/PRNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) issued the following statement regarding the estimate released today by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO):
The CBO today confirmed what many economists, actuaries, and health policy experts have said for weeks: the Senate healthcare reform bill would make coverage more expensive for millions of people buying individual insurance policies.
While CBO recognizes the significant impact of the proposal, it understates the effect in three areas:
-- Several provisions in the Senate bill will cause many people to wait
until they are sick to purchase coverage, significantly driving up
premiums for everyone. These include severely restricting discounts
for young people, very low financial penalties for not purchasing
coverage, while still requiring insurers to guarantee coverage
regardless of preexisting conditions. Many young people, in
particular, are likely to pay the nominal fine, rather than purchase
coverage that costs far more than the penalty.
-- Adding the previously uninsured will significantly increase premiums
in the individual market. Contrary to CBO, Oliver Wyman, Inc.'s
analysis of actual claims' costs in the individual market predicts
that the uninsured will actually be 20 percent more expensive to
insure than those in the individual market today. Had CBO adopted a
similar assumption, their premium impact would have been approximately
30 percent higher.
-- The impact will vary significantly by state because of regional
differences in rating laws today. Oliver Wyman, Inc. found that
two-thirds of Americans live in states where the average premium
impact will be much higher than a national average.
Caution should be used in describing CBO's results on how many people will see lower premiums because of the federal subsidies. It should be noted that many of these people were previously uninsured and therefore did not pay any premiums. While we strongly support extending coverage to everyone and providing needed subsidies, we should be careful not to misconstrue these as savings.
We are pleased that the debate is now focusing on how the bills will make coverage less affordable to the American people. We encourage the Senate to use the CBO findings, as well as the analyses of Oliver Wyman, to make much needed improvements to the Senate Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to ensure that it will be affordable and sustainable for everyone.
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Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
American Association for Homecare Endorses New U.S. Senate Bill, the 'Prevent Health Care Fraud Act of 2009'
/PRNewswire/ -- The American Association for Homecare endorses the new "Prevent Health Care Fraud Act of 2009," S. 2128, which is designed to substantially improve tools and resources available to prevent fraud in Medicare. The bill was introduced by Sen. George LeMieux (R-Fla.).
The LeMieux bill contains several provisions the American Association for Homecare outlined in its 13-point anti-fraud action plan, which the Association proposed to Congress in February. Those provisions include calling for real-time audits and screens to catch fraudulent claims, more site inspections to ensure that Medicare allows only legitimate home medical equipment providers to file reimbursement claims, and a dedicated office at the federal government level to combat Medicare fraud. The Association has also recommended that more funding be made available to federal fraud fighters. See the Association's full 13-point plan at www.aahomecare.org/stopfraud.
"This association has been on record for a long time in support of new measures designed to root out fraudulent activity within Medicare," said Tyler J. Wilson, president of the American Association for Homecare. "That's why we are very pleased that Sen. LeMieux and the cosponsors on his bill have demonstrated leadership in proposing an aggressive, proactive approach to stopping fraud. The current pay-and-chase system is not effective."
Wilson said he hopes that Congress will incorporate the Association's entire 13-point plan into the LeMieux legislation. The American Association for Homecare will continue to work with key congressional committees and members of Congress to find ways to curtail criminal activity within Medicare and at the same time preserve the ability of legitimate home medical equipment providers to serve Medicare beneficiaries.
The American Association for Homecare represents providers of durable medical equipment and services, manufacturers, and other organizations in the homecare community. Members serve the medical needs of millions of Americans who require oxygen equipment and therapy, mobility assistive technologies, medical supplies, inhalation drug therapy, and other medical equipment and services in their homes. Medicare reimbursement rates for durable medical equipment have been cut dramatically three times over the past six years, on top of a freeze on CPI increases during the same period. The Association's members operate more than 3,000 homecare locations in all 50 states. Visit www.aahomecare.org/athome.
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The LeMieux bill contains several provisions the American Association for Homecare outlined in its 13-point anti-fraud action plan, which the Association proposed to Congress in February. Those provisions include calling for real-time audits and screens to catch fraudulent claims, more site inspections to ensure that Medicare allows only legitimate home medical equipment providers to file reimbursement claims, and a dedicated office at the federal government level to combat Medicare fraud. The Association has also recommended that more funding be made available to federal fraud fighters. See the Association's full 13-point plan at www.aahomecare.org/stopfraud.
"This association has been on record for a long time in support of new measures designed to root out fraudulent activity within Medicare," said Tyler J. Wilson, president of the American Association for Homecare. "That's why we are very pleased that Sen. LeMieux and the cosponsors on his bill have demonstrated leadership in proposing an aggressive, proactive approach to stopping fraud. The current pay-and-chase system is not effective."
Wilson said he hopes that Congress will incorporate the Association's entire 13-point plan into the LeMieux legislation. The American Association for Homecare will continue to work with key congressional committees and members of Congress to find ways to curtail criminal activity within Medicare and at the same time preserve the ability of legitimate home medical equipment providers to serve Medicare beneficiaries.
The American Association for Homecare represents providers of durable medical equipment and services, manufacturers, and other organizations in the homecare community. Members serve the medical needs of millions of Americans who require oxygen equipment and therapy, mobility assistive technologies, medical supplies, inhalation drug therapy, and other medical equipment and services in their homes. Medicare reimbursement rates for durable medical equipment have been cut dramatically three times over the past six years, on top of a freeze on CPI increases during the same period. The Association's members operate more than 3,000 homecare locations in all 50 states. Visit www.aahomecare.org/athome.
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Friday, November 20, 2009
Constitutional States Rights & Fair Tax 912 monthly meeting
Tuesday, November 24 at 7:00pm.
Constitutional States Rights & Fair Tax 912 monthly meeting
Club/Group Meeting (open to all patriots & FairTax supporters)
J Christopher's Restaurant, 265 Commerce Dr. Peachtree City, GA.
(NE Corner of Hwy 54 & Hwy 74). Westpark shopping center
Constitutional States Rights & Fair Tax 912 monthly meeting
Club/Group Meeting (open to all patriots & FairTax supporters)
J Christopher's Restaurant, 265 Commerce Dr. Peachtree City, GA.
(NE Corner of Hwy 54 & Hwy 74). Westpark shopping center
Project 21 Members Protest Jesse Jackson Linking Racial Identity to ObamaCare Vote
/PRNewswire/ -- Members of the Project 21 black leadership network have risen to condemn Jesse Jackson for saying of Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL), "You can't vote against health care and call yourself a black man," calling Jackson's statement divisive and likening it to the mental tactics of a antebellum slaveowner.
Declining to respond in kind, Rep. Davis told The Hill newspaper, "The best way to honor Reverend Jackson's legacy is to decline to engage in an argument with him that begins and ends with race."
Project 21 members were less retrained.
"Shame on Jesse Jackson for using the race card in an attempt to influence the views of another black politician," said Project 21 Fellow Deneen Borelli.
"Ironically, Jackson is acting like a slaveowner trying to keep blacks on his ideological plantation, where they are required to support government programs that increase public dependency on a bureaucracy," Borelli added. "In Jackson's world, it appears a black man cannot have independent thought. They must follow Jackson blindly or face lashes from his tongue."
"What makes Jesse Jackson an authority on being black in America more than anyone else? Why is he able to determine how we must think?" asked Project 21 member Kevin L. Martin. "It's no mystery why Jackson consistently failed to win broad appeal for his goals and must instead resort to ugly racial politics."
Martin added: "Blacks who have sought to exercise their free will are well aware of the disdain, disrespect and derision that comes with straying from the liberal plantation. Welcome to the club, Congressman Davis."
