"War on Terror" or Maybe They Just Aren't That Into Us

President Obama ordered the phrase 'war on terror' be removed from all communication. While I understand the PR aspects of why he wanted to set a new tone with his administration, the rest of the world doesn't appear to have signed onto the general concept. Perhaps the President needs to have Mrs. Clinton deliver some more of those "reset" buttons. And while she's at it, she can drop one off in the Oval Office.

“As I’ve watched the events of the last few days it is clear once again that President Obama is trying to pretend we are not at war. He seems to think if he has a low key response to an attempt to blow up an airliner and kill hundreds of people, we won’t be at war. He seems to think if he gives terrorists the rights of Americans, lets them lawyer up and reads them their Miranda rights, we won’t be at war. He seems to think if we bring the mastermind of 9/11 to New York, give him a lawyer and trial in civilian court, we won’t be at war. He seems to think if he closes Guantanamo and releases the hard-core al Qaeda trained terrorists still there, we won’t be at war. He seems to think if he gets rid of the words, ‘war on terror,’ we won’t be at war. But we are at war and when President Obama pretends we aren’t, it makes us less safe. Why doesn’t he want to admit we’re at war? It doesn’t fit with the view of the world he brought with him to the Oval Office. It doesn’t fit with what seems to be the goal of his presidency – social transformation—the restructuring of American society. President Obama’s first object and his highest responsibility must be to defend us against an enemy that knows we are at war.” - Dick Cheney

But of course we are the US of A. We will surround ourselves with an impenetrable shield of good intention ?

It's a good thing we have the latest and greatest technology in body scanners. There is nothing we can not overcome without a little American ingenuity. Right?!?!

Of course Israel doesn't use body scanners. And when you think it through, it make perfect sense that a full body scan of a wife would be never be permitted by a Muslim man.

Israel has no qualms about admitting that there are people in the world who wish to do them harm. And that it's possible to take an honest look at these people and find that many of them fit a certain profile.

If you've ever flown on El Al Airlines, you notice that you are not be treated the same of those Israeli citizens flying with an Israeli passport. Flying El Al you begin to have an idea of how they keep people safe. And they do it quickly and very efficiently.

You want some tips on what American can do to stay safe? Call Israel.

Government Sponsored Abortion

Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services discusses how the new health care "reform" bill will pay for abortion on demand. Although all will have a portion of their premium go into the pool that will fund abortions, it's not your money paying for abortions.

Upon reading the language of the bill, Democrat Congressman from Michigan Bart Stupak made a statement including "A review of the Senate language indicates a dramatic shift in federal policy that would allow the federal government to subsidize insurance policies with abortion coverage"

Here the Congressman reacts in person to the abortion language in the Senate bill:

So has our "health care reform" become a tool to provide "...a dramatic shift in federal policy..."? Perhaps a dramatic shift to the left? It is for the courts to decide the legality of abortion, and each administration has tried to resize the box to their liking. But this administration has completely jumped out of the box , pushing our society to the far left. Our government may not actually be in the abortion business, but our government will guarantee that everyone gets reimbursed for the expense of their abortion. Just like getting your tonsils removed, right? And of course pregnancy is an pre existing condition so your OK if you switch jobs. Who wants to start a new job all the hassles having a baby to raise.

Is it Legal?

"A mandate requiring all individuals to purchase health insurance would be an unprecedented form of federal action. The government has never required people to buy any good or service as a condition of lawful residence in the United States. An individual mandate would have two features that, in combination, would make it unique. First, it would impose a duty on individuals as members of society. Second, it would require people to purchase a specific service that would be heavily regulated by the federal government." Congressional Budget Office statement from 1994

"...Senators and Representatives need to know that, despite what they have been told, the health insurance mandate is highly vulnerable to challenge because it is, in truth, unconstitutional." Randy Barnett, Nathaniel Stewart, Todd F. Garzino, Legal Memorandum #49 The Heritage Foundation

Who knows? But it looks like it could be an interesting question regardless how hard the Democrats try to downplay the issue.

Reid Gets It Done.

