Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

"No we can't." - President Obama August 16th, 2009

corey, good one.

maybe the new motto is "yes, we coulda"

patd... Woo Hoo for you hoo

Yes We Amer -I- Can... Still do it.
Sadly the President has no faith in the American People but yes THE objective to provide Healthcare to all Citizens can still be achieved.

This is a Happy Day... The sleeping giant has spoken and will continue to deliver the message.
Stop it Barack - Stop trying to control and bring everything into Big Governement.
Next Stop it -- Cap and Trade
After all free thinking European Scientist are also now disputing the Global Warming marketing machine

According to Ping, just resign now and we'll call it a do over. Don't bother listening to the American public, the rabid right wing will always be able to foam at the mouth and scream louder so you might as well give up now.

maybe it's a good time to take a look at Senator Ron Wyden's health care reform bill

http://www.standtallforamerica.com/issue/health_care/

woo hoo, shmoo hoo, ping

my thought for today

http://www.mste.uiuc.edu/patel/chisquare/gifs/peanutsfair.gif

Good morning everyone. It's been a while.

jamie.. This was not the right wing ... this was middle America that is calling for fiscal responsibility - Stop Big Government and use some Common Sense !! only the glib Gibbs BS machine will blame the far right. Come on Jamie...

Barack's actions and process was a joke.

Quick less push Healthcare Reform before you go on Paid Vacation -- Hurry Hurry - I do not give a $#!% what is in it overall or how we will pay for it as long as you get me my one liners.. HURRY HURRY ..

How can that be defended.. No Way - and that is what Barack and Nancy tried to pull. Barack is like a child. I keep questioning more and more how he was elected. Opps the big machine

We need a True leader like JFK - Ask not what your country can do for you..

And a lot more Common Sense..http://www.ushistory.org/Paine/commonsense/singlehtml.htm

hey, maybe some congress critter can sneak a stealth rider in on the next appropriations bill simply saying "for the purposes of this act as it applies to the provision of health care benefits for members of the house and senate, the term "members" shall mean and include all citizens of the united states irrespective of age, medical and mental condition."

diva, good morning. a hearty welcome back to you and to thomas gordon last night. missed your valuable imput.

I've been wondering why we always seems to get wars we don't want yet never have the oney for the health care we need.

I've thought that Wyden's bill was good in times when we needed to get something with a GOP majority -- in the dark ol' days of the Bush regime. Wyden's bill is problematic in that it puts everyone in the turbulence of the individual insurance market. I have big concerns that it lacks strong consumer protections. When people are enrolled in group health insurance plans they have the advantage of negotiated benefits that are not always available to those on individual plans even with the same insurer.

that's input. @#$!XX&* keyboard!

Ping
Revisionist history doesn't cut it and throwing out JFK's name is silly. America did not speak...the not so silent minority with the help of the corpulent media spoke.

input imput same difference.

money oney

Ping,

That was low information, uneducated, chain email receiving ignorance on the march. Every time they screeched they proved they didn't know anything aobut the issue and were just parroting their swift boating rabble rousers and they were the rabble being roused.

Of course media helped by only showing the screamers helpfully placed on You Tube so the programmers didn't actually have to work for the pictures.

Those who support Real Health Care\Insurance Reform watch out. If they can't drown you out they will go to the next step which is violence.

Just like the Brown Shirts did when they intimated meetings you know where. First the skull cracking, then the murders.

And yes the big lie is out there that Liberals and Democrats want to kill Grandma a typical play right out of Joseph Goebbels playbook.

Oh, by the way, good morning.

Divalicias

Your points are excellent and I think they could be built into the Wyden plan. I was thinking it's better than the Obama plan now minus the public option. As long as we are only reforming the insurance industry, it seemed to be a good starting point.

We need a True leader like JFK - Ask not what your country can do for you..

And the Right Wing killed JFK or did you forget?

Watching MoJo while Twittering has given me a headache. Actually watching MoJo is giving me a headache. I don't know why I do this to myself.

And why hasn't Craig been on MSNBC lately? Has he been a bad boy again?

I wonder how Mr Obama's doing on his smoking quit.

>>>

Crackers -- you said it right!

Don't wait for the death squads. Shoot me right now. This is from the Nashville Scene. A woman was talking at one of Bob Corker's Town Hall meetings:

A woman carrying a baby stood to tell the crowd about her husband and five children. The crowd cheered after she said her husband works hard to pay for his family's own health insurance. "Because he's white, because he considers the Constitution the law of the land, we are now considered terrorists in our own country. " She expressed concerns that health care reform could lead to nurses coming into homes, forcing women to have abortions.

"We're considered domestic terrorists, everyone in this room, in the eyes of our own government, if someone gives the word we could all be rounded up," she concluded as the crowd cheered again.

And Bobby K and Martin Luther King and many others as well.

Quick hide your money the Jews want to take over the banks and steal your money.

Above is a smart a** remark but what type of lies were told to the German people by Goebbels and his propagandists. Always the big lie and the Germans believed it.

At least those right wing ones did.

"no evidence whatsoever to suggest that intelligent life from outer space or alien spacecraft have landed on our planet".

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/aug/17/mod-report-ufo-sightings

corrected version should read "no evidence that intelligent life exits on our planet" especially in dc.

Health insurance companies are governed at the state level - and each state has varying requirements for coverage, consumer protections, etc. I don't see how Congress evens out the playing field without doing away with some hard-won coverage -- like maternity coverage. Some states do not require maternity coverage. Some do not require mental health coverage.

"And why hasn't Craig been on MSNBC lately? Has he been a bad boy again?"

diva, probably cause he's not been bad enough...

The only way the Wyden plan would work is if the big insurance companies replaced the government option with a minimal profit level. i.e. plans national in scope, everyone must be accepted based on plan chosen not physical condition. No one can be rejected or eliminated from coverage no matter the cost to the insurer.

Of course this would create more "To Big To Fail" corporations and we could end up with our own NHS within the next decade.

Oh gawd Patsi. That lady was quoting Stormfront talking points.

Anon- I never thought I'd say this -- but I think you're right bout this group going from verbal violence to physical violence in short order. People who were perfectly reasonable a few months ago are now agitated to the point that they would feel justified in taking up arms to "water tree of liberty."

I seem to notice a lot more people open-carrying around my community. It's kind of intimidating. Makes me want to go get a gun, strap it on and walk around to see how peope react to me.

"Makes me want to go get a gun, strap it on and walk around to see how peope react to me. "

LMAO! Send photos!!!!!

Patsi.. agree that many of the comments from the "common people" showed lack of understanding. But from both sides.... Nancy Pelosi was such a joy and so arogant. She shows no leadership. How can she be voted back in... Oh Please give her the boot

Dr. Dean is on MoJo right now talking lots of sense. A health care bill that lacks a public option will pass the Senate. The House bill has a public option -- Public option goes in the final bill and it's passed with reconciliation.

Howard Dean just said without the public option we'll just be hrowing 60 billion a year at the industry....

We're tuned in to the same program, Alicia! Go Howard!

Patsi - I'm just trying to decide what color gun I should get. Black is neutral and goes with most of my outfits. But silver would add a bit of bling to my wardrobe.

Ping, I've said it before....BUT once more....I love ya pal, but you are not just wrong. You are DEAD wrong.

Dr. Dean almost got my hopes up. To be filed under, "I'll believe it when I see it".

One thing he was definitely correct about. Without public option, it is just another government donation to big corporations that are already abusing the American public for their own profits.

Diva

Go with black and small diamonds imbedded in the hilt. Understated but with a bit of flare.

For months, the White House has been doing secret deals with the drug and health insurance industries. Obama has hidden behind the Blue Dogs and Republicans, making it look as if it was their fault the public option was dying. But we can see now that the public option was always just a bargaining chip.

Obama and the Dems are only interested in retaining control of the White House & Congress. They have used the THREAT of reform to extort millions in campaign contributions. The quid pro quo is: you give us enough the cash to stay in office and we'll let you continue to offer over-priced healthcare to just enough people to form a voting majority. (Screw the uninsured.)

Ping -- The GOP leadership is so effective and coherent. It's not any wonder why the GOP has such status right now. The GOP really knows how to lead. What were we thinking in 2008?

Bring back the Bushies and Cheney too! Life was soooo good then.

Pack black diamond heat in DC! PLEASE call my son so he can witness this!!!!

Patsi -- I think our son would be bound by oath to arrest me if I packed heat in DC. Now if he cared to step across the river into the Old Dominion...

Jamie - I like your idea -- but the diamonds might snag my cashmere.

I gave a lot of cash to the Obama and the DNC last year. But not any more. They are no different than the Rpublicans: just tools of the lobbyists.

I'm going to support the democratic officer-holders in the state of Maine. The Maine Democrtic party still has liberal ideals and they have obtained control of both houses of the legislature and the governrship without selling out.

Well we do have the even more tasteful white pearl model.

Jamie -- I like your taste! As long as it's got the appropriate firepower...

An interesting look at Buffett's investing style:
http://www.thestreet.com/story/10574775/1/_msnh/fund-lessons-from-buffett.html?cm_ven=MSNH&cm_cat=FREE&cm_ite=NA

Hey Flatus -- Buffet is seeing his energy stocks and buying drug stocks....

Selling his energy stocks

"The House bill has a public option -- Public option goes in the final bill and it's passed with reconciliation."

Alicia, from your mouth to God's ears.

horsedooty.......i put up on my little blog a church pic you might like (except it's digital.....my pentax has retired)........

And Jamie -- agree that Howard is right when he says that a health plan with no public option is basically opening the government wallet for the health insurance companies.

Diva,

I'm sure our gun makers can come up with something

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01448/jeweled-gun_1448990i.jpg

Agree with you Jamie,

"Dr. Dean almost got my hopes up. To be filed under, "I'll believe it when I see it".

