Anyone else getting sick of all the name calling? Read a WONDERFUL quote about this in a NYdailynews article that I found on Boortz.com:
"Playground Tactics. Insults are generally reserved for people who cut you off while driving. They aren't smart strategy when used against the people who elected you."
Could not have said it better myself.
Wow, what a week it's been, huh? Gotta love how successful the boycotts have been against Whole Foods and Glenn Beck. "Whole Foods CEO is undermining President Obama"?? Give me a break. Get over yourselves. Meanwhile, back in reality, I found lots of tasty deals when I shopped at Whole Foods and have been enjoying delicious dinners, made with Whole Foods ingredients, all weekend. I hear people are holding a "buycott" on Tuesday, so I just might have to stop back by then. Delicious - keep it up, liberals, you are doing a great job. Beck and Whole Foods should thank you.
But then yesterday I log on to see a video of Officer Wesley "This ain't America no more" Cheeks Jr. (H/T to MAinfo and Gateway Pundit)
I keep searching news articles, looking for the announcement that he's been fired. Maybe we'll all wake up Monday morning to hear that he's been appointed as the newest Czar. Let's hope he has "tax cheat" on his resume too - that will help his chances. Maybe he can head up Obama's new civilian army? I also recently got a hit on my blog from that area of VA... wonder if that's a coincidence?
But, it encourages me to see representatives like this spunky spitfire, Rep. Michele Bachmann. I found this video on Michelle Malkin's website. This is still America as long as people like her stand up and fight back. I need to look up where she's from and write her a thank you note... or move there, or something...
"I've given birth here more times than you, sir." Classic. Keep up the good work. Maybe I should make dinner for her, made with ingredients from Whole Foods...
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Good role models are hard to find
I was listening to Herman Cain on the radio in the car last night, while out getting something for dinner. He was in the middle of talking to someone and sounded rather frustrated. Now, especially for those of you who have never heard Herman Cain's show, he is THE most patient man I have ever heard. He rarely raises his voice and always tries to reason with people. I've heard him talk to people that make me want to tear my hair out, but he is just patient and calm with them.
So when I heard him starting to raise his voice on the radio last night, it caught my attention. Just what type of creature has turned calm, cool and collected Mr Cain into the man I hear yelling on the radio right now?
The creature was named Steve and the first words I heard fly out of Steve's mouth were:
"What don't you people get? I voted democratic in this last election and we won. Our guy is in the White House, so you have no room to complain. Sit down, shut up and let us take care of this because we won."
You could have picked me up off of the floor. To hear President Obama's (paraphrased) words coming out of someone else's mouth just shocked me. It shocked me to hear Obama say it in the first place, but it was like another slap in the face to hear it parroted from one of his supporters. (Besides, I don't recall them "sitting down and shutting up" when Bush was in office... nor would I have wanted them too... just sayin'...)
I really wish people would think for themselves, but like it or not, whomever holds the title of "President of the United States" is a role model. And they have the power to influence millions of people, all around the world, for better or worse. AND HE'S TEACHING PEOPLE THAT IT'S OK TO TELL PEOPLE TO "SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP!!! Unbelievable... just unbelievable. Mind you, he's not totally to blame... I'd hope people would have more of a head on their shoulders... but still... What else is he going to teach people that it's okay to do with that kind of influence? It scares me to think about it.
So when I heard him starting to raise his voice on the radio last night, it caught my attention. Just what type of creature has turned calm, cool and collected Mr Cain into the man I hear yelling on the radio right now?
The creature was named Steve and the first words I heard fly out of Steve's mouth were:
"What don't you people get? I voted democratic in this last election and we won. Our guy is in the White House, so you have no room to complain. Sit down, shut up and let us take care of this because we won."
You could have picked me up off of the floor. To hear President Obama's (paraphrased) words coming out of someone else's mouth just shocked me. It shocked me to hear Obama say it in the first place, but it was like another slap in the face to hear it parroted from one of his supporters. (Besides, I don't recall them "sitting down and shutting up" when Bush was in office... nor would I have wanted them too... just sayin'...)
I really wish people would think for themselves, but like it or not, whomever holds the title of "President of the United States" is a role model. And they have the power to influence millions of people, all around the world, for better or worse. AND HE'S TEACHING PEOPLE THAT IT'S OK TO TELL PEOPLE TO "SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP!!! Unbelievable... just unbelievable. Mind you, he's not totally to blame... I'd hope people would have more of a head on their shoulders... but still... What else is he going to teach people that it's okay to do with that kind of influence? It scares me to think about it.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The Power of Icongraphy
Thank you to MAInfo for this video. I LOVE it! Explains how an image, originally crafted for positive imaging, can turn negative quickly (and hints at why Obama constantly uses his image, instead of just at campaign time like his predecessors).
