Jesus Christ states National Health Care Reform for the USA is not necessary.

That is according to the Right Wing Talk Radio. (click here) On my trip returning from Traverse City, Michagan; hour after hour my President was defamed and his plans for health care reform was manipulated.

There wasn't an ounce of truth in the ranting and it was embarked on in the name of Jesus Christ. I listened day after day as radio stations along the I-77 Corridor defamed my President and defamed his attempts to change the face of American Health Care. It went on and on. The reason 'Jesus Christ' was interjected into the ranting was to 'justify' the manipulations and lies.

See, if radio stations simply lie and they do, they can justify it by stating it was done in the name of a 'belief system.' Therefore it is allowed. There were no compressive facts that disputed the Presiden't Health Care Policy. There was simply greed and hate of a man who has come to our Presidency for the right reasons.

So, in the name of Jesus Christ radio stations across this country such as The Savage Radio Show (click here), engaged in defaming my President his Health Care Initative and the best interests of the American People, while seeking to lace together the name of the Christian Savior to in its motivational speaking. Sorry folks, but defaming our President and his Health Care Initaitive in the name of Jesus Christ is not only fuax, but, highly immoral.

I do believe Christian Talk Radio needs to 'take a break' from using self-rightous positions and seek to bring those that need health care 'on board' to the National Initiative. A religious belief of 'convenience' seems to be the forte of the Right Wing Talk Radio Nut Cases.

...This story is one of many healing stories (click here) that were chronicled and that made it into the printed pages of our Bibles. People, who were the contemporaries of Jesus, are no different from the masses of people in our modern world. They want to live in healthy bodies.
Apparently, Jesus never avoided sick people. Rather, he called upon whatever powers were available to him and brought healing to people.
One of the games played by Bible scholars is to debate what we really know about Jesus from Nazareth. Elaborate rules are set to determine the authenticity of the material found in the four gospels.
Applying those rules, lists of “what we know about Jesus” are developed. The usual list contains eight to 15 items. I have never seen such a list that did not include Jesus was a Galilean who preached and healed....

Imagine Steel that doesn't rust.

It is all possible. (click here for 1980 article. This is not new.) There can be a polymer with greater tensil strength than steel, more diversity in use, adding life to products, lightweight. produced without air and water pollution and recyclabe and securing American jobs. (click here)


Trends in Polymer Development (click reference above)
B. C. Anderson, L. R. Bartron and J. W. Collette
Science, New Series, Vol. 208, No. 4446, Advanced Technology (May 23, 1980), pp. 807-812
Published by: American Association for the Advancement of Science


Industry earnings. Earnings in the steel industry (click here) vary by type of production and occupation but are higher than average earnings in private industry as a whole. Average weekly earnings of nonsupervisory production workers in 2006 were $1091 in iron and steel mills, and $775 in establishments making steel products from purchased steel, compared with $691 in all manufacturing and $568 throughout private industry. Earnings in selected occupations in steel manufacturing appear in table 2....

In the past the steele industry in the USA has been tragic. There needs to be a change in the way the USA addresses its need for 'raw products' to manufacture products used for the American Economy. There may not be application to the USA economy for polymer development in automobles, but, there certainly is a reasonable substitute for polymer use in manufacturing items such as washing machines and dryers.

There is no reason 'not to go there.' The USA in the past has been more than generous in allowing other countries into our markets. It has helped establish markets in other countries while filling the need of the USA. But. Enough is enough and if the USA has a better process in securing 'materials' for the manufacturing sector then by all means we are entitled to 'bring it home.'

Japan and China have economies developed by generously allowing consumers to purchase items from those countries. It does not have to continue, especially when the outlook is so dim.

Geithner Says Unemployment May Peak in Second Half of 2010

There is a way out of it. If every city and town manufactured items Americans need, it would be a return of the manufacturing sector and people would be back to work. There isn't anything that difficult about this. The Association of Mayors should be talking to each other. One city makes the gears the other city makes the hoses and before you know it an assembly plant for washing machines is employing our people again. Localize your economies. We can do this.

They did it to us. They took our money and threw up out the door. Now, if one wants a job there might be part time employment without benefits. Why should the companies that are rolling profit after profit actually compromise their bottom line to benefit the people of the country.

No reason.

I remember hearing people fearful for their jobs and their economy if vasts amount of money wasn't thrown at the banks. They believed Paulson while company after company downsized and rid themselves of costly employees.Think about it a minute. Why would any company restucture their work force back the way it was before the collapse. It far easier and less expensive to put two people to work where there was one, denying them any benefits including health care.