I heard Howard Dean as well & found this explanation
of reconciling health care versions in conference.

"With health care talks uncertain, democrats consider a last resort"

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/us/politics/02hulse.html?_r=1&ref=us

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-08-16/iraqs-anti-gay-pogrom/?cid=hp:beastoriginalsR2

"Iraq's Anti-Gay Pogrom"

"Gay men across Iraq are being rounded up, tortured, and killed by the country’s militias, including the feared Mahdi Army—while the government stands by. The Daily Beast’s Parvez Sharma gets an early look at a report documenting the brutality."

senor fish, please point me to the photo. I would love to see it.

I don't care if everyone but me uses digigizmo's. That is the only one I can control.

Dooty,

In case Senor Fish has wandered off, her is his blog

http://bluescrab.blogspot.com/

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251880

Tony,

this surprises you? Hell, here in the DFW area of TX a gay bar(The Rainbow Lounge) was just raided by the TABC and the FTW police about 2 months ago and started beating several people for what is looking more and more like "no reason". One young man had to be put in the hospital and from eye witnesses was in the bathroom when he was accused to having sex with another there. TABC's investigation initial report is saying that the "raid" was improperly carried out.

Thanks Jamie.

We have had enough input from elected officials who accept contributions from the health care industry. Only comments from non-recipients of contributions should be heard from at this point, if there are any. Before every interview or speech this needs to be established. They act as if this doesn't make any difference.

Doot's that's terrible.

And besides the anti-gay crap, Christians are under fire too. The anti-Mullah group has also been terrorized as Iraq breaks their promise to protect these people.

I am not suprised about Healthcare. I did say this would happen. Obama COULD have been stealthier about his "public option". Craig is exactly right that the Post Office comment was incredible stupidity following the poor filibustering TV pitch that ended with Gates.

The President's comments about the deficit are also poorly presented. When enough mispeaks are put together the result is a sharp drop in credibility. Zinni was quite right when he confronted Maher and told him the President failed to lead his pitch with facts. Instead of accepting that, Maher simply stated that Republicans would never accept Healthcare reform. Bullshit. I am glad to see a former General indicate our military leaders are smarter than the O-team. Maher's postion was not only ZERO compromise, but to move harder Left and threaten the President with abandoning him should he dare compromise. Maher's most follish moments were lecturing Zinni on topics Zinni is expert. Typical Maher who would not accept reality, but rather blamed the GOP for everything.

Meanwhile CNN played numerous clips from Democratic protests that showed clearly the use of Nazi crap to tar Bush and the Republicans. For more than five years, anti-war, Code Pink, MoveON and others including Huff and Kos encouraged this deplorable rhetoric. Most Americans do not see some protesting healthcare engaged in anything the Left did not do to Republicans. In fact, Maher once again made nasty personal attacks on Bush during his show.

As Obama prepares to speak to Vets, I can't help but compare his record to Hillary's.

CSPAN has running twitter coverage of the health care issue (off to right side). Interesting in that the pro health care seems to be running ahead of anti health care. Could politicians have misread the issue?

http://www.c-span.org/Topics/Health-Care-Insurance-Reform-Legislation-Town-Hall.aspx

"For months, the White House has been doing secret deals with the drug and health insurance industries. Obama has hidden behind the Blue Dogs and Republicans, making it look as if it was their fault the public option was dying. But we can see now that the public option was always just a bargaining chip.

Obama and the Dems are only interested in retaining control of the White House & Congress. They have used the THREAT of reform to extort millions in campaign contributions. The quid pro quo is: you give us enough the cash to stay in office and we'll let you continue to offer over-priced healthcare to just enough people to form a voting majority. (Screw the uninsured.)"

Every thing is prearranged: they just let us scream about it. Remember when Netanyahu came to see Obama a few months ago; the news wast that Obama called him in-in order to scold, and force him to stop stealing, and building in the Palestinian lands. I said that was just a cover for the real-reason for this meeting.

I said that the fix was in; that it was just a show. Max, yelled and called my crazy, that I didn't mind, but he did get me a little mad when he said that I was nuts......

Just a cpl of weeks ago, I posted information: It was about Mitchell doing a deal with the Neo-con Israelis; they called it a compromise.....might stop building for six months, and not leaving the areas that Obama said that he had to.....it is all pre-ordained for us.

So.........Patd......I going to stick with, what I said on this one, ( We are slaves to the Corps)...your definition is more accurate. "We are more like farm tenets of the Corps, that let us have a little of what we work for" but you were right on; about them being crap, not corp

""Gay men across Iraq are being rounded up, tortured, and killed by the country’s militias, including the feared Mahdi Army—while the government stands by. "

Oh what a peachy world we've built over there.

Mr Obama causes himself so many problems when he becomes cute with his words. Like "...stupidly" and the remark about the Post Office. FWIW, I can't remember something of mine that I mailed ever going astray or being unreasonably tardy. Wish I could say the same for UPS.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251878

Now that's a gun I could get behind....

still have a hatred for President Obama huh Max?

Former Gov. Dean calls public option indispensable
WASHINGTON – Former Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean, a leading figure in the liberal wing of his party, said Monday he doubts there can be meaningful health care reform without a direct government role.

Dean urged the Obama administration to stand by statements made early on in the debate in which it steadfastly insisted that such a public option was indispensable to genuine change, saying that Medicare and the Veterans Administration are "two very good programs that have been around for a long time." http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090817/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_health_care_overhaul

"son would be bound by oath to arrest me if I packed heat in DC. "

Maybe, Alicia...but it's more likely he'd look at the jeweled gun and say: "Let me guess, you are a friend of my mom's...."

Max -- Yes, it's true that Liberals started calling the Bushies Nazis and fascists. But in that case it was accurate labeling.

Ping

Pelosi is providing fine leadership, she got her bill passed.

Reid is the one providing no leadership. notice how you never hear from him these days.
What has become obvious is Reid wants healthcare killed or he would have assigned it to a different committee.
Baccus has been anti healthcare from the beginning.

Jack

Dean? He helped write the new rules that screwed Hillary. That Daschle and then Sebelius were picked over him, says alot.....

Jamie, intelligent middle income people are probably C-Span's prime demographic. Those are the people who recognize the absolute necessity of meaningful healthcare legislation. Mr Obama out to pull his head out of his you-know-what.

oh, and this "He called a direct government role "the entirety of health care reform. It isn't the entirety of insurance reform ... We shouldn't spend $60 billion a year subsidizing the insurance industry."

"Dean? He helped write the new rules that screwed Hillary. "

Source that, Max.

From what I recall, they screwed Mrs Clinton by _ignoring_ promulgated rules. That's the outrage.

Hatred? NO hatred is the kind of Bullshit the Left heaps on anything "Reopublican". Save yours....

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251896

Oh, I didn't know that. Thanks for your insight.

Jack, Pelosi is doing just fine? HAHAHAHAHA

Pat,

Forgot, slaves to the corps, sounds like something all of can get a little mad about: might have to explain the tenet farm thing to some of the the folks...........

"Mr Obama out to pull his head out of his you-know-what."

Yes, his ass.

Flatus, Dean's new rules were what screwed HIllary. Maybe Rez can post that link again to Stubborn Facts which showed what happened.

mornin'

Ping, middle class my ass. RW middle class and old folks scared by the campaign of lies from the right and pharma. Next you'll be falling back on the old "special interest groups" meme of the right that defined "special interest group" as only a group that had a liberal bent and denied that big business groups led by Guccied lobbyists were special interest groups.

I listened to Obama's introduction of Max Baucus at his THM Friday and almost puked.

"What has become obvious is Reid wants healthcare killed or he would have assigned it to a different committee."

Jack, They need some senator to move that the discussion on healthcare be referred to a committee of the whole. That would take it out of the hands of the Baccus committee.

Oh, Rezkos mansion is up for sale......don't know why, but going to follow and see who buys it, I would but right now im a little short of cash........

We're not slaves to the corps Solar, our government is voluntarily selling them whatever they want. We need successful corporations - they just need to follow rules and regulations set by the government. The government is failing us, not the corporations.

Obama takes progressive Democrats for granted. He thinks we'll support him now matter how many concessions he makes to conservatives. Wrong.

It's time for some prominent progressive Democratic politcian to "call out" Obama. Too bad Ted Kennedy is ill. If Teddy criticized Obama for caving in on health care, it might have some effect.

WE WON'T BE THERE to help in 2010 and 2012 if Obama keeps acting like a damn Republican.

"Dean's new rules were what screwed HIllary"

That's a FACT Max.

I take offnse at the term "damn Republican."
-Satan
(We don't let just anyone in here, by virtue of party affiliation. You have to EARN it.)

HA! Latest from Lard:

"If I could put time in a bottle, I'd probably just guzzle it down too quickly and then leave the empty sitting on the kitchen counter to greet me the next morning -- just like I do with beer."

Patsi -- LOL! I found some cute designs for ladies here -- aptly described as serving all "from cowboy to crazy." I rather like the gold dragonfly desing at the bottom of the page.

http://www.tommy2feathers.com/PistolGrips.html

If it's free there are no insurance company's .

"Obama takes progressive Democrats for granted. He thinks we'll support him now matter how many concessions he makes to conservatives."

I agree Nash. Everything he does is about the next election. When he said bipartisanship, we didn't know what he meant was 'selling out'.

Morning side saddle, where is my pic, of my hoss eating his Sunday apple?

"If it's free there are no insurance company's ."

Bingo! So does that tell us whose calling the shot?

The rules that screwed HRC were put in place in the 70's and 80's not by Dean
Dean's rules pretended that he had power over the state parties which he didn't.

Jack

Jamie & Patsi -- I wonder how much smack talk and jerk-treatment women would get if we all walked around with guns strapped on our waists.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251891

Flatus -- But with FedEx and UPS you can track how far astray your packages have gone from your home computer!

chloe: Hillary & Obama both made the same error. They BEGAN with a "compromise position."