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Politics as usual
Wow, there's never a shortage of things to post about lately, is there? I guess Obama, Pelosi, Reid, Boxer and the rest of their friends ARE good for something...
I've been busy lately - writing letters, going to a rally on healthcare...But I have to say a HUGE "Thank You!" to all of my fellow bloggers out there! I'm glad I finally found a network to be apart of. I'm just amazed - at all of the work you are doing, and getting the word out there. Sometimes I hear news from my blogger friends faster than I hear news from the networks.
One of the many things I learned from fellow bloggers was the Glenn Beck boycott. I was just appalled! I don't agree 100% with what Beck said, but I stand for his right to say it. And now this group, with ties to the Obama administration is trying to silence him?? If we let them get away with this, we will open the door to allow them to silence everyone. I've already written to State Farm and Golden Corral, and I plan to write to others on the "boycott" list. No response from either as of yet.
Some have released statements that they never meant to air their ads on politically charged programming in the first place (State Farm). Odd how they never pulled their ads when a liberal commentator called President Bush a racist...
See others on the boycott list (plus contact info) on: http://www.defendglenn.com/advertisers.php
---
On Saturday, I went to a healthcare rally in Atlanta, headlined by Herman Cain, a local radio talk show host.
I was a bit disappointed in the format - the advertised it as a town hall, but I found it to be more of a pep rally. Not that we don't need those too, mind you, but they lined up people from the healthcare industry, telling why they didn't want government health care. I thought they should have gotten people in the industry that might be in favor and have a mini debate. (Although it was suggested to me that perhaps they did invite opposing views, but they didn't bother to show up, which could be true)
I also attended the event alone. I wore my "Taggart Transcontinental" t-shirt, but no one seemed to get the reference (Atlas Shrugged). I usually drag my boyfriend to these type of events, but he had to work. The majority of my other friends and co-workers are liberal and are in favor of the healthcare bill. The friends who are opposed, don't like to go to public political events.
I met one lady there that was very, very nice and we had a great conversation. But she kept thanking me for being there and how great it was that I was involved in politics at such a young age (she thought I was 21), and how I was brave coming all alone, etc... I just felt very patronized by it all. I know she didn't mean it that way, but there were other people there that were my age or younger. I know we're in a minority in our age group (only 35% opposed to government run health care in my age group) and there were lots of other people who also came alone. I thought everyone who came out deserved a "thank you" for working hard for what they believed in. I'm not special, I'm just like everyone else out there that doesn't want the government in every waking moment of my life.
Although speaking of the health care bill, I was very encouraged to hear the liberals are dropping "public option" from the bill. Encouraging, but I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. I don't trust the liberals in the least. They are very quick to announce they are dropping something, only to rename it or reinsert it under the table.
Besides, the "public option" aspect is only one of many things that scare me about the bill. I've started reading it myself and in the first 24 pages alone, they have a number of things that will cripple (forgive the bad pun) the health care industry economically. Yes, you are letting them compete with the public option, but as they said at the rally, "They are tying private health care insurance companies' arms and legs and telling them they are still allowed to compete". The playing field isn't the same... We'll have to see how this whole "dropping the public option" thing turns out...
-----
But while we've been distracted with the health care reform bill, the liberals have been busy with other things, namely targeting talk radio. Seems they appointed (back in July) a new chief diversity officer and are planning to attack conservative talk radio stations the same way they want to take down private insurance companies - financially.
The liberals are beyond desperate right now. They believe talk radio is the reason for people opposing their plans. I hope they don't succeed - I happen to enjoy listening to Neal Boortz in the morning at work and catch Herman Cain's show whenever possible. BUT if they do succeed, it will only make bloggers stronger (until they take us down too). And hopefully it will be the jolt that will wake up more Americans in standing against them.
Here's the video from Beck's show - an 8 minute clip, but well worth watching.
---
And now, I will end this with something more positive - a video I found on Beck's website of "You must call me Senator" Boxer vs Harry Alford, CEO of Black Chamber of Commerce. I could not stop laughing! Go Harry Alford! You tell her, man! (But I wonder why she didn't object when he called her "ma'am"? Doesn't he know he should call her "Senator"?)