Jackson's smear was made during a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation reception held on November 18 to mark the 25th anniversary of his presidential campaign. Rep. Davis (D-AL), a black congressman, voted against the House version of ObamaCare.
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Declining to respond in kind, Rep. Davis told The Hill newspaper, "The best way to honor Reverend Jackson's legacy is to decline to engage in an argument with him that begins and ends with race."
Project 21 members were less retrained.
"Shame on Jesse Jackson for using the race card in an attempt to influence the views of another black politician," said Project 21 Fellow Deneen Borelli.
"Ironically, Jackson is acting like a slaveowner trying to keep blacks on his ideological plantation, where they are required to support government programs that increase public dependency on a bureaucracy," Borelli added. "In Jackson's world, it appears a black man cannot have independent thought. They must follow Jackson blindly or face lashes from his tongue."
"What makes Jesse Jackson an authority on being black in America more than anyone else? Why is he able to determine how we must think?" asked Project 21 member Kevin L. Martin. "It's no mystery why Jackson consistently failed to win broad appeal for his goals and must instead resort to ugly racial politics."
Martin added: "Blacks who have sought to exercise their free will are well aware of the disdain, disrespect and derision that comes with straying from the liberal plantation. Welcome to the club, Congressman Davis."
Jackson's smear was made during a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation reception held on November 18 to mark the 25th anniversary of his presidential campaign. Rep. Davis (D-AL), a black congressman, voted against the House version of ObamaCare.
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Statement: KSBH President Andrew Langer on Senate Health Care Bill
/PRNewswire/ -- Keeping Small Business Healthy President Andrew Langer issued the following statement today on the new Senate health care reform bill:
"This bill does NOT satisfactorily address the key needs of small business owners, and will still lead to the LOSS of jobs by small businesses because of the costs and red tape.
"Only the government could get away with the accounting gimmicks in this bill. If a small business owner attempted this type of accounting, they'd be arrested and put in jail for fraud."
Keeping Small Business Healthy is an initiative of the Institute for Liberty and to learn more about the project visit www.healthysmallbusiness.org.
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"This bill does NOT satisfactorily address the key needs of small business owners, and will still lead to the LOSS of jobs by small businesses because of the costs and red tape.
"Only the government could get away with the accounting gimmicks in this bill. If a small business owner attempted this type of accounting, they'd be arrested and put in jail for fraud."
Keeping Small Business Healthy is an initiative of the Institute for Liberty and to learn more about the project visit www.healthysmallbusiness.org.
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AHIP Statement on the Release of Proposed Senate Legislation
/PRNewswire/ -- Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), released the following statement today on the release of proposed Senate legislation:
"The promise of health care reform is that it will provide all Americans coverage, allow them to keep their coverage if they like it, and bends the cost curve to put the system on a sustainable path. These are the standards by which any reform bill should be judged, and the Senate bill falls short of meeting them. We believe that these issues can be addressed and improved to achieve these goals, and we will continue to work with policymakers toward that end.
"We believe that all Americans, regardless of health status or medical history, should have guaranteed access to affordable coverage. We have proposed guarantee issue coverage with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions in conjunction with a coverage requirement and adequate subsidies for working families. We also have made a commitment to do our part by proposing far-reaching administrative simplification reforms that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and free up time for physicians to focus on patient care. We stand by these commitments, but agree with a wide range of health policy experts that market reforms will not work if there is not an effective coverage requirement.
"This proposal encourages people to wait until they are sick to purchase coverage, which will significantly drive up costs for those who are currently insured. The legislation also imposes rating rules that will raise the cost of coverage for millions of young families in more than 40 states.
"The new health care taxes and fees will raise the cost of coverage for individuals, families, and employers. Health plans will be required to pay a $6.7 billion tax beginning next year for the next 10 years, in addition to 'stabilization' fees of $25 billion in 2014, 2015, and 2016. According to Fortune magazine's analysis of the companies listed under 'Insurance and Managed Care,' earnings in 2008 totaled $8.61 billion with a profit margin of 2.2% -- ranking the industry 35th on the Fortune list.
"This bill will also exacerbate the health care cost shift as health care providers offset reductions in public program reimbursements by charging more to families and employers who have private coverage. The new government plan will cause even more cost-shifting and threaten the employer-based coverage with which Americans are overwhelmingly satisfied.
"The $117 billion in cuts to Medicare Advantage will threaten the choices that seniors have across the country and significantly reduce seniors' benefits in many major metropolitan areas.
"Congress is being forced to turn to these financing mechanisms because it has been unwilling to make a commitment to specific strategies and enforceable objectives that will bend the health care cost curve downward."
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"The promise of health care reform is that it will provide all Americans coverage, allow them to keep their coverage if they like it, and bends the cost curve to put the system on a sustainable path. These are the standards by which any reform bill should be judged, and the Senate bill falls short of meeting them. We believe that these issues can be addressed and improved to achieve these goals, and we will continue to work with policymakers toward that end.
"We believe that all Americans, regardless of health status or medical history, should have guaranteed access to affordable coverage. We have proposed guarantee issue coverage with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions in conjunction with a coverage requirement and adequate subsidies for working families. We also have made a commitment to do our part by proposing far-reaching administrative simplification reforms that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and free up time for physicians to focus on patient care. We stand by these commitments, but agree with a wide range of health policy experts that market reforms will not work if there is not an effective coverage requirement.
"This proposal encourages people to wait until they are sick to purchase coverage, which will significantly drive up costs for those who are currently insured. The legislation also imposes rating rules that will raise the cost of coverage for millions of young families in more than 40 states.
"The new health care taxes and fees will raise the cost of coverage for individuals, families, and employers. Health plans will be required to pay a $6.7 billion tax beginning next year for the next 10 years, in addition to 'stabilization' fees of $25 billion in 2014, 2015, and 2016. According to Fortune magazine's analysis of the companies listed under 'Insurance and Managed Care,' earnings in 2008 totaled $8.61 billion with a profit margin of 2.2% -- ranking the industry 35th on the Fortune list.
"This bill will also exacerbate the health care cost shift as health care providers offset reductions in public program reimbursements by charging more to families and employers who have private coverage. The new government plan will cause even more cost-shifting and threaten the employer-based coverage with which Americans are overwhelmingly satisfied.
"The $117 billion in cuts to Medicare Advantage will threaten the choices that seniors have across the country and significantly reduce seniors' benefits in many major metropolitan areas.
"Congress is being forced to turn to these financing mechanisms because it has been unwilling to make a commitment to specific strategies and enforceable objectives that will bend the health care cost curve downward."
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Health Insurance Reform Proposals Are a Bargain Not a Bust for Georgia
Leading health insurance reform proposals to expand Medicaid that are making their way through Congress not only could cover one million low-income Georgians, but will provide more than 90 percent of the funds to do so.
This is a win-win for all Georgians, as explained in the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute's latest analysis. Both Governor Perdue and Lt. Governor Cagle's have overstated the budget impact and neglected to state that the federal government is not only picking up most of Georgia's tab, but that local economies will benefit from the healthcare dollars as well as healthier citizens.
The governor and lieutenant governor are both using out-of-date cost estimates when stating that Georgia cannot afford the reform proposals to expand Medicaid. In addition, both fail to apply these basic principles to their analysis:
1) Participation will ramp up over a few years and cannot practically happen the first day the expansion takes effect.
2) Full participation in the expanded Medicaid program may never occur.
3) Federal dollars will pay the full cost for two to three years, and then 90 percent of it after that.
"There is plenty of time to ensure the state has adequate funds to provide coverage to the lowest-income Georgians without access to health insurance, since neither proposal starts for a few years," said Timothy Sweeney, the Institute's senior healthcare analyst, "and even when the law does go into effect, those eligible will sign-up over another several years, not all at once.