They should have come ot the table with a strongly progessive single-payer proposal, then let the Republicans and industry lobbyists offer a "compromise" (Public Option).

If you start with a compromise position, then you end up with conservative result.

One could call this a "mistake" or one could call it a "strategy" by Obama; he never really was a progressive, he just fooled us all into thinking he was.

Every thing is prearranged: they just let us scream about it. Remember when Netanyahu came to see "Obama a few months ago; the news wast that Obama called him in-in order to scold, and force him to stop stealing, and building in the Palestinian lands. I said that was just a cover for the real-reason for this meeting.

I said that the fix was in; that it was just a show. Max, yelled and called my crazy, that I didn't mind, but he did get me a little mad when he said that I was nuts......"

I did not call you crazy about there being a different tactic going on here than the one Obama told the Press. I'll spare TM and say the clarification for later. To be simple, Obama played a move, he had to back way from in private. I called that one. This was not however, some sinister strategy by Obama from the start, but a policy that Palestinians and Iran destroyed along with reacting to growing American opposition with his Israel policy.

We should see another staged meeting today.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251891

Flatus - I can say that I've had mail lost and delayed - not often, but it has happened - but that's to be expected given the volume of mail that is delivered daily. The biggest problem I have with USPS is their parcel delivery - it can't touch PUS or Fedex as far as service, reliability and on time delivery is concerned. Thaks to a QVC/HSN addiction of Mrs. P and living just outside East Bumfuck and having a kid who buys soccer, swiming, guitar and basketball stuff online, I get a healthy dose of all 3, and USPS is the worst for parcel delivery. They do fine with mail, priority mail and books, but for package delivery, it just ain't their strongest suit.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251910

Nash,

someone needs to target his diehard base, the black community, they are the ones being hurt by this no public option. light a fire under them and they will light a fire under Obama.

Jack

Still Jack, Are you saying you don't believe Dean was behind Obama?
Remember, he's the one who originally used the Internet idea, as a way of campaigning. He's the one who had the huge data base already in place. He had a lot of good ideas that were passed on to Obama. There was some serious planning, before we even became aware of what was happening.

Dean was the one who knew best how to work the rules.

Max. I think you are right that Obama over reached with the public option and the admin is trying to lick its wounds and salvage something that will resemble reform at some level. I'll be surprised to see a public option of any sort in the bill that comes out of conference. I think Howard is engaging in wishful thinking.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251919
... should have linked what I was referring to.

PUS =UPS ( sorry)

"Obama; he never really was a progressive, he just fooled us all into thinking he was"

Who is this us?
Have you got a mouse in your pocket?

Jack

Yeah Nash right, and where will you be? You obviously did not support Hillary so I will not be so sad to see you vote for a Republican next time around.

You ain't going anywhere......

You start with compromise? No, you start with a finished bill and then let Americans figure it out after the fact. That was exactly the Democratic plan.

"I think Howard is engaging in wishful thinking."

Howards saying what Obama should be saying.

"I wonder how much smack talk and jerk-treatment women would get if we all walked around with guns strapped on our waists. "

Probably not much. We'd get shot at some point, but... I will say that the ex-boyfriend of mine who got coked up and had his frickin' pilot fly him to Denver to threaten me in the '70s sure shut the hell up when I pulled out my rifle and threatened to shoot him.

So where are the progressive senators threatening a fillibuster, I think it is time.
NO BILL IS BETTER THAN A BAD BILL!!!!

Jack

PS -- I've never been completely anti-gun -- I just hate the NRA.

A solution to health care reversals, climate change changes and corruption in congress (and white house) would be difficult but becomes more clearly necessary every day.

A constitutional amendment that makes it clear that the rights guaranteed under the constitution are granted only to natural persons would be possible.

With that amendment, the voices of the lobbying (i.e. congressional funding) industry could finally be be brought under control and voice of the public much more clearly heard in DC and State Capitols.

"If you start with a compromise position, then you end up with conservative result."

I agree Nash. I would even say, if you start with a compromise position (on anything), you'll never really get what you want.

Chlo,

There are CORPS, and then the little corps, but there is not doubt in my mind; that the large corps run our country, and most of the world........they won't be satisfied until they get to run all of it.

Nafta is one of the tools that they are using to do this: They bribe other county Presidents with big $; then the large corps, go in and cut down, rain forests, kill whatever is in their way: Recently they did this to a small county, I forgot which one now....but there were some Indigenous people killed, their lands taken, for the forest that will bring in the big money.........but all in all, even the little to mid size corps are slaves to the large ones.......I think that there will be only 20-30 of them running the world.

NP, you are right. Obama should bring all the loud mouths on the Left in line. Maybe he can start again and build on getting the "pool"/"co-opt" concept back. He might even let Hillary make a statement on this particular issue. Instead, Obama seems content to keep doing what has failed and is caught between sides. This is the opposite of Bill Clinton.

Dr. Dean on Dylan Ratigan saying that if no public option is included, the the money out of the bill and make it a strictly insurance reform bill -- with community rate-setting and guaranteed access -- no pre-existing condition exclusions. That wouldn't help all the uninsured, but it would help the people who are currently insured and could help those who are not insured due to pre-existing conditions.

"You ain't going anywhere"

Max that is all he has to do and the democrats loose the next election.
Go nowhere =stay home

Jack

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251883

Good morning all
Dooty
No, it doesn't surprise me about Iraq.I have seen examples of police targeting gays in Orlando at Parliament House(gay club).Its been non-violent hassling.Jose my friend was stopped after leaving the club and kept by the side of the road for over an hour.Jose had not even drank but was put through the whole sobriety test as the officer made references to his gayness..

Patsi
Yes,its tragic that we have built such a place.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251917

Morning Solar! I'll take that pic, I promise. I forgot about it (and I rarely take pictures, so I need to change that habit).
(.. did I say rarely, I could almost say never)

Jamie, thanks........

Can digital cameras be coerced into black and white mode?

some old crows and wagon wheels.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gX1EP6mG-E

DC Dave

I like it, but how do we get it done? It ain't gonna be passed by this congress.

BTW i haven't seen you before , welcome.

Jack

"there is not doubt in my mind; that the large corps run our country, and most of the "

I'm sure you're right Solar. But they wouldn't be able to do that, if our government had been doing their job.

It's amazing to me that Howard Dean was beaten by John Edwards and John Kerry in Iowa in 2004. Look where he is now -- and where are they? Where could we be now if they did the Johns did not win back then.

A President Howard Dean would have delivered on real health care reform. I also think a President Hilary Clinton would have delivered. President Obama -- so far, not so much. Just sayin'

Solar, Follow the money. Always.

"With that amendment, the voices of the lobbying (i.e. congressional funding) industry could finally be be brought under control and voice of the public much more clearly heard in DC and State Capitols."

Well said DC Dave!

here is an alternative radio station that is "internet ready radio". It comes from Antarctica. No DJ no talking just music. Their focus is fingerstyle guitar playing. Some jazz some folk. Jessie Colin Young to Pat Donahue (from Prairie Home Companion band) to John Prine. I almost forgot one of my favorites Duck Baker.

enjoy,

http://www.anetstation.com/

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251915

Buford,

And this is bad how?

Obama needs to put a muzzle on Sebelius. If she is the grim reaper of public option, I think she should be fired. : ) Too bad she was one of the few who paid her income taxes.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251920

Not much smack talk but we would need a more efficient trash disposal to get rid of the bodies.

"I wonder how much smack talk and jerk-treatment women would get if we all walked around with guns strapped on our waists. "

.. that's why they call guns the great equalizer.

Senor Fish,

One way to, as you say, coerced, is to trot the image thru Photoshop or some image program and drop the color. If you have a choice always shoot the image in "RAW" then you have an uncompressed image that is fully able to be manipulated. Some of the higher end cameras have a B/W mode I understand.

I admire Dean, he said Sebelius was wrong. Success to me is the public option. Anything less is just that!

creative labeling: "The Peacemaker"

Since momentum seems to be moving towards healthcare "co-ops" rather than a Medicare-type "Public Option" here's a quote from a recent article in the "Nation" about co-ops.

"There's nothing wrong with co-ops, per se. Their appeal is that they'd be a sort of kinder and gentler version of private insurance."

"But press some co-op enthusiasts for details, and there's a lack of clarity about how they'd get started, how much the start-up would cost, how long it would take, how they'd grow big enough to compete with private insurers, how they'd significantly differ from the original state Blue Cross/Blue Shield organizations and, most importantly, how they could save serious money."

"History is not encouraging. Hundreds of health co-ops were formed after the Depression to provide medical care in rural areas, and nearly all of them failed. Even the one considered most successful — Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound in Washington state — took more than 60 years to reach the roughly 600,000 members it has today. (Conrad says a co-op needs at least 500,000 members to have market clout; private WellPoint insures more than 30 million.) Nor does Group Health have a stellar record of holding down costs; since 2000, its annual premium increases for individuals have averaged 12.3%, less than many private insurers but still about four times the rate of inflation."

"Reducing health care spending is crucial for the system to survive, and it's hard to imagine co-ops ever being able to force doctors, hospitals and patients to cut costs as much as a public option might. That takes real muscle, not nostalgia and fuzzy feelings."

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251934

Patsi,

I am sure that was the end of that relationship, NO? I mean anyone pulling a gun on me pretty much spoils the romance for me.

"Success to me is the public option. Anything less is just that!"

Yes Blonde. Like Jack said: "NO BILL IS BETTER THAN A BAD BILL!!!!"

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251959
Thanks, Nash, I agree with that article on co-ops. I suppose, if they really do become a hot topic, the Rush-Right will start screaming 'Communism in the Heartland!'.

