Rest in Peace Teddy

It might seem hard to understand how someone that has never met someone could feel such a great loss when that person passes away. Teddy Kennedy wasn’t just a senator or the lion of the congress that many news agencies have coined him to be. He was bigger than life even with the tragic legacy of his brothers as his shield and the love of the people that returned him to his office every six years for almost five decades. He was a simple man that just loved life and loved people and that was the ultimate source that made him a great man.

I spent the weekend watching the wake and celebration of his life at the JFK Library, the Mass in Boston, and eventually the burial in Arlington National Cemetery and I still can’t personally shake the loss of this man that some would call just another politician. I gave my own personal account of what he did for my father and my family without a second thought and I wonder how many other lives he touched? From the families that had loved ones on the planes that were hijacked on September 11th to people not even in his district he reached out to in order to heal their pain. Not just once but over and over again. Calling all of the families and loved ones personally to let them know that THEY were not forgotten. Their loved one was not forgotten. In doing so he formed a bond with the people and it was a bond that brought him closer to them as if he were family. It’s something that Teddy did his entire life.

His passing was like losing a father figure or the favorite uncle that you wished you had growing up. Teddy was bigger than life but he would be just as comfortable in a soup kitchen with homeless people as he would be dining at the Ritz. How anyone endures the loss of two of his brothers by assassination is beyond my personal comprehension and I‘m sure yours as well. How you lead a family and not implode after those events personally is a testament to his strength and spirit as a man and to his faith in God. Most people would have coward in fear and yet Teddy spent all of the days of his life in public service and in doing so sent a message to America, we can never give up if we believe our cause to be true. He carried the torch forward and honorably in the place of his three brothers.

My heart goes out to his family but especially to the love of his life Vickie. Without her, he would have been just another politician and the Kennedy legacy would have died. Yes, he could have still done great things but his mission would not be the same without her to heal him so he could help so many others. She saved him and he in turn saved countless others.

Rest in peace and you will be in our prayers Teddy.

Papamoka

Our Friend Teddy Kennedy

1932-2009

You can read all you want about the achievements of Senator Teddy Kennedy all over the internet and news blogs and get more information than I could ever supply. This is just a personal thought on what the man meant to me. Some people have called Teddy the Liberal Lion of the United States Senate and that was a badge of honor he never shied from regarding the context or use of the title. He didn’t care what people thought of him but he made people care about what he thought was right for America. And in that mission, he never failed.

My dad was a WWII U.S. Navy veteran and a Korea veteran. He earned many a medals during his time in service to his nation and the greatest being a Purple Heart for having his leg scattered with shrapnel on Iwo Jima. Dad was a medic and he was caring for a downed Marine at the time of his injury. Eventually, he was glad to see that he didn’t lose his leg but he continued serving his country.

Dad always kept his medals and ribbons in the top drawer of his bedroom dresser and as kids will do, we thought they were cool. Seven kids, lots of pretty ribbons, medals, and the memories that were dad’s for the most part vanished with seven curious kids. Being a WWII history buff, reading every first edition book there was on the subject he could have taught a college class on it. Dad wanted to display his medals in a proper manner and found most if not all gone with the passing of time. Dad spent two plus years contacting the Navy, the VA, anyone in the military that might be able to help him replace all of his medals. At each contact he was stonewalled or not replied to at all. He had given up for the most part on ever seeing them again and it showed at times but he just figured nobody gave a crap about an old veteran.

My mother called Senator Kennedy’s office at the suggestion of a friend and was asked to simply mail a copy of Dad’s discharge papers from WWII and Korea. Two weeks later a box arrived in the mail from Senator Kennedy’s office with every medal Dad had earned in service to his country. My brother had them mounted around a picture of my father in his navy uniform as young man. It brought back so many memories for Dad and had him very emotionally shaken. That picture with all the medals was displayed at dad’s funeral and it was something to be very proud of. It now is proudly displayed on my living room wall. Right next to the picture of Grampa Jack and two of my baby girls.

Being a Senator isn’t always about giving the greatest speeches or standing strong for your beliefs. Sometimes its just about touching one persons heart by one simple little deed. And yet, many of the things that Teddy did for America, many people take for granted as the way it has always been. So not true. Their but for the grace of God traveled the Liberal Lion continuing and finishing the battles his brothers could not.

Rest in peace Teddy, we love ya and we will miss ya.

Papamoka

The Debt is Why Democrats Need to Sell New Priorities

Good Afternoon/Evening Papamoka Bloggers! The national debt is a Democratic wake up call, but not the way the Republicans think. I want to answer their criticism about government spending in a more logical way. It all comes down to priorities. Not theirs, but ours.

We all got depressed this week when the White House and the CBO revised debt projections upwards showing that unless things change (more growth and revenues) we could be looking at huge increases in the percentage of the debt compared to the GDP - from 40% today to as high as 68% by 2019.

To put that into perspective, federal debt hit 109% of GDP at the end of World War II, and hit a second peak of 49% at the end of the Reagan-Bush years. Another way to look at it is that most European countries, and the majority of developing countries, have hit substantially higher debt levels without a crisis. So don't get too depressed by the news. We will survive.

On a side note, it's important to point out that most of the damage was done by the Bush Administration and the GOP, but instead of recriminations this article is about priorities.

What Are Our Priorities?

It's true, it all comes down to spending priorities. There is enough money to do everything we need to do, if we're brave enough to make the right spending decisions. One good example, we have to decide to tell the Republicans they can't have all the money they want for defense. Other countries need to share some of that burden. We spend more on defense than almost every other major military power combined. It's too high a price considering the debt.

I would also like to point out to our Republican friends - screaming bloody murder at town halls about how we can't afford anything - that health care reform is just as important to us as military spending is to you. I know Republicans don't always seem to understand the principle, but we need to find a compromise. Politics should be give and take, not a win-win for the GOP.

We have a right to care about and spend money on health care. We have a right to talk about spending money on clean energy and better infrastructure. We cannot allow the Republicans to use the debt like a sledge hammer, smashing our desires for a better world. They will tear us apart if we allow them. We must stand up against their intimidation.

We have a right to talk about helping ourselves and our children for a change. We have a right to say NO! to wasteful war and corporate welfare. We Democrats represent more of the electorate, and the only reason that high debt should concern us is that we now have to make some important decisions - like a family - about where to spend our money.

Being fiscally responsible is important, but priorities are even more important. We have to decide what kind of a society we want to live in. We also have to answer now before it's too late. That's what we need to discuss here today.

Exposing the Republican Debt Scam

First of all let's talk turkey before we talk priorities. Let's debunk the popular myth that the Republicans are the "fiscally responsible party." Aside from their passion for personal wealth their actions while in government do not match their words. History proves it. They are the original "smoke and mirrors" party.

In terms of "political economics," after World War II the overwhelming majority (over 90%) of the overall federal debt (all money owed) was created by a Reagan or a Bush. Bush Jr. is also responsible for a large percentage of today's annual deficit (overspending within a fiscal year) that President Obama now shares.

Most important, all the debt spending Obama is forced to do today is a direct result of Bush and/or GOP economic leadership and incompetence.

I don't understand why my Republican friends can't do their homework and figure that out. It's pretty cut and dry. The history of annual spending (and who spent it) is available from multiple sources, but I recommend the easy-to-read gross national debt section on zFact.com.

