Ron Indiana

Tea Party Influence:

Ron I agree with you about Luger. I like him too. Think the GOP TB ned to Get Serious.

The proud members of the GOP/ tea bagger party are not reality-based. The GOP/ teabagger party thinks the party will continue on with this brawny act this way during the next two years will give them their coveted White House victory. Never mind that only 18% of the American people want the health care law to be repealed.

Now who is not listening to the American people? What party is forcing the repeal down the American people’s throats?
undoubtedly, the GOP/TeaBaggers are not the essence of compromise. Opps. Sorry I meant “common ground’ as John Boehner says.

They are still clinging to made lies deliberately!!

What a canard

Claims that health reform will destroy jobs by harming the economy are sharply at odds with the findings of leading non-partisan experts

Debunking False Claims About Health Reform, Jobs, and the Deficit

• House Republicans have charged that the bill will destroy jobs by adding greatly to businesses’ costs. In fact, health reform is unlikely to raise most businesses’ health insurance premiums. CBO estimates that it will reduce premiums for employers with more than 50 workers — who account for 70 percent of the total insurance market — by up to 3 percent by 2016. For small employers, the estimated change in premiums ranges from an increase of 1 percent to a reduction of 2 percent.
• Similarly, Moody’s Analytics says that the Affordable Care Act’s “net long-run impact on the economy will be minor” and that any disincentives from higher Medicare payroll taxes “will hardly make a difference.” [7] Moody’s also points out that “there is the potential for the new law to reduce ‘job lock,’ when workers stay in a particular job because they are afraid of losing their insurance. . . . If the bill works as planned, Americans will be more able to switch jobs and open new businesses.” The result would be a more productive economy.
• The health reform law may also have other positive impacts on the economy. Expanding health coverage improves health outcomes by helping people obtain preventive and other health services and improving continuity of care. [8] CBO has suggested that this could enhance the nation’s economic productivity.

• While health reform will “reduce the amount of labor used in the economy by a small amount,” according to CBO, this will happen because some workers who now work mainly to obtain health insurance will decide to work somewhat less, not because employers

http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=3366

Does the Name Darrel Issa ring a bell?

If you thought the conspiracy theories advanced by Glenn Beck were confined to Fox News and WorldNet Daily, think again. The newly minted chair of the House Oversight Committee, Darrel Issa, is a huge fan.

http://issaexposed.couragecampaign.org/index.php/page/54

Ron: Great Post this morning.
HCR Winners and Losers? We all loose one way or another!

Yesterday I wrote on First Thoughts about this law not being a Job Killer nor a Budget Killer. This is the last installment.
What do we stand to loose if the Republican/Tea Party (GOP) is successful in repealing President Obama's HCR law? There are over 90 provisions in this law. The Kaiser Foundation has an excellent piece on their web site that list every provision, what it does and the dates that they are scheduled to be implemented. Everything that is on those pages we will loose. All of them.
See http://healthreform.kff.org/timeline.aspx for the complete list and implementation schedule.
Some examples – Read them and weep;
1. Keeping our adult children on our Health Insurance until age 26
2. Pre-Existing Conditions for children
3. Small Businesses with less than 50 employees will loose their 35% tax credit
4. No caps or limits
5. Your Insurance Company cannot deny coverage (pre-existing conditions) or cancel you policy if you get sick, 129 Million Americans have a pre-existing condition (HHR Report) that would keep them from getting Health Insurance
6. Medicare and Medicaid Drug Rebate
7. Expansion of the Drug Discount Plan
8. Coverage for Preventive Care
9. Closing Medicare Drug Gap
10. Health Insurance Exchange
11.Placing Mental Health on an even par with physical health
12.Guaranteed Availability of Quality Health Insurance regardless of your health or location
13.Thirty (30) Million plus who do not have coverage now will loose the opportunity to get coverage

And the list goes on and on. What is the GOP going to replace these with? Currently they have NO plan.
http://thinkprogress.org/2011/01/16/repeal-no-replace/
"Nonetheless, House Republicans are rushing headlong into inevitable defeat, insisting that their efforts aren't doomed, and promising to "replace" Obama's law with their own, better one. "Repeal and replace" has been a mantra for Republicans and their conservative allies since March of last year, though the repealers have been hazy on with what they would "replace" it with".
"
On Fox News Sunday today, conservative Weekly Standard Editor Bill Kristol could offer only the vaguest of promises about the replacement. When Fox News contributor Juan Williams challenged Kristol to explain "what are you going to replace it with?", Kristol told Williams not to worry, because there would be hearings in a few months and Republicans would probably come up with something by then".
And we should repeal the law and wait for a replacement that the GOP does not even know what it would contain or when?
They have listed about 7 or 8 things in their "Pledge to America" document. The issue is that those pledges already currently exist in President Obama's HCR law. So now what? What is really behind the push to repeal HCR? I suspect it must be something else. The law is not a massive Job Killer nor is it a Budget Killer as I have posted on FT yesterday. Most leading economists of note agree on that. It cannot be that the vast majority of the people do not want this law because as time has moved forward so has the favorability of the law. In fact the American people are at a lost on why the (GOP) is spending time and wasting money of this instead of on creating Jobs in America and the economy.
It seems to me that they should be working together with the Democrats in keeping those provisions they agree with and there is a lot that, at least at some point, they do agree with. Work on fixing the others. To totally repeal this law makes no sense at all and it is bad for America. Repeal will cost us jobs and increase the deficit (National Debt), there is little doubt of that by most economists. The over all health of this nation will decline and people will die.

Those two people that just died in AZ, if this law was fully implemented that would not have happened. And, Gov. Brewer wants to cut back on Mental Health care as we speak. After the Tucson shooting many on this board talked about the inequality of Mental Health versus Physical Health. In fact Allen West said we need to have a law that creates them equal. Hello, we do. The GOP calls it Obamacare. We call it reform.

Thanks Navy:

When it comes to stating the facts, you are number one. You provide a wealth of information.

“Tonight’s opulent, black-tie affair with President Obama —

Let the squealing from the ‘cheap seats’ commence! lol

A lunch of punch & pretzels is more their ‘cup of tea’!

Meanwhile, newly elected Speaker of the House John Boehner has more urgent matters and is meeting colleagues at Hooters for hot wings and beers!

Score so far - 4 invites & 4 refusals to attend a bi-partisian event!

SPOT ON Ron! I wrote about that yesterday and it drove them rabid enough to collapse it! lmao!!

Harry Reid is an incompetent MORON.

China is the U.S. biggest creditor and is the number two economy in the world and growing very fast. It’s NOT in the best interest of America to be publically insulting China while their President is a guest of our President at the White House.

All the FR lefty liberals were loudly whining and complaining when John Boehner declined a dinner invitation to honor the Chinese President.

I’m looking forward to seeing their OUTRAGE at this insult from Harry Reid!!!!

Yeah, right.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From Politico:

Reid calls Chinese leader 'dictator'
By: Scott Wong
January 19, 2011 07:17 AM EST

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) labeled Chinese President Hu Jintao a “dictator,” just as President Barack Obama prepares to host the Chinese leader on Wednesday at a state dinner aimed at soothing tensions between the two world powers.

Reid’s off-the-cuff comments came Tuesday night during a televised interview with Las Vegas journalist Jon Ralston, who asked the majority leader whether the bipartisan tax compromise Obama struck with Republican leaders last year was a good deal for the country.