I've been busy lately - writing letters, going to a rally on healthcare...But I have to say a HUGE "Thank You!" to all of my fellow bloggers out there! I'm glad I finally found a network to be apart of. I'm just amazed - at all of the work you are doing, and getting the word out there. Sometimes I hear news from my blogger friends faster than I hear news from the networks.
One of the many things I learned from fellow bloggers was the Glenn Beck boycott. I was just appalled! I don't agree 100% with what Beck said, but I stand for his right to say it. And now this group, with ties to the Obama administration is trying to silence him?? If we let them get away with this, we will open the door to allow them to silence everyone. I've already written to State Farm and Golden Corral, and I plan to write to others on the "boycott" list. No response from either as of yet.
Some have released statements that they never meant to air their ads on politically charged programming in the first place (State Farm). Odd how they never pulled their ads when a liberal commentator called President Bush a racist...
See others on the boycott list (plus contact info) on: http://www.defendglenn.com/advertisers.php
---
On Saturday, I went to a healthcare rally in Atlanta, headlined by Herman Cain, a local radio talk show host.
I was a bit disappointed in the format - the advertised it as a town hall, but I found it to be more of a pep rally. Not that we don't need those too, mind you, but they lined up people from the healthcare industry, telling why they didn't want government health care. I thought they should have gotten people in the industry that might be in favor and have a mini debate. (Although it was suggested to me that perhaps they did invite opposing views, but they didn't bother to show up, which could be true)
I also attended the event alone. I wore my "Taggart Transcontinental" t-shirt, but no one seemed to get the reference (Atlas Shrugged). I usually drag my boyfriend to these type of events, but he had to work. The majority of my other friends and co-workers are liberal and are in favor of the healthcare bill. The friends who are opposed, don't like to go to public political events.
I met one lady there that was very, very nice and we had a great conversation. But she kept thanking me for being there and how great it was that I was involved in politics at such a young age (she thought I was 21), and how I was brave coming all alone, etc... I just felt very patronized by it all. I know she didn't mean it that way, but there were other people there that were my age or younger. I know we're in a minority in our age group (only 35% opposed to government run health care in my age group) and there were lots of other people who also came alone. I thought everyone who came out deserved a "thank you" for working hard for what they believed in. I'm not special, I'm just like everyone else out there that doesn't want the government in every waking moment of my life.
Although speaking of the health care bill, I was very encouraged to hear the liberals are dropping "public option" from the bill. Encouraging, but I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. I don't trust the liberals in the least. They are very quick to announce they are dropping something, only to rename it or reinsert it under the table.
Besides, the "public option" aspect is only one of many things that scare me about the bill. I've started reading it myself and in the first 24 pages alone, they have a number of things that will cripple (forgive the bad pun) the health care industry economically. Yes, you are letting them compete with the public option, but as they said at the rally, "They are tying private health care insurance companies' arms and legs and telling them they are still allowed to compete". The playing field isn't the same... We'll have to see how this whole "dropping the public option" thing turns out...
-----
But while we've been distracted with the health care reform bill, the liberals have been busy with other things, namely targeting talk radio. Seems they appointed (back in July) a new chief diversity officer and are planning to attack conservative talk radio stations the same way they want to take down private insurance companies - financially.
The liberals are beyond desperate right now. They believe talk radio is the reason for people opposing their plans. I hope they don't succeed - I happen to enjoy listening to Neal Boortz in the morning at work and catch Herman Cain's show whenever possible. BUT if they do succeed, it will only make bloggers stronger (until they take us down too). And hopefully it will be the jolt that will wake up more Americans in standing against them.
Here's the video from Beck's show - an 8 minute clip, but well worth watching.
---
And now, I will end this with something more positive - a video I found on Beck's website of "You must call me Senator" Boxer vs Harry Alford, CEO of Black Chamber of Commerce. I could not stop laughing! Go Harry Alford! You tell her, man! (But I wonder why she didn't object when he called her "ma'am"? Doesn't he know he should call her "Senator"?)
Friday, August 07, 2009
Sorry, Virginia, there's no Santa Obama...
(video taken from The Conservative Lady's blog)
"I don't want the folks who created the mess to do a lot of talking. I don't mind cleaning up after them, but don't do a lot of talking. Am I wrong, Virginia?"
I heard the quote earlier this evening, without seeing the video or knowing who said it. Frankly, I thought it was Reid, Guithner or maybe even, Biden... but never did I fathom that it was Obama. I took in such a deep breath as I watched it that I nearly sucked all of the air out of the room. Are. you. kidding. me?!?!
I feel like a broken record, as I have said all of this before and I'm going to say it again. My blog's going to need a bailout from lack of readership since I say the same things about Obama over and over, but I just get so MAD from watching things like this... He just doesn't seem to get it...