Gross National Debt Chart

So, do the homework and figure it out! At least look at the chart (source: Government Statistics). It's clear the Democrats do not deserve a bad fiscal reputation. The Democrats under Clinton even reduced the overall federal debt (not just the annual deficit) for the first time since Carter. If you don't believe me, look it all up yourself.

The real irony is that Reagan ran in 1979 on a platform to lower the debt. Incredibly, the debt was less than $800 billion at the time. Reagan, of course, exploded the debt. Sadly, later Republicans like George W. took it much further.

What Party is Better for Our Future?

Once again, it's all about priorities. WE THE PEOPLE have to decide what kind of future we want using the ballot box. Democrats historically spend on domestic and "social" programs, while the Republicans are known more for their love of military spending - for the record, that love of military spending doesn't include money for veterans.

Democrats focus on regulating markets and creating jobs, while Republicans push for so-called "free market" wealth creation and quick gains. Unfortunately for the GOP, only one way is the right way.

The consequences wrought by Republicans and their reckless economic experiments are now famous. The entire world has paid a high price for their adventures, especially in 1929 and 2008. Both crashes were disastrous, and sadly could have been avoided.

The way Republicans spend while cutting taxes, coupled with their inability to cut federal "social" programs for their own political reasons (they would lose elections), is why we are in debt today. Simply put, they pass all of today's costs to tomorrow's children.

Republicans are also famous for getting the government to pay large sums (billions or trillions) when large financial banks and corporations go bust. The Democrats are also responsible, since neither party is big on anti-trust, they have to pay up. Unfortunately, the term "too big to fail" is now part of our modern day lexicon.

Other new expressions include "welfare for the wealthy," and "privatizing the profits, socializing the losses." No matter how you spin it, it's government socialism, or give-aways. It's certainly not a free market.

It's clear to most of us now - after the Bush crash - the GOP lacks understanding when it comes to the role of government. They only want it involved if things go wrong. They don't want it anywhere around when they're making money - in their so-called free market.

So, you can now see that Republicans have tried to play the "Great American Santa" leaving us our "social" programs (despite their majorities) while at the same time cutting our taxes. The bill has now been left to future generations to pay. It's now obvious they never really had the courage of their convictions, or their so-called "conservative" principles.

It's Time to Rediscover Our Democratic Roots
It's Time to Believe in Ourselves Again

You see, we Democrats have always been true fiscal conservatives. We were in power for decades after World War II and did a great job of growing the economy while paying down the massive debt left after the war. Don't let the Republicans cast us as the bad guys. History shows us they are the bad guys.

I was a big supporter of Clinton when he lowered the debt and created more jobs than ever before in the history of the nation. That is something we should be proud of. Let's stop allowing the Republicans to question our credentials. Just look hard, we have excellent credentials.

So, let's use our great experience and record of success to make the right decisions again. Let's work on reforming what is broken, and cut back where we think we're spending too much money. Let's do it together like one big American family.

What Should We Do Next?

First of all, it's time to hold a funeral for "Reaganomics." It's time WE THE PEOPLE (Republicans too) admit that growth does not trickle-down to average working Americans, no matter how hard you would like it to.

That means we need to stop talking about lowering taxes on the rich. For one thing the debt is too high; it would be insane. It's true well-heeled members of the GOP supported by most in our corporate media constantly argue for their taxes to be lowered, and I truly believe most of them somehow convince themselves it will help, but unfortunately all credible evidence shows the opposite is true.

If anything, like Obama says taxes must be increased on the rich. The top tax rate in the recent past - until Reagan - was between 60 - 90%. There is plenty of room for increases.

The rich tend to hoard, or create wealth without creating jobs. The stock market and real estate is great, but it's not enough to employ the millions of low-income Americans who are suffering today. Real investment is when people invest to create jobs and recurring wealth. It's not about a fast buck or a get rich quick scam. Lending must be encouraged to create jobs. We need to focus once again on steady growth, and leave the high flying GOP experiments behind us. It's what we're best at.

Second, the Republicans must be held to account. In other words, they can no longer be allowed to play the role of the "Great American Santa." If you the electorate vote them back into power, then you must force them to cut our federal "social" programs or don't bother to vote them back at all. Allowing them to spend while cutting taxes, and not our expensive "social" programs, is both irresponsible and cruel to future generations. It's time the Republicans practice what they preach.

The way I see it, you have a choice between the GOP, low taxes and no social programs, or the Democrats and a more moral, civilized society.

Let me be clear, if the majority of Americans choose to vote away Social Security, Medicare, the Veterans Administration, Medicaid and other federal programs, then I will live with it. I won't like to see Americans die in a world where they don't have to (remember, it's all about spending priorities), but I agree to live with those choices. At least the Republicans will be honest for a change.

I could go on and on, but I won't. Just remember, both parties spend, but which party has been more responsible? The answer is clearly the Democrats. Sharing military responsibilities with the world, while spending on programs like health care and social security to help average Americans live with dignity, coupled with reasonable taxation to keeps future generations solvent, is the way to go. Those are good spending priorities for the future.

We cannot continue to spend so much. Republicans want America strong, but at too high a price. We need to change direction, and it requires decisive action at the ballot box.

I wish I could convince my Republican friends of all these truths, but they never seem to listen long enough to hear anything. I only wish they knew the truth. In the end it's everybody's responsibility to learn the truth. Ignorance is not bliss. It could mean bankruptcy, and a bleak American future.

Michael Boh
Papamoka's Left Coast Contributor
from Our Rants & Raves Blog

Michael's Economics 101

Even though it's more complicated, just remember the two main opposition theories. Supply-side or "Reaganomics" (incentives to individuals to produce goods and services without limits basically) and the the more traditional Keynesian or "Obamanomics" (government can help create/regulate markets and spur growth, especially job growth). Those two sum up most of the debate.

Remember, the worst human influence on modern economic theory was Milton Friedman. He influenced every Republican alive today. His free theories about minimal regulation, low taxes and privatization thrilled Ronald Reagan and George Bush and have led to chaos in the marketplace today. Incredibly, Republicans still don't see the era of his ways, despite all the turmoil.

President Obama appreciates the more traditional "Institutional Economics" made famous by great thinkers like John Kenneth Galbraith. It was in vogue during the time of Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal. Just like Democrats today, they acknowledged the positive role institutions and government can play in shaping economic behavior and success.

Last but not least, it's important to remember that - at least in academic circles - recent Republican-led experiments in supply-side economics by Reagan and Bush were a complete disaster. From what I read, most educators don't even teach the theories as practical applications in the real world anymore. They are completely discredited except in a few radical right-wing circles and institutions.

Just remember, we the voters need to end the Republican "School of Economic Chaos." We all need to reject the next great Republican rip-off.

CIA or Cheney in a World of Trouble

Just for argument sake it is safe to say that what happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas when it comes to personal entertainment. In the same respects, what happens at the CIA should stay at the CIA no matter who or what political party is in power. Currently, the U.S. Attorney General is opening an investigation into what happened with interrogations of enemies of the United States of America during the Bush Presidency. That would include the CIA and anyone that gave orders to the CIA to do that funky stuff that we could only hope that never could happen to you or I. That means looking into interoggation techniques used on people that would kill you or me in a heartbeat if given a knife, gun, rusty piece of steel pipe or whatever weapon their hands could reach. They don’t need a reason to kill you or I other than the fact that our birth certificate makes you and I an American citizen. Open and shut case or argument.