"Another reason that expanding Medicaid is a bargain not just for Georgia, but for all the states, is that in addition to getting its citizens covered, it injects millions of federal funds into local economies," said Sweeney, the report's author.
Georgian's needs are growing dramatically and the state's ability to meet them are shrinking. Georgia's uninsured rate is tenth in the nation. Roughly one in seven people lived in poverty in 2008, and our job loss rate is fifth in the nation. Vulnerable groups are hit hardest during recessions, and low-income workers are losing employer-sponsored health insurance faster than others.
The analysis also explains why both houses of Congress are choosing to expand Medicaid, and how each bill funds the expansion with federal funds.
The Georgia Department of Community Health is currently reworking their cost estimates based on current reform proposals that have been passed in Congress. "The state's highest leaders should use accurate numbers and not scare people into believing the state cannot afford to expand coverage to those with the least access to healthcare," said Alan Essig, the Institue's executive director.
"In fact they have it backwards, the state cannot afford not to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to insure its neediest citizens."
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This is a win-win for all Georgians, as explained in the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute's latest analysis. Both Governor Perdue and Lt. Governor Cagle's have overstated the budget impact and neglected to state that the federal government is not only picking up most of Georgia's tab, but that local economies will benefit from the healthcare dollars as well as healthier citizens.
The governor and lieutenant governor are both using out-of-date cost estimates when stating that Georgia cannot afford the reform proposals to expand Medicaid. In addition, both fail to apply these basic principles to their analysis:
1) Participation will ramp up over a few years and cannot practically happen the first day the expansion takes effect.
2) Full participation in the expanded Medicaid program may never occur.
3) Federal dollars will pay the full cost for two to three years, and then 90 percent of it after that.
"There is plenty of time to ensure the state has adequate funds to provide coverage to the lowest-income Georgians without access to health insurance, since neither proposal starts for a few years," said Timothy Sweeney, the Institute's senior healthcare analyst, "and even when the law does go into effect, those eligible will sign-up over another several years, not all at once.
"Another reason that expanding Medicaid is a bargain not just for Georgia, but for all the states, is that in addition to getting its citizens covered, it injects millions of federal funds into local economies," said Sweeney, the report's author.
Georgian's needs are growing dramatically and the state's ability to meet them are shrinking. Georgia's uninsured rate is tenth in the nation. Roughly one in seven people lived in poverty in 2008, and our job loss rate is fifth in the nation. Vulnerable groups are hit hardest during recessions, and low-income workers are losing employer-sponsored health insurance faster than others.
The analysis also explains why both houses of Congress are choosing to expand Medicaid, and how each bill funds the expansion with federal funds.
The Georgia Department of Community Health is currently reworking their cost estimates based on current reform proposals that have been passed in Congress. "The state's highest leaders should use accurate numbers and not scare people into believing the state cannot afford to expand coverage to those with the least access to healthcare," said Alan Essig, the Institue's executive director.
"In fact they have it backwards, the state cannot afford not to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to insure its neediest citizens."
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Judicial Watch Calls on President Obama to Overrule Attorney General Holder
Judicial Watch Calls on President Obama to Overrule Attorney General Holder's Decision on Khalid Sheikh Mohammed Trial
/Standard Newswire/ Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton issued the following statement today in response to the decision by Attorney General Eric Holder to grant a civilian criminal trial to 9/11 terrorist mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other 9/11 terrorists in New York City.
"The decision to bring Mohammed and other Al Qaeda terrorists to New York for a civilian criminal trial is not Eric Holder's to make. President Obama is the commander in chief and he is ultimately responsible for the safety and security of this county.
"President Obama already reversed Holder on the release of prisoner abuse photos on national security grounds and he should reverse Holder now in the interest of national security. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed should remain in military custody, be kept outside the United States and be brought to justice in the military tribunal system."
"An unprecedented civilian trial for the 9/11 terrorists will harm our national security, place government officials and civilians at risk, and provide a propaganda platform to rally and recruit terrorists. And it is no small risk that a civilian criminal proceeding may result in the release of these terrorists onto American soil. No one elected Eric Holder to make these types of national security decisions. Eric Holder is making a dangerous mistake, and the President needs to act to protect the country and overrule the Attorney General."
Judicial Watch is representing a 9/11 victim in various litigation. And with respect to the military tribunal process, in 2008, Judicial Watch was selected by the Pentagon to monitor the arraignments at Guantanamo Bay of the five terrorist prisoners who are now set to be brought to New York.
(In August, Judicial Watch obtained a CIA report entitled, Khalid Shaykh Muhammad: Preeminent Source on Al Qa'ida, which documented the information gained by interrogations of
Mohammed: "KSM's (Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's) decade-long career as a terrorist, during which he met with a broad range of Islamic extremists from around the world, has made him a key source of information on numerous al Qa'ida operatives and other mujahidin. He has provided intelligence that has led directly to the capture of operatives or fleshed out our
understanding of the activities of important detainees, which in turn assisted in the debriefings of these individuals." This document was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit.)
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/Standard Newswire/ Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton issued the following statement today in response to the decision by Attorney General Eric Holder to grant a civilian criminal trial to 9/11 terrorist mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other 9/11 terrorists in New York City.
"The decision to bring Mohammed and other Al Qaeda terrorists to New York for a civilian criminal trial is not Eric Holder's to make. President Obama is the commander in chief and he is ultimately responsible for the safety and security of this county.
"President Obama already reversed Holder on the release of prisoner abuse photos on national security grounds and he should reverse Holder now in the interest of national security. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed should remain in military custody, be kept outside the United States and be brought to justice in the military tribunal system."
"An unprecedented civilian trial for the 9/11 terrorists will harm our national security, place government officials and civilians at risk, and provide a propaganda platform to rally and recruit terrorists. And it is no small risk that a civilian criminal proceeding may result in the release of these terrorists onto American soil. No one elected Eric Holder to make these types of national security decisions. Eric Holder is making a dangerous mistake, and the President needs to act to protect the country and overrule the Attorney General."
Judicial Watch is representing a 9/11 victim in various litigation. And with respect to the military tribunal process, in 2008, Judicial Watch was selected by the Pentagon to monitor the arraignments at Guantanamo Bay of the five terrorist prisoners who are now set to be brought to New York.
(In August, Judicial Watch obtained a CIA report entitled, Khalid Shaykh Muhammad: Preeminent Source on Al Qa'ida, which documented the information gained by interrogations of
Mohammed: "KSM's (Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's) decade-long career as a terrorist, during which he met with a broad range of Islamic extremists from around the world, has made him a key source of information on numerous al Qa'ida operatives and other mujahidin. He has provided intelligence that has led directly to the capture of operatives or fleshed out our
understanding of the activities of important detainees, which in turn assisted in the debriefings of these individuals." This document was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit.)
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Judicial Watch Obtains Documents on Obama FCC 'Diversity Czar'
/Standard Newswire/ -- Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today that it has obtained documents from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding President Obama's "Diversity Czar" Mark Lloyd's official mission and responsibilities.
According to the documents, provided in response to a Judicial Watch Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, Lloyd's mission is "to open up opportunities for all Americans, in particular women, minorities, small business owners, to participate in and benefit from a robust communications marketplace." Among Lloyd's duties and responsibilities: "To work with the
Consumer Bureau (and other bureaus as appropriate) to collect relevant data and assess the
interaction between communications service providers and consumers in minority communities..." and "to consult with other federal agencies to determine best practices for advancing the goal of greater inclusion and diversity in government programs."