“I am going to go back to Washington and meet with the President of China. He is a dictator. He can do a lot of things through the form of government they have. Maybe I shouldn’t have said dictator, but they have a different type of government then we have, and that is an understatement,” Reid said in the interview.

Wow Beverly:

I can't believe anyone can think and type that fast. My comments just went up. Your comments are right on and very relevant. Well said.

Bev:

Ditto what Ron said. Here is my repost from yesterday which supports everyting you said.

Myths and Facts about HCR and Impact of Repeal

“Job-Killing Bill?” - False

The “Job Killer” label comes primarily from two gross misrepresentations and exaggerations. The first is from a CBO report in August 2009 where the republicans claim the CBO said 650,000 jobs would be lost. That is not quite true, what the CBO said was that the labor force would shrink mostly due to the fact many people will choose to work less or retire early because they will now have some money in their pockets as a result of the new law. In fact many of those positions would be refilled from the unemployed roles as these workers moved on. This is not the same thing as “jobs lost”. Not by a long shot.

Another reason cited by the CBO was “The expansion of Medicaid and the availability of subsidies through the exchanges will effectively increase beneficiaries’ financial resources," CBO said. "Those additional resources will encourage some people to work fewer hours or to withdraw from the labor market." Simply because now they have some money that allows them to.

Another reason cited by the CBO is that people might work less is that the new law requires insurance companies to cover preexisting conditions, and also limits their ability to charge higher rates for older persons who buy policies for themselves. "As a result, some older workers will choose to retire earlier than they otherwise would, (again because they can)".

In a more extensive look at the subject, CBO on July 14, 2009, said the effect of the employer mandate "would probably be small." The GOP report did not mention that inconvenient fact. Why??

Also because of the rules on how CBO can do their analysis they did not include the number of jobs that could be created from the additional 32 Million people that would be covered now, that currently are not. See NFIB study below.

The second reason for this “Job Killing” rhetoric is from an NFIB study in January of 2009 that claimed up to 1.6 Million jobs would be lost. This study was not based on the current law and was written as a hypothetical discourse at best and it also projected the creation of hundreds of thousands of new jobs, a point that also was not mention in the GOP report. This was done well over a year in advance of the actual law by Michael Chow. When asked if he would do a new study on the actual law he said NO. It must be noted that this bogus 1.6 Million figure is a gross figure and ignores any jobs that would be created by the Bill. In NFIB’s own words from the Jan 2009 report;

“NFIB Research Foundation, Jan. 26, 2009: The employer mandate (more about this later) would boost demand for healthcare goods and services, thereby increasing employment in healthcare-related sectors. The number of ambulatory healthcare professionals (physicians, dentists, and other healthcare practitioners) needed will increase by 330,000. An additional 327,000 staff will be required to work in hospitals. Some 157,000 more nurses (net of retirements) will be needed to staff doctors’ offices, outpatient clinics, and other provider locations. And payrolls at insurance companies will expand by 76,000 workers”. “That comes to 890,000 new jobs”. The GOP must have forgotten about this piece of the study as well. Currently we are adding 100,000 jobs per month and the noted Harvard Economist David Cutler estimates 250,000 – 400,000 jobs may be lost if the HCR law is repealed. Who is the job killer now? Forgetful little devils are they not.

It is not only the democrats that say this is not a Job Killing Law.

Others have exposed this Job Killing myth as well. Among them Paul Krugman PhD, Nobel Laureate and a republican Presidential Economic Advisor. The Levin Group has estimated the impact on Jobs to be 150-300,000 mostly minimum or near minimum paying jobs and does not include jobs created. All told they say the job loss will be minimal. Not exactly a Job Killer.

Elizabeth McGlynn of the RAND Corporation also notes that any effect in Jobs will be “Quite Minimal” and points out that most Small Business (those under 50 employees) are excluded from the mandate to begin with. Another inconvenient truth omitted by Mr. Boehner. It should also be noted that the mandate will decrease Health Insurance Costs over time by expanding the pool of participants. Another 30+ Million people will be covered that are not covered now and as NFIB has stated in their report above, substantial Jobs will be created as well, about 890,000 by their estimate.

The law also invests in Community Health Centers, which could create an additional 300,000 jobs in the neighborhoods that need them most and in 2014,

“As Steve Pearlstein points out, “what’s particularly noteworthy about this fixation with ‘job killing’ is that it stands in such contrast to the complete lack of concern about policies that kill people rather than jobs.” “Repealing health-care reform, for instance, would inevitably lead to thousands of unnecessary deaths each year because of an inability to get medical care,” he says.

The GOP position that President Obama’s HCR bill is a massive “Job Killer” is not true and is based on misrepresentation of the facts and the gross exaggeration of the effects of this law.

If you want to see what a Tea Party governor looks like, watch the State of Maine. 75% of Maine's physicians support the healthcare reform bill, however, Maine's Attorney General has joined a lawsuit to have it declared unconstitutional. The governor is moving to repeal a law protecting vernal pools, supposedly because protecting the environment slows down the construction industry. Mind you, our natural resources are our bread and butter in Maine, which has 'Vacationland' on its license plate.Today's paper reports the Governor lied about the events leading up to his "they can kiss my butt" incident. It's going to be a long four years. I'm just hoping he'll pull a Palin after two years and quit.

Great thoughts, Ron. McCain was the only republican who released a statement recognizing his participation and his party's use of increasingly violence-suggesting rhetoric. I applaud him for having the courage to acknowledge it. I think you are right, McCain is free from the Tea Party shackles; my guess is that despite his previous claims regarding his VP choice, he regrets having made it and every day he lives with that choice.

Richard Lugar is a fine Senator who votes for what is right. I do not agree with him on everything but have always liked him because he is fair, reasonable and pragmatic. The TP will likely target him--let us home IN voters do not listen to them.

Did it never occur to any of you that Boehner might have declined because he had reservations about meeting, in a social setting, a leader who keeps his country's Nobel Peace Prize recipient in jail for criticizing his government? Lou Xiaobo remains a political prisoner, in case you have forgotten.

Boehner is correct in not stating that as his reason; it would only serve to create a political problem for both himself and Obama, as well as a foreign policy problem. By sending his regrets with no explanation he has fulfilled his obligations to the White House and his conscience without inserting himself into a situation where he would do more harm than good.

On another note, I was dismayed to see this morning's statement to the press by Obama and Hu. Since when does the President of the United States act as the translator to a foreign visitor? Yet, there was Hu, speaking Chinese, and there was Obama, reading the translation. You cannot make this stuff up.

A Republican on the Matthews show pointed out that Harry Reid also missed some White House dinners, so I'd give Boehner a pass on that one. This seems one time when the "Democrats do it, too" defense is warranted. But if a pattern emerges over the next few months of Boehner avoiding outreach from the White House, then that would be a different question.

On the futile symbolic health care repeal act, Boehner called the outgoing Democrats' equally futile symbolic act of passing a middle class tax cut "chicken crap." If the Dems' bill was chicken crap, then Republicans attempt to repeal the health care law is bull crap, because that's what Boehner and his pals have been shoveling, and for once the press doesn't seem to be buying the lies and distortions of facts that they've used to portray the reform law as "job killing".

Hi Amy:

Looks like you have a real loser in Maine. How many folks are experiencing voters regret?

Richard Lugar is a fine Senator who votes for what is right. I do not agree with him on everything but have always liked him because he is fair, reasonable and pragmatic. The TP will likely target him--let us home IN voters do not listen to them.