Eric H. Holder Jr. is putting his dogs on the scent of a suspected crime against American values and laws during the Bush administration and that is his job. If laws are broken by government employees no matter where they work, it is his obligation and the oath of office he swore to uphold to look into and investigate appropriately. That is what the U.S. Attorney General is supposed to do even if his boss, the President, suggests that he back off. Is this a case of what was decided in D.C. should have stayed in Langley, VA? Attorney General Holder appointed John Durham who by all means of the words fair and balanced is a fair and balanced investigator to find the truth of what happened when and if United States laws were broken by the CIA. This next quote is from the U.S. Attorney General himself on 8/24/09…

"Assistant United States Attorney John Durham was appointed in 2008 by then-Attorney General Michael Mukasey to investigate the destruction of CIA videotapes of detainee interrogations. During the course of that investigation, Mr. Durham has gained great familiarity with much of the information that is relevant to the matter at hand.

Accordingly, I have decided to expand his mandate to encompass this related review. Mr. Durham, who is a career prosecutor with the Department of Justice and who has assembled a strong investigative team of experienced professionals, will recommend to me whether there is sufficient predication for a full investigation into whether the law was violated in connection with the interrogation of certain detainees.” - ATTY Generals Office

I don’t see any issue with the CIA doing what they are paid and entrusted to do and that is to protect America from outside sources that can or could bring harm to our people. I do have to beg and plead with you to consider one thought to really think about concerning the article from the Washington Post and Carrie Johnson and that would be the outside CONTRACTORS that the CIA hired to do what the CIA is supposed to be trained and paid to do.

You hire a contractor to put an addition on your house, or rewire your house, or landscape your yard. Hell even businesses hire contractors to put a new roof on the building. When did the government outsource interrogation of possible enemies of the United States to a freakin’ outside contractor? What the hell are we paying the CIA for if we can just go to the Yellow Pages and dial up terrorist interrogators? Maybe even get a discount coupon for twenty or more people needing to be interrogated?

The truth needs to come out just like Dick Cheney wants to tell the world in his new book that his boss was a wimp and he was the real Czar on terrorist defense. History is funny and I’m thinking that my friends on the right side of politics may have been right. President Bush may not have been the dick (Cheney) after all.

Bring on the special prosecutor! It will be extremely interesting to see how far up the chain of command that the thought of our laws actually have no meaning. In the rear view mirror and looking at this situation, the CIA shouldn't be put on trial for following orders from a civilian government. Following orders at the CIA from the boss is no different than a Marine told to charge ahead in battle. Same mission, just a different objective. You do what you are told and that is what you do. The ones needing to be prosecuted are the people that said "No Matter What It Takes!"

Papamoka

Provocateurs, Saboteurs and Terrorists

Hello Papamoka Bloggers! There have been many great thinkers talking about the poor state of politics today, but the best and most recent was an op-ed by Frank Rich in yesterday's New York Times, where he discussed far-right fanatics in a way that put a lot of things into perspective for me. Thank you Frank!

He does a great job of showing the right-wing's lack of moral fiber when it comes to issues like domestic terrorism and political consistency. He points out historic examples where their radicalism and willingness to court violence - especially when they disagree with the Democratic opposition - surges far beyond mere political paranoia.

He talks about the "simmering undertone of violence" in our politics today. That is something I feel strongly about too, and wish more mainstream politicians - especially Republicans - would talk about. Their angry assault-weapons-carrying-nut-jobs are a real threat. Instead, they brush them off as honest, harmless patriots. It's obviously more serious.

The right-wing penchant for violence is clear to most of us. We lived through eight years of Bush and other Republicans talking and acting like great patriots - true lovers of freedom and democracy, but the truth is far less simple. They act differently when out of power. Some seem willing to take power when out of power.

The Republicans seem to have plenty of enemies. Al-queda, Iraqi Sunnis, the Taliban, Europeans, the French, and Democrats. The list goes on and on it seems. They question everybody's loyalty, or at least those who disagree with them. Who but Republicans would actually go so far as to question the legal status of a legally elected Democratic president? I can see questioning the election itself, but the man's birth certificate? What the hell is wrong with them? Let's face it, there are no limits to their political paranoia.

Frank Rich does a great job of describing the Republican inconsistencies of the past. He talks about how they have created an atmosphere of fear, where even the Secret Service feels militarily threatened by the right-wing nuts. Short of the radical Black Panthers back in the sixties, I can't remember guns being wielded at rallies. As far as I know Code Pink never carried guns. Purses maybe.

It's clear that most Republicans are tribal in their politics. They're only happy if their tribe is in power. If not, they see themselves more as the provocateurs, or worse, saboteurs. Possibly even political terrorists?

There is plenty of evidence. Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) of Northern California had one of his constituents scream out "I'm a right-wing terrorist" at one of his rallies last week. Supposedly the Republican crowd applauded loudly in support while Congressman praised the individual for being a great patriotic American. That is scary people, and it's happening more and more.

Even the Bush Homeland Security Department issued security threat assessment reports warning of a rise of "violent right-wing extremism" once "Obama takes power." Sounds like foreshadowing to me. Subsequent assassinations and attempted assassinations have proven those warnings correct. Despite Republican demands for departmental apologies, we Democrats are more concerned about who will be next.

Whether it's FOX "News," Michael Savage, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, Neil Covuto, Michael Steele, Glen Beck, Sarah Palin, Ann Coulter, Laura Ingram, or so many others, the right-wing is out-of-control and threatening the left with violence and retribution on a daily basis these days.

It doesn't even seem to matter how many times we play their own words back to them, since they always deny they said it. Truth be damned.

The blogosphere is rife with it too. Right-wing bloggers scream bloody murder anytime the left wants to do anything the majority supports. The lies begin shortly thereafter and ultimately cloud the issue so much nobody knows their ass from a hole in the ground when the dust settles. My favorite is when they claim Democrats have no right to spend federal money, since "lefties" don't work or pay taxes according to them. They really believe it too. What a bunch of tards!

Since Bush left it's become clear that all money belongs to the right. They don't want us to spend ANY money. NONE! Despite our desire to improve fiscal responsibility in government, the Republicans allow us no flexibility. Everything must be revenue neutral these days - a standard the Republicans never held while in power.

It's true the deficit ballooned over a trillion dollars in the fiscal year since Bush left office (the bulk of it spent by Bush himself), but that number pales in comparison to the $7 trillion or so Bush spent during his eight years in office - perhaps more, since most hasn't been tallied yet. It's pretty clear the Republicans ruined the country, and now they want us to go against our election promises and plans, lower taxes for the rich, pay the bills (btw, impossible when you lower taxes on the rich), and shut the bloody hell up.

Sorry assholes, that's not going to happen. IF the Democrats grow a pair, we're going to fix what you people broke, and you're going to pay your FAIR SHARE for a change!

The waste and ruin of past Republican administrations be damned, for it seems all that matters to the right-wing is how to keep the left from spending any money or changing any policy until they get back into power. They don't want to work with us, just prevent us from working. Once they regain power, all bets are off once again.

It's incredible! Their arrogance is outrageous! Their ignorance profound.

We Democrats are trying to solve real problems affecting real Americans. Incredibly, instead of cooperation, the Republicans and their militia are trying to shut down our efforts by ANY and ALL MEANS necessary. They even talk about armed revolt. It's true. It's a frequent discussion on the Sean Hannity shows - TV and radio. It's often when that fat-sack-of-shit-toe-sucker Dick Morris joins him. I swear, that man is a human-swine hybrid. He makes me sick.

