The Government's War on Main Street

The Government's War on Main Street

Lynn Woolsey admits she will not sign on to the health care she is pushing.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid37654271001?bclid=37450140001&bctid=37455884001

The Community Voice - Keeping score - Cotati style

The Community Voice - Keeping score - Cotati style

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Listening to a Liar by Thomas Sowell

Listening to a Liar by Thomas Sowell

The most important thing about what anyone says are not the words themselves but the credibility of the person who says them.

The words of convicted swindler Bernie Madoff were apparently quite convincing to many people who were regarded as knowledgeable and sophisticated. If you go by words, you can be led into anything.

No doubt millions of people will be listening to the words of President Barack Obama Wednesday night when he makes a televised address to a joint session of Congress on his medical care plans. But, if they think that the words he says are what matters, they can be led into something much worse than being swindled out of their money.

One plain fact should outweigh all the words of Barack Obama and all the impressive trappings of the setting in which he says them: He tried to rush Congress into passing a massive government takeover of the nation's medical care before the August recess-- for a program that would not take effect until 2013!

Whatever President Obama is, he is not stupid. If the urgency to pass the medical care legislation was to deal with a problem immediately, then why postpone the date when the legislation goes into effect for years-- more specifically, until the year after the next Presidential election?

If this is such an urgently needed program, why wait for years to put it into effect? And if the public is going to benefit from this, why not let them experience those benefits before the next Presidential election?

If it is not urgent that the legislation goes into effect immediately, then why don't we have time to go through the normal process of holding Congressional hearings on the pros and cons, accompanied by public discussions of its innumerable provisions? What sense does it make to "hurry up and wait" on something that is literally a matter of life and death?

If we do not believe that the President is stupid, then what do we believe? The only reasonable alternative seems to be that he wanted to get this massive government takeover of medical care passed into law before the public understood what was in it.

Moreover, he wanted to get re-elected in 2012 before the public experienced what its actual consequences would be.

Unfortunately, this way of doing things is all too typical of the way this administration has acted on a wide range of issues.

Consider the "stimulus" legislation. Here the administration was successful in rushing a massive spending bill through Congress in just two days-- after which it sat on the President's desk for three days, while he was away on vacation. But, like the medical care legislation, the "stimulus" legislation takes effect slowly.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that it will be September 2010 before even three-quarters of the money will be spent. Some economists expect that it will not all be spent by the end of 2010.

What was the rush to pass it, then? It was not to get that money out into the economy as fast as possible. It was to get that money-- and the power that goes with it-- into the hands of the government. Power is what politics is all about.

The worst thing that could happen, from the standpoint of those seeking more government power over the economy, would be for the economy to begin recovering on its own while months were being spent debating the need for a "stimulus" bill. As the President's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, said, you can't let a crisis "go to waste" when "it's an opportunity to do things you could not do before."

There are lots of people in the Obama administration who want to do things that have not been done before-- and to do them before the public realizes what is happening.

The proliferation of White House "czars" in charge of everything from financial issues to media issues is more of the same circumvention of the public and of the Constitution. Czars don't have to be confirmed by the Senate, the way Cabinet members must be, even though czars may wield more power, so you may never know what these people are like, until it is too late.

What Barack Obama says Wednesday night is not nearly as important as what he has been doing-- and how he has been doing it.

About The Author
-------------------------------------------------------------...
Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institute and author of The Housing Boom and Bust.

Explosive undercover ACORN video

Dear Gentlemen Earlier this week I wrote you regarding the lack of reporting the public is seeing, or not seeing in the media and in the "newspapers"

Dear Gentlemen

Earlier this week I wrote you regarding the lack of reporting the public is seeing, or not seeing in the media and in the "newspapers", local and national. Again, I see headlines on Obama, naturally bias, and again, the real stories are being neglected. I still see you have not picked up on any of the Czar stories....no story on Van Jones or the implications of a threat his Czar appointment was to this Nation.

I have another story for ya! Of course, I don't imagine I will be seeing it in your news paper. I don't believe I will even see my letters to you posted in your paper either, but here it goes anyway.