Judicial Watch also requested information pertaining to Chief Diversity Officer Lloyd's office staffing and budget for operation and administration. However, according to FCC Associate General Counsel Joel Kaufman, "We could locate no records responsive to...parts of your request. While Mr. Lloyd shares support staff with others in OGC (Office of General Counsel), no one was hired or assigned specifically to support him in his work. His position is funded out of the agency's fiscal year budget...but he has no separate budget for operation and administration."
In May 2009, Judicial Watch uncovered documents that demonstrate the FCC plans to use the professed goal of "diversity" to regulate free speech in the media. For example, in December 2007, the FCC proposed new "localism" measures to force broadcast stations to offer programming more "responsive to the needs and interests of the communities that they are
licensed to serve." Some legal analysts have said such "localism" policies represent a back-door into the controversial Fairness Doctrine, which the Obama administration claims to oppose.
Lloyd, meanwhile, has been criticized heavily for making a number of controversial statements on race. For example, during a conference in 2005, Lloyd said, "There's nothing more difficult than this. Because we have really, truly good white people in important positions. And the fact of the matter is that there are a limited number of those positions. And unless we are conscious of the need to have more people of color, gays, other people in those positions we will not change the problem. We're in a position where you have to say who is going to step down so someone else can have power." During a 2008 National Conference for Media Reform, Lloyd also said Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez's rise to power was "really an incredible revolution - a democratic revolution."
Judicial Watch's FOIA request regarding Mark Lloyd is part of the organization's comprehensive investigation of all Obama administration czars. Judicial Watch has filed a FOIA request with the Office of Management and Budget as well as requests with each separate "czar" office. Article II section 2 of the Constitution, states that, "...[the President] shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose
Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law."
Unlike the heads of other executive departments (such as the Secretaries of Energy, Transportation, etc.), most of Obama's "czars" have not been confirmed by the U.S. Senate or have had their positions authorized by Congress. Some of these appointees might not have even been subjected to a basic FBI background check. Importantly, some of the "czars" work for the president in the White House -- these individuals could claim "executive privilege" if ever subpoenaed to testify before Congress. And they may not be subject to transparency laws.
"Obama seems to have a 'czar' for everything and too many wield power with zero congressional and public accountability. And considering the radical views of 'czars' like Mark Lloyd, the more information the American people can get on them the better. Do we really want a race-baiting promoter of Hugo Chavez presiding over questionable diversity programs at the FCC?" said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.
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According to the documents, provided in response to a Judicial Watch Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, Lloyd's mission is "to open up opportunities for all Americans, in particular women, minorities, small business owners, to participate in and benefit from a robust communications marketplace." Among Lloyd's duties and responsibilities: "To work with the
Consumer Bureau (and other bureaus as appropriate) to collect relevant data and assess the
interaction between communications service providers and consumers in minority communities..." and "to consult with other federal agencies to determine best practices for advancing the goal of greater inclusion and diversity in government programs."
Judicial Watch also requested information pertaining to Chief Diversity Officer Lloyd's office staffing and budget for operation and administration. However, according to FCC Associate General Counsel Joel Kaufman, "We could locate no records responsive to...parts of your request. While Mr. Lloyd shares support staff with others in OGC (Office of General Counsel), no one was hired or assigned specifically to support him in his work. His position is funded out of the agency's fiscal year budget...but he has no separate budget for operation and administration."
In May 2009, Judicial Watch uncovered documents that demonstrate the FCC plans to use the professed goal of "diversity" to regulate free speech in the media. For example, in December 2007, the FCC proposed new "localism" measures to force broadcast stations to offer programming more "responsive to the needs and interests of the communities that they are
licensed to serve." Some legal analysts have said such "localism" policies represent a back-door into the controversial Fairness Doctrine, which the Obama administration claims to oppose.
Lloyd, meanwhile, has been criticized heavily for making a number of controversial statements on race. For example, during a conference in 2005, Lloyd said, "There's nothing more difficult than this. Because we have really, truly good white people in important positions. And the fact of the matter is that there are a limited number of those positions. And unless we are conscious of the need to have more people of color, gays, other people in those positions we will not change the problem. We're in a position where you have to say who is going to step down so someone else can have power." During a 2008 National Conference for Media Reform, Lloyd also said Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez's rise to power was "really an incredible revolution - a democratic revolution."
Judicial Watch's FOIA request regarding Mark Lloyd is part of the organization's comprehensive investigation of all Obama administration czars. Judicial Watch has filed a FOIA request with the Office of Management and Budget as well as requests with each separate "czar" office. Article II section 2 of the Constitution, states that, "...[the President] shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose
Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law."
Unlike the heads of other executive departments (such as the Secretaries of Energy, Transportation, etc.), most of Obama's "czars" have not been confirmed by the U.S. Senate or have had their positions authorized by Congress. Some of these appointees might not have even been subjected to a basic FBI background check. Importantly, some of the "czars" work for the president in the White House -- these individuals could claim "executive privilege" if ever subpoenaed to testify before Congress. And they may not be subject to transparency laws.
"Obama seems to have a 'czar' for everything and too many wield power with zero congressional and public accountability. And considering the radical views of 'czars' like Mark Lloyd, the more information the American people can get on them the better. Do we really want a race-baiting promoter of Hugo Chavez presiding over questionable diversity programs at the FCC?" said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.
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Friday, November 13, 2009
Boehner Statement on the Obama Administration’s “Irresponsible” Decision to Prosecute 9/11 Mastermind in NYC
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement on the Obama Administration’s decision to prosecute the mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and several other Guantanamo Bay detainees in New York City before a civilian federal court:
“The Obama Administration’s irresponsible decision to prosecute the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks in New York City puts the interests of liberal special interest groups before the safety and security of the American people. The possibility that Khalid Sheik Mohammed and his co-conspirators could be found ‘not guilty’ due to some legal technicality just blocks from Ground Zero should give every American pause.
“These men are part of a global terrorist network dedicated to attacking America and civilization itself, and on that awful day nine years ago, they succeeded in killing nearly 3,000 innocent men, women, and children. These terrorists were already being tried by military commissions, which were specifically designed to prosecute such heinous acts.
“This decision is further evidence that the White House is reverting to a dangerous pre-9/11 mentality – treating terrorism as a law enforcement issue and hoping for the best. We need a real strategy for fighting and winning the war on America’s terrorist enemies that includes an effective, credible, and consistent plan for all terrorist detainees.”
NOTE: In May, House Republicans introduced H.R. 2294, the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act, which would stop the transfer or release of terrorists held at the Guantanamo Bay prison into the United States. The legislation unequivocally opposes releasing terrorists from the Guantanamo Bay facility and transferring them to the United States, makes clear that governors and state legislatures must pre-approve the transfer or release of any terrorist detainee into their respective states, and requires the Administration to meet strict criteria and certification standards before terrorists housed at the Guantanamo prison could be brought to the United States.
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“The Obama Administration’s irresponsible decision to prosecute the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks in New York City puts the interests of liberal special interest groups before the safety and security of the American people. The possibility that Khalid Sheik Mohammed and his co-conspirators could be found ‘not guilty’ due to some legal technicality just blocks from Ground Zero should give every American pause.
“These men are part of a global terrorist network dedicated to attacking America and civilization itself, and on that awful day nine years ago, they succeeded in killing nearly 3,000 innocent men, women, and children. These terrorists were already being tried by military commissions, which were specifically designed to prosecute such heinous acts.
“This decision is further evidence that the White House is reverting to a dangerous pre-9/11 mentality – treating terrorism as a law enforcement issue and hoping for the best. We need a real strategy for fighting and winning the war on America’s terrorist enemies that includes an effective, credible, and consistent plan for all terrorist detainees.”