Frank Rich also talks about the the Democratic backbone issue we discussed here last week. Rich says that it "would be shameful...if they [Democrats] catered to a decimated opposition party that has sunk and shrunk to its craziest common denominator." My God I agree with that statement. He goes so far as to call the Republicans a "paper muskrat" denying them the more impressive "paper tiger" status. I would say they're more of a PAPER RAT!

In the end Frank Rich lays out a very good case for why we need to stop playing games with them. They're not worth our time. We need to acknowledge the political climate and start talking about what is right. If we keep compromising with Republican demands, who now only represent the "whites in Dixie and the less populated West," and negotiating like idiots, then we deserve to lose.

Speaking of toughness, Barney Frank seems to be the only one with enough melon balls to fight back these days. Start talking more tough like him people! :)

It's time to put Reaganomics to rest. It never worked! It's time to start talking about how well government-run programs work, and how the Republicans are lying to the American people. It's time get off defense and back on offense people! Obama and the Democrats need to remember who put them in power, and stop being afraid to talk about solutions from a Democratic perspective.

Michael Boh
Papamoka's Left Coast Contributor
from Our Rants & Raves Blog

Just for Laughs

WROR FM 105.7 in Boston has a hilarious crew for the morning drive. This isn't new but I came across an old Gordon Lightfoot song on the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald on a You Tube search and then thought of this classic Lauren and Wally piece featuring Tom Doyle. Check out the WROR twist of this classic song HERE.

I hope you laughed your butt off! I sure as hell did and I've listened to it way too many times.

Papamoka

No disrespect intended to the families that lost loved ones in the tragic wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Moving Healthcare Forward

Things in the healthcare debate are fired up and finally the left side of the aisle is coming back from summer vacation. It’s a given that the right wing attack on healthcare is in the last gasps for breath when Joe Lieberman comes out begging that the congress tackle this whole scenario in smaller bites. Wait till the economy recovers, or the recession is over, or till pigs fly. Well jumping parties Joe, Swine Flu is here and that meets one of the criteria for me to get it all done NOW!

Now is the time for all you vacationing Dem’s, and Liberal’s, and self declared whacko Leftie’s, to get on board the peace train and contact your elected leaders in the congress.

I noticed over the past few weeks that many of the people against healthcare have showed up for these town halls with some pretty anti American slogans. All the power to them, matter of fact, please keep it up. Left leaning blogs like this one can always use material of someone declaring themselves right wing with a swastika poster in hand. It doesn’t matter how you carry it or the message you wanted it to send, it still is an abomination to democracy no matter how loud you yell or scream.

We on the left side of the aisle can do better and just buy a ticket on the peace train. Call, email, or even write a letter to your congressional members in the house and senate. All aboard!

Video Link



Papamoka

Friday Night Music August 21st

Not long ago people in this country chose to ask why, or for that matter why not. Its the generation of the late sixties and early seventies that brought that mentality back to America. Without them we just might still be fighting the human rights battles of the 1950's and 1960's.

Todays human rights battle for all American's is up to the new generations that they raised. You have to want it for it to succede. Get your asses in gear and fight for health care for all American's!

Video Link

Are Republican’s Goose Cooked on Healthcare

Now that Democrats are willing to go it alone without the help from their respected colleagues from the Republican Party in the house and senate it is not a surprise to see the minority political party begging for a super majority on any healthcare legislation. Translation, they can’t stop the progress of the current congress no matter how many antics they pull against healthcare reform. I personally think that some of the elected officials on the right are bought and paid for by the people that donated so much to their campaigns over the years of public service. But we need to redefine public service in their cases as servants to the folks that wrote the mega checks.

For the purpose of explaining Calvin Ball in the link below, that is from the now defunct Calvin and Hobbes cartoon strip where Calvin made up all the rules and they changed every time he played the game to please himself and win the game. Something the political right is trying to do now with the current debate on health care reform. Matthew Yglesias has a great piece on this game of legislative Calvin chess over at Think Progress…

Republicans Calling for Super-Supermajority for Health Care

In order to become law, a health care bill needs to secure a majority on the House Ways & Means Committee and also the House Energy & Commerce Committee and also the House Education & Labor Committee and, of course, the full United States House of Representatives. It also needs a majority on the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health Education Labor & Pensions Committee. And, of course, it needs a majority in the full United States Senate. Then thanks to the calvinball rules we’ve been playing with for the past 25 years, it actually needs a sixty vote supermajority to pass then Senate. After that, it would be subjected to presidential veto.

That’s a number of legislative hurdles that goes far beyond anything else found in major democracies. Naturally, key Republican Senators have decided that what’s needed is more calvinball. - Think Progress

There is just one thing that all politics comes down to and that is money. Political donations come into political campaigns from every cause imaginable and some of those donations just might influence a candidate, a congressman, a senator, or even a president. The insurance and pharmaceutical industry has their butt cheeks puckering in fear over this health care debate and their check books are wide open to defeat any healthcare reform. Money is no object to throw up in opposition to common sense when it comes to the billions in profits they see every single year.

This debate isn’t entirely about gutting health care as much as it is about tossing the Robber Baron’s out of health care. If competition is the basis of capitalism then the health insurer providers should be able to compete with the government with a public option. Everyone on the political right side of this debate claims that the government is bloated with fat and bureaucracy, which in turn makes one think that the government couldn’t even come close to competing with a private insurer and that nullifies their argument against a public option.

Or we could just do nothing and let the CEO’s of every private health insurance company buy another yacht, another vacation home, or just jet off to some distant land where they will be out of ear shot to hear the screams of millions of Americans without any health care plan other than the emergency room. And for the record, because you didn’t check the box where your mom or dad died from some form of cancer, the procedures you need now to save your life are no longer covered by your HMO. Deal with it!

Papamoka

Go Barney!

If you happened to miss the town hall debate between Barney Frank and some folks against the discussion of any health care reform on August 18 then here is the key points. Barney Frank has no problem with your first ammendment right to disagree on the Obama healthcare reform but don't expect him to argue with a dining room table...

Video Link

I'm Starting to Get Mad People!

Hello Papamoka Bloggers! This wonderful editorial cartoon from The Independent in London sums up my feelings about our Democratic leaders right now, and their lack of cojones when it comes to health care and the other reforms we elected them to tackle. To be blunt, I'm growing tired of the bi-partisan boob jobs. What a bunch of tards!

My Open Rant to Democratic Leaders

I know it's a tough fight against a tough enemy, but unless we see more competence, offense and strategy, we're going to start to think you guys are bought-and-paid-for just like the Republicans. We're beginning to wonder what's up people. What the hell is wrong with you?

I know many of my readers will disagree or think I'm too harsh, but come on, why do you seem to get blown away in the media by the lies and distortions of the right-wing so easily? Why can't you fight fire with fire? Why can't you fight harder? Nobody's going to blame you for it.

I think it's pretty obvious you allow yourselves to be chased, kicked around, and spat on. You guys almost seem like idiots, or worse, masochists.

Why do they always seem to win when it comes to swaying public opinion? Any good answers? Why are you so bad at getting our message out? The Republicans have a horrible record, so why can't you talk about it more? Repeat it! Beat it to death if you have to! Repetition can be a good thing.

