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Historic Health Care Reform Bill: PASSED

The Senate passed a historic $871 billion health care reform bill Thursday morning, handing President Obama a Christmas Eve victory on his top domestic priority. The bill passed in a 60-39 party line vote after months of heated partisan debate. Every member of the Democratic caucus backed the measure; every Republican opposed it.
Should it become law, the measure would constitute the biggest expansion of federal health care guarantees since the enactment of Medicare and Medicaid more than four decades ago. It is expected to extend insurance coverage to 30 million additional Americans.
"We are now finally poised to deliver on the promise of real, meaningful health insurance reform that will bring additional security and stability to the American people," Obama said shortly after the vote. "If passed, this will be the most important piece of social legislation since the Social Security Act passed in the 1930s." The bill now must be merged with a $1 trillion plan approved by the House of Representatives in November. Democrats hope to have a bill ready for Obama's signature before the president's State of the Union address early next year.

Left of Center

How to Cover the Cost of Health Care Reform

1) Previous approved budget set asides of $635 Billion over 10 years from the Health Care Reserve Fund. Over $300 Billion will come from raising revenue by limiting tax deductions the wealthiest Americans can take.

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2) Medicare Program Spending cuts [projected to save ~$25 Billion over 10 years]

· End over payments to Medicare Advantage

o Offer competitive bidding into the Medicare Advantage Program. A program under which private insurance companies can offer Medicare Coverage. [projected savings of ~$180 Billion over 10 yrs]

· Use Medicare reimbursements to reduce preventable hospital readmissions. (approximately 20% of Medicare patients discharged from hospitals are readmitted within a month, often because their not getting the comprehensive care they need. This puts people at risk and drives up cost.

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3) Introduce generic biologic drugs into the market place, thereby getting better deals on prescription drugs for poorer seniors, while better off seniors pay a little more for drugs they want. [projected saving of ~$30 Billion]

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4) Adjust Medicare payments to reflect new advances and productivity gains in the economy [projected savings of ~ $110 Billion]

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5) Reducing Medicare payments to hospitals for treating uninsured people by providing a system where people have coverage. [projected savings of ~ $105 Billion]

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6) More efficient purchasing of prescription drugs. [projected savings of ~$75 Billion]

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7) Weed out waste, abuse, and fraud of the health care system.

[projected savings ~$1 Billion]

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{Cost Savings on the Table ~$850 Billion}

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Left of Center

President Obama Wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

In its surprise choice out of 205 entries, the Norwegian Nobel Committee cited the president's creation of a "new climate in international politics" and his work on nuclear disarmament, even though he is just nine months into his presidency.

In announcing Obama winner, the Norwegian Nobel Committee praised “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between people

Speaking with White House reporters yesterday, Obama said he wasn't sure he had done enough to earn the award, or deserved to be in the company of the “transformative figures” who had won it before him. Notwithstanding, he said, “I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations to confront the challenges of the 21st century.”

According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize should be awarded "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses."


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Louder, We Can't Hear You! Why Promoters of Tea Party Rallies Don't Denounce Racial Protests?

It would be false to assume that a majority of protesters at Town Hall Meetings and Tea Party Rallies are racist. On the contrary, the majority of of protester are well versed and educated in their party politics, holding fast to core party values, while engaging in civil discourse and debate of the issues.

Ideologies all parties share is a committed to keeping our nation safe and expanding opportunity for every American, along with economic growth, affordable health care for all Americans, retirement security, open, honest and accountable government, and securing our nation while protecting our civil rights and liberties of all Americans. However, how to best implement these ldeologies has always been up for political, and party, debate. Debate, and protest, is good for America politics, as long as the discourse is civil, non-violent, and non-racial.

Althought and minority, there are "Fringe Elements" who express themselves openly at many of the recent Town Hall Meetings and Tea Party RalliesNo one believes there is large contingency of protestors at town hall meetings and Tea Party rallies that are racist, rather a small fringe blended in this way:

 20% Staunch Republicans, who depend on their information by “research”
 40% Republicans who depend on their information by “word of mouth”
 30% Born into republican family. “Do as your told”
 5% Ethnic/ Cultural followers. Loyalties based on fear and ignorance.
 5% Racist Fringe. Loyalties based on anger and racism.