NOTE: In May, House Republicans introduced H.R. 2294, the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act, which would stop the transfer or release of terrorists held at the Guantanamo Bay prison into the United States. The legislation unequivocally opposes releasing terrorists from the Guantanamo Bay facility and transferring them to the United States, makes clear that governors and state legislatures must pre-approve the transfer or release of any terrorist detainee into their respective states, and requires the Administration to meet strict criteria and certification standards before terrorists housed at the Guantanamo prison could be brought to the United States.
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Hoyer, Reid move to finish health reform legislation by December
The House could be in session until nearly Christmas Eve to try to win final passage on a healthcare bill. By Jordan Fabian and Ian Swanson Read more: http://www.thehill.com/homenews/house/67361-hoyer-reid-move-to-finish-healthcare-in-2009-
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Georgia Workers and the State Slide Backwards
The annual State of Working Georgia examines the deteriorating status of working Georgians 20 months into the recession, outlining solutions that position Georgia to catch up. The recession pummeled Georgia and, as the 2009 edition points out, we have more catching up to do than most states.
§ Georgia lost 7.6 percent of jobs in this recession, the 5th highest of all states. Compared to other recent recessions, the current prolonged job loss is unparalleled. Georgia has less jobs today than in 2001.
§ The working age population of Georgia grew by 19 percent between January 2001 and September 2009, making Georgia a leader in population growth among states, yet with a startling job-population mismatch this decade.
§ Unemployment doubled since the beginning of the recession. Roughly 480,000 Georgia workers (10.1 percent) were unemployed. Additional workers have stopped looking for work or taken part-time jobs, making almost 1 in 6 workers underemployed.
"The task facing Georgia leaders today is to protect and preserve the quality of life of Georgians as they weather the economic downturn," said Sarah Beth Gehl, the report's author and the Institute's deputy director."
In addition to overall workforce trends, the analysis documents income, poverty, health insurance coverage, and disparities among demographics. For example:
§ African-American workers experienced 15.6 percent unemployment in the third quarter of this year, twice the level of unemployment among white workers (7.7 percent).
§ Low-income workers are much less likely to receive employer-sponsored health coverage than higher-wage workers: Twenty-seven percent of low-income, non-elderly adults had employer-sponsored coverage in 2007-2008 compared to 63 percent of all non-elderly adult Georgians.
§ In 2008, half of Hispanic part-time workers wanted full-time employment, but could only locate part-time work.
§ Education levels bookend the earnings spectrum.
"We recommend that Georgia policymakers invest more heavily in raising adult education levels and strengthening supports for low-wage workers," said Gehl, "rather than pushing tax cut legislation that further reduces Georgia's ability to meet people's needs today and make sure our economy is positioned for when prosperity returns."
There is a silver lining to the dismal workforce findings. Georgia can climb itself out of the mire: there are many public policies available to boost the situation of low-income workers and increase the education levels of Georgia workers hardest hit.
To review the analysis and solutions, read State of Working Georgia 2009.
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§ Georgia lost 7.6 percent of jobs in this recession, the 5th highest of all states. Compared to other recent recessions, the current prolonged job loss is unparalleled. Georgia has less jobs today than in 2001.
§ The working age population of Georgia grew by 19 percent between January 2001 and September 2009, making Georgia a leader in population growth among states, yet with a startling job-population mismatch this decade.
§ Unemployment doubled since the beginning of the recession. Roughly 480,000 Georgia workers (10.1 percent) were unemployed. Additional workers have stopped looking for work or taken part-time jobs, making almost 1 in 6 workers underemployed.
"The task facing Georgia leaders today is to protect and preserve the quality of life of Georgians as they weather the economic downturn," said Sarah Beth Gehl, the report's author and the Institute's deputy director."
In addition to overall workforce trends, the analysis documents income, poverty, health insurance coverage, and disparities among demographics. For example:
§ African-American workers experienced 15.6 percent unemployment in the third quarter of this year, twice the level of unemployment among white workers (7.7 percent).
§ Low-income workers are much less likely to receive employer-sponsored health coverage than higher-wage workers: Twenty-seven percent of low-income, non-elderly adults had employer-sponsored coverage in 2007-2008 compared to 63 percent of all non-elderly adult Georgians.
§ In 2008, half of Hispanic part-time workers wanted full-time employment, but could only locate part-time work.
§ Education levels bookend the earnings spectrum.
"We recommend that Georgia policymakers invest more heavily in raising adult education levels and strengthening supports for low-wage workers," said Gehl, "rather than pushing tax cut legislation that further reduces Georgia's ability to meet people's needs today and make sure our economy is positioned for when prosperity returns."
There is a silver lining to the dismal workforce findings. Georgia can climb itself out of the mire: there are many public policies available to boost the situation of low-income workers and increase the education levels of Georgia workers hardest hit.
To review the analysis and solutions, read State of Working Georgia 2009.
-----
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Friday, November 6, 2009
Pelosi to House: Let's Destroy More Jobs
/PRNewswire/ -- With the unemployment rate now shockingly high, and perhaps moving higher, a national small business leader warned the U.S. House that advancing the Pelosi health-care bill will lead to further job loss and a deterioration of the small business sector if enacted. According to Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) President & CEO Karen Kerrigan, the economic rebound that Americans are desperately looking for will not happen with job-killing tax hikes and mandates like those included in H.R. 3962. The House is scheduled to vote on the bill on November 7, 2009.
"The Pelosi health bill drains capital from the enterprises that need it most, and imposes taxes and mandates on businesses and individuals that can least afford these new cost burdens. Small firms will be forced to cut jobs, and encouraged to stay below the penalty threshold of the 'play-or-pay' scheme. That means fewer jobs created. To top it off, the legislation will not lower health coverage costs for small business owners. In fact, it will raise health costs. H.R. 3962 is an irrational piece of legislation and we expect every member of the House who claims an allegiance to small business owners to vote against it," said Kerrigan.
It was reported today that the unemployment rate has reached 10.2 percent. Small business owners continue to be gripped by uncertainty because of unstable economic conditions and the fear of policies being debated in Washington that will impose new costs and requirements on their firms.
"The key issues of concern in Tuesday's elections were jobs and the economy. Indeed this 'local issue' is a national one and all U.S. House members must pay attention to their constituents needs. Real people's jobs are on the line with this legislation, as is the survival of countless small businesses," added Kerrigan.
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"The Pelosi health bill drains capital from the enterprises that need it most, and imposes taxes and mandates on businesses and individuals that can least afford these new cost burdens. Small firms will be forced to cut jobs, and encouraged to stay below the penalty threshold of the 'play-or-pay' scheme. That means fewer jobs created. To top it off, the legislation will not lower health coverage costs for small business owners. In fact, it will raise health costs. H.R. 3962 is an irrational piece of legislation and we expect every member of the House who claims an allegiance to small business owners to vote against it," said Kerrigan.
It was reported today that the unemployment rate has reached 10.2 percent. Small business owners continue to be gripped by uncertainty because of unstable economic conditions and the fear of policies being debated in Washington that will impose new costs and requirements on their firms.
"The key issues of concern in Tuesday's elections were jobs and the economy. Indeed this 'local issue' is a national one and all U.S. House members must pay attention to their constituents needs. Real people's jobs are on the line with this legislation, as is the survival of countless small businesses," added Kerrigan.
-----
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Obamacare's nasty surprise
Fewer insured, higher costs might be the result
Obamacare could have the unintended consequence of raising health insurance premiums and causing a decline in the number of people with insurance.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/05/AR2009110504327.html
Note: This one is a must read!
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Obamacare could have the unintended consequence of raising health insurance premiums and causing a decline in the number of people with insurance.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/05/AR2009110504327.html
Note: This one is a must read!