Although few people had the ability to read Harry Reid's (D-NE) "manager's amendment" health bill, it was passed in the middle of the night. The bill was openly opposed by right wing nutroots such as Howard Dean, Arianna Huffington, and Daily Kos founder Markos Moulitsas. The latest Rasmussen poll showed 56% of Americans opposed it, increasing to 63% of those 65 and older.

Why did they do it? In the Washington Post, Kathleen Parker speculated:

"The growing sense now is that Obama is desperate -- for any kind of bill. What matters is checking the box next to "health care reform" and declaring some kind of victory.

Thus, the man who was going to remain above the political fray has revealed himself as pluperfectly political, ready to settle for the very kind of mandate (without the public option) that he opposed as a candidate challenging Hillary Clinton. Rather than inspiring confidence, he has inspired a groundswell of disapproval and a populist uprising that may allow Republicans to clean House come November."

But it's all about reducing costs, right? WellPoint looked into the data and did some regional comparisons. 25 year old in Milwaukee buying coverage on the individual market will see his costs increase by 178%, eight employee small business in Richmond VA costs will increase by 23%, 40 year old with 2 kids will see a 106% increase for family coverage. And as I have explored in previous postings, there is nothing in the bill that will actually reduce the costs of health care for Americans.

From a great article in today's Wall Street Journal:

"The tragedy is that Mr. Obama inherited a consensus that the health-care status quo needs serious reform, and a popular President might have crafted a durable compromise that blended the best ideas from both parties. A more honest and more thoughtful approach might have even done some good. But as Mr. Obama suggested, the Democratic old guard sees this plan as the culmination of 20th-century liberalism.

So instead we have this vast expansion of federal control. Never in our memory has so unpopular a bill been on the verge of passing Congress, never has social and economic legislation of this magnitude been forced through on a purely partisan vote, and never has a party exhibited more sheer political willfulness that is reckless even for Washington or had more warning about the consequences of its actions.

These 60 Democrats are creating a future of epic increases in spending, taxes and command-and-control regulation, in which bureaucracy trumps innovation and transfer payments are more important than private investment and individual decisions. In short, the Obama Democrats have chosen change nobody believes in—outside of themselves—and when it passes America will be paying for it for decades to come."

Read The Bill

After all the deal making done behind closed doors, what have the Democrats brought to the table?

- Americans required to have insurance or pay a tax. CBO estimates $15 billion in tax over the next 10 years.

- 10% on tanning bed usage.

- Additional taxes on insurance companies and manufactures of medical devices and prescription drugs.

- Tax on employer-sponsored "Cadillac" insurance plans. Unless you're a member of a union that supported Obama in the election; SEIU, mine workers, construction workers.

- Tax on companies that do not offer health insurance coverage. CBO estimate is $28 billion in new taxes on these small business over the next 20 years.

- Unequal treatment and funding for specific states and counties.

Quoted in the New York Times, Harry Reid, D-Neb said; "A number of States are treated differently from other states. That's what this legislation is all about, compromise."

That's one way to put it. Mitch McConnell R-KY put it another way; "...a monstrosity full of special sweetheart deals for a few states."

- Coverage for abortion on demand.

This hot button issue has created a compromise that has been so twisted through the process that it is opposed by Planned Parenthood Federation of American, National Organization for Women, The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Right to Life Committee. When was the last time both NOW and the Catholic Church agreed on anything?

Of course Senator Reid would throw out that word "compromise". We MUST compromise! Set aside your personal and religious beliefs and accept that our government will REQUIRE insurance companies provide abortion on demand. This is the "Change" the current administration has promised? Not a change to the politics as usual in Washington, nothing in the bill to actually reduce medical costs. But rather an excuse to move our country to the left. Christians are expected step back from the line in the sand, or risk being accused of standing in the way of saving the lives of millions who may otherwise die without insurance. Which is the greater good, or perhaps the greater evil? The status quo, or our government taking an active role in providing abortions to millions?

I would challenge that "Christian" is not a noun. Being "Christian" is a verb. Jesus challenged in both word and action. He did not compromise, and neither can we.