"Civilized" responses to Republican shit-slinging is pathetic. Sling it back for God's sake. Get angry! Get passionate! Tell the truth about them! Stop acting like a bunch of gutless wimps! Demand to get on FOX "News" and FIGHT BACK against the LIES!!

Oh yea, and what about your latest offers to give up everything important, such as the public option? What kind of negotiation skills are those? WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU PEOPLE THINKING? You seem almost incompetent, ready to give away the store. Why?

President Obama, Pelosi and Reid better have a good plan, because right now you all seem like a bunch of rank amateurs. It's hard to tell what the hell you're thinking!

Btw, the only improvement to that cartoon might be to put Harry Reid on top of the donkey, since he seems to be encouraging all the running these days. He's our biggest pussy of all. I'm beginning to think he's a Republican spy.

It's true the Republicans and their propaganda machine are large and scary, but where's the damn leadership we voted for? Grow a pair you bunch of overly sensitive political hacks! Get out there and fight fire with fire! Get nasty if you have to!

Once again, many readers will think I'm too harsh, but I'm tired of losing. I say counter their lies and deceit with our own "spin" about their motives and intentions. Tell the truth about their horrible records! Talk about their horrible history!

DO SOMETHING!!! Get the freaking job done! Stop running away and stand up for what is right! Republican assholes are laughing at us for God's sake!

We gave you our money, time, energy and votes! I know you're each a little different in some ways, but FIND SOME COMMON GROUND - to lower costs - AND BEAT THOSE LYING CHEATING BASTARDS OR GET THE HELL OUT OF WASHINGTON!

Michael Boh
Papamoka's Left Coast Contributor
from Our Rants & Raves Blog

PS - I hope I'm wrong and that President Obama and the leadership know what they're doing, but I'm afraid that may be too much to hope for. Unless we see some improvement, hope is a luxury I can't afford right now.

Glenn Beck is a Racist

It makes me really pissed off whenever I see racism in America. I don’t care where it is coming from or whom it is directed at but I have no stomach for it. I thought and I may have been ignorantly blessed that the KKK was a dead organization but Glenn Beck of Fox News actually had the audacity to call President Obama a racist against all white people? Somebody buy that dude a sheet to hide his face and some boards to build a cross to ignite on the White House lawn. I will be damned if I will ever buy one single product from anyone that spends money advertising on this idiots show on Fox!

"This president has exposed himself as a guy over and over and over again who has a deep-seated hatred for white people ... this guy is, I believe, a racist." - Color of Change

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Color of Change is running a ban on Fox News show host Glenn Beck and it is gaining momentum with Fox News advertisers. And it SHOULD! Advertisers are bailing out on Fox. Glenn Beck came on as a guest for the morning show and gave his personal opinion of the President. That is not the so called “Entertainment” point of his so called show. He called the President of the United States of America a racist. His own personal opinion. So it is only right that the people paying this man to have his “Personal” opinion have a say when he not only steps over the line but burns the bridge, a cross, and pretty much declares himself a racist against the first African American President.

Just a snippet from the Huffington Post that I found on Memeorandum on the progress of the ban called for by colorofchange.org on Fox News and Glenn Beck…

Big news today. We've confirmed that eight more major advertisers have pulled their support from Glenn Beck's show -- Wal-Mart, Best Buy, CVS, Travelocity, Allergan (maker of Restasis), Ally Bank, Broadview Security, and Re-Bath.

Overall, twenty advertisers have now ended their support of Beck. - Huffington Post

My congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all the advertisers that sent Fox News a firm message by pulling the checkbook on this moron and the network that supports his personal message of hate to America. This lily white Irish American has not one ounce of patience for hatred in my country and Fox News should just fire Glenn Beck for being an idiot with a loaded gun that happens to be his mouth.

For the record, I am fully supporting Color of Change in their mission to plead with all Fox News advertisers to pull all of their funding from his show.

Papamoka

It's Better to Fight and Lose and Fight Again Tomorrow then Compromise Way Too Much Today

Hello Papamoka Bloggers - I think Governor Howard Dean and Democratic Party strategist James Carville have it right when they suggest that we Democrats should be willing to go it alone on health care/insurance reform, and if the Republicans succeed in defeating it by whatever means, then we should go after them at the ballot box where real issues get sorted out.

I don't think President Obama is right to fight for just any bill. Who cares if the Republicans will call it a loss, or the "end of his presidency." That is all crap and we know it. The kind of reform bill we get is more important.

Dean has been saying it for a while, but Carville is now agreeing with the strategy. Carville's sharp political mind is usually right, and I think Democratic leaders need to listen. Compromising with the Blue Dogs and the Republicans could hurt us more than help us. Half-ass health care reform will not win votes. If anything, it could hurt the party by repressing future Democratic voter turnout.

When Americans are told the truth, a public option (or even single-payer) is the reform most sought-after. The lies and propaganda are effective, but over time the truth will win over voters. Carville is right. Democrats need to stand firm for what is right. Republicans may see defeating health care reform as a victory, but politically it could also be their Waterloo. It's a fact the truth usually wins in the end.

If we lose while trying to pass real reform, the debate will continue since the issue won't just go away. In the meantime, the party of NO will pay the price. They will need a hell of a lot of dirty industry money to keep fighting the fight, and that will come with a high price. If Democrats pass a bad bill that does very little to control costs, or worse increase costs, it could mean a victory for Republicans in the future.

Think about it, if we fight very hard yet lose, it will go a long way to motivate the base for the upcoming mid-term elections. At least that sounds right to me.

I'm no expert, but half-ass reform requiring insurance companies to absorb more risk (by requiring them to take pre-existing conditions and sick people) will probably encourage them to raise rates. Regulations without real reform (controlling costs by reforming the whole system) will probably only add to our problems.

One of my favorite progressive talk radio hosts and political/sociological thinkers is Thom Hartmann, and he thinks we should simplify things by allowing Americans to buy into the Medicare/Medicaid system. The result would be a public option that is already popular with the American people. Republicans and health industry lobbyists would have a tough time fighting against that kind of option. I think that's an idea that deserves more study.

No matter what, I am no longer that angry with our Democratic leaders. I now see just how much they're up against. I see the propaganda, the lies being told every day. I see the amount of money being thrown at the opposition. If anything, I'm angry with the rank-and-file Republicans and their lack of moral fiber.

It's true. Instead of debating the issue logically and trying to learn more about how the health insurance industry is bankrupting America, and how millions of people are dying for no good reason, ordinary Republicans are foolishly buying all the crap that's being thrown at them. They seem so willing to swallow horrible, shocking lies.

Rank-and-file Republicans must think very little of Democrats to think we would want to kill old people or deny people care. They all seem too willing to believe the lies.

Where was their passion in the past? They allowed themselves to swallow billions and trillions in debt-spending when it came to wars and half-ass government reforms (prescription drug benefits) benefiting big pharm under Bush/Cheney, but have practically risen in armed revolt at the prospect of saving AMERICAN lives under real health care reform.

Let's face it, Republican unwillingness to consider any kind health care reform could be considered both immoral and unAmerican, because millions of Americans are suffering and dying every day. When you boil it all down, it's simply about saving lives. That is a moral issue, no matter how you spin it.

I hope our Democratic leaders continue to fight for what is right. I agree more with Howard Dean than Bill Clinton. Clinton and Obama think any reform is good, while Dean says that real reform is the only way to go - win or lose. Sometimes you just have to fight for what is right. Go Dean!!!