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Doctors Blast the AMA for Pelosi-Care Endorsement; Will Hold Public 'Shout-out' at AMA Houston Meeting on Saturday Nov. 7 With Tea Party Protestors
/PRNewswire/ -- The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) blasted the AMA for again publicly endorsing the massive Democrat healthcare reform bill in Congress.
"The AMA has sold out patients, and sold out the profession of medicine for a few dollars of Medicare money," said Ms. Serkes. "In July they endorsed HR 3200 and took a lot of heat and lost members in droves. "With the endorsement of HR 3962, it's now painfully clear the AMA does not represent it membership."
A large public demonstration has been organized by physician coalition "Take Back Medicine" on Saturday in Houston. After speaking at the Tea Party Express at the Sam Houston Raceway, AAPS Director Juliette Madrigal-Dersch, M.D. of Marble Falls, TX, and Kathryn Serkes, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, will ride the Tea Party Express bus, leading a caravan grassroots activists to join protesting doctors at the AMA meeting.
"They have one last chance to rescind this endorsement," said Serkes. "If they don't, the damage with the medical community will never be healed."
SATURDAY NOV 7:
Tea Party Express Rally
11:30 AM
SamHouston Race Parkway
7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway West
Houston, TX
Caravan to AMA meeting immediately after TPE rally
Approximately 1:30 pm
Arrival at Brown Convention Center
Approximately 2 pm
Houston, TX
www.TakeBackMedicine.com
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"The AMA has sold out patients, and sold out the profession of medicine for a few dollars of Medicare money," said Ms. Serkes. "In July they endorsed HR 3200 and took a lot of heat and lost members in droves. "With the endorsement of HR 3962, it's now painfully clear the AMA does not represent it membership."
A large public demonstration has been organized by physician coalition "Take Back Medicine" on Saturday in Houston. After speaking at the Tea Party Express at the Sam Houston Raceway, AAPS Director Juliette Madrigal-Dersch, M.D. of Marble Falls, TX, and Kathryn Serkes, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, will ride the Tea Party Express bus, leading a caravan grassroots activists to join protesting doctors at the AMA meeting.
"They have one last chance to rescind this endorsement," said Serkes. "If they don't, the damage with the medical community will never be healed."
SATURDAY NOV 7:
Tea Party Express Rally
11:30 AM
SamHouston Race Parkway
7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway West
Houston, TX
Caravan to AMA meeting immediately after TPE rally
Approximately 1:30 pm
Arrival at Brown Convention Center
Approximately 2 pm
Houston, TX
www.TakeBackMedicine.com
-----
www.politicalpotluck.com
Political News You Can Use
Thursday, November 5, 2009
RetireSafe Calls AARP's Support of House Bill the Greatest Fraud Against Seniors in the 21st Century
/PRNewswire/ -- In a statement released today, RetireSafe President Thair Phillips calls AARP's endorsement of the House health care bill the greatest fraud against seniors in the 21st century. He said, "AARP, easily the most influential seniors lobby, is using their clout to get a bill passed that will slash Medicare and ration the health care of seniors."
According to Phillips, it's a sham for AARP to throw its weight behind a bill most seniors do not support. He said, "AARP gets the major amount of its revenue from selling insurance and they DO have a dog in this fight. Instead of protecting their insurance coffers, AARP should be protecting the health of seniors, the very ones they are supposed to help."
Phillips contends that backing the 10-year, tax-hiking, $1.2 trillion House bill is a deceptive move for AARP, and its endorsement in today's highly politicized atmosphere will anger many of its members.
RetireSafe represents older Americans who are concerned about cuts in Medicare payments to medical providers. Visiting Congressional offices this week, the seniors' advocacy group is making a last ditch effort to impact the legislation. They met with senior advisors at the White House last month.
In a recent RetireSafe survey in their Listens campaign, over 1,500 older Americans expressed concern about the health care reform bill. Over half of the respondents, 60%, said there are not any groups who represent their interest in Washington; 93% said being able to choose the doctor they want is a top priority; while 64% felt having a public option was their lowest priority. RetireSafe launched the Listens campaign to give seniors across the country a chance to voice their strong opinions.
Phillips encourages older people looking for someone to turn to now, to visit RetireSafe's website at www.retiresafe.org, and get their voice heard and counted in the online survey.
According to Phillips, our leaders should listen to seniors as well as to common sense views of officials like Tennessee Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen, who was one of the governors who didn't sign a letter supporting the House bill. A former HMO executive, he has been perhaps the party's sharpest critic in the funding debate.
Said Phillips, "Gov. Bredesen, in an interview this September, called the potential expansion of Medicaid in health care reform 'the mother of all unfunded mandates... We can't print money. We can't borrow money. A lot of staffers in Congress really don't understand this idea of a balanced budget.' RetireSafe agrees."
With the help of AARP, House leaders may have the votes they need before the gavel falls Saturday. Said Phillips, "If so, older Americans are in for the sham of the century."
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According to Phillips, it's a sham for AARP to throw its weight behind a bill most seniors do not support. He said, "AARP gets the major amount of its revenue from selling insurance and they DO have a dog in this fight. Instead of protecting their insurance coffers, AARP should be protecting the health of seniors, the very ones they are supposed to help."
Phillips contends that backing the 10-year, tax-hiking, $1.2 trillion House bill is a deceptive move for AARP, and its endorsement in today's highly politicized atmosphere will anger many of its members.
RetireSafe represents older Americans who are concerned about cuts in Medicare payments to medical providers. Visiting Congressional offices this week, the seniors' advocacy group is making a last ditch effort to impact the legislation. They met with senior advisors at the White House last month.
In a recent RetireSafe survey in their Listens campaign, over 1,500 older Americans expressed concern about the health care reform bill. Over half of the respondents, 60%, said there are not any groups who represent their interest in Washington; 93% said being able to choose the doctor they want is a top priority; while 64% felt having a public option was their lowest priority. RetireSafe launched the Listens campaign to give seniors across the country a chance to voice their strong opinions.
Phillips encourages older people looking for someone to turn to now, to visit RetireSafe's website at www.retiresafe.org, and get their voice heard and counted in the online survey.
According to Phillips, our leaders should listen to seniors as well as to common sense views of officials like Tennessee Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen, who was one of the governors who didn't sign a letter supporting the House bill. A former HMO executive, he has been perhaps the party's sharpest critic in the funding debate.
Said Phillips, "Gov. Bredesen, in an interview this September, called the potential expansion of Medicaid in health care reform 'the mother of all unfunded mandates... We can't print money. We can't borrow money. A lot of staffers in Congress really don't understand this idea of a balanced budget.' RetireSafe agrees."
With the help of AARP, House leaders may have the votes they need before the gavel falls Saturday. Said Phillips, "If so, older Americans are in for the sham of the century."
-----
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Wednesday, November 4, 2009
New National Ad Campaign Targeting Congress, Seniors Say 'DON'T CUT MEDICARE!'
/PRNewswire/ -- Today, the 60 Plus Association released a new TV ad targeting the Democrat Congress' plan to cut Medicare by half a trillion dollars, and announced a phone call campaign into the districts of 78 Members of the House of Representatives.
The ad features members of our Greatest Generation begging Congress not to cut Medicare to pay for health care reform. The 30 second TV ad begins running nationally on cable today. See the ad at www.60plus.org.
The phone calls target Members of the House of Representatives and urge concerned citizens to call their Member and urge them not to cut Medicare.
"This bill adds 111 entitlements and the only one it cuts is Medicare, how is this fair to our greatest generation? Seniors have already lost their Social Security COLA and now Speaker Pelosi wants to cut Medicare, too. As yesterday's elections prove, seniors are upset. Seniors are taking a stand and say 'Don't cut our Medicare,'" said Jim Martin, president of 60 Plus.