1) You are no longer campaigning.
Somehow you managed to get elected. You are no longer campaigning for the job of President. You got it. Congratulations, now do your job. I know you are a great campaigner and a great speaker, but dear God, do the job you were elected to do!! If I applied for a job, got accepted and continued to "sell" myself to them after, reading them parts of my resume, they'd look at me like I was daft. They'd scream at me - "You have the job, for godsakes! Now do it!"
"I'm the President of the United States and that's my job". Well, don't brag about it, honey, go out and do it!
2) You are not the President of the Liberal United States.
You are the President of the United States - ALL of us, whether we voted for you or not, whether we like you or not. Please do not talk down to me and please do not try to discredit me, just because we disagree. None of this, "you caused the mess, now shut up and sit down while I clean it".
3) Last time I checked, this was still the United States of America.
And while I still have the ability to do so, I will make my voice heard if I disagree. That is what makes the United States great. That is what sets us apart from Europe. I have a right to stand up for what I believe in, and that is what I am doing. You will NOT tell me to be quiet or "get out of the way".
4) Please stop blaming others.
You have been in office for 6 months now. Yes, we all know that it's "Bush's fault" and that you "inherited" it. But enough is enough - either do something about it or don't. Quit blaming others for your inabilities. A true leader doesn't need to blame others. He assesses the situation, formulates a plan of attack and does what he needs to do to get the job done. No hemming, no hawing, not stalling, no blaming.
5) Stop talking to me like I was a child.
I know you think your followers and everyone else is beneath you and stupid. At least pretend that we are on your esteemed level, oh wise one. It is demeaning and off-putting. "This is your mess, sit down and shut up while I clean it" is the way a mother (and by mother, I mean a wicked, old step-mother from the fairy tales) talks to her children. Never have I seen such disrespect in a President towards his own people. NEVER.
6) Be a leader, not a follower.
A true leader should have come forth by now, denouncing all of this petty, childish behavior and saying "let's get back to the issue at hand". Instead, he eggs his people on, tells them to fight back at town hall meetings. "Fight back"? When did I become the enemy in my own country? Why are you fighting against your own people? What happened to "reaching across the table"?? And SHAME on you for riling up people against others - "Am I wrong, Virginia?"
I've got to stop watching these videos...they make me too mad sometimes. And videos like this one make me regret ever saying "Anyone but Hillary".
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Apply to be a White House stool pigeon!
Found this cute little nugget, posted on the white house website, this morning when I got into work:
"TUESDAY, AUGUST 4TH, 2009 AT 6:55 AM
Facts Are Stubborn Things
Posted by Macon Phillips
Opponents of health insurance reform may find the truth a little inconvenient, but as our second president famously said, "facts are stubborn things."
Scary chain emails and videos are starting to percolate on the internet, breathlessly claiming, for example, to "uncover" the truth about the President’s health insurance reform positions.
In this video, Linda Douglass, the communications director for the White House’s Health Reform Office, addresses one example that makes it look like the President intends to "eliminate" private coverage, when the reality couldn’t be further from the truth.
For the record, the President has consistently said that if you like your insurance plan, your doctor, or both, you will be able to keep them. He has even proposed eight consumer protections relating specifically to the health insurance industry.
There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation. Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Facts-Are-Stubborn-Things/"
My eyes teared up when I read it. Forget all the people wanting to fight about the definition of socialism - we've just crash-landed right into communism. Good lord, what are they doing to our country?
Although I LOVED the line about how Douglass "addresses one example that makes it look like the President intends to "eliminate" private coverage, when the reality couldn’t be further from the truth".
Oh yeah? Read the damn thing first and then get back to me. HINT: I believe it's on page 16.
And how ironic that PresBO is going to round-up all of the "liars", when he himself is one of them? Maybe he wants a kegger with them too? Some National Liars Party? (Oops, the democratic convention has passed already...)
But I am encouraged, deeply encouraged, looking at other people's blogs and websites. People are fighting back. They are "reporting" themselves. They are reporting Obama. They are reporting Pelosi and Reid. They are reporting every lying, shifty, government goon out there. They aren't taking this B.S. from B.O. ! People are fighting back.
We are going to crash their server with as many responses as I see getting sent in. And then, in typical liberal fashion, it will be taken down, either today or within the next few days. Then, they will issue a statement stating how they took it down, saying how people "misinterpreted" it and they never meant to do the 'big brother' thing at all... "We were just trying to have a discussion".