ACORN is directly linked to the White House.....do the investing...it's not that hard to link them together. Here is the story on youtube that should be of interest to you.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtTnizEnC1U&feature=player_embedded


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNYU9PamIZk&feature=player_embedded

These are the links to two video's that two undercover reporters taped during their investigation on ACORN. It's explosive and it's news. We deserve to get this out to the public. This is news, real news! I'm tired of reading bias pieces on the President's Health Care proposals that are not even spelled out to the people. He didn't make clear on his plan, yet he did make it clear that the Republican's are the enemy.

Why don't you try being reporters? Ask questions...do some reporting...get these stories that are implications of scandal that have direct impact on us...the public!

Once again, a concerned citizen of Cotati, CA

Letter to Press Democrat

Two days after Van Jones stepped down from his position as one of PBO's Czars, I have only seen one article in the local paper here in Cotati, CA. I'm a little steamed that this is not news worthy to so called reporters! I know that the drive-by media are bias, but this is a bunch of bull.....this is the letter I wrote to the editors:

Dear Gentlemen,

I'm writing you because I'm baffled and quite concerned about the lack of interest the media and news entities, nation wide as well as local, have with issues that are not only news worthy, but may be crucial for the people of this nation to be informed on. I'm speaking in particular about the recent resignation of Van Jones, one of the Obama Administration Czar's.

During uncertain times in our Nation, I believe we, the public, deserve as much information as we can possibly get from reporters. Instead, many of us are left in the dark, ignorant to what is happening in our Government, which will end up having a direct effect on each of us in one way or another. I believe we are in a National crisis and there are people in places that are playing with our future. I believe that it is the reporters job to ask the real questions, regardless of political views or if it means they will have to face some unkind truths they just don't want to believe. Reporters report news, not only the news they choose to report on.

I have been aware of the questionable views of Van Jones for a few weeks now. This story has been surfacing and reported on by one information source, and it was out there for all to question and do their own ingestion, but no one is asking the question. Ohhhh but it doesn't stop there, because after the story was broken it never hit the papers nor did it find it's way to the top story in the network news stations. Mr. Van Jones stepped down from his position in the White House as a "Czar" and it became nothing more than a blip in news papers and the news. I believe your paper mentioned it on the 6th and left it at that.

For months already, I have witnessed bias reporting and in this case, lack of reporting. The media is failing us. Why are you not asking the questions? If he slipped in the cracks and by chance ended up in the White House, should we be looking at other Czars? How did this happen? Was the President in danger? If he knew about Mr. Jones' political view's, are we in danger? Please, there is something going on here! Why is it that reporters are not reporting? Why are editors not demanding the real stories? Villifying people who do not agree with personal political views does not a story make! Getting to the truth during a dire time in this Nation's history is the story! Facts and truth are what is needed during these days of uncertainty.

I am asking you to, please, start asking questions and searching for truth. We need a form of information we can go to and know that no matter what, we will be getting the stories of interest, of necessity and are factual and accurate.

Sincerely and Extremely Concerned

Health Care Town Hall Meeting in Petaluma, CA

Vet at Town Hall Meeting

Unsolicited Letter From Alxelrod

Subject: Something worth forwarding
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:07:44 -0500
To: joycegarcia@live.com
From: info@messages.whitehouse.gov



The White House, Washington


Dear Friend,

This is probably one of the longest emails I’ve ever sent, but it could be the most important.

Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back — even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions.

As President Obama said at the town hall in New Hampshire, “where we do disagree, let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed.”

So let’s start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you’ll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now.

Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what’s below. So what are you waiting for? Forward this email.

Thanks,
David

David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President

P.S. We launched www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck this week to knock down the rumors and lies that are floating around the internet. You can find the information below, and much more, there. For example, we've just added a video of Nancy-Ann DeParle from our Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check it out:

Health Insurance Reform Reality Check

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
5. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

Learn more and get details: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1. Reform will stop "rationing" - not increase it: It’s a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.
2. We can’t afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It’s a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.
3. Reform would encourage "euthanasia": It does not. It’s a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.
4. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.
5. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.
6. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It’s myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare "doughnut" hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
7. You can keep your own insurance: It’s myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.
8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you – and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.