"Reducing health care spending is crucial for the system to survive, and it's hard to imagine co-ops ever being able to force doctors, hospitals and patients to cut costs as much as a public option might. That takes real muscle, not nostalgia and fuzzy feelings."

Very true Nash.

co-ops do not work for rural areas...must travel to regional centers? This will hurt the poor even more!

Love it,

"The vampires are upset that we are going to make them stop sucking our blood ... too bad!"

How come we can dissect a co-op in seconds and this is being shoved down our throats because the repugs can't say "public option" without choking. Let 'em choke...then we will see how fast they can get to a regional co-op!

re: Co-ops

State Blue Coss- Blue Shield plans started out as non-profit co-ops and, when they became very large and succesful, were bought up by corporations, who then raised the rates, reduced coverage, and made a fortune. The same would be true for any new co-ops created by this legislation.

Co-ops would also promote inequality. Those that attract large pools of low-risk patients (such as college students, faculty, and staff) would be financially healthy. Co-ops that serve poor, sick populations would struggle to survive. They'd have overworked and underpaid staff, and crowded store-front clinics.

Universal health care, the public option, would give every citizen access to the same quality of care, just as Medicare now does. The desire to create inherent inequality of care is motivated by (surpise!) racism.

Obama can clean this up very easily and that is why I am pissed-off that he is sitting on his hands most of the time. He should be the head cheerleader for public option, not Dean.

Blonde wino: The Dems are now embracing co-ops as a fig leaf. They can say (to a poorly informed public) that co-ops will work. The health insurance industry knows that co-ops are a joke, so they are happy.

Mission Accomplished.

I am continually sending emails to the white house and my senator stressing public option. OCD behavior...I wonder if they will spot it!

dang, you guys are a helluva read today on health care. great stuff.

Nash...they break my heart.

Off to work for me, have a safe day everyone, we are on our own.

Chlo, Im only teasing U about that pic. You are right about our reps. If they weren't so greedy, and all, the lobbyist and the corps could not get to them.......and it is fair to say that the problem starts with them, and with the people that keep voting them in.........term limits is just a dream; and so is a flat income, and a flat sales tax, and the end of religion................but a guy can dream can't?

Tony, Maybe the gays in Iraq know where they weapons of Mass Destruction are......lets go and invade them all over again, just a matter of time before Iraq goes to the pre invasion way it was, now that the large oil corps made their deals; now that Enron, Halliburton, Blck water, ( I keep forgetting their new name, I think of them as the modern KKK)..........I keep telling you, everthing that happens is about Religion, and power: Politics and religion work together.......the end of religion=the end of terrorism, most greed, and most hate imo......later.

"OCD behavior...I wonder if they will spot it!"

I don't think that's ocd behavior Blonde. Sometimes just doing something.... anything, makes us feel less frustrated, or at least like we're trying. If you're sending those emails, maybe a million other people are also. If so, then they'll have and effect.

Obama had better get a new bunch of surveyors.

For instance, if they called me asking about healthcare, I would say I'm totally in favor of Single-Payer. I would also say I'm a Southern fiscally conservative independent.

Somehow he's getting the message that people such as I simply don't exist.

"If they weren't so greedy, and all, the lobbyist and the corps could not get to them...."

Solar, How are we supposed to know, when we vote them in, that they're for sale to lobbyists? Plus, when we vote again, how are we supposed to know what's going on behind closed doors. Sure, there's a voting record, but how many voters really take the time to analyze it. The best talkers, the fast talkers are the one's getting elected. It could be argued that they are also the very worst choice.

'Mission Accomplished."

That pretty much sums it up Nash. But still, what a helpless, defeated feeling it leaves the public with.

Funny thing: I think that if it wasn't for religion, we would have H C. There are only a few Atheist in our family, we all want single payer. The religious ones don't for a lot of reasons; a very important one to them. If we pass single payer, it would be way easier for abortions,and.........

Was king David the first terrorist? Ok I won't interrupt the talk anymore......

Solar, Are you kidding? You're never interrupting talk, you're contributing and making us think. First time I've ever heard you call yourself an Atheist. It's nice to hear you so sure of things.

Chlo,

The ones that do the most, and most of the times; are the ones that have been in office for a long long time: They built up the power and connections to the large corps; not so much the newer ones.

I would not want even our new Senator from Mn. A. F. for more than Three terms in the Senate.....but another dream is term limits....

The realistic thing to do, would be to educate the public.....how do we do this, when all of the news outlets are owned by the people that own the Politicians.................

Solar, Not being a part of a specific party, a specific religious belief, any specific group that dictates your beliefs, allows you to look at each, separate issue individually, instead of grouping everything together into a prefab package. Great feeling, is it?

gotta go!

dcdave, welcome aboard.
not to rain on your proposed amendment parade, but be careful with anything that smacks of opening us up to a constitutional convention because a lot of bad stuff can be let loose during one of those things. there are some who would recind the bill of rts if they had a chance.

"The realistic thing to do, would be to educate the public.....how do we do this, when all of the news outlets are owned by the people that own the Politicians..........."

We're doing it here Solar, one person at a time. Craig's helping us do it. So we're getting there, at least on a small scale.

is it?= isn't it?

Chlo,

Im thinking about it; go to my face book page...........

"Oh, Rezkos mansion is up for sale......don't know why, but going to follow and see who buys it, I would but right now im a little short of cash"

solar, too bad you can't snap it up. might make a good pres'l library site 8 years from now and you could get a big profit on the flip.
wise to watch who buys it. that will indicate future plans, contributors and covers.

re coops

does any of what's been proposed allow a group of doctors to establish and run their own hospital, testing facility, regional medical center, rehabs, nursing home care and pharmacy combined in a non-profit mode? also what about limited immunity from suit? ability to override state statues where conflicts exist?

Universal quality k-12 Education;
Eradication of structural poverty;
Stewardship of our natural resources and environment;
Basic quality healthcare for all our citizens.

Maybe our government -- our government 'of the people' is not capable of such providing for such basic things that, frankly, some other countries have managed to deal with.

more coop questions:

will the proposals allow religious groups to set up total health care coops with gov't blessing, tax benefits, ets. and still be allowed to discriminate based on the particular sect?

Morning all, from that socialist, pill-popping, single-payer, refugee-smuggling land to the north. It has occurred to me that if the dems were to actually bring in comprehensive health care reform, then they'd have no election platform next time around. And all that Insurance Industry money is into deep republican and blue dog pockets. It's almost unbelievable that they're drumming up growing and vocal support for "no reform." And would some broadcaster please explain to those loons the difference between totalitarians and socialists/communists??? They ALWAYS invoke Hitler's name when talking about communists. What MAROONS!!

Setting aside the big insurance and for profits healthcare sector for a moment, the damned shame of this whole exercise is that there are too many people like myself who have health insurance through their employer, but who do not support expansion of healthcare insurance to those who don't have it because they don't believe they have a personal stake in reform. Yes, many of them are democrats, but they are fairly typical American moderates who don't really get too lathered about an issue until it strikes home. I think that they, more than the idiots at the congressional meetings who bought the "No, Grannie" campaign, will be the downfall of the reform effort.

Blonde Wino - Gibbs the messenger said the same thing about public option being an option. So I'm guessing Sebelius was talking on message.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251953

Well, I sent my 2 cents worth to the WH. I hate those word things that you must match. Took me about 8 tries.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/16/gun-law-complaints-trail-_n_260559.html

One from the ridiculous irony department.

Should be mandatory -- Members of Congress, Administration officials and all federal employees MUST join the health coops they create/regulate as their sole source of health care. No running to the Public Health Service clinic like the one in the Capitol that serves Members exclusively (with free RX) and no running to the VIP suites at Walter Reed and Bethesda. Take a number, get in line like the -- rest of us, Congressman.

I'm growing tired of having friends and acquaintanes tel me they are disappointed in "Barack".

Anyone who had their head attached should have known that he was committed to his own political advancement and not to meaningful health care reform.

His bumbling performances in the early primary debates on this issue were plain for all to see.

Also -- if you are inclined to call your Senators and Congressionals about health care -- feel free to call more than once, over and over. They are not keeping track of names -- they are making hatch marks on notepaper to track the calls. Many members are fence-sitting and counting the call numbers DAILY. The anti-reformers are calling constantly -- which artificially inflates the numbers.

ROFL, tylenol! You zany Canadians!

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251987

Patd -- Groups of doctors are already doing this. HCA is such a physician-owned corporation. They are a charming bunch headed by Dr./Senator Bill Frist.
To read an insider's view of HCA check out what the nurses say:
http://allnurses.com/kansas-nurses/whats-wrong-hca-225996.html

More on HCA:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2003/June/03_civ_386.htm

hello all, it's getting close to Obama's arrival so I've got to start thinking about signage! Think I'll buy a piece of plywood and cut lengthwise, then I'll have 4 sides, i can always repaint overnight too.

First I'll request recognition for patton's army. Then?

Already saw a tv camera driving around town. Anyways no one has ever responded but will offer once again that i would be glad to post a tm message.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=33588&id=1315243533&l=25ce9cf09b

"In other words, if the government can't deliver the mail, it can't deliver health care."

Except that it can, as demonstrated by VA and Medicare. I think Obama's point is a good one: FedEx and UPS outhustle the subsidized PO, so they could do it on healthcare as well.

Pat,

"more coop questions:

will the proposals allow religious groups to set up total health care coops with gov't blessing, tax benefits, ets. and still be allowed to discriminate based on the particular sect?"

Thanks for completing my train of thought.! Ecactyly right....bet they get all of the breaks. I wonder if one can still buy a certificate from . Vegas: you know-the one that say's you are not a legal priest, or something like that hahaha can U see it now; Father Solar. The only confessions that I would be hearing, are the long explained sexy ones, the.........yeah, yeah, get to the good part........give out a gold star for the best of em,,and no penance HA!

not = no

Tom Delay is going to be a contestant on Dancing With the Stars.