Jody, I agree with your sentiments toward Sen. Lugar. How unfortunate that the Tea Party is against his voting record, especially with the START Treaty. What is it that they're looking for in a Senator? Someone who is 100% against President Obama on anything and everything.

Over half the states of this country are suing the federal government in one law suit alone. Twenty six states.

As far as legislation rates - what a remarkable piece of crap.

Sebelius is still writing too. A bureaucrat gets to decide! Over a thousand "shalls", "mays" and "will determines". The tome of health tyranny is at 30 frigging thousand pages. 30,000 Pages of job killing, health rationing, budget busting, economic crippling insanity.

Insane.

US Navy, Beverly--informative posts, well done.

Joe in Albany, hate to break it to you but the Chinese leader is a "dictator" and we all know it; there is nothing in Reid's statement that is not true and as Reid said, he probably should not have used the term. As for China purchasing our debt--they know a good investment when they see one.

But if a pattern emerges over the next few months of Boehner avoiding outreach from the White House, then that would be a different question

The pattern has already been established:

From yesterday:

Remarkable that Speaker Boehner turned down an invitation to the State dinner tomorrow evening… this could very well be the first time in history he’s ever turned down free booze!

Let's recap shall we? Invited last November after the election to dinner (refused).

Invited last week to accompany President Obama on Air Force One to attend the memorial service (refused - RNC Cocktail party was more pressing)!

Invited to State Dinner tomorrow night (refused).

What or WHO is he so afraid of?

PS: It was also noted that Speaker Boehner refused to attend the last State Dinner!

Another example of saying one thing and doing the exact opposite!

I've heard spin and then there's the idea that Speaker Boehner might have declined the invitation for human-right's reasons. Personal feelings have no place in diplomacy and foreign policy--however much our leaders dislike China's harsh regime, snubbing the Chinese leader is not the way to influence China's treatment of its citizens. Speaker Boehner simply does not understand that with his new position comes responsibilites he may not like and one is attending State dinners.

Jody, Iowa

Personal feelings have no place in diplomacy and foreign policy--however much our leaders dislike China's harsh regime, snubbing the Chinese leader is not the way to influence China's treatment of its citizen

Jody

As usual you bring a rational voice to the discussion. It's true Boehnor is not ready to lead.

Ron Indiana

Wow Beverly:

I can't believe anyone can think and type that fast. My comments just went up. Your comments are right on and very relevant. Well said.

Ron, I had been thinking about the recent polls and the GOP/TEA baggers not listening to the American people. Since they claimed Obama was not listening to the people it was easy to type and point out. The other was a paste debubking the job killings.

Ron Indiana

Here's the thing: our Tea Party governor was elected with 38% of the vote because the Independent and Democratic candidates split the rest. Certainly, a portion of the state says "right on" to his fighting the healthcare reform bill, and repealing environmental protections, and even ticking off the NAACP, but the majority of us were hoping he'd focus on more postive actions. No such luck.

Feisty;

I agree. 4 offers from our President and he declined all four. Not one or two, but ALL of them.

This looks like a pattern to me, especially in the light that he is the new Speakerof the House. What is it about "Leadership" that the GOP does not understand?

US Navy,

The first 100 companies of the 220 companies and organizations to receive waivers represent more than a million jobs that would be lost if not for the temporary waiver.

That blows your 890,000 right there.

Obamacare adds $5.89 per hour for family of 4 job. If you are minimum wage- that takes it from $7.25 to $13.14, that's a 45% increase. Heck if you make $60.00 an hour - that's another 10% increased labor cost. Increased labor cost mean less jobs. Increased labor costs, on top of increased energy cost, on top of increased cost due to new regulations....

How stupid do you have to be to not understand that it is a job killer in this economic environment?

About your CBO - they don't even believe their own crap. The CBO is just a tool to fool the usefull idiots. Grow up.

It's important to seize these opportunities when they present. Even Nixon went to China. And Reagan seized his own moment with the old Soviet Union. You never know what tomorrow brings. Those who are truly visionary, however, at least see what's in front of them today.

And great post, Ron, and good morning, everyone.

US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired

Good morning Navy and Feisty

This looks like a pattern to me, especially in the light that he is the new Speakerof the House. What is it about "Leadership" that the GOP does not understand?

Well, we can start with the Constitution for # 1.

Republicans don't understand the Constitution and History.

Republican Rep. Eric Cantor wants President Obama to write a budget first even though all spending bills come from the House.... Rep. Eric Cantor said the Dems still control the federal government; again, though, spending bills come FROM da house, that'd be the "HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES".

Article I, Section 7

All bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives

http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_A1Sec7.html

Then there is that fool Glenn Beck who equates himself to Dr. MLK in his book he wrote.

Yea, right Mlk would joke about poising Pelois and being on the prowl as a "progressive hunter"

I doubt it.

Joe in Albany, hate to break it to you but the Chinese leader is a "dictator" and we all know it; there is nothing in Reid's statement that is not true and as Reid said, he probably should not have used the term. As for China purchasing our debt--they know a good investment when they see one.

_______________________________________________

Jody, weren't you one of the many FR lefty liberals touting how civility in politics is SO IMPORTANT and then whining and complaining about the righties??

Well, in international diplomacy there is a much higher standard and the "fact" that something insulting you said about another nation's President might be true is irrelevant. It's still an insult and simply isn't acceptable in international diplomacy.

Re: the "good investment", Bond rating agencies are now starting to make noise about whether the US deficits and debt bring into question the US's AAA rating. Maybe the Chinese will soon say "No, thanks" when we try to sell them our worthless IOU's.

Pretty lame attempt to explain away Harry Reid's MORONIC incompetence, Jody.

Anna Molly:

To see you on FT makes my day. Thanks for the shout-out.

ALL,

No one cares about how many time Boehner has turned the WH down but YOU Liberals. He is a grown man and he doesn't have to go anywhere he does not want to. I turn down a lot of invitations as I'm sure some of you do.

If he doesn't like the POTUS; why pretend? Most of the people that have a problem with Boehner doesn't vote for him anyway.

He is not there to be booty buddies with the WH. I imagine his constituents put him there because THEY OPPOSE this administration. If they like the administration, I'm quite sure there would be a Dem in that position.

Maybe there will be a pattern. If so, then the WH will know to stop .....ing with him about coming to their dog and pony shows.

Joe, I'm surprised...aren't you supposed to be telling us how "HILLARYOUS" The Ed Show was last night?

IntheMiddle:

If he doesn't like the POTUS; why pretend? Most of the people that have a problem with Boehner doesn't vote for him anyway.

Because Boehner is supposed to be a grown-up, which means that you have to deal with people in a business-like manner, not like a little kid throwing a tantrum (which is what the Republicans' "Repealing the Yadda Yadda Health Care Law Act" is basically).

"Personal feelings have no place in diplomacy and foreign policy--however much our leaders dislike China's harsh regime, snubbing the Chinese leader is not the way to influence China's treatment of its citizens. Speaker Boehner simply does not understand that with his new position comes responsibilites he may not like and one is attending State dinners."

_______________________________________________

And Jody, Harry Reid, who you just got done defending after his public insult to China's President, simply does not understand that with his position comes responsibilites he may not like and one is not publically insulting the guest of the President on a State visit??

That's the great thing about lefty liberals, one set of rules for the people they disagree with, and another far more convenient set of rules for the people the agree with.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jody.