Another Member of Congress Sells Vote

What did Senator Ben Nelson (D-Neb) get for agreeing to support Reid's health care plan? Several hundred millions of dollars in taxpayer funds will go to the state of Nebraska. To paraphrase the punch line of the old joke, we have already established what you are we are just negotiating the price. The Democrats have referred to this arm twisting as "favors". I guess it's not a bribe if you're paying with someone else's money. There's also that nagging little story reported by Matt Lewis and Michael Goldfarb about the White House threatening to put Nebraska's military base on the list of bases to be closed. So Nelson got both the carrot and the stick. A bill put before congress should pass or fail based upon it's own merits. Not based upon how much taxpayer funded pork is coming to any specific district. Perhaps if term limits were put into place there would be better balance toward doing what's right for the entire country, rather then pork spending and political "I.O.U."s that may help someone re-elected. Little doubt that the new stimulus package the Democrats are preparing is full of similar "favors" going out to those who are supporting the Obama/Pelosi agenda.

‘‘(3) Notwithstanding subsection (b) and paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, the Federal medical assistance percentage otherwise determined under subsection (b) with respect to all or any portion of a fiscal year that begins on or after January 1, 2017, for the State of Nebraska, with respect to amounts expended for newly eligible individuals described in subclause (VIII) of section 1902(a)(10)(A)(i), shall be determined as provided for under subsection (y)(1) (A) (notwithstanding the period provided for in such paragraph)

From a BBC News report on Afghanistan:

"Marines had mortared two men believed to be setting an IED in an area not far away. A villager later presented two dead children at their base, claiming they had been killed by American fire.

But the children, according to those who had seen them or photographs of them, had been shot. The marines said they had information that a local Taliban commander had ordered it, just so that the Americans would be blamed."

While the American press is consumed with the politics of Afghanistan, the reality of daily life is mostly ignored. How does a young man deal with the effects of facing such evil? Regardless of your political position, our troops need and deserve our support and prayers.

Hmmmmm.....

Not sure who this guy is, but I like his style.

"Just a football game"

The grand tradition of the Army-Navy football game is one of the longest and most celebrated rivalries in sports. But in the end, it is "just a football game". Lady Liberty holds a torch that provides a symbol of freedom and beacon of hope for the world. Provided there are young Americans of character like those on the field yesterday, and the men and women they lead, she will continue to provide that light.

Major Cuts to Medicare, Unless You're a Democrat

Best Buy Drops Christmas for Islam?

Three years ago Best Buy went the politically correct route by dropping the word "Christmas" and going with "Happy Holidays" in all their advertising. OK, there's a lot of that going around. Must not risk offending anyone. After all, America is the land of the politically correct with the only leader who bows to foreign royalty. But now Best Buy has made the decision to give a shout out to their Muslim customers. However a few American's took exception to this. Some of those crazy Christian groups are even calling for a boycott Best Buy.

Eid al-Adha commemorates the Muslim Prophet's readiness to sacrifice his own son in obedience to God. According to the Koran, God appeared in Prophet Ibrahim's dream and asked him to sacrifice something that was most dear to him.

Prophet Ibrahim decided to sacrifice his own son, Ismail. However, when he put a knife on Ismail's throat, God replaced his son with a goat through a miracle.

So in modern times, Muslims celebrate by cutting the throat of a goat while reciting the name of Allah (Surah al-In'aam Aayat 121). This weekend while I was eating leftover turkey, my neighbors gathered at their homes and mosques to kill a goat. In fact, in proper Muslim culture it is consider a right of passage for a young boy to slit the throat of his first goat. Truly a Kodak moment. I can certainly understand why Best Buy would want to recognize this tradition.

Best Buy's respond to all this?

"Best Buy’s customers and employees around the world represent a variety of faiths and denominations. We respect that diversity and choose to greet our customers and employees in ways that reflect their traditions.

We do use the word “holiday” in some of our advertising because it is meant to be inclusive to everyone. "

America, land of the tolerant and inclusive. Unless of course you're a Christian.

The Louisiana Purchase, Take 2

Louisiana Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu demands $300 million in federal pork for Louisiana in exchange for her vote to move forward with the health care debate.

