Political Diet

What is the Real Cost of Health Care Reform?

2010-03-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

The key argument used by Nancy Pelosi and the President for the health care reform has been the need to reduce government spending on health care. Last week the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) tried to score segments of the bill they were actually allowed to review. Yet the gymnastics to claim that the bill reduces expenditures is simply insulting to anyone with a brain.

First of all, the bill takes 10 years of revenues to pay for 6 years of services. The bill requires tax increases years from now. Why then an not now? Because, this congress is simply kicking the can of paying for this plan years down the road. This spineless congress doesn't have the guts to pay for this bill so they will place the difficult task of tax increases on members of congress in years to come. What is unfortunate is that many of the same members of congress will remain, and those that will be in office will be equally gutless as the current members of congress. The result will that the congress of the future will fail to implement the tax increases that will be needed to pay for this health care bill. A more detailed explanation of how this bill will be paid for can be found in today's New York Times.

Obama uses social security to justify his health care bill

2010-03-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Today, the media reports that President Obama is in full campaign mode. In a speech he commented that critic would argued Social Security would leave to socialism. So the success of social security is the foundation of the health care reform bill. Where has Social Security led us. It is an entitlement the few people understand. Much of the public believes that Social Security is like a trust where we sent our taxes where it is held in security until we reach out golden years. Social security was intended as a social safety net, but has devolved to an entitlement program used to fund many elderly peoples entire retirement. The misconception is that the government will pay for my retirement. With the momentum of this misconception, we are now on the precipice of this health care reform act. Listen to the President. Has Social Security has turned out to be well funded, without fraud, and with no threat of insolvency? No.

Consent of the Governed

2010-03-19T08:05:00.001-07:00

In virtually anything in health care, a hospital and provider has to obtain consent. A hospital needs consent to admit you to the hospital, consent to perform surgery, consent to give blood, and even consent to bill your insurance company. However, consent can only be obtained after a great effort has been spent explaining the details to the patient. All written consents have to be written at an eighth grade reading level. Yet when it comes to the legislative process of the health care reform, no effort is being spent to assure the the public (aka the governed) understand the details of the health care reform bill and the process to pass the bill. The written language is complicated to the point that one can only assume that it is designed to obfuscate understanding.

We may not agree on the issues of health care reform but I think that most of the public would agree that we need legislative reform. Congress is filled with hubris, and they are governing without the consent of the governed.

Steele Threatens to Quit if RNC Undermines Funding Authority - Presidential Politics | Political News - FOXNews.com

2009-05-19T10:05:00.001-07:00

Steele Threatens to Quit if RNC Undermines Funding Authority - Presidential Politics | Political News - FOXNews.com

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The Political Bailout

2009-01-04T19:15:00.000-08:00

Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s appointment of Roland Burris has produced a fascinating sequence of events. It seems that one attempted illegal act begets others. This intern allows others to think that that naked, illegal actions are permissible because the intent in noble. Senate majority leader Harry Reid and Illinois Secretary of State have both said that they will not allow the seating of Roland Burris to the vacated US senate seat. It is not within Harry Reid's power to refuse a lawfully appointed interim Senator. The legislature of Illinois could call for a special election. That would remove Blagojevich from the appointment process and make him irrelevant in regards to any senate appointment. This seems like a very simple, expedient, and lawful option. The reason that the Illinois legislature will not have a special election is that the Democratic party fears that the people of Illinois could actually vote to be represented by a Republican. Certainly that is not a choice the Democratic party are willing to let the people make. So Harry Reid says that he will refuse to seat Burris. Burris seems qualified, certainly more qualified than Caroline Kennedy. Reid is demonstrating either his arrogance or contempt for the Law. Burris should be seated and those who oppose his appointment should take the issue up in the federal courts. The reason is once again that we have a culture where there should be no consequences. Buy a house you cannot afford-- no problem. Poorly manage a company-- the taxpayers has your back. Well, we see the same attitude in the Blagojevich case. The Democratic machine raise money and supported Blagojevich to ascend to the office of Illinois Governor, Now that he has gone of the reservation- the Democratic party wants to call a political mulligan or bailout. The impression is that the Democrats do not want to live with the consequences of their actions. Seems to be a pervasive and growing problem in the US.