I couldn't have made this up if I tried!!!!

"Joe, I'm surprised...aren't you supposed to be telling us how "HILLARYOUS" The Ed Show was last night?"

____________________________

Da Hemorrhoid, Mr. Ed has been pretty lame the last two nights.

Probably still trying to recover from the minor stroke caused by Kucinich telling him that "John Boehner is not a bomb thrower, and even though I disagree with him on most things, I can work with him."

LMAO!!!!

The Poor Angry left. They see it all Slipping Away. I mean they are even Turning on each other. Just Yesterday The Angry Redhead Actually Admitted that Bev and Newsday Were Morons.

Yes. its slipping Away. The hatred they have for other Americans is so Telling all one has to do is Read this Board..

Anybody going to comment on Obama reading Hu's remarks in English? Anybody going to try saying it is appropriate for the president of the United States to act as translator? No?

You think maybe he was trying to convince people he spoke Chinese?

Anybody going to comment on Obama reading Hu's remarks in English?

Appears you're the only one with a 'bug up her butt' about it dear!

Of course, now the rest of the hornets will be leaving the nest....

Ok Ron and Navy, please help me figure out how come, if the health care bill is so good, 226 companies have gotten waivers. Oh, yeah, that includes the SEIU. And why is it that I cannot get a waiver? That's right, I'm not politically connected. Seems fair, right?

So how about it, why isn't the law good enough for the SEIU? And for fun maybe you can advise us if either of you are compelled to regularly fill out 1099s? Just how long do you two figure it takes to complete a 1099? How long do you think it will take me to get through the 35,000 pages of regulations that are coming out? As an employer I have to read and be familiar with those regs. Pray tell, do either of you?

Navy,

Lets talk about some of your talking points.

1. Keeping our adult children on our Health Insurance until age 26 Why is it that kids need to be taken care of until they are 26 years old--are we going to raise the legal voting age to 26, the legal drinking age to 26. What happened to them being adults when they reach 18--I guess just a way to get more voters?
2. Pre-Existing Conditions for children--I agree with you on this one, if they are under 18.
3. Small Businesses with less than 50 employees will loose their 35% tax credit--I don't see them hiring with this tax credit, but I guess that saving that 5% since most insurance premiums are up about 30% makes it wonderful.
4. No caps or limits--On total costs, as long as people are current in their payments of insurance premiums, they should be covered completely. 2nd one we agree on.
5. Your Insurance Company cannot deny coverage (pre-existing conditions) or cancel you policy if you get sick, 129 Million Americans have a pre-existing condition (HHR Report) that would keep them from getting Health Insurance--Again, a third one that can be agreed upon, as long as they keep their coverages current and up to date.
6. Medicare and Medicaid Drug Rebate--Problem is who in the end pays for these. Taxpayers?
7. Expansion of the Drug Discount Plan--Wouldn't it be easier to regulate the cost of drugs--instead of discount plans--I can live with some regulations--especially upon the cost of medical supplies & drugs. Would probably be easier to control costs that way, but discount plans, the price will always go up.
8. Coverage for Preventive Care--Preventative care is wonderful, but in the end, who pays the doctors for their work. Especially if it is mandated that they cover these things.
9. Closing Medicare Drug Gap--see above for controlling costs of medical drugs
10. Health Insurance Exchange--as of right now, we are mandated to purchase insurance from a for "profit" company. Prices have been rising and will continue to rise. 30% increases are ridiculous, where is a simple regulation not allowing insurance companies to increase premiums more than 3% per year. That is something that most people would agree with I think. 3% profit per year is pretty good, but 30% must be much better.
11.Placing Mental Health on an even par with physical health--I suppose this is important, will probably need this more later in life. As long as I don't have to lie on a couch and spill my guts:)
12.Guaranteed Availability of Quality Health Insurance regardless of your health or location--so what we are saying is that there are not quality health insurance companies throughout the United States. I am pretty sure that you can get health insurance throughout the US. It just isn't cheap. As for the prior health problems. see above
13.Thirty (30) Million plus who do not have coverage now will loose the opportunity to get coverage--mandated that everyone purchases insurance from a for "profit" company. They make money, they still get to deny claims, they still make profits, our government leaders are still paid by the companies, and still the middle class suffers. As our premiums go higher, those who can't afford insurance get federally funded, taxpayers taxes will have to increase.

Hey no joe,

I don't know. It is weird, but what hasn't been with this guy.

One way to look at it is that it just saves time. You can not trust one word Obama says (good one about regulatory stuff yeaterday - right) so maybe if Obama says what Hu says - just go to the chase - it's pure disingenious ideological manipulations/don't trust a word.

Another way to look at it is that Obama has been speaking the words of socialists and communists for a long time, why stop now.

Good points, bob, but I am trying to wrap my head around it, anyway.

Can you imagine the outcry if a republican president had done it?..

Or if, heaven forfend, it was BUSH!?!

I can see Stewart, Colbert, et als, with the clips of him as a ventriloquist's dummy. The SNL script would be played on every cable and nightly news station for weeks. It would come up in campaign ads, and referred to as the moment he lost his gravitas. Or dignity. Or the presidency.

It is Obama, however, who is also a democrat, so it will be the proverbial tree falling in the forest.

I wonder, though, what will happen on this site now that they are going to be owned by people who seem interested in turning a profit, rather than keeping it a fringe operation to serve a need to garner federal funds?

Think they will cover things like this? Or gas prices?

My concerns are a little more short term, relating to the immediate damage being done by Obama.

What ever happened to speaking truth to evil? These guys are not our friends, never have been and are now just mocking us. The crisis in N. Korea and they deploy the Dong Feng, a ballastic weapon system designed specifically for our carrier groups. We cut back the F-22 and they bust out the J-20 during Gate's visit as if to mock us. This from a country that introduced their J-10 in 2005. The J-10 is equvilent to our F-16 which was introduced in 1976. How did they skip a generation in 5 years and why do the photos look like an exact knock off of the F-22? They stole it from us and then flew it by us wiggling their fingers with their thumb on their nose. Incredible.

But they are stealing all of our technology, violating all the patent protection laws, hacking into everything - 80% of Chinese software is stolen from American companies. On and On.

And this guy goes horizontal and gives them the royal bow.

But you are right, hopefully they may give Obama a banker's talk-to and tell him to quit ruining our economy and their investments.

Joe in Albany. The word "dictator" is not an uncivil term; it is a diplomatic one. Incidentally, I do have a good understanding of foreign policy and diplomacy.

As for a few others who seem to only hate President Obama and anything he does, I would suggest looking at what Pres Bush and VP Cheney did to foreign relations and the damage they did to this country financially which was to put it simply--they bankrupted us, they started two wars and finished neither yet some here are concerned about Obama's leadership. NAWO

ron of indiana - repeal of the HCR act is hardly a waste of time. Its repeal was a campaign promise made by many politicians. To simply ignore it as a waste of time will simply reaffirm to the electorate that politicians (left or right) don't care about the populace. What did obama do about his laser focus on the economy and jobs? Where did it get the democratds in November 2010? Will repeal pass? Probably not, Will the act be modified? Probably.