Michael Boh
Papamoka's Left Coast Contributor
from Our Rants & Raves Blog

Obama Bails On Public Option

President’ Obama and his spin doctors announced today that they are not blindly tied to the public option for healthcare reform that he fought for during his campaign for the Presidency. The translation of that statement for those of you that do not speak Politicism is that the private healthcare insurance industry has won the battle once more. Fifty million people will still not have health care and the cost for those of you that do will continue to rise unabated.

White House ready to drop ‘public option’? - MSNBC

WASHINGTON - Bowing to Republican pressure and an uneasy public, President Barack Obama's administration signaled Sunday it is ready to abandon the idea of giving Americans the option of government-run insurance as part of a new health care system.

Facing mounting opposition to the overhaul, administration officials left open the chance for a compromise with Republicans that would include health insurance cooperatives instead of a government-run plan. Such a concession would likely enrage his liberal supporters but could deliver Obama a much-needed win on a top domestic priority opposed by GOP lawmakers.

What it all comes down to is yet one more politician that happens to be the President selling out the millions of people that fought so hard for him to get elected. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were the only ones with workable plans for a public option for health care during the election and that is why it was basically a battle of the super stars of politics right down to the actual vote in the presidential primary. And a public health care option is why so many people worked to elect a Democratic party lead congress in both houses.

As a Democrat, and now somewhat progressive in thought person, I feel like I just got stabbed in the back. If President Obama wanted the full healthcare bill passed then he could have simply negotiated with his own political party to get the job done. It makes no sense to me why he is even considering Republican debate on this at all. Or could it be that the healthcare insurance industry saw the potential to be knocked off like a Soprano character if a public option was passed by the congress and used its own negotiating powers to kill it instead? That sounds more logical. I find it unbelievable that the political party with all the votes to get real healthcare reform passed was or is being handed its head on a silver platter courtesy of the opposition. I’m not just upset with my President either, my political party ran for cover at the first sign of trouble when it came to healthcare. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, and Senate President, Harry Reid may have said they were behind the President on healthcare reform but neither was willing to fight for it in the congress.

In the end the health care insurance industry will be handed free money by the government courtesy of the GOP as long as they (wink, wink) promise to cut cost to consumers. Ten years from now there will be not 50 million but 100 million Americans without healthcare but the government subsidy checks to the insurance companies will still be cashed. Isn’t that the way it always works, the little guys get screwed and the money gets doled out to the people screwing America over anyway!

Healthcare reform is officially a dead issue. Without the public option it is just another meaningless spending bill for special interest groups that have bigger teeth than John or Jane Doe in America. And that would be the way it is simply because John and Jane Doe don’t have healthcare insurance.

Papamoka

Just Roll With It Baby

With all the things going on in life these days we need to take a breath and just roll with it. Enjoy life and love the ones you have around you. So what if the neighbor next door has a D or an R next to their name on voting day, isn’t it great to have a neighbor that looks out for you and shares the spoils of their garden with you? Just as you do with them! Politics is one moment in time but neighbors and family are for life. We shouldn’t take one another for granted so just take a deep breath. Eight years from now the rolls of political fortune just might be reversed and then what? We are, and still will all be, American’s to the core.

With that thought in mind…

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Papamoka

Friday Night Music August 14th

Music Box Dancer by Frank Mills is yet another great piano piece and every single time I hear it I think of the woman in my life that are important and close to my heart. My daughters of course come first to mind but my friend has always been there for me and this is for her. I wish her love and peace in her new adventure and new found life. Mega hugs too.

No matter where the road takes you, you will always have a special place here in my heart. To you my friend with many blessings and love...

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Papamoka

The President On Health Care

I'm thinking that people really need to see this speech from our President on the current healthcare debate. This is from MSNBC in President Obama's visit to the folks in Montana.

I found it interesting that small businesses will get a tax cut for providing health insurance and the employees can still shop for their own health care insurance. Another intresting point is that 80% of the proposed legislation is already agreed upon in the Congress? Did you know that? I sure as hell didn't. Another factoid if you will, pre existing conditions will no longer be a reason your healthcare provider can cancel your health insurance, or cap it or make you go into bankruptcy over and illness. I'm shocked at the number of people health insurance providers screwed over, or let die for the sake of the almighty dollar. And as President Obama said in this speech, "There but for the grace of God go I".

Check out the speech from MSNBC...

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Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Just and additional thought, Newsweek has a great piece out today on the reality of what is being proposed as healthcare reform. True or False format...

Papamoka

Living Will or Advance Directive

One of the biggest issues that is coming under fire with the proposed healthcare reform legislation is the living will or advance directive for all citizens of the United States. Mind you, this has been backed by the US Government for twenty plus years and surprisingly by many folks on the right side of the political spectrum.

Currently, we have Rush Limbaugh of EIB fame ranting on and on against “Death Panels” which is how he defines a living will or advance directive. Then we have Newt Gingrich declaring that Americans will be euthanized because some states allow it. And then there is former Governor Sarah Palin going on her soap box to declare that “Death Panels” will ration medicine or kill Grammy and Grandpa.

What makes no sense is that each one of these same folks was for it before it became part of the discussion to fix America’s healthcare system. Each one of them is pulling a John Kerry “I was for it before I was against it” sort of move.

Where you have a living will to give medical directions aka advance directions on steps to be taken to care for you in your last days on this earth. Things like, don’t feed me through a tube, don’t let machines keep me alive, and by all means, do not resuscitate (DNR) if you go into cardiac arrest.

Check out the “I was for it before I was against it” video from MSNBC and Rachel Maddow…

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Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

It’s very interesting how quickly politics plays into this healthcare issue. I can understand Rush Limbaugh flipping opinion for a dollar but you know that Gingrich and Palin are towing party politics to stir up the base even though they were “For It before they were against It”.

Papamoka

Our New Civic Duty to Learn More About Propaganda

Hello Papamoka Bloggers! It's clear to me that we're living through some pretty tough times. It's almost like we've split into three different camps, with the right and left tugging at those in the middle to the point of exhaustion. The big problem is how hard some are tugging.

Americans are being lied to more than ever, and sadly there doesn't seem to be any force powerful enough to prevent it. It's getting out of control, and things are getting very dangerous.

Aside from terrorism, the evil in America today is coming from politicians and corporate interests. They have climbed into bed together, and the American people are the ones being screwed. Political messages are getting more and more complicated. Some might say too complicated. Issues are being decided less on debate and more on paid punditry.

Politics has always been a dirty job, but somehow the duels and corrupt leaders of the past pale in comparison to the billions spent on the lies and deceit of today. Modern political "warfare" seems larger and nastier somehow, and the lies seem to infect more people. I keep looking for a silver lining, but without a big success like true health care reform, the skies look dark to me.

The Industrial Revolution sullied America's politicians like the London skyline. The nineteenth century brought us President Grant smoking cigars with power brokers in the lobby of the Willard Hotel. Those conversations have grown from bad to worse. Lobbying today is more secretive and the interests more corrupt. Corporate shills now prowl Congress handing out huge checks buying huge favors.

Unless we can fight our way through their money and lies our American democracy - our very freedom to govern ourselves based on a free press and simple truths - is at risk of failure.

Despite the best efforts of a few it seems the lies are just too many and too often. Ironically, the political electorate are more powerful than ever due to email and the Internet, yet powerful special interests have worked hard to keep their media and message at full volume despite the innovations. Their lies far outpace our desire for truth. As usual, they manipulate us, despite our best efforts.