The fact is the USA will not find a 'boom' as with Bush and Paulson because it was all artificial. The Republicans ran up the deficit, instilled meaningless programs and called it necessary. The Bush/Paulson economy was buoyed by the US Treasury. Just that simple. Increasing the debt, while shrinking the dollar. There was a lot of money floating around, but, it was all government money, not profits The bottom line to most businesses during the Bush years had government money coming in somewhere.

Withdrawal is tough.

Thank you to the People of North Korea for expressing compassion during a difficult time.

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korean leader Kim Jong Il (click title to entry - thank you) issued a "special pardon" freeing two jailed American journalists after talks with former U.S. President Bill Clinton, North Korea's official news agency announced Wednesday.
Clinton, who arrived in North Korea Tuesday on an unannounced visit, met with the reclusive and ailing Kim for talks described as "exhaustive." It was Kim's first meeting with a prominent Western figure since his reported stroke nearly a year ago....

　
Thank you Former President Clinton for bringing understanding to the circumstances during a private visit. We appreciate your compassion as well.

North Korean Press nonspecific as to Former President Clinton Trip (click here)

August 4. 2009 Juche 98
Bill Clinton Arrives Here
Pyongyang, August 4 (KCNA) -- Bill Clinton, former president of the United States, and his party arrived here Tuesday by air.
They were greeted by Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, and Kim Kye Gwan, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs.
A little girl presented a bouquet to Bill Clinton.



There are no press releases regarding Former President Clinton's trip on the State Department Website (click here). Bill Clinton has his own organization of which there is no mention of the North Korean visit either.

It might be an unofficial and personal trip to assist diplomatic relationships regarding the American journaists. There is an article on Current TV that states same. It would seem as though Current TV was surprised by the visit as well. It appears as though this is a personal initiative of which few people were appraised.

I congratulate him on the initiative and wish him success. The journalists worked for Current TV when they found themselves in custody of the North Korean authorities after losing their parameters and finding themselves over the border from South Korea.

Bill Clinton to negotiate release of Current reporters in North Korea (click here)
Bill Clinton, former president of the United States, made a seemingly surprise visit today to North Korea to negotiate the release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee, two reporters for Current TV and Current.com. His visit to North Korea is expected to be for two days, and if he does meet with Kim Jong-Il face to face, it may provide us with more insight of exactly how much power North Korea's leader truely has.

Let's get something straight about the 'naysayers' of the media in regard to taxation.

The testimony given by Summers and Geithner is similar to asking whether the sun will rise tomorrow vs if it is going to rain.

The sun will definitively rise in the morning, however, it depends on condtions as to what the weather will be.

That is what Geithner and Summers is saying. No one wants this economy to 'go bad.' Least of all me. We know for a fact the Obama Stimulus saved jobs and began to create new jobs. It provided opportunities across the board for expansion of a 'sustainable' economy. That will result in a wider tax base and more income to the USA Treasury.

There isn't anything 'magical' I see that will result in a tragedy the magnitude of the Bush/Paulson Economic collapse. Nothing. I would be incredibly surprised if anything started to rattle the American economy.

We have seen the worse of it.

What does that mean?

That means the 'estimates' President Obama and his Cabinet are working with in regard to 'growth' and 'taxation' and where the monies are coming from to fund health care and otherwise are sound.

Got that?

Sound.

While Geithner and Summers 'CYA' their futures by stating 'everything' is on the table, the LIKELIHOOD of change to the estimates in regard to spending and income and growth will not change.

We are good to go regardless of all the naysayers in the media !


Obama's economic team— Larry Summers, Peter Orszag, Tim Geithner, and Christina Romer

The weather at Glacier Bay National Park is (Crystal Wind Chime) melting !

I had written about this before. As the ice melts in the Arctic Ocean there will be movement of ice flows into the Northern passages and Northern Atlantic. The Arctic Ocean flows FROM the North Pacific INTO the Northern Atlantic. The question is NOT are the passages into the Northern Atlantic clogged with ice flows, but, are the passages in the Northern Pacific clogged with thick, old ice. The answer is NO. Come one already, this is not rocket science. If the Pacific is 'jammed' with 'aged' ice flows then I'll be impressed.