Yeah, yeah, yeah... People are getting wise to them. People are waking up... and the gov't is running scared. KEEP IT UP, GUYS!!
"TUESDAY, AUGUST 4TH, 2009 AT 6:55 AM
Facts Are Stubborn Things
Posted by Macon Phillips
Opponents of health insurance reform may find the truth a little inconvenient, but as our second president famously said, "facts are stubborn things."
Scary chain emails and videos are starting to percolate on the internet, breathlessly claiming, for example, to "uncover" the truth about the President’s health insurance reform positions.
In this video, Linda Douglass, the communications director for the White House’s Health Reform Office, addresses one example that makes it look like the President intends to "eliminate" private coverage, when the reality couldn’t be further from the truth.
For the record, the President has consistently said that if you like your insurance plan, your doctor, or both, you will be able to keep them. He has even proposed eight consumer protections relating specifically to the health insurance industry.
There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation. Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Facts-Are-Stubborn-Things/"
My eyes teared up when I read it. Forget all the people wanting to fight about the definition of socialism - we've just crash-landed right into communism. Good lord, what are they doing to our country?
Although I LOVED the line about how Douglass "addresses one example that makes it look like the President intends to "eliminate" private coverage, when the reality couldn’t be further from the truth".
Oh yeah? Read the damn thing first and then get back to me. HINT: I believe it's on page 16.
And how ironic that PresBO is going to round-up all of the "liars", when he himself is one of them? Maybe he wants a kegger with them too? Some National Liars Party? (Oops, the democratic convention has passed already...)
But I am encouraged, deeply encouraged, looking at other people's blogs and websites. People are fighting back. They are "reporting" themselves. They are reporting Obama. They are reporting Pelosi and Reid. They are reporting every lying, shifty, government goon out there. They aren't taking this B.S. from B.O. ! People are fighting back.
We are going to crash their server with as many responses as I see getting sent in. And then, in typical liberal fashion, it will be taken down, either today or within the next few days. Then, they will issue a statement stating how they took it down, saying how people "misinterpreted" it and they never meant to do the 'big brother' thing at all... "We were just trying to have a discussion".
Yeah, yeah, yeah... People are getting wise to them. People are waking up... and the gov't is running scared. KEEP IT UP, GUYS!!
Monday, August 03, 2009
Look up "Arrogance" in the dictionary, and you will find...
Take a look at this picture that I got from glennbeck.com.
This spoke VOLUMES to me. Focus on the two men in the back - Gates and Sgt. Crowley. They've had all of this dirty laundry running through the airwaves - all of this crap being said about the "racist" police officer, and I can't imagine they are on good terms at all. Yet, Sgt. Crowley is helping Gates down the stairs. Wow! Kudos all the way, man... Good for you!
He helps him down the stairs, as Mr. Oblivious strolls on ahead of them...
http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/28779/?ck=1
This spoke VOLUMES to me. Focus on the two men in the back - Gates and Sgt. Crowley. They've had all of this dirty laundry running through the airwaves - all of this crap being said about the "racist" police officer, and I can't imagine they are on good terms at all. Yet, Sgt. Crowley is helping Gates down the stairs. Wow! Kudos all the way, man... Good for you!
He helps him down the stairs, as Mr. Oblivious strolls on ahead of them...
http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/28779/?ck=1
Saturday, August 01, 2009
If an apple a day keeps the doctors away, what do I need to take to keep the democrats away?
I, for one, am relieved that Congress was not able to pass Obamacare before their recess. Hopefully, it's an indicator that it may not pass at all. *crosses fingers* But that doesn't mean we need to let up to prevent this from happening. In fact, it may be the BEST time to really put the pressure on our representatives. Many of them will be holding town hall meetings to find out what their people want from them. Some of them will run away to Saudi Arabia - maybe they think it's easier to deal with Saudi Arabians than their own people? I don't know, but it gives me a laugh that they are less scared of them than their own constituents. Must mean we are really putting the pressure on them.
I have been watching this issue like a hawk. And if it passes, I think I will just break down into tears. I suffer from migraines and have asthma. I don't want a government goon telling me that they aren't able to treat me because my ailments are chronic and too expensive. I actually had a liberal co-worker tell me that although my migraines were painful, they were not deadly and I was young, so it was no big deal. Granted, he had a point - painful but not deadly (directly). I could survive. But suppose for an instance, somehow I find out that it's not just migraines, but a brain tumor. I would like the ability to choose treatments if I needed. I would like that ability regardless even if it is *just* a migraine. CHOICE. That's all I want. I don't care if you think that I'm young enough that I can handle it. I don't care if you think it's just a matter of dealing with pain, nothing more. It is my choice to do something about it or not.