Titled "Enough -- Congress" the ad highlights seniors speaking in their own words to the fact that Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Harry Reid want to cut up to $500 billion from Medicare. This could mean life-saving drugs could be withheld and seniors could even be prevented from seeing their own doctors.
The ad ends with a senior stating "Don't make us pay for health care reform by cutting Medicare. We've sacrificed enough."
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The ad features members of our Greatest Generation begging Congress not to cut Medicare to pay for health care reform. The 30 second TV ad begins running nationally on cable today. See the ad at www.60plus.org.
The phone calls target Members of the House of Representatives and urge concerned citizens to call their Member and urge them not to cut Medicare.
"This bill adds 111 entitlements and the only one it cuts is Medicare, how is this fair to our greatest generation? Seniors have already lost their Social Security COLA and now Speaker Pelosi wants to cut Medicare, too. As yesterday's elections prove, seniors are upset. Seniors are taking a stand and say 'Don't cut our Medicare,'" said Jim Martin, president of 60 Plus.
Titled "Enough -- Congress" the ad highlights seniors speaking in their own words to the fact that Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Harry Reid want to cut up to $500 billion from Medicare. This could mean life-saving drugs could be withheld and seniors could even be prevented from seeing their own doctors.
The ad ends with a senior stating "Don't make us pay for health care reform by cutting Medicare. We've sacrificed enough."
-----
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Bauer Notes Obama's Coattails 'Were Cut Off,' Voters Return to the Right
/PRNewswire/ -- Former presidential candidate Gary Bauer on Wednesday said that it was clear that the pundits were wrong, rather than President Obama changing the nature of the electorate, "it's a center-right country, and Obama's coattails were cut off last night as his coalitions stayed home." The chairman of the Campaign for Working Families offered the following analysis of the evening's events:
NEW JERSEY LEADS THE WAY:
"New Jersey is a ground breaking story this morning as a hard-core blue state for the Democratic Party where they have institutional power and media support failed to deliver. And despite many campaign stops, Obama could not transfer his 15 point win from 2008 to his ticket's standard bearer barely a year later. The biggest shock at the White House today has to be the loss of independent voters in both New Jersey and Virginia.
"It's clear that voters, especially independent voters, do not like the change they have experienced since Obama's election ... changes like higher unemployment, strangled credit, and massive proposed tax increases on everything from health insurance to fuel and food. These results show that the voters are rejecting runaway deficit spending, higher taxes and bigger government. If the White House and Congressional liberals are listening, they will pull Obamacare off the agenda and stop the march to socialized medicine."
HOFFMAN'S CAMPAIGN SENDS A MESSAGE:
"The small showing of the independent in the New Jersey race reveals why Hoffman's near win is so significant. The Democratic National Committee even ran ads for New Jersey Independent Chris Daggett to draw away from Republican Chris Christie, but he made a feeble, single-digit showing. But in New York's 23rd, a district that went to Obama, Hoffman ran a simple campaign with a single message, 'I will not be a vote for Nancy Pelosi.' With the Republican establishment against him, with the media against him, with the Democratic establishment against him, Hoffman pulled in 46 percent of the vote on a confusing ballot on which he was not listed at the GOP's candidate. If Hoffman's performance is combined with the numbers of failed Republican candidate Dede Scozzafava, who was listed as the GOP's candidate, he would have carried the day.
"That simple Reaganite message that higher taxes and government take-over of industry must stop was powerful enough to create real drama all night. And in fact, when the Democratic Party winner Bill Owen gave his own victory speech, he was careful to reach out to the Republicans in his district ... something Obama might try.
"As one of the first conservative leaders to endorse Hoffman, I was moved to act by the fact that the long-term Republican was standing on the core Reaganesque principles - smaller government, lower taxes, a strong national defense, and support for life. And while some may mock these American ideals, they remain bedrock issues for most Americans. The fact that a district which went so solidly for Obama came so close to electing an unknown third party candidate shows the power of those ideas. "
A REPUDIATION OF SOCIAL ISSUES?:
"Some pundits today insinuate that Hoffman's loss was a repudiation of social issues. Nothing could be further from the truth. In Maine, where the governor and both chambers of their legislature tried to lead in the nation in radically redefining marriage, once again - for the 31st time - voters said no to gay marriage. Values issues have a place in the national discussion."
THE PICTURE BECOMES CLEAR:
"Obama came to office as the political equivalent of a Rorschach test. People could read into his message of 'change' anything they wished. But the picture is becoming clearer by the day. He embraces a socialist agenda through government-run businesses, from the auto industry to health care. He proposes a nanny state where taxes are used to punish politically incorrect behavior like drinking soda or turning on the heat in winter. He supports schemes for redistribution of hard earned money to those who did not earn it, through higher and higher taxes, and more and more give away programs. He expands government power through unelected 'czars' who use government power as a weapon against those they do not agree with, rather than building a consensus on how to go forward.
"But while it's clear that hard-core liberals are rallying to Obama's side and that he is uniting the Republican Party in new and energizing ways, the big news in the numbers is Obama's loss of support among independents. Independents are abandoning the Democrats and have been very sophisticated in cutting through the political noise. Calling a liberal a 'moderate' does not change political reality. Democrats have assumed that independents want more government and support higher taxes and ballooning deficits. But they are wrong.
"They are also wrong to claim that conservatives like me do not want the GOP to be a big tent or that the party is engaged in some kind of civil war. Nothing could be further from the truth. All people, regardless of race, creed or color, are welcome to join together in support of timeless, American values. The GOP is a party of principles and ideas, and a healthy party talks about how best to implement those ideas. The GOP desires to free Americans from the weight of government taxes and regulations so that they can build a better life for themselves and their families. Ideas such as smaller government, strong national defense, and respect for all people at all stages of life are the bedrock of a winning party. Tuesday those values won and with them so did the GOP."
-----
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NEW JERSEY LEADS THE WAY:
"New Jersey is a ground breaking story this morning as a hard-core blue state for the Democratic Party where they have institutional power and media support failed to deliver. And despite many campaign stops, Obama could not transfer his 15 point win from 2008 to his ticket's standard bearer barely a year later. The biggest shock at the White House today has to be the loss of independent voters in both New Jersey and Virginia.
"It's clear that voters, especially independent voters, do not like the change they have experienced since Obama's election ... changes like higher unemployment, strangled credit, and massive proposed tax increases on everything from health insurance to fuel and food. These results show that the voters are rejecting runaway deficit spending, higher taxes and bigger government. If the White House and Congressional liberals are listening, they will pull Obamacare off the agenda and stop the march to socialized medicine."
HOFFMAN'S CAMPAIGN SENDS A MESSAGE:
"The small showing of the independent in the New Jersey race reveals why Hoffman's near win is so significant. The Democratic National Committee even ran ads for New Jersey Independent Chris Daggett to draw away from Republican Chris Christie, but he made a feeble, single-digit showing. But in New York's 23rd, a district that went to Obama, Hoffman ran a simple campaign with a single message, 'I will not be a vote for Nancy Pelosi.' With the Republican establishment against him, with the media against him, with the Democratic establishment against him, Hoffman pulled in 46 percent of the vote on a confusing ballot on which he was not listed at the GOP's candidate. If Hoffman's performance is combined with the numbers of failed Republican candidate Dede Scozzafava, who was listed as the GOP's candidate, he would have carried the day.
"That simple Reaganite message that higher taxes and government take-over of industry must stop was powerful enough to create real drama all night. And in fact, when the Democratic Party winner Bill Owen gave his own victory speech, he was careful to reach out to the Republicans in his district ... something Obama might try.