Ice pockets choking Northern Passage: officials (click title to entry - thank you)
By Randy Boswell, Canwest News Service
August 1, 2009
Despite predictions from a top U.S. polar institute that the Arctic Ocean’s overall ice cover is headed for another “extreme” meltdown by mid-September, the Environment Canada agency monitoring our northern waters says an unusual combination of factors is making navigation more difficult in the Northwest Passage this year after two straight summers of virtually clear sailing.
In both the wider, deep-water northern corridor and the narrower, shallower southern branches of the passage, the Canadian Ice Service says pockets of more extensive winter freezing and concentrations of thicker, older ice at several key “choke points” are complicating ship travel....

Bill Bennett is dead "W"rong and I don't appreciate his skepticism to try to effect poor opinion of my President.

This weekend Mr. Bennett made the statement that President Obama's Stimulus may not be responsible for the up tick in the USA economy. He stated it remains to be seen. He is "W"rong in every sense of the word.

　

The Obama Stimulus and his intervention with the auto industry has DIRECTLY saved jobs. Every State of the USA that has accepted Simulus dollars have saved jobs and created new ones. In new articles across the USA it is noted there have been jobs saved. The ones most frequently noted as saved are those in education. I do believe Governor Patrick has stated the Stimulus dollars were vital to continue to bring services to the people of Massachusetts.

　

So, I don't want to hear it anymore. The views of Mr. Bennett are nothing but lies and I am tired of it. At the very best they are guesses and not facts because he doesn't do his homework. None of the critics of the President ever have a better way, either. They simply want to defame the President and his agenda of change in 'hopes' the listening audience will 'buy it' and carry a poor opinion of President Obama.

　

The Obama Stimulus was vital to this country, ESPECIALLY, the Middle Class. President Obama is the only one that sincerely cares about the Middle Class other than their power to vote.

Balancing the 'needs' of the American people vs. the National Debt requires vigilance. I do believe Secretary Geithner stated only recently he would be monitoring the debt vs the economy and be sure the best outcomes are achieved for the people of the USA.

　

Gosh, Paulson didn't even try !!!!!!! He waited to let everything go to shit and then screamed for help.

　

Hello?

Turbulence hurts 26 on US flight - 4 are injured seriously.

August 3, 2009
0930:13 z
UNISYS Water Vapor GOES East Satellite (click here for 12 hour loop)

There is a air mass interface within the Turks and Caicos Islands that the Boeing 767 airplane interacted with causing it the turbulence the pilot reported.

There is a vortex off the east coast of the USA. There is a 'darker line' south of that vortex in this image. It is that 'darker line' that is an interface between two air masses. The interface is where air pressure differences result causing the turbulence. There were significant injuries because the plane was at cruising altitude and passengers had their seat belts off.

The Boeing 767 is really one of the safest planes in the air. It has crashed, but, they are from human error. They are also the 'airplane of choice' for terrorists and certainly were on September 11, 2001. But, the Boeing plane itself has never been the issue in any crash. In this case, the passengers faired far better than if they were in a different plane.

When flying in any plane, always wear your seatbelt unless you have to move around. It simply makes sense. It is a safety thing.

Stopping the media from debasing its authority. I think it can be done.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (l.) with Chris Rock during the filming of 'African American Lives'


Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. (click title to entry - thank you) has sent a bouquet of flowers and a note to the woman whose 911 call led to his arrest earlier this month.

Wendy Murphy, lawyer and spokeswoman for Lucia Whalen, said yesterday that Gates had sent her client a bouquet of flowers as an “expression of gratitude.’’ Murphy said she believed it was a bouquet of tulips. The flowers came with a note from Gates, the contents of which Murphy would not disclose....

The lawyers are all assembled. It seems like the worst nightmare for these folks. At least Dr. Gates is attempting to 'make peace' and 'propagate dialogue.' I congratulate him and his dignity of carrying out these tasks without press conferences which force all parties into their own camps.

Disarming a volatile social 'dynamic' takes a willingness by all parties and skill by the media covering it. That skill remains under developed in our USA media.

Sergeant James Crowley departed from not exploiting the 'dynamics' surrounding the arrest of Dr. Gates by holding a press conference. The White Guy actually had a 'No-No Moment' by departing from 'willingness' into 'self protection' and an agenda demanded from peers for an apology. In other words, he embarassed himself by 'creating higher stakes' for everyone else.

By stating no one apologized allowed others to understand that he was allowed to maintain 'his stance' while everyone else did the same thing. That CREATED victimization of everyone including the citizens of the nation that was actually seeking a dialogue to RESOLVE such dynamics in communities across the USA.