Three seats in the US Senate are for sale- not one

2008-12-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

It is interesting to me the magnitude of righteous indignation regarding Governor Blagojevich’s alleged consideration of exchanging the appointment to fill the vacated Illinois US Senate seat for money. After all, to exchange a political favor for cold hard cash is so ugly, undignified not to mention to illegal. In New York State, Caroline Kennedy has decided that it might be fun to be a member of US Senate. It would appear that New York Governor Paterson is going to appoint Kennedy. Her appointment would because she is the most qualified candidate. Kennedy would not be appointed because of her decades of service to the public. Governor Paterson is certainly going to gain something by the appointment of Kennedy. To think otherwise would be ludicrous and naïve. Patterson will gain political favor, access, and perhaps future political appointments. In Delaware, Governor Ruth Ann Minner is likely to appoint a placeholder individual to occupy the seat until which time Biden’s son will be able to run for the seat following his military obligation. It’s not likely that cash will be exchanged in this deal. However, both in New York and Delaware a transaction will be consummated. Blagojevich’s mistake was that he asked for money. When Blagojevich asked for a job or appointment no one cried foul. When he asked for money, the earth opened up on him and everyone acted with total disgust on even such a consideration. As the President-elect fills many of his political appointments over the next couple of months give some consideration as to how many of those are political payback for support, endorsements, or favors. A transaction brokered with a currency of a different type. There are many things more valuable than money.

Shoe Thrower Lacks Convictions-- Shocking

2008-12-19T05:58:00.000-08:00

The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes in an attempt to insult President George Bush has plead for mercy on the Iraqi court asking for a pardon. He asked," "I appeal to your fatherly feelings to forgive me." What a spineless coward. The Arab world erupted with enthusiasm and support for his insulting of the US president. Notably absent are the throngs of people in the street celebrating his latest public act--his pleas to the court. The US media are also not playing his story of begging the court not to send him to prison in a looped video.

The Democratic Act of Throwing Shoes

2008-12-17T19:53:00.000-08:00

Society is filled with symbols of rebellion and opposition. The burning of an American flag in the city square by protesters is perceived by most as disrespectful and provocative. The moment that you would attempt to restrict such a demonstration, liberal and civil libertarians would scream of the threat to the fabric of democracy and the freedoms we love so much. Freedoms such as the freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. The American media fails to recognize that the "shoe attack" is proof in concept that democracy has taken root in Iraq and that the war is won.

The Iraqi reporter, Muntazar Al-Zaidi, who threw his shoes at President George Bush is being lauded as some hero in the Arab world. He and his actions are an ironic joke, a testimonial to the freedoms that have been afforded to him by American policy and the very man he was trying to insult. Al-Zaidi is a journalist who was attending a news conference of two heads of state in Baghdad. If Saddam Hussein were conducting such a news conference what questions do you suppose and Iraqi "journalist" would feel comfortable asking? Voice an opposing opinion and you would likely find oneself imprisoned, insult him and you would be dead. The very notion that Al-Zaidi was at a new conference and was able to vocalize his hatred against the President and America is a demonstration that Democracy and the United State won. The people of Iraq have been liberated. To call Al-Zaidi a hero is joke. He is a coward. Perhaps he would like to throw his shoes at the other heads of state. Let's conduct a list for him to practice his new shoe pitching skills: Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran, North Korea, or China. Alternatively, he could come to Times Square and toss some shoes at a typical New Yorker and see how that works out for him.

No Muntazar Al-Zaidi is not a hero. He is a personification of irony and history will remember his as a man so shallow and stupid he couldn't even realize that he was insulting and attacking the man who was responsible for the liberties that he was exercising with his reckless and stupid acts. The media who views this video and giggles like a bunch of children are equally simplistic in their analysis of these events.

Democracy and Capitalism is Dying

2008-12-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

The UAW's sense of entitlement is unprecedented. According to both the GOP and the UAW, the negotiations regarding the auto bailout collapsed when members of the senate could make commitments regarding wages that were competitive with the foreign automakers transplants in the US. UAW President Ron Gettelfinger in a news conference today in Detroit stated that today that the UAW has always kept its word. Furthermore, when pressed by the media today, Gettelfinger would not agree that the UAW would make any concessions to get the auto bailout. The auto industry wants $14 billion today and tens of billions of dollars in the weeks to months to come. The UAW wants the American tax payer to fund a bailout but does not want any strings attached. The UAW does not want to provide any dates of commitment to provide competitive labor cost or make any labor concessions at all. That is absolutely unreasonable. That attitude is a window into the very psychology that got the Detroit Big three into the trouble they find themselves today.