Campbell Brown on Racism at Tea Parties

...Racism is a Learned Behavior

Unfortunately, some are still taught supremacy philosophies, which give way to disrespect, intolerance, privileged mentality, and a lack of diversity. Supremacy philosophies are often found in the make up of the so called, “Fringe Group” of racist motivated individuals, or groups, in America today. The Fringe often displays deep seeded resentment, intolerance, and lack of respect for the achievement, accomplishment, and authority of those outside of their own race.

These strong principles of privilege and resentment drive this group to express their resistance and outrage to change, such as the first African American President, with racial epithets, slurs, and effigies, displayed at many recent Tea Party protests and rallies.

Political debate and discourse related to the issues and policies that best serve the American people is a good thing, and has shaped the fabric of our great country. However, resistance to change related to race and ignorance, is deplorable and offensive.

Leave a comment and let us know what you think

Left of Center

Tea Party Racist Protest


Video from Tea Party rally on Nations Capital

Comments Fueling Racial Tension and Igniting the "Fringe"

Motivation for much of the anger and rage expressed by the so called "Fringe Element", often comes from divisive and racially charged commentary from some prominent T.V. talk show hosts. Often, disguised as news and information shows, these shows are a mixture of political ideological differences , self promoted opinion and inflated ego. Topics regularly stray from political debate to unrelated personal attacks laced with racial overtones.

It's one thing to have a fundamental debate concerning differences in political ideology, but engaging in racial attacks is unacceptable, and only serves to fuel the fire of the "Fringe".

Leave a comment and let us know what you think

Left of Center

Glenn Beck calling President Obama a racist


Rush Limbauch suggesting President Obama is “not qualified”

The Rainbow Generation: Changing America for the Better

Respect, tolerance, cultural awareness, and diversity are lessons best served young.

Post Jim Crow and segregation, America’s multi-cultural children (the Rainbow Generation) were free to play, laugh, and share life together, they also realized their equality of creation. Sure they noticed the color of each others skin, but moreover, they noticed what they had in common. Sharing the same dreams, joys, disappointments, and pains, the Rainbow Generation was free to respect and appreciate their obvious differences, while celebrating and embracing their range of commonality. As they grew and matured, this diverse and culturally aware generation went off to college together and became adults together, they also worked together and shared communities together.

As an era of Jim Crow and segregation came to a close, many would agree, America’s Rainbow Generation can take credit for reducing racism and bigotry in America.

As a result, this generation is less likely to exit the political debate in order to express their objection, or disagreement, to an issue using racial overtones, slurs, and insensitivity's.

Racial unity taught early, can be lived daily, even in the midst of political indifference.



Left of Center

The Race Card

Why is race such a sensitive issue in the United States? What does it mean to “Play the Race Card”?
Can we as Americans have an honest debate about race? Or, will race continue to be the most polarizing theme of our time?

For some, “Playing the Race Card” infers minorities’ use of race to game the system, while soliciting empathy in order to gain a racial advantage, or edge, while justifying apathy, and making excuses for a systemic plight.

For others, “Playing the Race Card” infers an attempt by some to slander, and mischaracterize, minorities as inferior, more likely to commit a crime, or less qualified. There by, justifying economic and social disparities, police brutality, racial profiling, and the disproportionate number minorities unemployed, or incarcerated, while strengthening racial stereotypes.

From another perspective, the fictitious “Race Card” is an opportunity to invoke “white guilt”, in order to receive, what some may perceive as an undeserved ruling, or unearned recompense.

And yet another perspective, the illusory “Race Card” is a legitimate resistance to social, economical and political disparities and injustices in society, serving to protect and support the fundamental American principle of justice, liberty, and equality for all.

As a result of the polarizing nature of “Race in America”, talk shows, news papers, and the media in general, often use the subject of race to increase readerships and viewerships while boost ratings. Nevertheless, because race matters in America, there needs to be honest and open discussion in order to progress as a nation if we are to co-exist and compete in a globalized world.

How do we as Americans have a meaningful and progressive dialogue concerning race with such varying, and often exploited difference about race?

Left of Center

Leave a comment and let us know what you think

When Can We Have Honest Dialogue About Race?