This is so wrong in so many ways as to be unthinkable. Some societal line between politics and entertainment has been crossed and nothing will ever be normal again.

Lunch, time, and Im eating by my self. going to make a big breakfast...my only meal for the day, other than some little snacks.
A cpl of eggs, a small piece of steak, a potato, and a cpl of pancakes, with two cups of coffee ............Pogo watch out for the gals, they's mean on Monday's, specially that tall legged one, Natasha, HA!

Jamie,

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252005

I have been trying to tell you this for the last year. Welcome to the-they are not so entertaining club: They definitely crossed that line. Maybe J. Stewart, and B. Maher do a fine job thru comedy most of the time.......Just think if they dedicated just 5 min. of their time, and really educated the public....just 5 min, each night, and we would have the smartest, informed people about Health care......

Well, Solar, you win the Monday lunch race - I, too, am headed out for lunch in a few - gonna be salad again (with chicken, salmon or beef, depending on my mood). I'm South Beachin' it - Southbeached 5 pounds away last week. Mrs. P approves.

Dancing With The Stars! OMG!

On the other hand, DeLay sent a mass mailing when Sara Evans was on the show, asking that his "fans" phone in votes for her because she was a good, married, Christian mother competing against terrible people like Jerry Springer.That was before all the divorce, porn news came out about the marriage!

When Sara went through all the BS with the husband, porn photos etc, she came out and said the person who was the most compassionate was Jerry Springer....of course, he probably wanted to book her.

Diva

doing it Chicago style?
Call early, call often?

Good advice btw.

Jack

TALK TO THE PRESIDENT HERE! What do you want me to say?

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=33588&id=1315243533&l=25ce9cf09b

CRAIG- Should we mention the book?

More info on HCA --
http://www.crocodyl.org/wiki/hca

Crocodyl is an interesting site with loads of info on corporate behavior.

OSH -- I love the idea == How about a big banner reading "Public Option NOW!"

SEA,

CQ Politics.....and Craig Crawfords Trail Mix Blog. Believes in CHANGE, also, and order our yes we Can-dy .......just balance it on your ( the words) you sign.
A two fer sign.

Dr, Dean is on Dr Nancy's Show -- Telling it like it is once again. And once again Dean is representing the Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party.

Can we just make him President for a couple of months? He'd get 'er done.

Howard Dean = Cojones You Can Believe In

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252005

Jamie -- The Hollywood/Politics line was already crossed long ago -- Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwartzenegger, Clint Eastwood, Fred Grandy, Jerry Springer, Nancy Culp, Al Franken, etc. Now Delay and Blaggo have just created a revolving door.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252016

Love it, Alicia!

"CRAIG- Should we mention the book? -- Posted by: oldseahag"

Ha, OSH, you'll never catch me stopping you. The easiest link for book info and order buttons is now and forever will be http://craigcrawford.com/

The United States Postal System is the best in the world.

FedEX and UPS limit their coverage.

If you want to spend 5 or 6 bucks to mail a letter,fine,, but if you want to send a letter for 44 cents, take the public option.

Obama sounded like a dope when he talked about the Postal Service. He spews lots of the conventional wisdom that is anything but wise.

WOW.... it's taken me over an hour to catch up with today's posts....

Diva.... welcome back.... I've always loved your posts....
and I agree with Jamie.... forget the cashmere.... black with a diamond studded handle would be stunning!

I see someone new is here and I've already forgotten his plume du jour....
welcome to you anyways....

Nash.... your post concerning Obama "fooling" the progressives made me do a double take. Obama never campaigned as a progressive. He did a lot of "me too"s regarding Hillary's proposals. He never campaigned on universal healthcare. I think progressives "fooled" themselves into believing he was their saviour. I well remember the cartoons from The Nation where he was flying all over the place dressed like Superman and bringing Arugula to every table..... I was absolutely shocked at the naivete.

tylenol...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251990

The Democrats could say that the Party of NO vote against giving American Citizens the Health Care and Insurance Reform that they wanted and needed.

Any Trail Mixers who can be in DC Oct. 19 and want an invite to our book launch party when they go out, fill in the email alert signup form at http://craigcrawford.com/contact.html

It's filling up fast, and the embassy only has so much room, so it'll be first come first serve off that list

Divalicias...

http://allnurses.com/kansas-nurses/whats-wrong-hca-225996.html

Bill Frist diagnosed Terry Schiavo by video tape and I diagnosed Bill Frist by Television.

I found that he had no brains and was functionally Brain Dead.

OSH.... hope you make a ton of money with Obama's visit.

I know everyone keeps talking about the 47+ million uninsured. The only thing that talks in DC is money. Which equals power. The uninsured have no money, thus no power. If they are being discussed at all in these proposals I think it is a red herring. I don't believe for a minute that any Congress critter actually cares about them much.

I said it Friday and I'll say it again. IMO, true reform.... whether health or insurance.... will only come when the big corporations get truly tired of the rising costs of giving their employees healthcare benefits. When the IBMs, Raytheons, and GEs of this country cry "enough!" then we'll start to see some true action.

FedEX and UPS are very good companies, but they both cherry pick profitable business.

USPS delivers to our homes 6 days a week.

I appreciate USPS very much.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252025

I think you are right, Renee.

Cool- well you all figure it out- we can be democratic here, anyways at least try an excercise in democracy. I'm certainly not the brains around here, just a worker bee. Will post for the 94th the first few days , then its on to TM messages

Jamie has already masterminded the 94th post-

Liberator Status!
94th Infantry
www.94campaign.blogspot.com

Kennedy is for it. Are you?

Renee- money would be nice, but making sure our vets are honored and that history is recorded properly is so much more important than selling some chocolates could ever be that the money pales in comparison, but still know I need to catch up from this dismal season. if I had my druthers I'd only put up 94th and tm messages.

RebelliousRenee: You were right about Obama & I was wrong. (if I had a sword, I'd fall upon it.)

I didn't support Hillary because I thought she would do just what Obama is doing now, selling out to lobbysists.

Ironically, I think Hillary would have handled healthcare better. She was burned once. It's hard to see how she could have handled it WORSE than Obama.

Cash for Clunkers?

How much can I get if I trade in a gas-guzzling Obama and repace him with a Hillary-Hybrid?

Posted by: anon-paranoid | August 17, 2009 12:30 PM

AP, you diagnosed my former senator to a T. God help us if he ever decides HE's ready to run for president.

sea, have one sign that says "listen up, mr. president." on the 1st line in big letters and then have a 2nd line that you can put varying messages on starting with the words "we the people want...."

ktartiste...

Same goes for that Reptilian Newt the Lizard.

Thought for the day -
"Get ready little lady, hell is coming to breakfast."

sea, that changeable second line could be like they use to post runs on the old score boards. screw in cup hooks or nails, drill corresponging holes in the board with the 2nd line, and hang the message of the day on the hooks.

you may need an astrick at the 1st line and a note at bottom attributing craig/helen's book just to be on safe side from the plagiarize police.

OSH,

On your 94th posting a suggestion:
consider adding a reference to WWII on your posting so people might have a better understanding of what
it's talking about. Something like,

WWII Liberator Status!
94th Infantry
www.94campaign.blogspot.com

Kennedy is for it. Are you?

"When Sara went through all the BS with the husband, porn photos etc, she came out and said the person who was the most compassionate was Jerry Springer....of course, he probably wanted to book her."

Patsi, i never heard the euphemism "book" before. ;-)

ktartiste...

Same goes for that Reptilian Newt the Lizard.

Posted by: anon-paranoid

True, but a grave insult to lizards, AP--just sayin'--:)

service fees or taxes? interesting debate.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/aug/17/obama-ambassador-london-congestion-charge

"....of course, he probably wanted to book her."

Patsi, i never heard the euphemism "book" before. ;-)"

ROFL, Pogo...I meant book as in get her to appear on his show....but you knew that...:)

Diva, don't forget Shirley Temple Black - she dabbled in politics unsuccessfully in 1967, then got into the swing of things in 1974. And of course, Anita Bryant - who didn't actually run for office, but was heavy into politics, keeping the world safe from homosexuals and people sleeping wiht St. Bernards.

OD, yep, mail delivery is the USPS strong suit - magazine delivery is what keeps that part of the USPS service from attaining financial viability. UPS & Fedex do indeed cherry-pick profitable package delivery, and do it better - because their services are not so broad. I pointed out last week that the postal service actually makes money on all the services it offers except magazine delivery and either certified or registered mail ( I forget - bad case of CRS). Drop magazine delivery or charge what it really costs to deliver the damn things and the Postal Service looks like a well run company.

Hijacking the Presidency...

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/08/17/2009-08-17_its_obama_theyre_after.html

The loss of the public option is so very sad. This is starting to be like 1993-94 all over again. Some things never do change.

Patsi, I kinda got that from listening to Hannity gush about her, as did Corey(?). I saw Hannity interview her on H&C in advance of one of his Freedom Concerts and I was surprised he could talk with his tongue so stiff. He booked her for the concert, booked her for H&C, and I'm sure he wanted to book her - it was shamefully obvious. I'll bet Mrs. Hannity was less than amused.

Nash....
you ol' he-man goat.... :0)

well... I was wrong about wanting Kerry over Dean back on '04.

IMO, ALL candidates for president are bought and sold.
Someone over the weekend mentioned that some of us wanted a conciliator and some of us wanted a fighter. I wanted a fighter. At first, there was no way.... no how.... I wanted to see Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton. My first choice was Richardson (boy talk about a mistake!) But Hillary proved to me she was the biggest and baddest fighter.

OSH.... good for you for having your priorities straight....
but we all gotta eat.... either way enjoy his visit.....

" the Global Warming marketing machine "

Giant Antarctic Glacier Melting At An Alarming Rate

Experts say one of the largest glaciers in Antarctica is thinning four times faster than it was 10 years ago, BBC News reported.