One of the several laughable quotes of Gettelfinger today was that the US Senate wanted to silence the voice of the worker. The Gettelfinger was hopeful the Treasury and the White House to provide TARP funds to the Big Three. Nevermind the democratic process. The legislative process stopped the bailout process, but lets ignore the will of the American tax payer. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson will raid the treasury once again and give money to the automakers.

Once again we are faced with a dilemma. Let's review . .
1. The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (enacted February 13, 2008): $152 billion dollars ($152,000,000,000) was spent to send $300 and $600 dollars. The intent was to stimulate the economy and create some business investment.

2. TARP- Troubled Assets Relief Program- a $750 billion ($750,000,000,000) bailout that had to be done with break-neck speed to get money to financial institutions. When it went to the Hill, Congress had to add an additional $150 billions ($150,000,000000) of "sweeteners" (aka pork) to get it to pass. The intent was to allow immediate liquidity in the financial markets that were frozen due to poor assets. The banks that have gotten funds have essentially recapitalized with the money and have slow to give loans.

The Treasury is being raided. The White house and the Treasury is likely to provide a bailout. Despite the will of the American people and the lawful actions of the House and Senate. There is more at stake the the US auto industry and economy. What is at risk are the concepts of democracy and capitalism.

Congress wants to buy the auto industry

2008-12-10T17:18:00.000-08:00

At present time congress just passed the auto bailout. It seems that American car companies cannot sale cars in . . .America. But how do these same companies perform in Europe. After all, this political season we have heard a great deal about Europe. We've heard that Europe has better infrastructure, and universal health care, and American car companies can sell cars. Why can't GM and Ford sell cars in the US but can in Europe. GM and Ford already make fuel economic cars in Europe but cannot sell them in a profitable fashion in the US because of regulations passed by CONGRESS. Over the years, Congress has passed the regulations for safety and emissions standards that prevent from the US car companies from selling these popular automobiles in the US. If congress suspended these regulations, the automobile companies could start selling these care in the US immediately and would need a tax payer bailout. So that leads to the question of what is more important to congress, their suffocating regulations or a $35 billion dollar bailout?

Will this be the last of the auto bailouts? No. Once we bail out the car companies the next problem is the ability of the dealers and the consumers to get credit to buy the cars. A bailout will not solve that. GMAC (49% ownesd by GM) provides these loans is feverishly trying to raise the capital so that they can become a bank holding company. The reason they are trying to become a bank holding company is to file an application to the US Treasury to get billions of dollars of TARP money. After all, GMAC has lost almost $8 billion dollars over the last five quarters. Pelosi won't move on emission standard.

The federal government has considered the notion of a government car czar. (I love the notion that they used a Russian word for Emperor). This is an amazing amount of arrogance. Three automobile auto executives could not run their three respective companies. Not a problem. The government selected bureaucrat has the wisdom to run all three of the companies.

The New New Deal - Public Works Payola

2008-12-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

The political corruption scandal of Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich was centered around a pay to play philosophy. The governor allegedly used his power to obtain contributions by those seeking to obtain profitable contracts for public works such as highways, bridges, and even a children's hospital. It seemed that these public works projects were the currency that fuels the machine of Chicago and Illinois political corruption. Over the past couple of weeks we have heard the proclamation from Obama, Reid, Pelosi, and Frank that the solution to our current economic turmoil is a massive public works project the likes that have never been seen before in the US. Certainly Obama's massive new deal projects will be free of corruption, bribes, and fraud.

Detroit is Drowning-- Al Gore Tosses Them a Brick

2008-12-09T12:46:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday Al Gore met with President-Elect Obama. The topic was obvious. After inventing the internet, Al has turned his attention to saving the world. Let's make some green cars. Alternative energy cost more than conventional energy. With the automobile industry doing so well, what a great time to talk about making more federal mandates to make cars that no one wants to buy. Furthermore, alternative energy is not cheaper than our current energy forms so lets have the government and not the free market determine what cars and with what features you will buy. The federal government is nationalizing the automobile industry and talking about appointing a "car czar." "Czar is defined as an emperor. Perhaps appropriate language given the recent government policies.