Talking about racism is a hollow conversation without first discussing its origin, from slavery to Jim Crow, the segregated south and separate but equal, Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity laws, and most recently corporate Diversity/Sensitivity Training and Cultural Awareness. The purpose of each of these initiatives was to change and cultivate old ways of thinking that suggested any race was inferior to another. These initiatives were designed with elements to reverse racist ideologies, and behavior, that prohibited African Americans from pursuing, and participating, in the American Dream as described in the delayed, but not denied, Declaration of Independence:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”

Most realize African Americans did not endure the struggle for freedom, equality, and respect alone. No doubt, there were white abolitionists during reconstruction who risked their lives and reputations for the cause of African Americans freedom. There were also white clergy and white citizens who marched with Martin Luther King for equality. The stench of racism only began to lessen as recent as the mid-1970’s, as schools, neighborhoods, the workforce, and athletics continued to integrate.


Left of Center

RACE: The Elephant in the Room

Reminiscent of many African American firsts throughout history, there is no question that some of the resistance and protest to President Obama’s presidency is motivated by race. From Jack Johnson to Tiger Woods, African Americans have had to endured many forms of racial ridicule, whether through the denial of entry, or death threats, purely as a result of race for dare trying to challenge the white establishment, or status quo.

Who can forget the pressures and struggles Jackie Robinson endured while breaking the color line in baseball. Or, the many death threats Hanks Aaron received while attempting to break Babe Ruth’s home run record. When Tiger woods was set to be the first African American tot win the Masters Golf Tournament, he received numerous death threats. And the list goes on. Many African American athletes on the brink of making history have stories of racial indifference toward their achievement, while enduring slurs and death threats. Therefore, how much more will the first African American President have to endure resistance, and ridicule from “fringe elements” who are purely motivated by race?

Also worth mentioning; during his early bid as a potential Democratic nominee for the Presidency of the United States, Barack Obama required extra security due to racist death threats because of his race.

Leave a comment and let us know what you think

Left of Center

Tim Wise – Is Race a Factor in President Obama’s Presidency? (part 1)

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

What is your opinion of the stereotypical images, and effigies, depicting President Obama in the media or at public rallies and town hall meetings? Are the images over the top racially? Do these images have anything to do with political ideological differences related to the issues? Or just plain racist?

Do you believe there are elements of racism, fringe or other wise, because President Obama is African American?

Left of Center

Leave a comment and let us know what you think.





Other images depicting or implying, President Obama

Race and Politics: Was President Carter Right?

Recently, former President Jimmy Carter suggested, “because Barack Obama is the nations first African American President, much of the resistance to his administration was due to race, and the inability of some to except a black man as being president”. President Carter attributed some of the anger, and confrontation, at town hall meetings, at so called Republican sponsored “Tea Parties”, and the most recent outburst, and breach of Congressional decorum, by South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson when he shouted out “You Lie!” during President Obama’s address on Health Care Reform to congress, to latent racism.

President Obama received nearly 53% of the American vote to become President, which means an overwhelming amount of white voters voted for Obama in order for him to win the nomination. Is this then an indicator that America is now a post-racial society? Or, could racism still lurk in a small remnant of the 47% who did not vote for him?

Leave a comment and let us know what you think.

President Carter – Is Race a Factor? (part 1)




President Carter – Is Race a Factor? (part 2)



Leave a comment and let us know what you think.

President Barack Obama Makes Historic Speech to America's Students

On September 8, 2009, President Barack Obama delivered a national address to the students of America. During this historic address, the president spoke directly to the nation's children and youth about persisting and succeeding in school. The president challenged students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning.

Many schools across America denied students to hear the live address, in fears of the President's speech would somehow brainwash children politically. The speech was nothing of the sort, but simply motivational, moving and inspirational. Now you too can hear the speech in its entirety and judge for your self.



Left of Center

Back-to-School Controversy over President Obama's Speech to Students. Politically Motivated?

Back-to-School Controversy: Many school districts across the country making a decision not to allow the President of the United States of America to address to school children. Are these decisions politically motivated?



Unless one is adverse to local, or national, news coverage, there has been a consorted effort by single party politics, both locally and nationally, to protest the national airing of President Obama’s speech to K-6 students.