"My vote today, should in no way be construed by the supporters of this current framework as an indication of how I might vote as this debate comes to an end."

Once again a member of Congress puts "bringing home the bacon" to their home state a higher priority over the best interest of our country. How much more will she demand for her vote on the final bill? How many other members of Congress will jump on the pork bandwagon now that it's clear that Reid is willing to reward each positive vote? As our Government continues to bury us in debt, we elect representatives whose primary concern is maintaining their hold on power. While Obama fiddles, Congress is burning the country down.

But of course Harry Reid is part of the our new "Honest and Open" government.

Remember this story, as reported in 2006 by Forbes magazine?

"Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid collected a $1.1 million windfall on a Las Vegas land sale even though he hadn’t personally owned the property for three years, property deeds show.

In the process, Reid did not disclose to Congress an earlier sale in which he transferred his land to a created by a friend and took a financial stake in that company, according to records and interviews.

The Nevada Democrat’s deal was engineered by Jay Brown, a longtime friend and former casino lawyer whose name surfaced in a major political bribery trial this summer and in other prior organized crime investigations. He’s never been charged with wrongdoing – except for a 1981 federal securities complaint that was settled out of court.

Land deeds obtained by The Associated Press during a review of Reid’s business dealings show:

-The deal began in 1998 when Reid bought undeveloped residential property on Las Vegas’ booming outskirts for about $400,000. Reid bought one lot outright, and a second parcel jointly with Brown. One of the sellers was a developer who was benefiting from a government land swap that Reid supported. The seller never talked to Reid.

-In 2001, Reid sold the land for the same price to a limited liability corporation created by Brown. The senator didn’t disclose the sale on his annual public ethics report or tell Congress he had any stake in Brown’s company. He continued to report to Congress that he personally owned the land.

-After getting local officials to rezone the property for a shopping center, Brown’s company sold the land in 2004 to other developers and Reid took $1.1 million of the proceeds, nearly tripling the senator’s investment. Reid reported it to Congress as a personal land sale.

The complex dealings allowed Reid to transfer ownership, legal liability and some tax consequences to Brown’s company without public knowledge, but still collect a seven-figure payoff nearly three years later.

Reid hung up the phone when questioned about the deal during an AP interview."

The Democrats promised transparency. Now that we can see no only their actions but their motivations, what are we going to do about it?

"Just Too Darned Intellectual"

Yeah, that's the problem. President Obama is just too darned smart. Having to deal with all those little issues of being the President of the United States just bogs him down.

Is Chris Matthews re-evaluating that tingle he had running down his leg? I, for one, would be willing to find Obama something to do that would better suited to his skills and intellect.

ABC News: Reid Buys Obamacare Vote for $100 million

How desperate are the Democrats to secure the necessary votes for their massive Government Health Insurance plan?

This desperate

Government Health Care Includes Abortion Coverage

Beginning on line 7, p. 118, section 1303 under “Voluntary Choice of Coverage of Abortion Services” the Health and Human Services Secretary is given the authority to determine when abortion is allowed under the government-run health plan. Leader Reid’s plan also requires that at least one insurance plan offered in the Exchange covers abortions (line 13, p. 120).

What is even more alarming is that a monthly abortion premium will be charged of all enrollees in the government-run health plan. It’s right there beginning on line 11, page 122, section 1303, under “Actuarial Value of Optional Service Coverage.” The premium will be paid into a U.S. Treasury account – and these federal funds will be used to pay for the abortion services.

Section 1303(a)(2)(C) describes the process in which the Health Benefits Commissioner is to assess the monthly premiums that will be used to pay for elective abortions under the government-run health plan and for those who are given an affordability credit to purchase insurance coverage that includes abortion through the Exchange. The Commissioner must charge at a minimum $1 per enrollee per month.

To quote congressman Joe Wilson, "You lie!"