Liquidity of the Car Market

2008-12-09T05:38:00.000-08:00

Congress continues to debate the bailout of the auto industry. One of the problems that has been verbalized is that the banks are not making loans for people to buy auto loans. No loans, no one buying cars. Personally, I am somewhat amused by the total lack of intelligence by people who want to take on more debt in this economic climate. Event before this economic crash, I am a risk averse person who avoids credit and debt. When one simplifies the entire economic crisis, one can say that the underlying problem is that of banks, companies, and individuals trying to lever-up with borrowed money.

To reduce their risk, the banks have established a credit score of 740 to qualify for a car loan. (See Forbes article) Many in congress see this credit limit as a problem. Lets break this down. In this time of economic turmoil and crisis, banks should lower their standards on providing loans to individuals who the banks see as too risky. Isn't this who we good the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac crisis with subprime mortages? YES.

What . . . there is more? Congress had to push the $850 billion dollar TARP bailout. If they didn't rush it through congress we were all doomed. Congress, pushed the TARP legislation with all of its lack of oversight. Those of us who resisted were treated with nothing short of condescension since we lacked the insight of congress. No congress is fuming because banks are not putting the TARP money into play to provided the intended liquidity. That is because under the TARP legislation, the banks are not compelled to lend the money. Instead, the are putting the money in Treasuries and recapitalizing. The banks are taking advantage of the opportunities made by congress with poor legislation.

So in summary, the $850 billion dollar legislation is not doing what congress intended. Congress wants the banks to give loans deemed to be too high risk to give loans to in the current economic climate. And Chris Dodd and Barney Frank what to call the auto executives incompetent.

Harry Reid Insults Capitol Hill Tourist-- a real man of the people.

2008-12-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

Harry Reid demonstrates once again his true elitism attitudes. At the dedication of a tourist center on Capitol Hill Reid makes mention of foul smelling tourist. Well Harry, then don't take their tax dollars or votes.

Where will all the cars go without the big three?

2008-12-04T12:31:00.000-08:00

Watching the hearings on the Detroit auto makers. What is missing in the debate is the facts that if these three manufactures go out of business, the need for the automobile does not vanish with them. Listening to their positions makes me angry. Are they so arrogant to think the automobile will die with them or do they really think the American public is stupid. If the "Big Three" go out of business, the excess capacity will be absorbed by those companies that are ALREADY making the competitive products the people are ALREADY buying. Those supply chain companies will shift their businesses to meet the demands absorbed by Nissan, Honda, Volkswagon, and Toyata who all have plants here in the US.

In the late 70s and early 80s, areas of the rust belt were created in Ohio and Pennsylvania where thousands of steel workers lost their jobs as the automakers stopped buying domestic steel in favor of imported steel from Japan. Now, the automakers what us to protect them from the foreign competition. Oh the irony.

Biden Dynasty

2008-11-28T15:36:00.000-08:00

The United State is a country of about 30 million people of various talents and gifts. Despite this wealth of human talent, it appears that there is only a handful of individual families that are capable of ruling the great unwashed masses. For decades, the US citizenry has been ruled by the aristocracy of families such as the Kennedys, Clintons, Bushes, Cuomos, or Daileys.

As a disciple of "change" Vice President elect Joe Biden demonstrates that he believes in ruling families more than real political change. In early January Joe Biden with take the oath of office for . . . the US Senate. Huh?? I thought he was elected to be Vice President. After taking the oath of office for the Senate, the Democratic governor of Delaware will appoint Ted Kaufman to fill the senate seat. Ted Kaufman is Biden's longtime chief of staff and leading Biden's transition team. Kaufman will hold that Senate seat for two years until a special election to fill the remaining four ears of Biden's newly elected US Senate seat. In two years, Biden's son, Beau, the current Deleware attorney general will be done serving in the national guard in Iraq. He will return in time to take his father's Senate seat and start yet another political dynasty.

It certainly appears that Biden is a real believer of "change."

2008-11-24T14:48:00.000-08:00

During the democratic primaries, there was a wide division between these two on issues regarding foreign policy. A good deal of tension and ideological disagreement.

Obama: "What people are looking for right now is someone who is going to solve problems and not resort to the typical politics we have seemed in Washington. That is something hear across the country."

He trashes Senator Clinton on foreign policy, and then appoints her Secretary of State. He ran on change in Washinton and appoints the usual political operatives.

Nice quote, where's the change??