I rather not get into further victimization of Sergeant Crowley, but, let's get this right. Here was an officer that is supposed to be a lecturer on how to avoid racial profiling 'creating' a platform that would victimize everyone else. He 'created' a platform for police officers. A self-righteous platform that was supposed to 'cause' a particular 'stand' on the issue. It is self protectionism and disabled the openness between parties. There is no 'stand' to take within a process that is to produce a dialogue between persons and authorities. There is no 'platform,' there is simply the FACTS and a WILLINGNESS to openly examine all the 'understandings' of what occurred with HOPES of revealing a TRUTH that resolves tensions and prejudices.

What occurred with Dr. Gates should not have. It was a misunderstanding that escalated when it should have de-escalated with learning 'the truth' of the circumstances. There is something wrong here. If 'platforms' are going to take the place of facts and examination of those facts we will get nowhere. I am a little surprised Sgt. Crowley doesn't seem to know that. I believe the 'rush' to 'create' a platform for police officers regarding racial profiling speaks loudly to a paranoya within the 'police culture' that drives them into self-protection.

Then the press disembarked from the purpose of the meeting President Obama ALLOWED and NURTURED to exploit it for defamation (which is somewhat racial, by the way) with potential to capture 'a public enthusiasm' to defame as well. There was also an element of 'judgement' by the 'names and types' of beer being served as 'favorites' of the participants.

At some level the beer breweries were probably pullling for their brands. Sorry, but, this is nothing but commercial exploitation of an opportunity to improve issues surrounding racial profiling. IT IS NOT ALLOWED.

Now, I don't know what it takes to have the USA media actually demand a return of dignity to their craft, but, it is becoming an embarrassment to realize such a 'precious' moment in raising relations within communities with their law enforcement agencies turned into a nasty nest for victimizing in hopes of politicking and potential commerical exploitation that would no doubt errupt into beer brawls in taverns with all elements sequestered further into their corners.

I have a tough time believing the media wasn't a willing participant in this witch hunt, but, the purpose here is for reflection of what occurred and why 'the moment' was lost at all.

Isn't it enough to realize racism is still alive in the USA? Isn't it enough to realize we are presented with a President not only allowing transparency, but, demanding it? Isn't enough to stop the hate at every available opportunity? Or is the fact that is most relevent here the one that dictates irresponsiblity and authority defamation to 'juice' the headlines and sell more papers.

What I am concerned about through this experience with the USA media is the realization we do not know boundaries anymore of the appropriate nature of the media as opposed to the commercial exploitation of the news. You'll excuse me, but, I thought commercial exploitation is supposed to occur in the ADVERTISING and not reporting of the facts or editorial content.

The 'dynamics' of seeking a resolve to social 'dysfunction' within the USA society needs to be appreciated by the media IF they are to be participants. Sincerely. Like. What the heck does the media think they are doing anymore? Competing with commentators that lie for political gain at a corrupt media service? Wow. Not good. Not good at all.

The House is doing the 'tough' work. There is every indication they can get a bill when they return.

There is an interesting 'disconnect' I believe most Americans can identify with in regard to 'quality of care' and 'access to care. This was a Gallup Poll from May of 2008.

Most people believe (the blue column) the USA has high quality health care. But, they also state their personal experience (the tan column) is not what they believe. In other words, there is a disconnect between a person's personnel experience with health care and what they generally believe.

That is a 'phenomena' attributed to the 'aloneness' one feels when experiencing poor quality access to care or poor care at all. It is a reality that needs to be explored. The movie "Sicko" began to bring a consenus of understanding that people were actually receiving poor care on a larger scale then they believed.

For the most part, Americans believe the poor care they receive is isolated. That is not the case. We are 'told' that we have the best health care in the world. We 'believe' that. Perhaps we HAVE TO believe that to seek care and not regress from hope. The REALITY is that while we are told we are receiving good care, we are not.

The question arises as to how an American defines good and poor quality care. Do we define good quality by 'pain relief' or 'relief from worry' or 'grateful access?' Or do we define quality health care by ease of access that prevents disease, worry and pain?

The current trends in the USA in regard to a spiraling poorer and poorer quality of care are due to 'cost' and 'access.' As health care becomes more expensive, fewer Americans can afford it. The percentages of 'copays' might remain the same from year to year in any policy, but, the escalating cost drives up the actual out of pocket costs to consumers and health care becomes unaffordable.

There has to be a National Health Care Reform Bill that brings costs under control while returning function to all Americans. In other words, with new parameters on how health care costs are allowed to impact on Americans across the spectrum of income, the access will generate a far healthier nation with access to preventative care. That access stems the higher costs of chronic and potentially fatal disease.