Learn more and get details:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq

8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now

1. Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that 12.6 million non-elderly adults – 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market – were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage when they became seriously ill. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html
2. Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html
3. Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html
4. Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes
5. Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured – 13 million people – are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline
6. The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction
7. Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 - were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html
8. The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf

Visit WhiteHouse.gov

I really wish you would get your staff together! I did not ask for emails from this site. I do not support President Obama's policies in no way, shape or form! This is a problem for me and other citizens. You are doing nothing but campaigning for this health reform plan. Understand.....everyone I know and talk to, personally and on the internet, do not want this plan to go through.

Do what you were voted in to do.....represent the people of America! I am not affiliated with a mob....this is not a quote from a "cable network" but within this Administration....that little misinformation does not sit very well with me. I took offense when the President himself made fun of people who attends Teabag gatherings as, "waving their little teabags".

The more this Administration tries to silence us, dismisses us or continues to use others with opposing views to report us, I feel it necessary to make sure people are aware of the tactics and highly suggest people vote someone who represents us and who respects the Constitution of The United States of America! I am posting the letter I received along with this letter.

Smart Dog

America you should be outraged by the one who Represents Us

As an American, I take this as a slap in the face! PBO's policies or opinions do not reflect mine and I find it insulting and humiliating that we are being snubbed by other countries like this! Hey people....wake up and look at the change you voted for!

Without Liberty, what would you do?

I am so appreciative of this question posed to me in a poll. I want to share my thoughts.

While we slipped into an induced state of self indulgence through our fascination with all forms of entertainment, having the constant message of what we need to satisfy us, the need to get something better than what we have which is only affirming a sense of never feeling satisfied and needing more, our fixation on reality shows about people who are even more selfish than us and the subliminal message we get in that it's appropriate behavior and the basis for all of the above mentioned is money....



Somewhere down the line we compromised our values to coddle those who were unsatisfied with their view on life. Once we overstepped that line, compromise became second nature. Well, during this process of appeasing the selfish demands of others, we failed and gave in to retreat. We gave up our liberties to those with self-seeking views in the name of equality. Now we are looking around and are dumbfounded by the lack of respect people hold for one another, the Godlessness, the re-faced definitions to things like patriotism, freedom, liberty, respect, honor, pride we hold for others rather than in ourselves. This country no longer knows what a true hero looks like...we honor a man who was questionable and peculiar and confused his musical talents and contributions as heroic. The mention of true hero's stories are neglected and rarely talked about....this is the lessons of our young people are learning...and we wonder why things are the way they are? Fighting for this country is now looked at as uncalled for murder. Freedom of speech is being weeded out before our very eyes and seen as giving equal talk time...whether we want it or not. Integrity in seeking truth is no longer practiced in the media because their opinions and their angle is their motivation. The lack of desire enables people to become sheepish, the need for entertainment in all forms now replaces the concern for what is going on in this country as a whole. Entitlement replaces the imagination of what hard work and desire can accomplish...giving to the less fortunate is no longer a charitable act, but is looked at as being fair and patriotic. We may find out what we would do without liberty if we continue to compromise.

Judge Sonia Sotomayor

I'm writing this because it hits so close to home for me. I've been watching since Monday and I have so many mixed emotions.....first of all....our backgrounds are very similar.....my grandparents from both parents migrated from Puerto Rico and we were raised in humble lifestyles....the only difference is, I feel I have a responsibility to my children by letting them know that we are all God's children and we are created equal. She seems to have an arrogance regarding our heritage....I believe we owe this country respect....she doesn't seem to hold respect in what I have heard from her so far. I'm proud for the fact that a Puerto Rican may be seated on such a high honor in our Nation....but if she holds true to her comments.....it saddens me beyond words.