We need our political leaders to have the backbone and the skills to compete against today's powerful, rich, private sector power brokers. It's possible, with the exception of the Civil War era, we need their leadership more than ever.

Even the President of the United States fights an uphill battle to get his/our message out - the message we supported during the election. Unfortunately, our so-called 24/7 "news" channels fill the airwaves with so many lies and so much ado about nothing that Americans forget their best interests and lose focus. The airwaves have become a minefield of sorts.

Sadly, health care is only the tip of the iceberg. If we don't win the war against disinformation now, we may never win. The special interest forces and their great wealth may corrupt our system to the point where reform is impossible. It may sound hyperbolic, but corporations may ultimately control the levers of power - if they don't already.

Unless Republicans and their supporters see the light, corporate money, political corruption, greed, and worst of all, a disregard for what is in the best interest of the American people, may be our political future. We need to fight back! We need to find a way to shut down the spin doctors, the liars and the money changers.

Greedy, soulless journalists and money-grubbing pundits cannot be allowed to destroy 230+ years of free press and good governance.

What is the solution? A grassroots movement? A constitutional convention for a constitutional amendment baring corporate involvement in politics? Who knows, but I suggest we start thinking. If health care/insurance reform falls victim to their lies and deceit, then I think it is a clear sign that something must be done before it's too late.

Michael Boh

Papamoka's Left Coast Contributor

from Our Rants & Raves Blog

Health Care Debate Violence

It doesn’t surprise me that this simple discussion about healthcare for all Americans has become violence prone. All sides of the debate are getting pissed, miffed, angry, and riotous and it makes no sense. Is it not fair to say that the argument on the right is being fed misinformation from organizations that just don’t want healthcare for everyone? There isn’t a Republican I know that would walk away from someone that was injured or bleeding on the street. Same goes for any Democrat, Green, or Independent that I know. Democrats are not being told the whole truth either given the White House’s recent backing off of a deal with the pharmaceutical companies that would have negotiated prescription drug pricing for people on Medicare.

I find it stupefying when you see people estimate healthcare for all Americans at one trillion dollars but leave out the fact that that is a Washington budgetary term that is in fact spread out over ten years. So the discussion should move to what can be cut in the federal budget to pay for health care for everyone? Can we cut tax subsidies for oil companies that are basically having a freebie on oil leases on public land and seas? Or can we even go so far as to cut the spending for maintaining a military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan and bring our troops all home and hopefully in one piece?

One thing is certain, America needs to fix its health care system and it will not get fixed when everyone is yelling and screaming at one another. It certainly won’t fix itself or even remotely heal with violence breaking out at Town Hall meetings to discuss health care. It’s one thing to discuss an issue, it is entirely another when violence becomes the high point of any political reporting on what the changes of our health care system are or can be.

When you really look at America, we have a diverse culture and collection of people. We can be best of friends on Facebook or Myspace and yet not recognize one another and become violent with one another over healthcare? Does that make sense to you? In the end, if the violence wins the day and kills healthcare for all Americans, what has the political movement on the right really won? David Frum has his opinion on that…

Makes me wonder if outside influences and special interests on both sides are pushing the buttons to force matters and discussions regarding healthcare into a violent end. Otherwise, I think we can all agree that Kate Smith had it right with her inspirational rendition of God Bless America. At the end of the day, we are all still Americans and we can not and should not ever forget that.

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Papamoka

Friday Night Music

I don't know why but I love piano music. I can't play a note but I just love to listen to it. Bruce Hornsby has this piece that I love. That's just the way it is. I couldn't find the original video but this is one that puts the piano up front and I loved it...

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Public Option Health Care

I'll let this one stand on its own. Thanks to the FarLeftSide.com for the picture...

Something Other Than Politics...

Just to get a breather from all the hot debate around here lately I figured I would post this upbeat wedding video. Group hug for everyone after you watch this...

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Healthcare Boiled Over Debate

Anyone with a heartbeat has something to say on healthcare for all Americans or they damn sure as hell should have an opinion. From business owners that have seen the gross profiteering from their health care insurance providers to the employees of those same businesses that have seen their own cost rise but services cut. The only people winning are the mega structures built to provide a new home to the next generation of Robber Barons. And yet an industry that claims that they can police themselves is recording record profits while the rest of America is losing its shirt? Does that make any sense to you?

Teddy Roosevelt was a Republican bastard to industry and that is a political and historical fact. He saw a wrong, it was un-American for the times and he sure as hell fixed it. He carried his big stick and broke up the Robber Barons for a reason, they were killing the American economy. When any industry Robber Baron thinks that they are so powerful that the laws and the liberty of all Americans is no longer of their concern because they believe to have omnipotent power, then it is up to a strong President and Federal Government to protect the American people from them.

Capitalism in America is a funny business, sometimes it serves the many but often it serves the few. There is nothing wrong with any company making a profit to survive. If I were a CEO then that would be my objective one hundred and ten percent. We are talking health care though, not gas, not steel, not oil and things that could be commodity driven. Just health care is being discussed here and frankly I have to agree with Teddy Roosevelt that it is time to take out the federal government big stick and knock the sons of bitches down a notch. As the system stands now, you would have to work for your employer and forsake all of your wages twenty years from now just to see your doctor for the sniffles. Pay your soul to the company store for anything worse than that.

Reality is simple, do the math yourself. The more people without health care means that the cost to you will rise further and higher than it has in the past. People will look back kindly when co-pays only increased twenty percent per year. Health Care CEO’s will take hundred million dollar plus bonuses and wonder how they will increase their pay the next year?

Meanwhile, ten of millions of our fellow Americans will go without regular care, never see a doctor till the cost of care goes into the millions and the sun will shine the next day regardless of political opinion one way or the other. Just make sure you wear your sunglasses as you pass the conglomerate skyscraper HMO built to make sure you get your health care bill emailed, faxed, debited from your checking account, or sent to your cell phone before you even get home from your doctor.

The health care industry is broken. It isn’t the nurses and doctors that give the care fault. It’s the white shirts in a huge glass building hundreds or thousands of miles away from the table that you sit on where they ask you to roll up your sleeve or stick out your tongue. It’s not even the emergency room hospitals fault either. Most hospitals according to some reports have to waive the bills and eat the cost of caring for people without health insurance. Where do you think that cost gets passed on to? That two dollar treatment such as Aspirin or other medication of equal cost ends up costing $250 on an insurance form from the ER.

It is time for a Teddy Roosevelt big stick. Hell yes! President Obama needs to speak softly and carry a big stick when it comes to healthcare reform. Is that not one of the biggest reasons we voted to elect President Obama and a Democrat controlled Congress? I believe we have the votes to get it done so what is the problem? Just get the job done and lets move on to the next issue!

Papamoka

Republican Hooligans and Fools

Good Morning Papamoka Bloggers! What do you guys make of the latest Republican demonstrations at town halls across America, so reminiscent of the Spring "Tea Parties" featuring hundreds of America's finest citizens? I know I'm getting very tired of today's juvenile Republican antics. Their love of democracy is only surpassed by their love of shouting and drowning out our individual right to congregate and debate.

They are making a big splash in the media, but they still look like a bunch of FOOLS! To suggest they're coming across as a productive opposition to a serious debate is laughable. I'm pretty sure ordinary citizens observing the health care debate from the sidelines consider them distractions - since despite what Republicans are saying in the media, most Americans do consider health care a serious issue that needs repair.