Everyone knows that preventive care and early detection saves lives. It is vital to the USA that a new health care system will result in actually lower costs across the board of health care to the average American. With prevention of disease, costs will decrease. More Americans will have quality of life returned to them and the nation will have a healthier work force. That is a fact. Early detection saves lives and lowers the cost of health care. Stemming chronic illness through early intervention will definitively return function to lives and our economy.

The goal of any USA health care system has to be to empower its citizens to better quality of life. With better quality of life comes a better economy by people that are not sedentary, but, 'involved' in life's enjoyment. A person that is active is happier and healthier. Changing our nation's 'lifestyle' from one of 'screens and dreams' to an active and involved citizen will perk our economy and diminish our nation's costs.

There is so much more to achieving high quality health care that brings a new reality to Americans than just access. Understanding what to 'expect' from our health care system and knowing that a poor experience is the reality of many and not just one will bring a higher esteem to the demand for 'good health' and 'quality food and water' empowered by our legislative experience.

We have to do this if we want to turn the corner on 'quality of life' for our country. There is no doubt we need to change the health care system and access.


This was a survey in August 2008 by the Better Business Bureau and Gallup.

Try saying to oneself, "We do not have good quality healthcare in the USA and I have experienced that." Then realize that experience is in the majority when poor quality healthcare also includes more than medical errors and poor technique, but, also access and low costs. Americans have gotten used to being 'burdened' rather than relieved of burdens and that needs to change.

Please support the new National Health Care Reform Bills being drafted by the House and Senate and be sure Representatives and Senators understand that reality and support.

Thank you.

"Morning Papers" - Its Origins

The Rooster

"Okeydoke"

If Massachusetts is an example of the economy, the Stimulus is doing its job.

I think he did well and estimated exactly what it would take to stop the decline and initiate a return to functional and sustainable growth. I never expected a 'booming economy' to spring up over night. It's looking good.

Growth. When have we heard that word last?

...That growth rate (click title to entry - thank you) won’t be strong enough to stop unemployment from rising as employers meet increasing - but weak - demand by improving productivity of existing workers rather than hiring new ones, said Alan Clayton-Matthews, the UMass-Boston professor who prepared the report. The state’s unemployment rate hit 8.6 percent in June, the highest rate in nearly 17 years, and several economists expect it to exceed 9 percent when it peaks in 2010.
“The Massachusetts labor market is still suffering, and job losses are expected throughout the second half of the year,’’ Clayton-Matthews said. “However, the pace of job loss should decline significantly.’’...

Evidently Detroit has an incentive to build their 'green' autos. It was a lot of money that fell under scrutiny to be too much.

With these CO2 machines off the road, it will be interesting what scientists can discern as real emission issues in the USA. It demands attention. Really cool stuff. Tail pipes have always been one of the primary sources of CO2 emissions.

What could have been assessed are the States vehicle registration files to find out exactly the number of 'supposed clunkers' in the nation. This will probably make a significant difference in CO2 emissions while giving the new auto industry a 'leg up.' The 'pit fall' will be if the auto industry over estimates their future 'market' when the program ends.

This is 'kinda neat' to have everyone want to achieve a better vehicle and rid the nation of CO2. We are great as Americans. We really are. Nice. Very nice.

"Go, Obama, Go."

Who knew? It appears as though the Bush economy in the USA simply killed the auto market. I think President Obama has stumbled onto something here. Interesting. Can the nation afford not to continue the program? That's the question. It would seem with $4500.00 incentive auto dealerships have hope of liquidating their assets. That should open a real discussion with the SBA as well. What sells, what doesn't, best way to market.

I think this opens up the issue, "What is realistic as far as 'sticker price?' The auto manufacturers need to 'conference' with their dealerships to continue to propagate their success over this program. Fertile groud for better marketing and viability.

"Teachable Moment" turns into Beer Gate by media. Can "Racial Profiling" be resolved seriously? Not with this media baffoonery.

I found ABC's unenlightened view the least offensive and that isn't saying much (click title to entry - thank y0u). This 'issue' wasn't about the President or his openness to 'dialogue' which was so important when Danny Pearl was killed. The issue has become a question over whether the press is capable of facilitating dialogue. I don't believe it is.

The Cambridge Mayor is taking it seriously and while President Obama tried to appeal to the average Republican "Joe Six Pack" the media attempted to exploit the moment for viewer preference.

The sad truth is that a 'moment' President Obama attempted to invite a nation to explore a very delicate subject. I mean at one time Crowley and his peers were demanding an apology. Like what? A subject, that opens 'skin tone' to visual interpreation of 'judge and jury,' A subject that subjects 'skin color' to levels of 'untrustworthiness' and 'suspicion.'