Pelosi Health Care Increases Deficit $89 Billion - CBO

From the Congressional Budget Office:

The Budgetary Impact of Enacting Both H.R. 3961 and H.R. 3962

Under current law, including the new rule, Medicare’s payment rates for physicians’ services will be reduced by about 21 percent in January 2010, and CBO estimates those payment rates will be reduced by about 2 percent annually for several subsequent years. H.R. 3961 would increase those payment rates by 1.2 percent in 2010 and restructure the SGR beginning in 2011. Those changes would result in significantly higher payment rates for physicians than those that would result under current law. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 3961, by itself, would cost $210 billion over the 2010–2019 period.

H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, would establish a mandate for most legal residents of the United States to obtain health insurance, set up insurance “exchanges” through which certain individuals could receive federal subsidies toward the purchase of such insurance, and make numerous other changes in the health insurance system, in federal health care programs, and in the federal tax code. CBO and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation estimate that enacting H.R. 3962, by itself, would reduce federal budget deficits by $109 billion over the 2010–2019 period through its effects on direct spending and revenues.

CBO estimates that enacting both H.R. 3961 and H.R. 3962 would add $89 billion to budget deficits over the 2010–2019 period. That amount is about $12 billion less than the sum of the effects of enacting the bills separately. The $12 billion difference results from two types of interactions. The higher payment rates for physicians’ services under H.R. 3961 would increase the net cost of provisions in H.R. 3962 by about $3 billion. However, that difference would be more than offset by the effect of a change under H.R. 3962 in how payment rates for Medicare Advantage plans are set. That change would reduce the effect of the changes made by H.R. 3961 to Medicare’s payments for physicians’ services in the fee-for-service sector on payment rates for Medicare Advantage plans. As a result, the estimated increase in payments to Medicare Advantage plans would be $15 billion smaller if both bills were enacted than under H.R. 3961 alone.

The agency estimates that the two bills together would cost about $32 billion more in 2019 than H.R. 3962 alone and that the combination of the two bills would increase the budget deficit in 2019 by $23 billion relative to current law.Those increments would grow during the following decade. As stated in its October 29, 2009, letter to Congressman Charles B. Rangel, “CBO expects that [H.R. 3962] would slightly reduce federal budget deficits in that decade relative to those projected under current law—with a total effect during that decade that is in a broad range between zero and one-quarter percent of GDP [gross domestic product].” If both H.R. 3961 and H.R. 3962 were enacted, CBO expects that federal budget deficits during the decade following the 10-year budget window would increase relative to those projected under current law— with a total effect during that decade that is in a broad range between zero and one-quarter percent of GDP.

Is it possible that Reid and and Pelosi "mis-stated" the facts in order to get health care approved?

Islam is Still Evil

According to information obtained from one of two suspected al Qaeda collaborators arrested in France last week, al Qaeda's strategy is to drain the US economy financially then stage an attack more spectacular then 9/11. The suspect is a physicist who was working at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research in Switzerland.

Yes He Did

As reported by the Associated Press:

---

Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus object to a provision in the Senate legislation — backed by the White House — that bars illegal immigrants from buying health insurance within a proposed new marketplace, or exchange, even if they use their own money to buy from private companies.

Illegal immigrants can buy private health insurance now, so some lawmakers say the White House position goes too far. The House bill doesn't have that language, and several members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus met with Obama at the White House on Thursday to tell him that if that changed, he could lose as many as 20 votes.

"I think that he got our message," Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y., head of the Hispanic Caucus, said afterward.

House leaders said that, in keeping with the Hispanic Caucus' demands, there was not likely to be any prohibition added to the House bill against illegal immigrants shopping in the exchange.

---

So on September 9th, when President Obama told congress the Universal Health Insurance, provided health insurance through subsidies paid for by taxpayer money,  he did in fact lie.   And now that all estimates of  the financial costs of the plan will hit at least $1.2 Trillion (although President Obama and Speaker Pelsoi appear to be using different calculators), it becomes clear that this administration and the Democratic leaders in Congress will say anything to have their way.   Although unemployment has now hit 10.2%, the President continues to vote 'present' on the war while focusing on demonizing FOX News.   This administration focuses it's agenda on a bill that will disrupt 17% of our total economy, increases taxes and the federal deficit, with a massive increase in government bureaucracy.  The current bill being pushed provides government subsidized health insurance to non-citizens that includes payment for abortions.   Did he lie?  Yes.  Is this the change we were promised?   