Obama's or Clinton's Foreign Policy

2008-11-23T14:26:00.000-08:00

What is behind the appointment of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State? Remember the criticism during the election that Obama lacked foreign policy experience. The appointment of Biden was suppose to neutralize that weakness. Now as president-elect, he appoints his Democratic opponent as his point person on foreign policy. There is certainly more to this than meets they eye. This will be an interesting as it develops further.

More change. Clinton part two.

Obama is Clinton's Third Term: Media Responds Defending Insiders with Experience

2008-11-23T12:17:00.000-08:00

Where is the change? Obama ran on the slogan of "change." Obama was the new and fresh candidate and not a political insider. I enjoyed asking Obama supports why they were voting Obama and hearing the slogan, "we need change." Well, you voted for him, he won, and where is the change? Some liberals are growing frustrated by all of the Clinton retreads

How does the liberal media respond in the defense of their choosen candiate?? If Obama had selected people who were outsiders and with no Washington experience, then the right would the right be critical??? Doesn't it make sense to have people with experience??

Well . . . what was the attack on the right during the campaign has become the defense used by the liberal media after the election to defend the Obama appointees. The right wanted a President with experience. The left argued that we needed an fresh agent of "Change." Now that the election is over, the media is now defending Obama saying that we need Washington insiders with experience to fill the cabinet. We are not getting change, but the third term of Clinton ideologues.

The Democratic Echo Chamber

2008-11-21T11:16:00.000-08:00

What will be the outcome of the bailout request by the big three automakers? The Democrats what to act as if they are innocent in the demise of the American automobile industry. On the contrary, the Democrats find themselves in the middle of the problem. Obama and the Democrats have to pay back the labor unions for their long-term support of the the democratic party. If there is no bailout this week, there is certainly on coming the future.

The American auto industry has been in a slow decline and with hourly compensation exceeding over $70 per hour, certainly adding to the problems. When gasoline cost exceeded $4 per gallon this summer, sales of automobiles and trucks came screeching to a halt. Americans started to demand that we should "drill here and drill now." Have Obama and the Dem's responded? Of course not. Though gasoline prices have dropped significantly over the past several months, Americans are still frightened or cautious that the price will climb to prices even higher than those experienced this summer and with good reason. The same democratic party that has promised auto labor unions billions of dollars to build cars and trucks that no one wants to buy, in part due to potentially high gasoline prices. What will Obama do? Well, on one day he will bail out the automobile labor unions, and the next day he plans on closing oil fields in the west, and make drilling more difficult and more expensive.

Labor is a commodity just like oil and tobacco. By design, our federal government taxed tobacco to prevent people from purchasing cigarettes because the consumer changed their behavior. That was their plan, and their plan worked. This summer, oil prices climbed to the point where the American consumer changed their behavior. They took more mass transportation, cancel vacations, car pooled, and they stoped buying gas guzzler cars. All things that would make the environmentalist giddy--- a win to the Democrats. Oh, but wait . . .what about Detroit and the automobile labor union. Don't worry, the Democrats will solve your problems too. Here is a few billion for a bailout to save your jobs.

The problem is that since labor is a commodity, you price the commodity too high you fail to be competitive in the market place. It happens with tobacco and oil, and now with labor. Dem's will argue that we need to have a strong industrial base. You bet!!! Buttressing a failing auto industry will only continue to support a weak industrial complex and take business from strong competitors. The loss of the big three will not mean that Americans will never buy a car made in the US ever again. The south is filled with successful automobile manufacturing plants. Those health companies will absorb the excess business created by the failing, poorly managed, Detroit companies. That's the free market. That is also the American way.

Where is Armageddon??

2008-11-20T12:06:00.000-08:00

Remember only a few weeks ago, when congress told us that if they did not spend $750 billion dollars in tax dollars that the world would end. The only way to save the economic system was to bail it out? Well, they took our money, and no results. The dow still continues to fall. The bail out money was to unfreeze the financial system from toxic paper. The money has not been distributed for that purpose, and now we are being told that the fist plan was flawed. Instead of providing liquidity, the US government is going to buy banks!! Remember the democrats and republicans-- we need to have all of this money now. Now the Obama camp is saying that they would like to have $325 billion left unspent until they take office. Hold on!!! The American public was told that the whole $750 billion was need that week or the world will end. Now we can wait until January to use half of the money?! The the government not really need of $850 billion dollars when they said they did?? Of course not. What is going on now the pillaging of the US Treasury.