manipulated by insurance company lobbyists to never be enforced.
So while I am inspired by President Obama's speech to keep working by health care reform, I also feel compelled to call my members of Congress and ask them to ensure a bill with a strong public option is sent to the President's desk so that we the consumers have the final say on our health care decisions, not the insurance companies.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Crazy Fun Video Night Open Thread Is BACK!!
I know you've been missing it. Hey, I have as well. So here 'ya go... More fun videos from Everything Is Terrible! Enjoy your evening. ;-)
EMBED-The Chicago 6 - Watch more free videos
EMBED-The Chicago 6 - Watch more free videos
Infomercial Hell - watch more funny videos
My Thoughts (And Grade) of President Obama's Health Care Speech
Flowery language: A
I'll admit it. He still speaks well, with complete sentences actually. Nice.
Refuting attacks: A-
He finally called a lie a lie. Good on him. It may not stop the Republicans from lying some more, but maybe there's a chance that crap like "DEATH PANELS!!!!!" and "GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER!!!!!!" stop gaining traction.
Policy: C+
Yes, he finally said "public option"... But then caved some by remaining "open" to co-op craps and never-to-be-enforced "triggers". And worse, he called on Congressional Democrats to be ready to cave in as well. I hope they ignore those sentences from him. And hopefully, Obama himself isn't all that serious in selling out his progressive base AND the chance for real health care reform for a few feel-good "we'll say there's no more preexisting condition discrimination, but let the HMOs continue to do whatever they want" thirty pieces of silver.
Overall: B
Again, the speech seems like a good step forward after all the floundering around that has thrown The White House into the mess it's now in. Maybe we can still salvage HR 3200 and make it a good bill. However, there were some clear warning signs that all isn't well.
President Obama still seems ready to capitulate on important issues like a strong Medicare-like public option if he thinks he'll get a "bipartisan reform bill" to call a "victory" regardless of whether or not we the people actually benefit from it. This is where "The Progressive Block" steps in.
House and Senate Progressives must absolutely do whatever they can to ensure a strong public option survives in the final health care reform package! And in the mean time, we need to keep the phones ringing off the hook and the email inboxes completely full at Harry Reid's, Shelley Berkley's, and Dina Titus' respective offices. All of them say they "support a public option", but none of them have yet taken the pledge to ensure we have one. We need to make them commit, and we must make sure President Obama doesn't just sign any bill, but rather a good bill that will actually help people.
I'll admit it. He still speaks well, with complete sentences actually. Nice.
Refuting attacks: A-
He finally called a lie a lie. Good on him. It may not stop the Republicans from lying some more, but maybe there's a chance that crap like "DEATH PANELS!!!!!" and "GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER!!!!!!" stop gaining traction.
Policy: C+
Yes, he finally said "public option"... But then caved some by remaining "open" to co-op craps and never-to-be-enforced "triggers". And worse, he called on Congressional Democrats to be ready to cave in as well. I hope they ignore those sentences from him. And hopefully, Obama himself isn't all that serious in selling out his progressive base AND the chance for real health care reform for a few feel-good "we'll say there's no more preexisting condition discrimination, but let the HMOs continue to do whatever they want" thirty pieces of silver.
Overall: B
Again, the speech seems like a good step forward after all the floundering around that has thrown The White House into the mess it's now in. Maybe we can still salvage HR 3200 and make it a good bill. However, there were some clear warning signs that all isn't well.
President Obama still seems ready to capitulate on important issues like a strong Medicare-like public option if he thinks he'll get a "bipartisan reform bill" to call a "victory" regardless of whether or not we the people actually benefit from it. This is where "The Progressive Block" steps in.
House and Senate Progressives must absolutely do whatever they can to ensure a strong public option survives in the final health care reform package! And in the mean time, we need to keep the phones ringing off the hook and the email inboxes completely full at Harry Reid's, Shelley Berkley's, and Dina Titus' respective offices. All of them say they "support a public option", but none of them have yet taken the pledge to ensure we have one. We need to make them commit, and we must make sure President Obama doesn't just sign any bill, but rather a good bill that will actually help people.
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