Was the attempt, with a tone that would facilitate a constructive discussion, taken seriously? No. It was turned into a laugh over reclining back for a perspective with beer.

Perhaps President Obama needs to address media coverage of any event at the 'emotional maturity' the media is capable. "A Child" is the best 'constructive' tone the media is capable. So, let's hope the Cambridge Mayor will have better results with her conference.



I wonder. Is the media and Republicans hoping if they mimic the 'sad' career of Sarah Palin enough, the President might decide on a two and a half-year career as well?



Bottom line is that it is nearly impossible to treat issues of brevity in the USA with welcoming postures without the 'risk' of being profiled. In all reality, the 'levity' the media has welcomed a 'teachable moment' while adding a 'sense of casual conversation' to a serious issue has proved a notable failure in improving the discussion of 'racial profiling.' They failed their President. They failed a Harvard Professor. They failed a police officer that propagated the event resulting in 'ill will.' And they did it with a furvor of anger that exhibits their frustration with being unable to 'obtain a level of bloodsport' on a President they want to bring to his knees.

Wow. So much for attempting 'good will' with the press and attempting to 'spark a constructivce debate.' I don't believe the media is capable of any constructive conversation. They are only able to harness destructive coverage to Democratic goals.

What the heck did Barak do to deserve the 'wrath' of laugher over this one? Seriously. It was a perfect opportunity to bring everyone 'on board' to dialogue and the media failed royally. They opened the opportunity in a news conference and they proceeded to trash every aspect of it. Crowley was determined to not only maintain his status, but, tried to exonerate every 'ineffective' word and action any police officer anywhere ever made that had racial undertones.

Maybe it was Crowley that failed more than anyone else. His first words were, 'No one apologized...we just discussed the future and not the past.' I believe everyone else did their part and he simply 'stood his ground' which defeats the purpose of dialoguing at all.

It was a 'teachable moment' alright. It taught everyone how ineffective a national dialogue can be when invited by attempted media exploitation. I believe the nation is incapable of 'visiting' community issues in a serious methodology to 'disarm' the issue while allowing dialogue. Since the event yesterday, I believe the nation is dead locked between 'the badged' and the 'unbadged.' The police own the issue. Their leadership will have to solve it.

At this point, President Obama needs to reflect on the ability of national press to actually care about the nation and the resolve of its problems before 'inviting' them into any more open discussions. Seriously. I don't think they are capable. All one has to do is look at the headlines today and 'beer' appears there more than 'racial' anything does. That wasn't the point. The 'laugh' wasn't supposed to dominate 'the reality.'

It was amazing when almost 'on cue' the Right Wing Press started defaming our President as a racist. And then every other media service attempted to compete with the idiots.

Well.

They ALL showed there true colors this time. It was definately a teachable moment as far as I am concerned.

As a side not to the new National Health Care Reform Bill...

...at The Traverse City Film Festival, on occassion, Michael Moore has made an appearance or two. He looks wonderful. Before too much longer he won't look like himself. I congratulate Michael on learning about health care while pursuing 'the truth' as reflected in "SICKO" and then reflecting on his own health.

Michael Moore is an inspiration to the seriousness he has addressed his 'largeness.' I admire him and his level headed weight reduction. Tomorrow he'll be participating in the first 5K Run the festival is sponsoring. I don't expect him to do the 5K so much as the one mile, but, two years ago he wouldn't even fathom it. He is doing remarkably well. I applaud him.

Polls are irrelevant. They cast their ballots in November for Change and this is part of it.

I'd say differently if the polls were not tainted by political propaganda, but, it is very clear the Republicans want no change in Washington. The polls are 'effected' by political propaganda at least by 10% if not more.

We need to address a health care system that is out of control and increasingly so. The economy won't recover well if we do not address this issue.

One thing the Democrats have to realize is that health care workers are scared they will lose their inflated pay scales, including MDs. So, this is a very difficult pill to swallow for many because they are scared of the 'unknown.'

I don't trust the Wall Street polls as that is Murdock and there is nothing News Corp puts out that is quality anymore with the exception of an occassional editorial from the old staff.

...In the Times/CBS poll (click title to entry - thank you), attitudes about how Obama is handling the health-care issue have remained roughly the same since mid-June. In the new survey, 46 percent approved of how he is dealing with the matter, while 38 percent disapproved. In the June poll, 44 percent approved and 34 percent disapproved....