The surface of the ice at the Pine Island glacier in west Antarctica is now dropping at a rate of up to 50 feet a year, according to a recent study of satellite measurements.

http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1737757/giant_antarctic_glacier_melting_at_an_alarming_rate/index.html

Patsi, you have to ignore me. I had a friend in HS & college who turned every verb ever used in any connection with an attractive woman into a euphemism for having sex. He did it by aping Groucho Marx's "Say the magic word and the duck'll come down" complete with arching eyebrows and fake cigar tapping.

Iowa Caucuses, 2024.

"According to her spokesperson, a government-financed "Public Option" for healthcare insurance will be a primary agenda item for Presidential Candidate Chelsea Clinton."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/17/obama-administration-doma_n_260969.html

Very interesting legal position re: DOMA. I'd love to hear the oral arguments. Can't see how the DoJ lawyer will be able to make an argument that passes the straight face test.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252039

That's the main problem when describing Republicans.

You always end up insulting someone or something, like lizards, snakes, skunks and certain members of society that do no harm to no one. Drunks, bums, prostitutes, dummies etc...etc...etc... :-)

iowa Caucuses, 2024:

Senator Bristol Palin, Republican Presidential Candidate, said today that a Public Option for health insurance would require "Spanish-Inquisition-type" torture of doctors to find out who among them was a was a witch."

"I don't support government-financed witch hunts," she said at a townhall meeting in Des Moine. "I prefer grass-roots style mob action."

Question -- Who's going to run the co-ops? Or can this just be a codeword for "public option?"

The loss of the public option is so very sad. This is starting to be like 1993-94 all over again. Some things never do change.

Posted by: AnnaMolly | August 17, 2009 1:56 PM

Hi, AM, and you are so right. Deja vu all over again. (Couldn't find a good link to John Fogerty's song of the same title. Song's about the war in Iraq but with some alteration could apply here.)

"Anita Bryant - who didn't actually run for office, but was heavy into politics, keeping the world safe from homosexuals and people sleeping wiht St. Bernards."

OMG, Pogo, while I was in Vietnam Stinky slept with our St Bernard, Sally.

Please tell me, is she guilty of both counts???

"Question -- Who's going to run the co-ops? Or can this just be a codeword for "public option?"

Alicia, the same people who run our local credit unions. They'll all be volunteers with no ties to anyone except those around the kitchen table. Truly, it will be nirvana!

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252056

Flatus...

Not in rural states with small populations. If in state there will not be enough people enrolled to negotiate lower costs.

Only in FL, flatus, only in FL. ;-)

"Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government,"

Just keepin the powder dry.

Jack

Posted by: anon-paranoid | August 17, 2009 2:08 PM

LOL--

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252051

Snort,
only for some
but for that some lol too true.
And the rest need to find a better name for themselves.

i definitely like the first half of the sign starting with " Listen up Mr. President" , and craig's site below and changing the 2nd part daily with Tm site below?
Craig does that work for you?
Jamie- is that too many sites ? Sign will be 16 ft. long.

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/08/17/us/politics/politics-us-obama-afghanistan.html

Damn, this has a familiar ring to it, doesn't it? I'm curious about how this can ever end. As long as some country out there hates us and doesn't hate Islam and the AQs of the world, what the hell's the point?

I’ll say this for George Bush: you’d never have caught him frantically negotiating against himself to take the meat out of a signature legislative initiative just because his approval ratings had a bad summer. Can you imagine Bush and Karl Rove allowing themselves to be paraded through Washington on a leash by some dimwit Republican Senator of a state with six people in it the way the Obama White House this summer is allowing Max Baucus (favorite son of the mighty state of Montana) to frog-march them to a one-term presidency? … (From Matt Tiabbi)

Taibbi has a point, CB. I am beginning to get the impression that Obama is desperate for some reform, any reform, at whatever the cost. Frankly, I think you can send your thank you notes to Harry for referring the bill to Baucus' committee to ensure that any teeth it might otherwise have would be extracted forthwith.

Or is it --

Tom DeLay: Dancing Behind Bars -
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/grandolddocket.php

Jamie, my Take This Tune link is up. And as usual scatterbrained and dribbling.;)

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252062

OSH

Change as often as you like just remember it should be only two line or maybe three at most.

It is better to change the message often than it is to have too much on the sign.

BIG BOLD
EASY TO SEE
EASY TO REMEMBER

Make them come to you to ask what it is all about.

KT

Didn't flog her blog so I'm going to do it for her. Seems she has a bit of a thing for Baritones. :-)

http://fairweathersmusic.blogstream.com/

This is a little long, so I apologize in advance, but, while it pertains to Marines in combat, there is a lesson here for the Obama administration as it learns to fight political battles:

USMC rules for Gunfighting

1. Bring a gun. Bring lots of friends with guns as well.

2. Ammo is cheap. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice.

3. Only hits count. The only thing worse than a miss is a slow reaction miss.

4. If your shooting stance is good, you're probably moving too slow.

5. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend.

6. If you choose what to bring to a gunfight, bring a long gun.

7. In ten years, no one will care what the fight was about, only who won.

8. If you are not shooting, you better be communicating, reloading and running.

9. Accuracy is relative. It is not a firing range exercise.

10. In the end, you might get killed with your own gun. But they will have to beat you with it because it will be empty.

11. Win. There is no such thing as 'cheating' in a firefight.

12. Have a plan and then a back-up plan because the first one won't work.

13. Cover and concealment are your friends.

14. Flank your adversary. Protect your own.

15. Don't drop your guard.

16. Be aggressive enough quickly enough.

17. Watch their hands. Hands kill.

18. The faster you finish the fight, the less shot up you will be.

19. Be polite. Be professional. But be ready.

20. Do not go into a firefight with any handgun that does not start with a ".4"

OSH

When you put up a sign, go a block away and take a picture of it. If you can read it in the photograph, then so can someone driving. If you can't, they can't.

Posted by: jamie44.myopenid.com | August 17, 2009 3:58 PM

Merci, ma chere. That baritone in particular--but someday I may do a meditation on why Nathan Gunn sings better shirtless.;)

"Citing a need to provide quality programming 24 hours a day, CNBC has extended an invitation to anyone who owns a suit to drop by the financial news network and be a guest expert"

http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/cnbc_anyone_who_owns_a_suit?utm_source=onion_rss_daily

It is the middle of August, it should be hot and dry but we are in day three of pouring down rain. Everything is lush and green, strange.

Jack

Jamie, my Take This Tune link is up. And as usual scatterbrained and dribbling.;)
Posted by: http://openid.aol.com/ktartiste | August 17, 2009 3:50 PM

http://fairweathersmusic.blogstream.com/

Swoon. ;)

Posted by: AnnaMolly | August 17, 2009 4:21 PM

I sorta thought so. Actually, duet swoon.;)

Ditto on the duet swoon. And I'm just talking about the picture of Hampson leaning on the staircase.

But seriously, he's in great voice on that recording. ;)

My Colorado adventure is over. The real world beckons. On a layover in the Big Easy airport...Carol, the sky looks ominous. Imagination, or does this place seem like a ghost town? Whole terminal section cordonned off...

Sorry to hear about the demise of Public Option. Got to rename it and try again. Sounded too much like alliteration of "Public Enemy."

Darn these airport connections...like a snail.

Ivey

everything is slow in Nawlens.

Jack

Ivy, this one's for you:

People's Choice Health Plan
'One Size DOES Fit All!'

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252052

I'm not even sure what you mean by this shit But let me tell you this -- come and sit with me in person and trash a young girl like that. I'll make you wish you hadn't, Nash.

flatus, how about eyeryone's choice health option? e.c.h.o. for short. motto: it always comes back to you

sea, jamie's right. make the letters big and make the messages short and simple. remember your real audience, the msm.

sorry, not all the msm are short

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/17/man-carrying-semi-automat_n_261279.html

What in the hell is wrong with these people? And just what in the hell is wrong with the Secret Service? I mean really, WTF????

"US prosecutors have charged a man with stealing data relating to 130 million credit and debit cards.

Officials say it is the biggest case of identity theft in American history."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8206305.stm

But seriously, he's in great voice on that recording. ;)

Posted by: AnnaMolly | August 17, 2009 4:33 PM

He was, wasn't he? The last few times I've seen him on PBS he's sounded as if he needs to give his voice a few weeks or months rest. Showing a bit of wear and tear.

Cheer up everybody .
Caring for the sick is going to be the least of our problems. It's burying the dead that will be the real challenge.

OSH
Remember MSM= small brains, limited ability to process and not well read. (present company excluded of course)
So remember KISS.
Your main slogan with one other slogan that will be easily understood and changed daily They will take a picture of the one they understand and your real message will be in the picture too.

So as one days message I propose
"NO SELLOUT, KEEP PUBLIC OPTION"

jACK
Jack

What in the hell is wrong with these people? And just what in the hell is wrong with the Secret Service? I mean really, WTF???? Posted by: newpogo.myopenid.com | August 17, 2009 5:06 PM

I asked that same question this weekend. GWB never let any protesters within two miles of him, armed or unarmed. It does make you wonder about the Secret Service.

Showing a bit of wear and tear. Posted by: http://openid.aol.com/ktartiste | August 17, 2009 5:10 PM

Aren't we all? Except you and I, of course. ;)

The Vanishing Face of Gaia: A Final Warning

James Lovelock presents his latest theory: that there is nothing we can do now to stop the earth from getting hotter; so it's time to concentrate on how to save ourselves.

http://www.booktv.org/Program/10592/The+Vanishing+Face+of+Gaia+A+Final+Warning.aspx

Cbob

If this is globalwarming then I'm all for it. Been a wonderful summer around here.