Single party politics are urging parents to protest the airing of the Presidential Address on education by pulling children out of school on the day of the address sighting, “they want to avoid their children from being exposed to the rhetoric of a Socialist President’” These abashing statements are absurd, and politically motivated, to invoke an unfair public response, and influence entire school systems to cancel a Presidential Address on education.

As a parent, I am applaud and outraged, that single party politics and media driven propaganda, has influenced certain Schools to not air the live broadcast of President Obama’s speech on education to schools.

Parents of these schools are made up of various political party voters, all of who pay tax dollars into the School System. Partisan politics should not be allowed to dictate local school airing of the Presidential Address. Many past presidents have made a public address to school children without a protest that lead to a countywide, “blackout” based on the ridicules objections, and false biases, of single party politics.

I wonder if school districts across the country are prepared to deny all public officials, or politicians, from ever speaking to school’s in the future. Or, is this an offensive set aside for this particular President, for a particular single party agenda? Shameful!!!

There needs to be public outrage, and parental concerned, that there has already begun an indoctrination in the school system by single party politics, teaching our children that lies, false statements, and distortion is a means necessary when attempting to regain power and control. Reprehensible!!!

Left of Center

President Obama's Prepared Remarks on Education

Read the FACTS concerning President Obama's planned address to school children and a complete transcript of President Obama's prepared remarks on Education at:

www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/

Left of Center

Are you ready to cash in?
The government-sponsored Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) was created to spur new car sales and boost the struggling auto industry, but qualifying consumers may be the big winners. If you own a drivable, registered vehicle that's less than 25 years old and gets 18 mpg or less (EPA combined), you may be able to scrap that vehicle in exchange for a $3,500 or $4,500 credit toward the purchase of a more fuel-efficient new vehicle.


Now that the popular "Government-Sponsored" Cash for Clunker program is over and all of the credits towards purchase of fuel-efficient new vehicles have been allotted. Thousands of Americans have benefited from "Government-Credits" (i.e. Stimulus Money to help spurn the auto industry)

The question remains, can someone please tally up for me, how many Republicans,Democrats and Moderates, participate and took advantage of "Government-Sponsored" Deals? I need my Republican friends to line up behind their new stimulus credited fuel-efficient cars. And I need the Moderates and Democrats come stand behind the "Government" Public Option Plan for Health Care Reform.

Did anyone have to show their party card before trading in their clunker for "Government" cash? Will certian party cards be revoked for those who voted against any form of Stimulus yet participated in the "Governments" Cash for Clunkers Program?

Perhaps I miss spoke and only Democrats participated in cash for clunkers for more fuel-efficient cars.

Just a thought,
Left of Center

No Silver Bullet for Health Care Reform

Health Care Reform Reality Check!!!

There are many LIES and MYTHS being spread around about Health Care Reform. Orchestrated disruptions at Townhome meetings designed to confuse the issues and deny civil discourse. Don't be mislead or misinformed by the OLD politics as usual crowd, who use scare tactics to keep Americans from an honest debate over Health Care Reform. Get a reality check!

To learn more about the TRUTH and FACTS in the Health Care Reform Debate, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/

Left of Center

Health Care: one of the most important issues facing American families, American businesses, and the American government.

Some Key Statistics:

• Nearly 46 million Americans, or 18 percent of the population under the age of 65, were without health insurance in 2007, the latest government data available.1

• Nearly 90 million people – about one-third of the population below the age of 65 spent a portion of either 2006 or 2007 without health coverage.3

• In 2007, 37 million workers were uninsured because not all businesses offer health benefits, not all workers qualify for coverage and many employees cannot afford their share of the health insurance premium even when coverage is at their fingertips.1

• About 20 percent of the uninsured (vs. three percent of those with coverage) say their usual source of care is the emergency room.2

For more statistics on Health Care visit: http://www.nchc.org/facts/coverage.shtml

Notes

1. DeNavas-Walt, C.B. Proctor, and J. Smith. Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2007. U.S. Census Bureau., August 2008.

2. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. The Uninsured: A Primer, Key Facts About Americans without Health Insurance. October 2006. http://www.kff.org/uninsured/

3. Families USA. Wrong Direction: One Out of Three Americans are Uninsured. September 2007. http://familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/wrong-direction.pdf

Left of Center