US navy - When you speak of job creation, please break it down to public sector and private sector jobs. The implementation of so many regs will obviously create many, many government jobs and the resultant overhead, all of which the private sector will have to pay for with increased taxes (hidden or otherwise). While the NFIB research inst job numbers may seem impressive, the HCR act was not passed in Jan 2009 and not all of the regs have been written yet, so there numbers are suspect.
Obviously, private sector jobs will be added by the healthcare industry just to process the added paperwork, (think the governments "no child left behind' plan) plus attendant medical staff and related overhead.. All I mainly see from this scenario is increased costs to the consumer with very little benefit to the consumer. Sure one can argue the supposed benefits, can't cancel policies, can't discriminate because of pre-existing conditions, etc. but there is nothing that I have seen or read on what "affordable" healthcare means or on how many of the 30 + million additional insured would actually be able to afford the premiums.
Perhaps if the obama and the democrats simply told the insurers that we would all have the same coverage as the politicians, bureacrats and government workers have there would be no discussions other than how to manage costs. Think of all the trees cut down to provide the 2000 + pages of the HCR act and the regs to implement it. One page would have done it... same as our legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Even pelosi would have been able to read it!
Pres. obama recently made note of how many regulations should be reviewed as to their cost/benefit ratio. Looks like the HCR and affordable care acts will be ripe for analysis. An analysis I am sure that the House will not ignore as many sections come up for funding considerations.

beverly of chi town - You spin the tale by saying...

"Republicans don't understand the Constitution and History"

Seems that they understand both quite well. Asking the president for his input on his budgetary goals is hardly new or even radical, some would even consider it a sign of respect. You still seem to harbour the thought that all republicans are bad and the liberals are all good. Hardly a position that Dr King would have subscribed to.

Jody - Using the term "dictator" is being diplomatic??? ROTFLMAO!! I can't think of anyone who would think that the word "dictator" had any type of positive conotation.. Again words do matter and they do have consequences.

Words do have consequences. They also have definitions and pretending that using a word within its proper definition is wrong, well that's just wrong.

LouisJ

President Obama has single handedly orchestrated a Foreign Policy that will create the necessary relationships to move this country forward with innovative ideas shared by the global community. I look forward to the State of the Union Address. President Obama has accomplished much in this first two years, more than I thought could be done.

Well done Mr. President

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

Very well put LouisJ

I hope our fiends on the right understand this. We need to work together; lest we perish.

I enjoy being in America's rich diverse culture. Should the partisanship continue, how knows we get deeper in debt and become a Chinese colony.

I prefer US being #1 as opposed to being a Chinese colony since Communist China censures its citizens.

Yes, we do need to stay together otherwise we fall.

Right. We are very diverse. However, we are also very divisive and our elected officials need to work together instead of apart. Boehner is not willing to do that...

VERY OBVIOUS!!!

But I know there are people that will work with the president and other members of congress.

On another note, I'm still trying to understand why they keep saying the Congresswoman is in serious condition and yet they state she could leave the hospital soon. Sounds shady.

Good point, Louis J. Foreign policy was almost nonexistent during the Bush/Cheney era. Their view was if they disagreed with a country's leaders, ignore them and just talk to those who like us. That accomplishes nothing which is exactly the results of Bush foreign policy.

As for journalists, there are many excellent ones who investigate and report the facts. The difficulty is separating those who are real journalists from those in the media who are racing the clock for a scoop. To me the biggest purveyors of misinformation are the many web sites and talk radio devoted to right/left ideology who too often do not check facts because it is suits their view.

LouisJ

Right. We are very diverse. However, we are also very divisive and our elected officials need to work together instead of apart. Boehner is not willing to do that...

I'll drink to that. Boehnoer is exceptional.

Serious condition means she is no longer needs critical care such as she needed in ICU. Even though she is still serious she can be taught to use her functions to the best of her abitltes with the proper care given by the heath care team.

I have to run an errand soon.

have a nice day everyone.

Beverly--informative posts....No one but you can cut&paste as you do.......keep those wonderful quotes coming - you are certainly one of the more humorous people on this site with your outragious comments.

WHOA! Someones obsessing this morning!

You got some nerve complaning about wasting bandwidth! lol

Sarah WHO?

Sarah WHO?????

Feisty:

An awful lot about nothing. Where is the GOP plan for Jobs in America and how are they going to stimulate the Economy?? They are supposed to be governing now, not wasting tax payer's money and time on a "snipe Hunt", trying to capture a mythical creature that does not exist. Talk about mislaid priorities.

Bill, Fairfax VA: You may recall that the immediate knee jerk reaction from the left to the Arizona tragedy was that the shooter was obviously the product of a politically charged atmosphere fueled by the venomous rhetoric of the right,

That is the template for the Left where facts don't matter, but using any tragedy to gain a political advantage does matter. We know the main-stream-media by now, and are not surprised by their reaction to this shooting. The MSM template is that the Right is bad and responsible for all the problems of the world. The MSM template is also that the Tea Party is responsible for any violence, and the MSM did not surprise anyone with their usual bias reporting.

We also know the mindless Leftist rogues that post here just after the shootings are very similar. The hateful postings by many of the nitwits that posted here immediately after the shootings was unbelievable. Anyone with any character would have been embarrassed to be connected to those posting, but yet, they're still here spewing their hate.

So the Left had yet another "Dan Rather" moment. And as Rather also attempted to justify his biases to the truth with his fabricated lies (see Rather's "proof" of George Bush going awol for details), so has the Left with their feeble attempt to connect this violence to the Tea Party.

An awful lot about nothing.

No kidding Navy!

Someones got a serious case of Palin-itis this morning!

Nothing a good Kleenex can't cure!

Bill, Fairfax VA

What I do have a problem with is when allegedly professional journalists obsess over tearing down Sarah Palin.

Respectfully I disagree Bill

Sarah tears herself down

Did you see that interview with Swan Hannity?

She could not explain herself. It was a word salad and she couldn't hold a complete thought. She is one shallow ditzy woman. She attacked President Obama who had nothing whatsoever to do with her using the term "Blood Libel".

Like I said before a head of State from another country could blow her mind in a nano second. She is a dangerous woman. Since she is ignorant, can't comprehend complex issues she could give our country away or start a nuclear war.

Besides all that irritating lip smacking, I guess either she was afraid because she couldn't explain her self or (thought mmm-mmm I'm so good), as she the LiAR read fom a teleprompter. Don't forget she bashes the president for using a teleprompter.

.

Where is the GOP plan for Jobs in America and how are they going to stimulate the Economy??

Maybe we should spend $787 billion on a Stimulus plan? Maybe we can rush it through Congress in a couple fo days, not read it, not understand it, but pass it anyway. That should produce millions of of jobs and stimulate the private sector growth, correct? No? That's been tired? And it didn't work?

Well lets have the government takeover health care. Lets spend a trillion dollars on that, raise capital gains taxes, force people to buy health insurance, and that will get health costs under control and allow companies to grow. Sounds like a good plan. But, Blue Cross Blue Shield is raising their rates in California by 59%!? Others are doing the same. How can this be? Obama promised us that wouldn't happen.

Maybe the plan should be to have the federal government stop borrowing $4billion a day, $2 billion of it coming from China, to fund a bloated an inefficient government. Maybe the plan should be to have the government work with businesses and not against them, and maybe not have the President worry about "Who's a** should I kick today". That might be a good start.

Looks like you got some of the Lefties to think a little Bill. Not an easy task. Not easy at all.

Nice job.

Spectacular, Bill! You nailed the left quite accurately on this one. But of course they will never admit it.