I have worked hard to take care of myself. I don't currently get health insurance through my job, so I bought private health insurance. There are people on the other side of this debate that say you cannot get private health insurance if you have chronic illnesses -hence, the need for reform. And I call B.S. on that argument. Yes, I had to search for one (there are search engines online to help you do this - it maybe took an hour) and yes, I have to pay a little bit more than someone else my age, who does not have asthma or migraines. Big deal. Why should we pay the same? I'm a higher risk - I go to the doctor more, and statistically, I am more likely to go to the ER. It's not rocket science, ya know?
And further more, no one should have to pay more money for ME to go to the doctor. That's ludicrous! It's my health, and therefore my responsibility. And likewise, I'm not going to pay for someone else to go to the doctor, either. And yes, you are darn right that I'm selfish and don't care about those poor, uninsured children. You have to be selfish sometimes, otherwise you'd never get anything done for yourself. It's the parents' responsibility to insure their own children. And you CAN afford it - just drop cable TV and the cellphones for everyone in the family. Or get a 2nd job. Find a way to afford it. Mine's only $90 a month.
But enough about me. If universal healthcare snakes it's way into our society, I'll be okay. I'll find some way to manage on my own, and as my co-worker said, it's not going to kill me. The people I REALLY worry about are people our parents' age. I don't want some government goon knocking on my parents' door, telling them that they have lived a long enough life and it was their "patriotic duty" to not take away health care from some younger person who "needs" it. Plus, my Dad has diabetes. He's in the same chronic illness boat, but he's in his late 60's. So not only are they going to tell him that his diabetes is too chronic and too expensive to treat, but he's also too old. Without constant treatment, monitoring and medication, you CAN die from diabetes. Universal healthcare would be a death sentence.
We can't let this happen. Everyone of us either has or knows someone with a chronic illness. And don't tell me that I'm misinformed or am fear-mongering. There's no cure for these chronic illnesses and they are costly. There are only a certain amount of doctors. If you add 30 to 80 million (depending on who you listen to) to the health care pool - how are the same number of doctors (getting paid the same or less) going to take care of more people? Physically impossible. You have to boot someone to make room for the new people. So how do you make room and keep costs to a minimum? Get rid of the costly ones - the elderly (60+, according to the gov't) and the chronically ill.
Here's an example I posted awhile back (with some tweeks and elaboration), but it bears repeating:
"Socialized Disney World"
The government takes over Disney World. The decide that it's immoral for Disney to make a profit and to charge for entrance into their park. After all, it's not fair that some people aren't included, just because they are poor. Everyone deserves to go to Disney World. So they raise taxes just a little bit to cover the costs. Doesn't matter because the people who thought they deserve to get into Disney World free don't pay taxes in the first place, so only the "evil rich" are paying anything extra and they deserve it anyways.
People head there in droves. Their daily visitor count increases four times over. Before they started letting people in for free, it was so crowded that you could only ride 5-6 rides in a day. Now, you can ride 1 ride in a day, if you are lucky. The wait time for the newer, cooler rides is much longer - it's a waiting list that you need to sign up for before you get to the park. No big deal, right? It's "free" and even though you might have to wait, it's worth it.
But there's one group left out in the cold - the people who have a season pass. They purchased it before the government took Disney world over. They bought it because it would be more cost-effective to purchase it for multiple visits, rather than just one visit. They thought they might go multiple times, so it seemed worth it. But the government decides that these passes are now illegal. After all, they can't afford to have people make multiple visits to the park in a year.
Well, now some of the rides start breaking down. Especially the newer rides, because they are cooler and more fun, hence more people ride them than they other ones. Unfortunately, Disney still has the same number of mechanics that they had before the government took over, and they aren't getting paid anymore to fix more rides. In fact, they are getting paid less than they were before because they require longer hours at the same rate. Their job is never-ending. They fix the same rides over and over, they work longer hours trying to keep up with the rides always breaking down. Plus, they cannot keep up with the demand - rides are neglected and become unsafe - they get sued more frequently.
But next door to Disney World is Universal Studios. They are still privately owned. Their workers work less hours for more pay. Disney World workers jump ship and go to work for Universal. Disney world is still over-capacity, most of the rides are not working and they are now understaffed. Increase quantity of the public leads to a decrease of the quality of the rides. Something has to give due to the increase of people. Those that can afford it, go to Universal to have fun, even if it is a multi-$100 price tag to get it.