Two words:  Term Limits.

Islam is Evil

With events at Fort Hood in Texas, it is time to call a spade a spade.   While President Obama is cautioning us not "to jump to conclusions before all the facts are in", and the press is play the main suspect as a stressed out Army psychiatrist, it is time to stop being politically correct.   The suspect was a known Muslim.   Witnesses have reported he shouted "Allahu Akbar" then opened fire on our soldiers who were preparing to defend freedom overseas.   I doubt he was part of a conspiracy or sleeper cell.   It is not necessary for a Muslim to be part of a larger group in order to perform acts of violence against non-Muslims.  He was simply following the teachings and examples of his prophet Muhammad.   

"We took the liberty to make some inquires concerning the Grounds of their pretensions to make war upon a Nation who had done them no Injury, and observed that we considered all mankind as our Friends who had done us no wrong, nor had given us any provocation.  The Ambassador answered us that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them where they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners,  and that every Muslim who should be slain in Battle was sure to go to Paradise. "  - Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, report after meeting with an Ambassador representing the Barbary Pirates, 1786.  Today those "pirates" would be call "Islamic Terrorist". 

Islam is evil.  Today's most "perfect" Islamic society may be found in Iran.  The religion is the state, and the Koran is the final authority in all things.  The more Islam seeps into other cultures, the more Muslims demand other observe and respect their beliefs, while attempting to removing and limited our culture and beliefs.  All in the name of tolerance.   Every time you hear the phrase "Islamic Extremists" it should be a reminder for you to do your own research and draw your own conclusion.  By not educating yourself, you are putting your freedoms and beliefs at risk. 

Leadership You Can Believe In

Hmmmm.....

CBS Does Some Actual Investigative Reporting!

With a lead in from none other then Katie Couric!

At this rate, it would have been cheaper to just box the money up and hand it out at the un-employment office.

Here FOX reports our government spent $92,000 for each job "saved or created".

Depends on what your definition of "is" is

Is President Obama playing fast and loose with the the truth?   

Maybe Joe Wilson was correct after all.   

Pawlenty in 2012?

“His solutions are federalization of policy, spending way beyond anything we’ve seen in terms of deficit or debt levels, spending the country into bankruptcy.  And what’s behind it is a philosophy that government knows best, a nanny-state mentality on domestic issues that will ultimately be corrosive to the other pillars of our country — to markets, private enterprise, individual responsibility, freedom and liberty.”…

Obama sold his healthcare proposal as a way to reduce costs and help the economy. “I think it’s going to go down as one of the biggest bait-and-switch acts in history, in the sense that the diagnosis of the problem for the healthcare delivery system in the country was supposed to be cost-containment. In other words, we need to make it more affordable for individuals and families, businesses, and governmental entities. But instead they are now focused substantially on expanding access.”…

“President Obama has governed in an extremely liberal way, and he hasn’t accomplished many major initiatives, but the few that he has have been almost exclusively partisan. That defies what he said during the campaign and doesn’t live up to that promise.”   Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) Minnesota

Hmmmmm....

"“Recently, President Obama’s advisors have decided that it’s easier to blame the Bush Administration than support our troops. This weekend they leveled a charge that cannot go unanswered. The President’s chief of staff claimed that the Bush Administration hadn’t asked any tough questions about Afghanistan, and he complained that the Obama Administration had to start from scratch to put together a strategy.

“In the fall of 2008, fully aware of the need to meet new challenges being posed by the Taliban, we dug into every aspect of Afghanistan policy, assembling a team that repeatedly went into the country, reviewing options and recommendations, and briefing President-elect Obama’s team. They asked us not to announce our findings publicly, and we agreed, giving them the benefit of our work and the benefit of the doubt. The new strategy they embraced in March, with a focus on counterinsurgency and an increase in the numbers of troops, bears a striking resemblance to the strategy we passed to them.  They made a decision – a good one, I think – and sent a commander into the field to implement it.