Bill, I believe Sarah has done a good job of tearing herself down. It now looks like the majority of people do see that Sarah Palin is not qualified to be the President of the United States, and I think that her latest rambling speech sealed the deal on her fate as the Republican Nominee.

However, I can't help but wish that she will splinter the tea party and run as the third party candidate, which should guarantee that President Obama wins re-election in 2012.

Not to mention all of the great skits SNL will be able to produce.

We also know the mindless Leftist rogues that post here just after the shootings are very similar. The hateful postings by many of the nitwits that posted here immediately after the shootings was unbelievable.

And the name calling continues. No facts, No new ideas just more of the same crap from the same people. These people are not in the least bit interested in being part of the solution. They continue to yap about hate and then include it in the statements to try and prove their point. They talk about the economic mess we are in and never mentioned the fact that the gross mismanagement of the previous administration was the primary cause of nearly putting this country into bankruptcy. Who bailed us out? President Obama. And yes, we sare still paying on that and it is a big part of the current deficit (National Debt). They talk about borrowing from China, where do you think they got the money for the two unfunded tax cuts etc. by the previous administration? They borrowed it from China.

Stop feeding their little egos and they will dry up and blow away.

NAWO

Bill. Your defense of Palin is admirable. The left is not afraid of Palin and that often repeated statement should be put in the ash heap. Palin plays the role of "victim" well. Republican David Frum was quite critical of Palin's statements because as he put it, she did nothing to remove herself from the debate, instead she reinforced the claims about her violence-suggesting rhetoric by simply refusing to acknowledge they were inappropriate. No one blames Palin for Tucson but she rightly deserves the heat she is taking for her nonstop references to guns and violence. A person of character would reflect on the criticism not play the victim.

Navy Disabled: And the name calling continues. No facts, No new ideas just more of the same crap from the same people. These people are not in the least bit interested in being part of the solution.

Names? No. Characterizations. And accurate characterizations too, and they fit you well. Regarding Arizona, we all saw the despicable display you and others on the Left provided for all to see last week. That's part of your answers, part of your solutions - lies - innuendo - character assassination (Oh, is that word too much violent rhetoric for you to handle? Poor thing.). And everyday is the same nonsense from you, the same cheerleading for Obama.

You try oh so hard Disabled to pin the current economy on Bush, but everyday you do, you fail just a little bit more.

You really don't understand what happened on Nov 02/2010 , do you?

So Bill, which is It, is she a Private Citizen or a Public Figure? You state both, so i'ma guessing she's also a ventriliquist, since she has so many republicans trying to save her from the left leaning MSM!

As always, well done Bill. I am sure you know FR mentioned Palin every single day from the beginning of the year for 16 days straight. Further proof of their obsession can be seen on the day they actually slammed her for not saying or doing anything...for being silent and NOT being in the news lately. The FR crew could have mentioned her humanitarian activities in Haiti but that wouldn’t fit the “all Reps are bad and all Dems are good” narrative. That’s why they aren’t mentioning the latest John Edward’s indiscretions (oops, sorry FR crew, I forgot, all mirrors are to remain hidden from your minions). Maybe they are still giddy and high from the hatchet job they did on McCain before the New Year. Imagine how proud Mark, Dom, Todd and crew must be after generating an all time “low” of over 700 vitriol, hate filled posts.

JoAnna, Suzy and Paul – thanks for the kudos :)

Rick, Ky – Good grief, is that your best shot? Palin doesn't hold public office and is therefore a private citizen. But she is splashed across the media all the time and is therefore a public figure.

Navy – lame, very lame. I expected a more robust challenge from you.

Feisty – you're still reading my stuff??? OMG, there's hope for you yet…

Fiesty and Bev. - you all are just precious. We all saw all the post from just January 8 and 9. You two are total monkeys if you think you can spin or lie yourself away from your own commnets.

Sucks to get totally busted by your own stupidity, doesn't it girls?

Bill. I do not post here often so I don't consider myself one of the "regulars" but I do read a lot of what is posted here. 99% of it is character assassinations and attempting to throw "zinger" insults at those someone disagrees with.

i.e. pointless nonsense.

But your post (#3) was probably one of the most well thought out and coherent ones I have seen on any of these sites.

Good Job. Maybe you should write for FR. What you said made much more sense than the majority of what I read on here.

Strange, isn't it ~ how the uber-right rail about the "mainstream" media yet their very definition places the media in the mid-stream of American thought, preference and expectation? As with most manufactured talking points and unreasoned allegations, these pontificators more successfully expose their own ignorance than demeaning the object of their indictment. I am still amazed that so many Americans have such an insatiable appetite for illogical and illiterate thought.

Feisty – you're still reading my stuff??? OMG, there's hope for you yet…

Dang Bill!

That was suppose to be our 'little' secret! Now you went and ruined it! ;o)

How will I be able to face my lefty comrades? lol

There used to be a few reasonable representatives of the right around here but, sadly that is no longer the case!

Looks like you're the last 'man' standing!

Well Done John B:

My guess is the governor will read this letter before the sun sets.

John B.;

Kudos, right on the money. According to the recent report over 190 Million Americans have a pre-existing condition that will deny them Health Insurance and the GOP wants to take that away in addition to putting the donut hole back. The cost of repealing HCR is not only in dollars, it is also a cost in human lives and how much money do we place on the lost of a life??. The repeal is a political shame for political reasons and has nothing to do with the bogus and debunked claims that it is a "Job Killer" or a "Budget Killer". It is simply the GOP playing Russian Roulette with American lives.

Terrific letter, John B. I also have concerns about our new/old Governor Branstad from health care, civil right, taxes to education. He spoke recently about making education a priority, to return Iowa's educational system to the top where it used to be. He failed, however, to note that the education sank low under his 16 years of leadership; he failed to acknowledge his role in the decline.

John B:

It will join the rest of the gang in File 13.

Dang ITM, you wakeup early in Da Hood. Got any Crack fo sale?

John B, Des Moines, IA

In your open letter to the Governor Branstad, does anyone in your state or do you know if the GOP/Tea Bagger party plan to take this further like defunding it?

That is something I think the GOP/Tea Bagger party is considering since appropriations must come from the House of Representatives.

Bev. you think they are considering de-funding? For real? That would be just genius now wouldn't it?

Hey, remember last year when Nancy decided that American didn't need no stinking budget? That was cool, too right? You see the house is important - in fact job number one is funding, which is real hard absent budgeting.

Oh and John, that's 26 out of 50. You all like to talk about the importance of majorities, you know like it should only take 50 votes in the senate. So, how about that majority? Care to contrast?

this is not a top priority of the American people. Creating Jobs and the economy are.

And should have been for the past two years instead of forcing through ObamaCare. This is where the liberal argument makes no sense. Obama spent the first two years of his presidency obsessed with passing his health care bill and focusing very little on the economy (and NO, I do not consider throwing money at it once through the stimulous bill that did nothing, as "focusing on the economy"). No one on the left really seemed to care during that entire time, acting as if HCR was much more important. Now many on the left are saying the right needs to be focusing on jobs and the economy.

Why weren't you saying this during the first two years of Obama's presidency?

slimsignet. Bush and the GOP Congress "forced" through a whole lot of stuff and I didn't like a lot of it. It is what Presidents and Congressional majorities do. If it was good for Bush and the GOP, it is good for Obama and democrats. Fair is fair, it is why we have elections and guess what, the majority of either party is elected to do what they promised.

slimsignet

this is not a top priority of the American people. Creating Jobs and the economy are.