Also, these polls are NOT REFLECTIVE of the populous of the country since the President has been touring and speaking to citizens. We need move this forward. Time is wasting. The American Research Group is a household survey and was also completed before the President toured the states to speak with people concerned about the changes in the country's infrastructure, primarily with healthcare.

July 21, 2009
Obama Job Approval DropsAs Expectations of a Rapid Economic Recovery Fade (click here)
A total of 52% of Americans say they approve of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president, which is down from 57% in June, and 44% say they disapprove of the way Obama is handling his job, which is up from 41% in June, according to the latest survey from the American Research Group. When it comes to Obama's handling of the economy, 47% of Americans approve and 47% disapprove.
Among Americans registered to vote, 51% approve of the way Obama is handling his job as president and 46% disapprove. On Obama's handling of the economy, 46% of registered voters approve and 48% disapprove.
The drop in Obama's overall approval rating comes as expectations of an economic recovery are extended beyond a year. A total of 44% of Americans say they expect the national economy to be better a year from now, down from 51% in June. Of those saying they approve of the way Obama is handling his job, 70% say they expect the national economy will be better a year from now, which is down from 81% in June. Of those saying they disapprove of the way Obama is handling his job, 15% say they expect the national economy will be better a year from now, which is up from 13% in June....

Look, people. I am as concerned as anyone, but, I am not scared of the future so long as we can acheive a new National Health Care Reform Bill with President Obama and the current legislature. I am more SCARED of NOT reforming health care. There are people in this country that are deserving of the 'best of our efforts' to change the face of health care. We need to do this and we need to do it now.

Thank you.

I think these folks know what they are doing.

There is some skepticism that the leadership of the Democratic legislature is not as aggressive as they should be. I don't know if that is the case. I think they are quite used to 'surviving' the day with Republicans that are not interested in the country so much as they are interested in their own faux agenda for the country.

I have confidence that Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid are working diligently to bring The National Health Reform Bill to a conclusion as soon as possible. They are not 'selling out' to the minority of Republicans that can't get out of the way of much needed health care reform. The Republicans are staging a revolt, rather than working with the current majority legislature to insure the American people will be 'safe' and 'protected' in their health care needs. The Republicans are 'staging' the revolt with the assistance of propagandists.

What is one to do? They're jerks. At the end of the day, the nation will finally see in 'whom's hands' the country is best served. It won't be 'the jerks' or their propagandists.

I'll tell you why they are jerks. The scenario below where I discussed the 'torn cartilage' that would cost 'out of pocket' a minimum of $10,000 is a health care plan 'designed' to refuse care. It collects monthly fees and makes the health care needed so unaffordable that subscribers have to stay ill and take pain medications until they can save up for the surgery. These type of health care plans are 'scams.' They are cheap for employers to buy while supplying the minimalist of services. Yet they are allowed to exist and are pointed to as good alternatives to a national health reform.

There is no way Great West, with their unreasonable deductibles that are somewhat unrealized until the health care need arises, should be allowed to conduct business in the USA. They are scam artists masquerading as health care insurance companies. They should not exist, but do. The government option for health care is a requirement to rid the country of these lousy plans. People aren't safe. The Republicans that back private health care without a government option are jerks. They either are incompetent and act as figure heads for their party or they simply don't care about the people they are supposed to serve.

End of discussion.

The House and Senate need to do their job and they were elected into a majorty along with a Democratic President to do exactly that. The Propaganda Blitz that is attempting to scare the nation to death regarding health care reform is about 'doing damage' to the Democratic Majority, it isn't about health care. It is about 'scoring' against a majority to re-elect the Republicans. The Democratic Majority has to prove their efforts are 'best' by carrying through in confidence of the majority they hold.

Now, get on with it.

...The newspaper Roll Call this month (click title to entry - thank you) reported that Reid had told his point person, Sen. Max Baucus of Montana, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, that doing away with the public option and taxing employer-sponsored health care benefits to bring Republicans on board wouldn’t be worth the loss of Democratic support....

Yesterday opened the Traverse City Film Festival. Its is a landmark 5th anniversary.

And to think they said it wouldn't last. Hm.


Michael Moore Today (click here)

Mike has been dashing in and out of events before the festival as he puts the finishing touches on his most recent documentary. I sincerely hope the 'quality' is maintained while he edits during a time when he loves to be with his peers and friends at TCFF. He has amassed a staff of wonderful people that tend to all the details. Perhaps, Mike, this is the year they should 'fly on their own' a bit more. See you at the movies.