“Now they seem to be pulling back and blaming others for their failure to implement the strategy they embraced. It’s time for President Obama to do what it takes to win a war he has repeatedly and rightly called a war of necessity.”

Former Vice President Dick Chaney, October 21, 2009

Racism in America, Part II

The Republican Health Care Plan

Several prominent Democrats have accused the Republicans of being the party of "no", and not offering any health plan options of their own.   Simply not true.  Rep. Paul Ryan introduced H.R. 2520, The Patient's Choice Act, back on May 20 of this year.  Long before Democrats starting accusing Republicans of NOT having a plan.   It currently sits in the House Ways and Means Committee along with TWO other Republican plans.   The entire bill may be read HERE.

What’s included? First, Title 1 is based entirely on a concept which most Democrats seem to back… focusing on incentives for preventative medicine and healthier lifestyles. Title 2 deals with one of the great problems in health insurance, allowing for state based health care exchanges and federal incentives for multiple states to band together, crossing state lines, to offer more choices (Same concept that is currently being proposed in Minnesota by Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty). And the state based exchanges would be charged with providing group rates to people across a multitude of circumstances to reduce rates.

Title 4 provides for supplemental health care assistance to low income families, along with both tax credits and advancement vouchers so they can purchase health insurance through these group plans. Limits are also placed on excessive premium charges by private insurance companies.

Next time you hear some White House mouth piece accusing others of misinformation, remember the Republican bills that have been buried by a Democratic Congress.  

Quote of the Day

"I'd say they're (Congress) spending like drunken sailors, but that would be insulting drunken sailors, who spend their own money."  - Television reporter and commentator John Stossel. 

An Interesting Read

From Ronald Radosh:

"So far, in the White House battle with Fox News, it is Fox that has won. Their widely reported ban on Fox has been reported everywhere, and it makes the White House look fearful, weak, and ready only to talk with those who are more likely to agree with their agenda. Is this the change America wanted when it elected Barack Obama as President?"

Read the entire text HERE.

America's Moral Compass

Hollywood big shot Harvey Weinstein has laid claim to being true North on America's Moral Compass in his support of child rapist Roman Polanski.  In a recent interview, Weinstein said that: 

" Hollywood has the best moral compass, because it has compassion...Whatever you think about the so-called crime,  Polanski has served his time.  I was with him the day he won the Legion of Honour in France, which was a spectacular day. I remember the incredible love and affection that people have for him."

Weinstein is producer for such Hollywood family classics as "Sin City", "Piranha 3-D", "Hell Ride", the "Scream" movies series, and Michael Moore's films.   I'm sure Mr. Weinstein is a great guy, but for him to step up to defend a man who fed a 13 year old girl drugs and alcohol, then rape and sodomize her is beyond belief.   "Compassion"...?   No one who has actually read the testimony from the trail (easily found on line), a young terrified 13 year old girl describing being raped and anally sodomized by a 36 year old man would use the word "compassion".   Regardless of the amount of time that has passed, coming forward to support an unrepentant pedophile who fled the country prior to sentencing and then claiming to be the moral compass of America in the same breath is a bit of a stretch.   The same Hollywood that thought it was a great idea to bring in celebrity trash talker Perez Hilton as a judge in the Miss USA contest.   I believe "Dumb Bitch"  was his reaction to her negative response on gay marriage.  Has America sunk so low into the cesspool?  

Apparently so.  Now the NFL players union has come out in opposition to Rush Limbaugh becoming an NFL team owner.  They deem Rush unworthy of being affiliated with one of America's great games.   So the same players union that fought against drug testing managed to get enough of their members out of the strip clubs and stop shooting people to get onto the news to vocalize their protest.  

There was a time in America that our moral compass was mirrored in the images created by Norman Rockwell.   In today's age of instant celebrity and new media we have Kim Kardashian and the producer of "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" setting our moral standards.  

What is your image of the values of America?   Here's mine.  If you don't know who these men are you should Google Randall Shughart and Gary Gordon and teach your children their story. 

It is time to stand up for what you believe in, and what you believe America should be.  If you do not make your voice heard, others will claim to speak on your behalf.