Why weren't you saying this during the first two years of Obama's presidency?

Actually, there has been a concern from both sides. But, the truth is the right does not want to admit that the question of jobs would not exist had it not been for 2 wars, jobs shipped over seas, and tax cuts for the rich.

One more thing, it is true we lost 4 million jobs before President Obama was sworn in; 750,000 the month he was sworn in; 600,000, the month after that; 600,000 the month after that. So most of the jobs that we lost were lost before the economic policies we put in place had any effect.

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2010/oct/28/barack-obama/obama-says-most-job-loss-occurred-his-economic-pol/

Don't forget the jobs although not nearly enough which have been created during this administration.

President Obama Has Created More Jobs Than President George W. Bush–In One Year

Hurt his credibility with who? You?...lol.....

Did you vote for him???? OK.....so he owes you what?????

ITM -

Does this accurately reflect your feelings regarding former Speaker of the House Pelosi as well?

It reflects my feelings for all politicians. Why worry about something you can't change. I vote in Texas and I worry about who represents district 22.

I shall repeat a Republican oft-used Luntz slogan during the last year

"put your man pants on" Boehner!

Jody;

Excellent point. I submit that every GOP member that votes for the repeal have their Government Sponsored Health Insurance cancelled. Will they vote to repeal now?

The media is still pounding today that only one in five want the ARRA to be totally repealed. What about this do they (GOP) not get. Mike Rogers is talking right now about the Pledge to America which plagiarized those 7 or 8 provisons from the current law. He is still saying government Health Insurance when the mandate specifical provides for "Private Insurance Companies". There is nor provision for the public option. That was not included in the final law.

The GOP wants to throw the baby out with the bath water and think the "Health Care fairy" will make it all better( Rep. Weiner)

Agree, it would be enlightening to watch the sudden loss of GOPTP "repeal" appetitite if it meant those voting to repeal HCR would lose their own. I do enjoy Rep Weiner's sense of humor--oh, so true, the GOPTP has no intention of replacing it, the "Health Care fairy" is their idea of replace.

***Standing O Houston!***

For the time & energy that went into proving her claim to be bogus!

I've come to not expect anything less from her! ;o)

There are 5 pollsters now reporting the similar results: FOX News, Kaiser, McClatchy AP/GfK and now the recent ABC poll.

This is more than a change in methods – IT IS A TREND.

Nicely done Houston!

Houston:

Touche'. The GOP, when the polls favor them say they are great and they throw them at us like fast balls from Nolan Ryan, even though they also change the polling methods as well. A point they choose to ignore. When the polls favor the Democrats they complain about the very same thing that republican favoring polls also do. Hypocrisy.

Thanks, Feisty.

There was one other interesting thing about the January GFK report: it showed results from October for both likely voters AND all adults, and the support for the bill was almost identical: 40% for all adults and 41% for likely voters (actually 1% higher). It was the opposition to the health care law that was 7 points higher among likely voters (52%) than among all adults (45%). Support for the law has been fairly stable for months at around 40%, while opposition peaked in April of 2010 at 50%. What's significant is the 7% decrease in opposition to the law, as Republican lies about death panels fade and pulling the plug on granny fade into the background noise.

Houston! This is as good an explanation as any I have read. Congratulations on a well written and researched post.

Houston;

You have entirely too much time on your hands. Do any of you in here have jobs?

You're welcome Houston!

I wonder where everyone went? lol

Not a one of the usual 'know it all's are willing to debate your observation!

Very telling indeed! ;o) ***crickets***

Likely voters in polls is only important during elections; everyone's opinion is valuable when discussing specific issues whether they will or won't vote is irrelevant.

Okay, Houston, let's discuss:

First, it is important to mention the margin of error for the AP/GfK poll. At 4.2%, it is a little higher than other polls. Still, it must be applied in order to make seems of the numbers.

Next, the pool is important to take note of- the January poll was comprised of 42% democrats, 36% republicans, 6% independents, the November pool was comprised of 39% democrats, 38% republicans, and 6% independents, while the October poll, which included likely voters as a subgroup, was comprised of 42% democrats, 48% republicans, and just 2% independents.

So, off the bat, having a ten per cent decrease in the number of republicans between October and November, and a twelve per cent decrease this month, is going to skew your results. The pool I mentioned for October was the total pool, not just the pool of likely voters.

So, what do we get for results?

Well, Obama's approval/ disapproval in January was 53/46, well within the margin of error from Novembers 47/51- despite having 3% more democrats and 2% fewer republicans in the pool in January. In October, too, his total was 49%/50%, while his numbers with those labeled likely was 45%/54%.

On to health care- in January, 51% approved, as opposed to 49% who disapproved, compared with 48% who approved in November to 51% who disapproved. This, again, is well within the margin of error, despite the disparities in the two pools. Even October's numbers for the total, 47% approval to 53% disapproval, are within the polls margin of error, notwithstanding the pool disparities. It is not until you look at likely voters, 46% approval to 54% disapproval, that there are real differences.

Needless to say, it is this disparity that is used when comparing the numbers.

As to Marist, yes, they use registered voters; however, although their margin of error is a more standard 3.5%, their results do not often place in the top ranks of polling organizations.

Their pool for this month was comprised of 35% democrats, 28% republicans, and 36% independents. In November, it was 34% democrat, 29% republican, 35% independent, while in October, it was the same for democrats and independents, but 28% republicans. Their pool for likely voters was 31% democrat, 30% republican, and 35% independent.

Where it gets interesting is that they had the generic vote in octobEr at democrats, 47%, republicans 41%, among registered voters, and tied at 46% among likely voters.

Not a very good result.

Since you have already posted the links, I will not bother.

So, what do we get from all of this?

First, I would not be too overwhelmed by Marist. They are not the most reliable polling organization out there. ( actually, the prize for that seems to go to SurveyUSA, but that is another story).

Second, by drastically adjusting their pools, AP/GfK has managed to keep both Obama's and HCR's approval within the margin of error for their pools, unless compared with their poll of likely voters.

You were saying?

InTheMiddle whines:

You have entirely too much time on your hands.

What's your excuse for wasting everyone's time, disk space, and band width posting your crap?

Do any of you in here have jobs?

I'm a software developer; it's the kind of job where facts matter, unlike on Planet Wingnut where InTheMiddle lives and where crackpot delusion rules and facts are unwelcome.

NOJONOBO: You got caught making stuff up, and now you're trying to worm your way out of admitting you lied. I DO have a job, and I don't have the time to get into a long protracted argument with you about statistics,which you clearly don't understand.

Houston:

Whoopy-F'ing Do....You are still a jackazz.

What makes you think that YOU are the sole owner of an OPINION???????

That is exactly what you spew, OPINION.

NOJONOBO: You got caught making stuff up

AHHH YESSSS! Our repeat offender! lmfao!

Doctor No,

From post 1.10: “You cannot make this stuff up”

Yet you often do !!!!

First of all, I made nothing up- actually, that was done bymthose touting the difference in the poll numbers which seem to reflect increased support for HCR where there is none.

When I reply to your post. With the actual numbers, the pool differential, and the margin of error, you are suddenly too busy at work to get involved in a discussion.

Right.

What amazes me is not just the lengths some will go to in order to SPIN the conversation; but also the complete intellectual dishonesty inherent in the entire process.