Do you see now? It sounds heartless to exclude people, but if you don't, then everyone ends up losing and even more get excluded.
Further reading:
http://www.balancedpolitics.org/universal_health_care.htm
http://www.canadian-healthcare.org/
(Canada's own healthcare website - see for yourself. A few quick points I noticed in reading it (reposted from an older entry)-
1) "Canada's health care system is a group of socialized health insurance plans that provides coverage to all Canadian citizens."
Everything is distributed equally. Meaning that if one guy had had $10 and another had a million, you'd pool their money and divide it between them. Yeah, the 1st guy makes off like a bandit, but the other gets screwed. Ditto with a healthcare system like Canada's. So what? They're rich, lucky, fortunate, etc... right?
And p.s. to anyone who likes to fight over terminology-the website itself says it's "socialized".
2) "Canada's health care system is the subject of much political controversy and debate in the country. Some question the efficiencies of the current system to deliver treatments in a timely fashion, and advocate adopting a private system similar to the United States."
If their system was perfect, why would they debate over it and want to promote a system like ours?
3) "The shortage of doctors and nurses in Canada: Some feel that Canada's health care system does not adequately compensate health care providers. This has led to a "brain drain" of Canadian doctors and nurses, which have left Canada to pursue careers in the United States. Attracting and keeping skilled medical workers is a priority if Canada is to be able to provide proper medical services."
And there ya go - if we were to change our system, we would probably have a shortage of doctors too. Not only would the quality go down because suddenly everyone was allowed in, but the doctors wouldn't even stand for it and they would leave - decreasing the quality even more.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/07/29/health.care/
http://www.newsmax.com/politics/healthcare_overhaul/2009/08/01/242729.html
http://www.hermancain.com/news/press-opinion-072709.asp (a GREAT read! if your representatives are holding town hall meetings, print these questions off and take them with you)
http://www.hermancain.com/news/press-opinion-072009.asp
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=5010
http://www.factcheck.org/2009/07/obamas-health-care-news-conference/
I have been watching this issue like a hawk. And if it passes, I think I will just break down into tears. I suffer from migraines and have asthma. I don't want a government goon telling me that they aren't able to treat me because my ailments are chronic and too expensive. I actually had a liberal co-worker tell me that although my migraines were painful, they were not deadly and I was young, so it was no big deal. Granted, he had a point - painful but not deadly (directly). I could survive. But suppose for an instance, somehow I find out that it's not just migraines, but a brain tumor. I would like the ability to choose treatments if I needed. I would like that ability regardless even if it is *just* a migraine. CHOICE. That's all I want. I don't care if you think that I'm young enough that I can handle it. I don't care if you think it's just a matter of dealing with pain, nothing more. It is my choice to do something about it or not.
I have worked hard to take care of myself. I don't currently get health insurance through my job, so I bought private health insurance. There are people on the other side of this debate that say you cannot get private health insurance if you have chronic illnesses -hence, the need for reform. And I call B.S. on that argument. Yes, I had to search for one (there are search engines online to help you do this - it maybe took an hour) and yes, I have to pay a little bit more than someone else my age, who does not have asthma or migraines. Big deal. Why should we pay the same? I'm a higher risk - I go to the doctor more, and statistically, I am more likely to go to the ER. It's not rocket science, ya know?
And further more, no one should have to pay more money for ME to go to the doctor. That's ludicrous! It's my health, and therefore my responsibility. And likewise, I'm not going to pay for someone else to go to the doctor, either. And yes, you are darn right that I'm selfish and don't care about those poor, uninsured children. You have to be selfish sometimes, otherwise you'd never get anything done for yourself. It's the parents' responsibility to insure their own children. And you CAN afford it - just drop cable TV and the cellphones for everyone in the family. Or get a 2nd job. Find a way to afford it. Mine's only $90 a month.
But enough about me. If universal healthcare snakes it's way into our society, I'll be okay. I'll find some way to manage on my own, and as my co-worker said, it's not going to kill me. The people I REALLY worry about are people our parents' age. I don't want some government goon knocking on my parents' door, telling them that they have lived a long enough life and it was their "patriotic duty" to not take away health care from some younger person who "needs" it. Plus, my Dad has diabetes. He's in the same chronic illness boat, but he's in his late 60's. So not only are they going to tell him that his diabetes is too chronic and too expensive to treat, but he's also too old. Without constant treatment, monitoring and medication, you CAN die from diabetes. Universal healthcare would be a death sentence.