:-)

Jack

Old Sea -
My vote for your slogan :

Save health care dollars, eat more chocolate.

pat, that is really breaking news. Here's the NYT article on it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/technology/18card.html?hp

Well, all, time to vamoose for the night. Hasta manana.

Cbob

Let me change it a bit
No health care, Don't worry, eat chocolate

Jack

Jack -
Current conditions here :
Partly Cloudy

98 °F
(37 °C)

Jack ~ It's only DARK chocolate that counts as health food. Such a sacrifice I make for my heart. ;)

Austin -

A Few Clouds

99 °F
(37 °C)

Check out their 7 day forecast -
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Austin&state=TX&site=EWX&textField1=30.267&textField2=-97.743&e=1

Posted by: AnnaMolly | August 17, 2009 5:14 PM

Age cannot wither nor custom stale our infinite variety. . .;)

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252073

Perfectly understandable KT

You don't want the chest constricted when forming those perfectly rounded notes.

Eat more chocolate
Wash down with Red Wine

At least you'll die happy

Cbob

an August day in West Texas and the temp is below 100. Ya got to admit it. that is a good day.

the last couple of weeks have been in the ninties around here. Good thing too or we would have missed okra season all together. It doesn't produce alot untill the temp is over ninety.

4 inches of rain on my moms around my moms birthday.
Now that is money in the bank.

Jack

July in San Antone -
Note : the Weather Service uses all caps .
REMARKS
SAN ANTONIO IS EXPERIENCING THE DRIEST 23 MONTH PERIOD ON RECORD
DATING BACK TO 1885. THE NEW RECORD IS 24.38 INCHES FROM SEPTEMBER
2007 TO JULY 2009...BREAKING THE OLD RECORD OF 28.94 INCHES SET
AROUND 100 YEARS AGO FROM NOVEMBER 1908 TO SEPTEMBER 1910.

JULY 2009 WAS THE WARMEST MONTH ON RECORD WITH THE AVERAGE
TEMPERATURE AT 88.7 DEGREES. THIS REPLACED THE PREVIOUS RECORD OF
88.3 SET IN AUGUST 2006. JULY 2009 WAS ALSO THE WARMEST JULY ON
RECORD...BREAKING THE OLD RECORD OF 88.1 IN JULY OF 1980 AND 1998.

JULY 2009 HAD THE HIGHEST AVERAGE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE FOR JULY
AND ANY MONTH...WITH 100.6...BREAKING THE OLD RECORD OF 99.9 IN 1980.

JULY 2009 HAD THE 2ND HIGHEST AVERAGE DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE...
WITH THE AVERAGE AT 76.9. THE RECORD WAS 77.2 SET IN 1979.

JULY 2009 SET A NEW RECORD FOR THE MOST 100 DEGREE DAYS FOR JULY AND
ANY MONTH...WITH 22 100 DEGREE DAYS. THIS BROKE THE OLD RECORD OF
21 DAYS SET IN JULY OF 1998.

7/4 NEW RECORD HIGH OF 103 BEATING THE OLD RECORD OF 100 SET IN 2005
AND NEW RECORD FOR HIGHEST MIN OF 79 BEATING THE OLD RECORD OF 78
SET IN 1987.

7/5 NEW RECORD HIGH OF 104 BEATING THE OLD RECORD OF 100 SET IN 1901.

7/8 TIED RECORD HIGHEST MIN OF 79 SET IN 1994.

7/13 TIED RECORD HIGH OF 102 SET IN 1954.

7/14 TIED RECORD HIGH OF 102 SET IN 2000.

7/20 TIED RECORD HIGH OF 101 SET IN 2000.

7/22 TIED RECORD HIGH OF 102 SET IN 2006.

7/23 TIED RECORD HIGHEST MIN OF 78 SET IN 1996.

7/29 NEW RECORD HIGHEST MIN OF 81 BEATING THE OLD RECORD OF 789 SET IN 2002.

http://www.weather.gov/climate/getclimate.php?wfo=ewx
----------------------

Anna

sounds like it is time to make a trip to Marthas Vinyard and visit with OSH.
I wonder if I can charge that to our cafeteria health account.
After all it would be health related.

Jack

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252088

CBob

It's nice to know I'm not alone about being nervous. As always the only consolation, we did it to ourselves.

Posted by: jamie44.myopenid.com | August 17, 2009 5:27 PM

Although I'm pretty sure the six-pack helps with that.;)

Yet Bob, it ain't 1953 or 1933 just another year in Texas.
And thank goodness you all kept it for yourselves instead of sending it up here.

Jack

What is the average summer temperature in Texas?

100

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_average_summer_temperature_in_Texas

So is it true that Texans go to Oklahoma for the women and to hell for the airconditioning ?

Grin duck and run

Jack

Petition to sign:

http://www.petitiononline.com/PubOp676/petition.html

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252108

Need to keep a close eye on it to make sure it stays that way.

What in the hell is wrong with these people? And just what in the hell is wrong with the Secret Service? I mean really, WTF????"

Exactly!!!!!!!

In line with our mood today

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsJ2MpujxwM

Jack -
Wiki answers ?

You gotta be joking.

And there you go, Jack. The perfect combination of business and pleasure. ;)

I love this headline -

Stocks tumble as traders fear consumers aren't perking up

http://www.usatoday.com/money/markets/2009-08-17-stocks-monday_N.htm
-------------------
Either we kill off grandma , or she bakes like a cherry cobbler.

Bob
don't ya just love the simplicity of it,
I did lol
No explanation or sources. just a number.

can't argue with a number.
Hey it was the first hit on the search, its got to be good.

lol

Jack

Jack -
Thanks for telling me about life in Texas.

We'll all "perk-up" once we get Micheal Jackson in the ground.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252120

This coming from someone called "Colorado" Bob? :)

HUh? This from someone called "Colorado" Bob? :)

VERY strange -- I reposted because it said my post had been denied....

Okay, the knobite's gonna try to be serious here:

Our local news (WATE-TV, Channel 6 Knoxville) had a report on a town-hall type meeting Sen. Corker held in Cleveland (town of some 37K about thirty miles down the road from my little knob hometown) today regarding--in part--healthcare reform. The crowd (somewhat to my surprise, I must confess) was well-behaved, seemed well-informed, and there were no reports of gunplay. Sen. Corker said he feels sure that SOME form of healthcare bill will eventually pass. Unfortunately, if the public option is part of it, I strongly suspect he will be among those who vote against it.

One of the reasons why I say that, with two GOP senators and a GOP representative, I have inadequate representation in Congress. They're all, to paraphrase Groucho Marx, against anything the Dems are for. And yes, I've told them they don't represent anybody except the ones who agree with them. Alexander and Rep. Duncan ignore me. Corker's still in his first term and sucking up, so I always get a very nice form email from him, about two weeks after I tell him I can vote against him as many times as he cares to run. ;)

Liberals Complain ... you don't say?

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/08/16/national/w075037D49.DTL&feed=rss.news

not been 100 degrees here in FTW but a couple of times. South and central Texas in a large drought these days.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252065

Newpogo -- It's not Harry's call. The Senate Finance Committee is a primary committee with jurisdiction for health care. http://tinyurl.com/qwc9lv

But Waxy Maxy has gotten a hellalotta money from the industry.

So healthcare will actually be Obama's "Waterloo"...

Or his opportunity to take a step towards something he spoke about on Nov. 4th.

"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too."

Let's not forget the way he spoke to us in 2004.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2004/demconvention/speeches/obama.html

Moving past some of this partisan destruction is more important to me than the public option.

I realize I have insurance I am happy with. But I think the non-profit aspect - is much more important than the govt aspect.

What I've heard of the Senate plan - the govt simply provides start-up cash for the co-ops - which are then controlled by the members.

I think having as many fixed costs as possible is important to our financial security. We still aren't through these tough times yet...

And I also realize my hope to get beyond some of the liberal/conservative politics of Washington may be a fool's errand...But I think it is important.

Wow. Just listening to the 2004 speech. At that time - 900 Americans had died in Iraq...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252085

Jay-zus. What next? A Cross-burning on the South Lawn? It's legal, right?

Heading out to the gun show now.....

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252071

Cajun -- Thank you for posting this. Once again the USMC training has civilian applications. (I often quote USMC training materials when training preschol teachers.)

I will pay close attention to rule #20 whilst shopping for my own sidearm accessory. My own Congressman, Rob Wittman (R-VA) will have a THM on Sepember 1, so I hope to be appropriately outfitted by then.

So many gun shows -- so little time!

In Move to Appease Critics, Obama Promises to Extend Health Care Coverage to Morons

"We clearly underestimated the role that doofuses and dimwits were going to play in this debate," the source said. "We want to send them the message that this plan will give them coverage -- but we need to come up with a one-syllable word for 'coverage.'"

But critics of the president's new plan worry that extending coverage to every American who is a few bricks shy of a load could triple the size of the nation's deficit.

"The sheer number of lamebrains in the U.S. is much greater than the administration estimates," says Davis Logsdon, who studies the demography of idiots at the University of Minnesota. "Just look at Glenn Beck's ratings."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-borowitz/in-move-to-appease-critic_b_260706.html

Lubbock Texas
100 degree days per year for the last 100 years

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/images/lub/events/2007/200707_cool/100_degree_days_lg.jpg

Hard to spot any global warming from this chart, I am rather suprised.

need to look for a chart of cold day.

Jack

Patsi, Are you here?

Why can't I find you on Facebook? I sure hope it's just a malfunction on my computer!

"Hard to spot any global warming from this chart"

LOL Jack. How do you find this stuff? :)

Good evening everyone.I just got caught up and its a pleasure having DIVA and Jack back!

Warren
Do you think the Obama administration is handling healthcare correctly?Is the administration keeping its promises so far?

Chloe
just random stuff from a google search. mostly useless dross.

But I think everything you need to know is out there somewhere on a government web site finding it is the trick. You've got to think like a government computer.

Jack

Yes Tony.