"As one of the first conservative leaders to endorse Hoffman, I was moved to act by the fact that the long-term Republican was standing on the core Reaganesque principles - smaller government, lower taxes, a strong national defense, and support for life. And while some may mock these American ideals, they remain bedrock issues for most Americans. The fact that a district which went so solidly for Obama came so close to electing an unknown third party candidate shows the power of those ideas. "
A REPUDIATION OF SOCIAL ISSUES?:
"Some pundits today insinuate that Hoffman's loss was a repudiation of social issues. Nothing could be further from the truth. In Maine, where the governor and both chambers of their legislature tried to lead in the nation in radically redefining marriage, once again - for the 31st time - voters said no to gay marriage. Values issues have a place in the national discussion."
THE PICTURE BECOMES CLEAR:
"Obama came to office as the political equivalent of a Rorschach test. People could read into his message of 'change' anything they wished. But the picture is becoming clearer by the day. He embraces a socialist agenda through government-run businesses, from the auto industry to health care. He proposes a nanny state where taxes are used to punish politically incorrect behavior like drinking soda or turning on the heat in winter. He supports schemes for redistribution of hard earned money to those who did not earn it, through higher and higher taxes, and more and more give away programs. He expands government power through unelected 'czars' who use government power as a weapon against those they do not agree with, rather than building a consensus on how to go forward.
"But while it's clear that hard-core liberals are rallying to Obama's side and that he is uniting the Republican Party in new and energizing ways, the big news in the numbers is Obama's loss of support among independents. Independents are abandoning the Democrats and have been very sophisticated in cutting through the political noise. Calling a liberal a 'moderate' does not change political reality. Democrats have assumed that independents want more government and support higher taxes and ballooning deficits. But they are wrong.
"They are also wrong to claim that conservatives like me do not want the GOP to be a big tent or that the party is engaged in some kind of civil war. Nothing could be further from the truth. All people, regardless of race, creed or color, are welcome to join together in support of timeless, American values. The GOP is a party of principles and ideas, and a healthy party talks about how best to implement those ideas. The GOP desires to free Americans from the weight of government taxes and regulations so that they can build a better life for themselves and their families. Ideas such as smaller government, strong national defense, and respect for all people at all stages of life are the bedrock of a winning party. Tuesday those values won and with them so did the GOP."
-----
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Alternate Health Care Plan by the GOP
The Republican Plan for Reforming Health Care--
Here is the full text of the proposal:
http://rules-republicans.house.gov/Media/PDF/RepublicanAlternative3962_9.pdf
Here is the full text of the proposal:
http://rules-republicans.house.gov/Media/PDF/RepublicanAlternative3962_9.pdf
Monday, November 2, 2009
FRC Action PAC's Early Support for Doug Hoffman Pays Dividends with Scozzafava's Exit
/PRNewswire/ -- Today, Connie Mackey, president of FRC Action PAC, the political action committee connected to Family Research Council, released the following statement in regards to the exit of Dede Scozzafava from New York's 23rd District race.
"I am delighted that the Republican candidate, Dede Scozzafava, has bowed out of the special election. The attitude by some unnamed Republicans that conservatives just won't support a woman didn't help endear conservative women like myself to Ms. Scozzafava's candidacy. She was out of the mainstream on issues dear to the heart of most women like traditional family values and respect for innocent life. I can say unequivocally that when the Republicans and Democrats put forward candidates who have the basic, commonsense approach to issues, they will receive our support, whether male or female."
"The fact that she has finally taken off the Republican mask and endorsed a liberal Democrat should be a lesson learned for the Republican Party bosses who thought she was their winning ticket. If a primary had been held, Doug Hoffman would have won hands down and Ms. Scozzafava could have continued as a liberal Democrat with an R in front of her name."
FRC Action PAC continues to air radio ads throughout New York's 23rd district urging support for Doug Hoffman on Election Day. On Tuesday evening at 8:30 PM ET, FRC Action will host a special webcast to offer election night analysis and also the latest on the health care reform debate. Go to http://www.frcaction.org/webcast to register.
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"I am delighted that the Republican candidate, Dede Scozzafava, has bowed out of the special election. The attitude by some unnamed Republicans that conservatives just won't support a woman didn't help endear conservative women like myself to Ms. Scozzafava's candidacy. She was out of the mainstream on issues dear to the heart of most women like traditional family values and respect for innocent life. I can say unequivocally that when the Republicans and Democrats put forward candidates who have the basic, commonsense approach to issues, they will receive our support, whether male or female."
"The fact that she has finally taken off the Republican mask and endorsed a liberal Democrat should be a lesson learned for the Republican Party bosses who thought she was their winning ticket. If a primary had been held, Doug Hoffman would have won hands down and Ms. Scozzafava could have continued as a liberal Democrat with an R in front of her name."
FRC Action PAC continues to air radio ads throughout New York's 23rd district urging support for Doug Hoffman on Election Day. On Tuesday evening at 8:30 PM ET, FRC Action will host a special webcast to offer election night analysis and also the latest on the health care reform debate. Go to http://www.frcaction.org/webcast to register.
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Sunday, November 1, 2009
Richard Viguerie: Tea Party Activists Are the New GOP
/PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by Richard A. Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, concerning the withdrawal of GOP candidate Dede Scozzafava from the special election in New York's 23rd congressional district:
"In her statement announcing suspension of her campaign in the special election for New York's 23rd congressional district, Assemblywoman and liberal GOP nominee Dede Scozzafava refused to throw her support behind a fellow Republican, Doug Hoffman, who is running on the Conservative Party ticket in this particular race.
"That was one more example of the 'closed tent' mentality of big-government, establishment Republicans who have worked long and hard to keep conservatives out of power at the national, state, and local levels.
"The GOP leadership's backing of Ms. Scozzafava was a slap in the face to Tea Party activists, town hall protesters, and conservatives across the country. The Washington GOP establishment's abandonment of fiscal responsibility led directly to the election of Barack Obama as President and Nancy Pelosi as Speaker. The American people see the GOP leadership and establishment every bit as much a part of the problem as the Democrats.
"Doug Hoffman and NY-23 is an earthquake in American politics, and is the first of many challenges to establishment Republicans that we will see for the 2010 elections and beyond. The stupid decision by Republican leaders to pour $900,000 into the NY-23rd race against a conservative has unleashed a fury that will lead to new GOP leadership.
"Conservatives anger at Washington-establishment Republicans will cost the national committees tens of millions of dollars as conservative money will start flowing directly to the Tea Parties and their candidates."
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"In her statement announcing suspension of her campaign in the special election for New York's 23rd congressional district, Assemblywoman and liberal GOP nominee Dede Scozzafava refused to throw her support behind a fellow Republican, Doug Hoffman, who is running on the Conservative Party ticket in this particular race.
"That was one more example of the 'closed tent' mentality of big-government, establishment Republicans who have worked long and hard to keep conservatives out of power at the national, state, and local levels.
"The GOP leadership's backing of Ms. Scozzafava was a slap in the face to Tea Party activists, town hall protesters, and conservatives across the country. The Washington GOP establishment's abandonment of fiscal responsibility led directly to the election of Barack Obama as President and Nancy Pelosi as Speaker. The American people see the GOP leadership and establishment every bit as much a part of the problem as the Democrats.
"Doug Hoffman and NY-23 is an earthquake in American politics, and is the first of many challenges to establishment Republicans that we will see for the 2010 elections and beyond. The stupid decision by Republican leaders to pour $900,000 into the NY-23rd race against a conservative has unleashed a fury that will lead to new GOP leadership.
"Conservatives anger at Washington-establishment Republicans will cost the national committees tens of millions of dollars as conservative money will start flowing directly to the Tea Parties and their candidates."
-----
www.politicalpotluck.com
Political News You Can Use
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