In my opinion, which of course is what this blog is all about, I see them as loud-mouthed bullies, pure and simple. They are no different then children who scream to make their point, pouting if they don't get their way. They may see themselves as a determined opposition who will drown out those they disagree with, but the rest of us see them as fools who refuse to sit down and discuss a very serious issue.

I'm pretty sure most Americans see them as irrational. Most of us are smart enough to realize they didn't shout over the past eight years or so when the Republicans were spending more than at any other time in history.

Where were they when the Republicans passed the last health care bills? Where were they when their own political party funneled hundreds of billions of government tax money into the hands of the pharmaceuticals (prescription drug benefits) and private health insurance companies (Medicare Plus) under George W. Bush and the Republicans? Why didn't they shout about spending then?

They were SILENT! SHEEP! OBEDIENT MORONS! The damn hypocrites. They have no credibility when it comes to lecturing us on how to spend tax dollars.

They're trying to shout-down a debate about health care - insurance - reform when most Americans want and need to talk about the issue. Republicans may feel empowered by the demonstrations (if you listen to Pat Robertson and others), but the rest of us only see a bunch of loud-mouthed fools trying to take away our microphones, or whatever else we need to make ourselves heard in this very important debate.

The bottom-line is that Republicans want to spend-spend-spend when they're in power, doing everything they can to help their own constituencies such as corporations, the wealthy and the military-industrial crowd, but do everything they can to shut down ANY spending when not in power.

It doesn't even seem to matter if we're trying to reform a system that is threatening America's ability to pay down past Republican debt, guarantee our competitive place in the world (other countries have affordable health care, giving them a competitive edge), and much more. They don't seem to care about those points. They just ignore those very important national security considerations.

Oh yes, and they - incredibly - have the gall to treat all government money as though it were their own. The really disgusting part is that we're trying to spend American money to save American lives, and they still object.

They won't object when it comes to spending money on weaponry, but will fight tooth and nail to prevent children and poorer Americans from being able to purchase affordable - reformed - health insurance. It's clear from the "debates" so far they are prepared to lie and lie and lie. They keep telling INCREDIBLE LIES!

They keep saying that Democrats are trying to take away your health insurance as it exists today (LIE!), kill your grandmother by recommending euthanasia (LIE!), bring about socialized medicine (LIE!), fund abortions (LIE!), and my favorite, suggest that poor people will be shipped to better neighborhood hospitals reminiscent of the busing scares decades ago.

It's clear the Republicans and their industry allies will stop at nothing to shut-down debate about health insurance reform. They will do everything they can to muddy the waters and make Americans fear change. They may be more Rovian, but by and large they are using the same basic tactics they used when trying to kill Social Security, Medicare and every other major program that helped civilize our great country. It's time people wise-up when it comes to Republicans.

The simple truth is the rest of us need to stay focused. Just like when we were in school, we cannot allow a few bullies to derail education, evolution and advancement for the rest of us. We need to use whatever means at our disposal to continue debate and get our message across that we voted for change and health care/insurance reform is one of the most important parts of that change.

We need to fight against their hooliganism. We need to treat Republican bullies the same way we treat angry children - either ignore them, and if they don't listen to reason, send them away.

Their screaming didn't work during the campaign at the McCain and Palin rallies, so hopefully it won't work now. My recommendation is to stand-up to them. I know I will. Don't allow them to silence our debate. It would be a crime to allow ourselves to be cowered by people who have no place in a modern, civilized political debate.

Whether it's a "tea partier," a "birther," a "deather," or whatever comes next (how about throwing furniture like in the picture), today's Republicans are looking more and more like a party for both hooligans and fools.

Michael Boh
Papamoka's Left Coast Contributor
from Our Rants & Raves Blog

Healthcare Anti-Reform Payola

My good friend is kind enough to email me her posts on various issues that she covers in her blog and I look forward to reading her thoughts on many issues. We don’t always agree but many times we see eye to eye. If you care to get a glimpse as to where the money trail is in the Congress concerning healthcare debate then please check out Demwit for the full transcript of a very biting commentary from MSNBC host Keith Olbermann. There are no punches pulled on this emotional issue when it comes to the folks cashing the payola checks from the healthcare industry against the current legislation proposed.

This is the video link from MSNBC. I can honestly say that I have never seen such a passionate commentary in my life. Wow!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

As a moderate liberal and democrat I propose a Bill O’Reilly type ban on anyone in the Congress that votes against reforming healthcare. And you would show your ban enforcement by first voting against the perpetrators of this crime against humanity, and secondly, by contributing to whomever is their opponent during the next election cycle.

You know that this legislation is scaring the hell out of the healthcare industry when they are spending an estimated $1.2 million dollars per day against it! The old saying is true, follow the smoking money and you will find the fire. That amount of money is almost as much spent per day running for the Presidency.

Thank you BJ for sending me the link to your post! All I can say is WOW!

Papamoka

Do You Value Life

My father was a decorated veteran of WWII and Korea. He raised seven kids and loved them all to no end. Dad died from Alzheimer’s disease and the only one that cared for him for the last eight or nine years of his life was me. The only person that knew of his last wishes was me. All of the burden from seven children was on me to sign a DNR which is a Do Not Resuscitate should he go into a medical condition that could end in his death. I spent the last night with him holding his hand and he had no clue as to who I was. And yet I knew who he was. That was all that mattered.

There is a ton of controversy over the current health care legislation in Washington and there should be. I don’t want a blanket Gestapo health care plan but we all know that the system is broken. Nobody in America would drive by an accident with people, children, babies, bleeding and dying on the side of the road and yet that is what the current system does. Our health care system only cares for the people that can afford it and if you don’t have a job, you have an emergency room health care system. The costliest system there is. That means it is broken. Our health care system sucks! It’s one of the worst health care systems in all of the industrialized nations of the world.

I have Parkinson’s or some form of it according to doctors and the director of Neurology at UMASS Medical hospital in Worcester. I haven’t had insurance to treat it for a year and a half. I lost my job. I don’t bitch about it, I deal with it. I don’t have medication for it, I don’t bitch about it either. I do however have a living will.

I don’t want my children visiting a vegetable in a hospital or nursing home for a decade. I don’t want machines keeping me alive for one more second than God intended. That is my right and my decision to decide. I have made my peace with my God and I am not afraid. My path is not easy but my words for now are the truth. I am one of the people lost in the health care system that is broken beyond belief. I have my faith in God but I would like a few more years with my children. Could a health care system for all do that?

Nobody is proposing to kill the elderly. That would be idiotic just as it sounds. Matter of fact, the person putting in that addendum to the health care plan is a Republican doctor in the Congress. All he is asking for is a living will for all. I don't have a problem with that but I do have a problem with his political party selling it as a fear factor even though it came from their own political party as an addendum!

Thought for the process of the discussion for you to think about. Don’t you think you have a right in the discussion as to how you want to be treated in the end of your days? I know for a fact that I sure as hell do! Whatever organs I have that are of use, take em, use them, do whatever you want with them. My time in this vessel is or will be done. Anyone mocking this life changing legislation has never read the current wording by Senators Dodd and Kennedy. What has been added to it is not of their ownership.

Life is what it is, love it while you have it to enjoy! Go out of your way to make someone smile while you can.

Papamoka