We can't let this happen. Everyone of us either has or knows someone with a chronic illness. And don't tell me that I'm misinformed or am fear-mongering. There's no cure for these chronic illnesses and they are costly. There are only a certain amount of doctors. If you add 30 to 80 million (depending on who you listen to) to the health care pool - how are the same number of doctors (getting paid the same or less) going to take care of more people? Physically impossible. You have to boot someone to make room for the new people. So how do you make room and keep costs to a minimum? Get rid of the costly ones - the elderly (60+, according to the gov't) and the chronically ill.
Here's an example I posted awhile back (with some tweeks and elaboration), but it bears repeating:
"Socialized Disney World"
The government takes over Disney World. The decide that it's immoral for Disney to make a profit and to charge for entrance into their park. After all, it's not fair that some people aren't included, just because they are poor. Everyone deserves to go to Disney World. So they raise taxes just a little bit to cover the costs. Doesn't matter because the people who thought they deserve to get into Disney World free don't pay taxes in the first place, so only the "evil rich" are paying anything extra and they deserve it anyways.
People head there in droves. Their daily visitor count increases four times over. Before they started letting people in for free, it was so crowded that you could only ride 5-6 rides in a day. Now, you can ride 1 ride in a day, if you are lucky. The wait time for the newer, cooler rides is much longer - it's a waiting list that you need to sign up for before you get to the park. No big deal, right? It's "free" and even though you might have to wait, it's worth it.
But there's one group left out in the cold - the people who have a season pass. They purchased it before the government took Disney world over. They bought it because it would be more cost-effective to purchase it for multiple visits, rather than just one visit. They thought they might go multiple times, so it seemed worth it. But the government decides that these passes are now illegal. After all, they can't afford to have people make multiple visits to the park in a year.
Well, now some of the rides start breaking down. Especially the newer rides, because they are cooler and more fun, hence more people ride them than they other ones. Unfortunately, Disney still has the same number of mechanics that they had before the government took over, and they aren't getting paid anymore to fix more rides. In fact, they are getting paid less than they were before because they require longer hours at the same rate. Their job is never-ending. They fix the same rides over and over, they work longer hours trying to keep up with the rides always breaking down. Plus, they cannot keep up with the demand - rides are neglected and become unsafe - they get sued more frequently.
But next door to Disney World is Universal Studios. They are still privately owned. Their workers work less hours for more pay. Disney World workers jump ship and go to work for Universal. Disney world is still over-capacity, most of the rides are not working and they are now understaffed. Increase quantity of the public leads to a decrease of the quality of the rides. Something has to give due to the increase of people. Those that can afford it, go to Universal to have fun, even if it is a multi-$100 price tag to get it.
Do you see now? It sounds heartless to exclude people, but if you don't, then everyone ends up losing and even more get excluded.
Further reading:
http://www.balancedpolitics.org/universal_health_care.htm
http://www.canadian-healthcare.org/
(Canada's own healthcare website - see for yourself. A few quick points I noticed in reading it (reposted from an older entry)-
1) "Canada's health care system is a group of socialized health insurance plans that provides coverage to all Canadian citizens."
Everything is distributed equally. Meaning that if one guy had had $10 and another had a million, you'd pool their money and divide it between them. Yeah, the 1st guy makes off like a bandit, but the other gets screwed. Ditto with a healthcare system like Canada's. So what? They're rich, lucky, fortunate, etc... right?
And p.s. to anyone who likes to fight over terminology-the website itself says it's "socialized".
2) "Canada's health care system is the subject of much political controversy and debate in the country. Some question the efficiencies of the current system to deliver treatments in a timely fashion, and advocate adopting a private system similar to the United States."
If their system was perfect, why would they debate over it and want to promote a system like ours?
3) "The shortage of doctors and nurses in Canada: Some feel that Canada's health care system does not adequately compensate health care providers. This has led to a "brain drain" of Canadian doctors and nurses, which have left Canada to pursue careers in the United States. Attracting and keeping skilled medical workers is a priority if Canada is to be able to provide proper medical services."
And there ya go - if we were to change our system, we would probably have a shortage of doctors too. Not only would the quality go down because suddenly everyone was allowed in, but the doctors wouldn't even stand for it and they would leave - decreasing the quality even more.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/07/29/health.care/
http://www.newsmax.com/politics/healthcare_overhaul/2009/08/01/242729.html
http://www.hermancain.com/news/press-opinion-072709.asp (a GREAT read! if your representatives are holding town hall meetings, print these questions off and take them with you)
http://www.hermancain.com/news/press-opinion-072009.asp
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=5010
http://www.factcheck.org/2009/07/obamas-health-care-news-conference/
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