Many Repubs, starting with the summer of 2009 were given a microphone for disinformation and then the 'media' began polling the public's perception of the misinformation. And lo and behold, people were NOT in favor of death panels and other tripe. Now that people are actually seeing tangible benefits to some of the reforms, the miscreats of misinformation cannot WAIT to spin some more. If the media reported FACTS and people were polled on FACT BASED analysis, I think polls might be a somewhat 'reliable' indicator of where the public is on any given issue. Since FACTS have become more closely aligned with myths, you'll forgive my skepticism with anyone's ability to accurately measure where the populous is on any given stance.

The first stages of the Life Affirming HCR were implemented in September. The election was November 2nd. Repubs ran on a mantra of Repeal and Replace; but let's face it, they have NO plans for replacement. They just want to manipulate the narrative. Now that most have gone through open enrollment and many have seen a direct impact in their own families - they are starting to understand that it wasn't the evil incarnate the 'repubs' depicted. Imagine, no one wants to relitigate that which was NEEDED.

One final comment, as various Repubs line up and say - "Time to Move On" - looking at you Bill Frist,...I'd savor the endorsement more if he hadn't staked his Medical 'career' on the brain function of Terry Schiavo. That wasn't the best use of science or healthcare,...and he probably regrets it, too.

First, to Clara- glad to see you, and hope the back is healing nicely. I have kept you in my prayers since it was posted that you needed surgery.

Second, to Houston- I just realized that you and I were talking about different numbers from the same AP poll. My original post dealt with the earlier release on Obama's handling of health care, yours dealt with the weekend releasemof a section of the poll dealing with the bill itself.

The pools were exactly the same, as it was a question held for release separately. So, given the two percent reduction in the number of republicans, and three percent increase in the number of democrats, the finding that six percent fewer oppose the bill,(41% in January, 47% in November), with support growing two percent(40% in January, 38% in November), given a 4.2% margin of error, we see that. . .

Not much has changed. Even changing the the pool by five percent does not change the outcome within the margin of error.

Second, to Houston- I just realized that you and I were talking about different numbers from the same AP poll.

Can you say CRAB WALK!

Super job, Houston. All the polls reflect the trend that President Obama and democrats predicted. As people become aware of the benefits of the bill, they realize what a good thing it is and they also realize that what they were told by republicans isn't true. Even GOP Bill Frist said it wasn't perfect but provides a platform on which to build and make it better.

Jody, that's why they're so desperate to get it stopped before it can be implemented. All the phony messaging falls apart once you realize the Affordable Care Act has real, positive implications in your life.

nojonob:

When I reply to your post. With the actual numbers, the pool differential, and the margin of error, you are suddenly too busy at work to get involved in a discussion.

OK. here ya go:

First of all, I made nothing up- actually, that was done bymthose touting the difference in the poll numbers which seem to reflect increased support for HCR where there is none.

Sorry, telling new lies doesn't cancel out the lies you already told. You claimed models had been switched, and that was a lie. Now, after telling a whopper, you're nitpicking about the margin of error, which does NOT mean you can add it to the percent opposed and subtract it from the percent supporting the health care reform law. There is only 1 chance out of 4 that the % of supporters is too high and the % of opposers is too low, and an even slighter chance that both errors are 4% or higher.

Next, the pool is important to take note of- the January poll was comprised of 42% democrats, 36% republicans, 6% independents, the November pool was comprised of 39% democrats, 38% republicans, and 6% independents, while the October poll, which included likely voters as a subgroup, was comprised of 42% democrats, 48% republicans, and just 2% independents.

So, off the bat, having a ten per cent decrease in the number of republicans between October and November, and a twelve per cent decrease this month, is going to skew your results. The pool I mentioned for October was the total pool, not just the pool of likely voters.

So, off the bat, you're WRONG again. In fact, you're doing exactly what you falsely accused the GfK pollsters of doing: comparing the "likely voter" numbers from October to the "all adults" percentage of Republicans in the sample population in November and January. The Republicans in the "all adults" numbers were 40% in October, 38% in November and 36% in January. That's a difference within the margin of error. The decline of 4 points for the Republicans from October to this month MIGHT just be sampling error. But it also MIGHT be a real decline in the number of people identifying themselves as Repubs as more of them become aware of the Republicans' scams with budget numbers and lies about death panels and such.

Good Morning Pat:

Within the past two weeks I read that the mayor of Boston said that Senator Scott Brown would be very hard to beat in 2012. What is your take on that? Without Tea Party support, I would like to believe he is beatable.

Ron, Democrats here want Vicki Kennedy to run on the Democratic ticket. She could probably beat Brown. But right now this is what we have: From Wicked Local Somerville website: 1/18/10

Following a liver transplant a year and a half ago, Massie is back on his feet, determined to secure the Democratic nomination and take on U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, in 2012.

Scott Brown, whose election disrupted the supermajority of Democrats in the U.S. Senate, made it his mission to halt “Obamacare” and the Democratic plans to pass healthcare legislation.

And that doesn’t sit right with Massie, a longtime Somerville resident.

Born with hemophilia, meaning his blood didn’t clot, Massie has faced the grim prospect of living without health insurance, and has faulted Brown for voting against the healthcare reform bill signed by President Barack Obama last year, which he called “a giant step in the right direction.”

Massie said he had hoped the bill would allow more people to opt into Medicare, and said the country needs to take more bold steps funding education and infrastructure.

“America’s a great country because we continued to invest in the future,” said Massie in an interview at his Winter Hill home on Monday.

Great post, Pat. The gradual shift away from religion in politics gives me hope. I saw Lawrence O's inview with Frank, it is beyond me how someone like Frank cannot simply acknowledge something obvious--the size of the magazine clip caused more harm. Why is it the NRA special interest lobby has such power as to render thoughtful, reasonable discussion about sensible gun and ammunition restrictiions silent. It is not NRA members themselves but the NRA leaders who are unreasonable--perhaps NRA members should "take their organization back" from its irresponsible gun and ammunition manufacturer ownership.

Excellent observation, Nashville. We have been consumed with the Middle East while China has been busy buying up resources across the globe. While spending money fighting wars, China is investing for the future.

And McKinley.

If you look at the 1960 in this country, there was a lot of political unrest and we had many assassinations in that era. While none of the political discourse was directed at the Kennedy family, I believe that it influenced the assassins’ actions.

Don't strain yourself, there, Madison.

Guess Madison isn't a big believer in civility.

Once again I'll suggest that Madison go to the library and read Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn to learn what communism really is but those like her have no interest in knowing the truth.

Thank you, President Obama, for being a man of great intellect and great heart. You have rescued this country from a second great depression, passed the most legislation in a generation and you have done so with grace and courage against the obstructionism of the right.

I don't know. They did get their runningmates some votes in the election (what is essentially their job now), and Dick Cheney probably helped Bush win '04 due to his ties with (was it KBR or Halliburton?) and the war fear-mongering campaign which obviously tie very close together.

Well said, devie. HHH was a wise man.

Devie and Jodie,

HHH was a liberal idiot such as you are. Please, I am so sick of reading these liberal progressive comments from people that have no clue about our founding principles or most importantly the Constitution. You should all read your history, read the constitution and really try to understand what this, the greatest document for liberty and freedom ever created is about.

If you do this, and really grasp the meaning you will understand.

Having a little trouble getting your head wrapped around the First Amendment, Dennis?

Good luck in your quest to repeal the 20th Century.

You've done nothing but state your opinion with nothing to back it up. Why should we care?