As best he can. Unfortunately it is ugly in Washington. And we feed the fire by jumping on every gaffe and going along uninformed or simply willing to tote the "party line."

Obama campaigned on fixing the economy. He stablized the economy and served a lot of Democratic interests (e.g., Education and public services - which includes cops, firefighters, judges for all those Republicans that want to sever themselves from any "govt control!!" or heaven forbid - socialism.) The Stimulus will continue to pay dividends.

On Foreign Policy - he campaigned that he would be a stark contrast to Bush/Cheney. And he is. Even while maintaining many of the policies - which were of course set in motion by the Joint Chiefs - not Rove and Cheney.

He has made major steps in just six months. The Cairo speech represented a moment and a text that will bend some attitudes.

He has relied on the framework of the Israeli-Palestinian conflct - and take the position that a deal will require concessions on both sides. Concessions that many people in such nations support - if they can lead to less unnecessary killing and destruction in the future.

Healthcare:
Obama has kept his options open which is critical in a debate that as complicated and politicized as this one. The two parties are already campaigning for 2010 - and the pundits and spinning all kinds of nonsense to poison the debate (as usual).

Obama was to the right of Hillary on healthcare. And he is both cautious and a consensus builder - so I am not surprised with the way he has handled it.

But of course the proof will be in the pudding as they say.

Chloe

looks like Patsi pissed somebody off she disappeared from my page too.
She was there this morning

Jack

pogo...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252085

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

The Republican Party is trying to incite its base to kill President Obama. They want another war and if anything happens to President Obama they will get one.

And unlike Lincoln there will be no mercy or compassion shown to them. No trials, no juries only executioners doing their duty.

They better be careful in what they wish for as they will not like what they get.

Then not only will there be blood spilled on American Streets, but they will have awakened a sleeping giant. And even God will not have mercy on their souls.

True to your name!!

warren...

Carry a assault weapon to a Republican Town Hall meeting and see how fast you get arrested.

They won't let you anywhere near a republican congressmen\women or senator. You'll by in a room somewhere being interrogated for several hours if not days.

Go ahead and prove me wrong, PLEASE PROVE ME WRONG!!!!

I'm out of here. Go ahead and close your eyes to what's happening. No skin off my back.

Later, maybe.

ap

Are you asking me to go buy a gun - an assault weapon no less - and go to a Republican Town Hall.

I'll pass since I do not want a gun nor a background check.

But if I were to take you up on that offer I be I could get out of that arrest by promising some of the good ole boys some shots down at the local bar...

And I do not pick out the nuts to define the GOP - just as I choose not to associate myself with the nuts on the left.

Hey - what about the have a nice day!!

warren........have a nice day.......or else.......

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-251905

Flatus,
Like a bunch of his Max's "facts", the source is his imagination. lol

Bon Jovi - Have A Nice Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UheKmPY1mNw

Jack

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252138

I know it's all out there, it's just amazing at how good you are at finding it. I can only assume that you are the one thinking like a government computer Jack. :)

I hope Patsi gets back on. I wouldn't even be there, if it weren't for her.

Patsi, Are you willing to get back on with a different user name temporarily, if necessary? I know you communicate with a lot of family and friends there. I'm not sure, but I think they mainly track us by their cookie and our email address.

He don't know him from Adam......the big Buck......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-WEQUKrQX0

Read this forum for an insight into the open-carry craze:

http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/forum4/29751-2.html

da greeks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQSvZ-F80wI

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/health-care-stocks-laugh-all-the-way-to-the-bank-2009-08-11

What a surprise..

I wouldn't carry a weapon to a Republican Town Hall. I've heard what kind of weapons they have. I'd be outmatched! Besides physical violence taking place while we don't have a good health care plan in place makes no sense to me.

Crime fiction writer JD Rhodes' latest column

"I'm equally sure anyone who'd like to sit down and debate this column with me won't mind if I strap a big ol' hogleg revolver to my hip and carry a sign saying "Wingnut Tastes Just Like Chicken" to the meeting."

http://jdrhoades.blogspot.com/2009/08/they-have-become-that-which-they-used.html

Corey

LOL
well don't ask me to, I have decent insurance but the deductable is too high.

Jack

Maybe we can get healthcare by amendment. just attach an amendment to every bill Stating that all americans can buy into the medicare system for a monthly cost to be determined by the folks at medicare and either paid for directly or by a payroll deduction.

Damn that was easy, problem solved
Just goes to show the problem isn't with our medical system.

Jack

The problem with Obama and most (of us) liberals is that we're too damned Democratic.
.
Obama should do what he thinks is right & what he ran on and JUST DO IT!
.
Trying to reason with conservatives and appease them can't be done. Enough is NEVER enough with them.
.
OK, with a public option the conservatives would call him a socialist. WTH??? They're doing that NOW.
.
It's impossible to bi-partisan with conservatives.
.
Enough is enough dicking around with them already.

tt

Tiptoe

the debate is between Democrats anyway. some one in the party needs to say that loud and often until it gets through MSM that Republicans only have marginal power. Ot they would be if Ried was a real leader in the senate. some body needs to send him a WWLD* button

Jack

* what would Lyndon do

Hmm, maybe it's time to see whether RICO could be invoked.

The feds are doing more than harrasing individuals
they are going after the exploiters of the undocumented workers.

"But from 2001 until this spring, Giant Labor and two other metro-area companies turned the workers into slaves, fanning them out to housekeeping jobs in hotels and other businesses in 14 states while forcing them to live, sometimes eight at a time, in small apartments for which they were charged exorbitant rent, federal authorities allege"

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jBKuPQhucx240w3XgRutfWjBB1KgD9A46C4G2

Jack

Hey Chloe, Carol, Jack -- I'm temporarily off....this whole mess started once when I posted too many times in a row on my daughter's page -- Facebook is automated and if you do that red flags go off...so now I am obviously suspct.

So no chit chat on face book.
lol
what a dump.

Jack

UNbelievable....there appears to be a controversy because Michelle Obama wore some Bermuda shorts....and on a SUNDAY yet!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/17/michelle-obamas-shorts-do_n_261540.html

What is a Co Op

http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/17/so-whats-a-health-insurance-coop-anyway/?hpw

Sheesh. First it was her bare arms. Now it's her bare legs. Maybe they should vacation at a nudist colony and put the voyeurs out of their misery when she plays volleyball.

If I had those legs, you know darn well they would be out in the open on top of some nice spiked heel sandals.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252139

"Obama was to the right of Hillary on healthcare. And he is both cautious and a consensus builder - so I am not surprised with the way he has handled it."
Hey Warren
Thanks for your comment.I'm glad you feel so positive about the administrations handling of healthcare.I'll think about the points you make.Obama is a consensus builder, but I feel its a big mistake to think he's going to build any with Republican's.The Democrats can take out a Gov.option out of the healthcare bill and it still won't be enough as they will just have a problem with something else.......Republican's want him to fail.The President needs to get that!!

I dunno, Patsi, wearing Bermuda shorts on Oahu sounds pretty serious to me.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252168

Tony, you're always so kind and gracious. I don't call giving away the farm consensus building. I think it's idiocy.

And you're right when you say, "Republican's want him to fail.The President needs to get that!!"

Anyone been to one of these town hall health care forums?
Our Rep will be here in a couple week and like osh I want to sport some good signage. All suggestions are welcomed.

The open-carry laws are pretty gray and I need to maintain my low profile with LE so that's out. Dog chewed holster anyway 8-)

Anyone see any great signs.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252170

Flatus
Thanks.Your so right about the Democrats giving away the farm.I just watched Rachael and she said the same.Rachael said the Dems have given away their majority in favor of letting the Republicans decide what if any healthcare reform we get..Idiocy,oh ya...

Rez, speaking of signage, back when we were campaigning for Tricare for Life, we contributed to buy a whole bunch of billboards. I think it worked well for our cause.

Thx Flatus,

The local Party Coordinator wants to have as many out as possible and for everyone to make their own signs, so I thought I'd try something. I doubt I'll attend the meeting, bad day for me, but I can stand out and yell around for a few hours. lol

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/opting-out-of-public-health-in.html#comment-252160

Jack

Lyndon is too busy as Sec. of State right now. I am surprised she has been silent.

Patsi - you are always suspect!!

That's why we love ya!!

Flatus:

You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't.

ROFL! Rez will NOT be locked & loaded at the Town Hall!

"And you're right when you say, "Republican's want him to fail.The President needs to get that!!"

Flatus & Tony...YES! That is exactly what he needs to understand down in his bones. I think he truly believed that he was such a charismatic character he could try to "communicate" with them. I hate to say it, but that's what I kept saying all along -- those a-holes were NEVER going to play nice. They were going to try to bring down whoever won the nomination, whether it was Obama or Hillary.

People kept saying, "she's got too much baggage." BS -- the Republicans invented that baggage. AND they are off to a great start with Obama's bags.

And as much as I tend to put Anon in the conspiracy theorist category -- I do think that there are some dangerous, militant, white supremacist groups out there that might try to attack this president. It bothers me a lot that people felt like they could take GUNS to places this president appears!

Years back I was leaving the Grand Ole Opry House just before the show was going to start. I'd been there with Tanya while she rehearsed, but wanted to go home and watch it from my couch with a cocktail....her limo was taking me back home.

As we started to leave the driver got a message and screeched to a halt. George HW Bush's entourage was arriving. The driver said that we had to remain immobile until he got inside the building. Secret Service was all of a sudden everywhere. I bitched about it (surprise surprise) and said, "Let's just go -- we're almost at the back gate." The driver pointed up at the roof of one of he side buildings and said, "I don't think so." There were sharpshooters standing in several spots!

I can't IMAGINE what would have happened to some schmuck walking around with a GUN!

Bob Herbert nails the health care debacle outcome:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/opinion/18herbert.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

new thread at 6, folks