Michael Moore coming to TIFF 09 (click here)
POSTED: July 28, 2009 12:29

By: Thom Powers
Today, TIFF put an end to the rumors and speculation around Michael Moore's new film CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY in a press release announcing the film's premiere at this year's festival. The description reads: "On the 20-year anniversary of his groundbreaking masterpiece Roger & Me, Michael Moore's Capitalism: A Love Story comes home to the issue he's been examining throughout his career: the disastrous impact of corporate dominance on the everyday lives of Americans (and by default, the rest of the world). But this time the culprit is much bigger than General Motors, and the crime scene far wider than Flint, Michigan. From Middle America, to the halls of power in Washington, to the global financial epicenter in Manhattan, Michael Moore will once again take film-goers into uncharted territory."
As one of the few people who have seen a version of CAPTIALISM (still in progress), I can testify that Moore is working at the top of his game with a talented crew. And that's about all I can say about its secretive details.
Tomorrow, I'll be headed to Michael Moore's own film festival in Traverse City, MI (pictured). Watch this space for on the scene reports.

http://www.tiff.net/blogs/post/2009/07/28/Michael-Moore-coming-to-TIFF-09.aspx

July 27th, 2009 5:10 pm

Michiganders angling for cheap fun, dinner
Boat registrations drop but fishing licenses soar
By L.L. Braiser / Detroit Free Press
More Michigan residents are hanging out their "Gone Fishin' " signs this year, looking for a cheap afternoon of fun -- and with some luck, a free dinner.
The number of fishing licenses has jumped by more than 54,000 since 2007, state records show.
But, while more people are fishing, they appear to be doing it mostly from small boats or shorelines. Boat registrations have dropped in Michigan in the past year: There were 8,200 fewer boats registered this year, down from 950,772 in 2008, according to state records.
Boat sales are down and more boat owners, especially those with larger vessels, are keeping them in dry dock because of rising fuel costs and a sluggish economy.
With Michigan's rich abundance of freshwater lakes and rivers, boating experts predict that boat sales and registrations again will climb once the economy recovers….

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=14268
　
　
July 27th, 2009 6:02 am

Casualties of War, Part I: The hell of war comes home
By Dave Phillips / Colorado Springs Gazette
Before the murders started, Anthony Marquez’s mom dialed his sergeant at Fort Carson to warn that her son was poised to kill.
It was February 2006, and the 21-year-old soldier had not been the same since being wounded and coming home from Iraq eight months before. He had violent outbursts and thrashing nightmares. He was devouring pain pills and drinking too much. He always packed a gun.
“It was a dangerous combination. I told them he was a walking time bomb,” said his mother, Teresa Hernandez.
His sergeant told her there was nothing he could do. Then, she said, he started taunting her son, saying things like, “Your mommy called. She says you are going crazy.”
Eight months later, the time bomb exploded when her son used a stun gun to repeatedly shock a small-time drug dealer in Widefield over an ounce of marijuana, then shot him through the heart.
Marquez was the first infantry soldier in his brigade to murder someone after returning from Iraq. But he wasn’t the last….

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=14259
　
　
July 27th, 2009 6:08 am

Casualties of War, Part II: Warning signs
By Dave Philips / Colorado Springs Gazette
After coming home from Iraq, 21-year-old medic Bruce Bastien was driving with his Army buddy Louis Bressler, 24, when they spotted a woman walking to work on a Colorado Springs street.
Bressler swerved and hit the woman with the car, according to police, then Bastien jumped out and stabbed her over and over.
It was October 2007. A fellow soldier, Kenneth Eastridge, 24, watched it all from the passenger seat.
At that moment, he said, it was clear that however messed up some of the soldiers in the unit had been after their first Iraq deployment, it was about to get much worse.
“I have no problem with killing,” said Eastridge, a two-tour infantryman with almost 80 confirmed kills. “But I won’t just murder someone for no reason. He had gone crazy.”…

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=14260
　

Investigation of Homicides at Fort Carson, Colorado
November 2009 - May 2009

http://www3.gazette.com/documents/epiconreport.pdf
　
There is an analysis cited on Michael's website about disillusionment and McVeigh. I question that validity. I believe McVeigh and Nichols along with any other accomplices ‘justified’ their actions through narcissistic motives.

The reality in the USA, is to realize there are ‘culturally’ dangerous regions of the country that propagate hatred. We have witnessed people such as the ‘lone wolf’ cases that have manifested since the extremist Right Wing has been outed from power in DC. The South Carolina murderer, the aged angry man at the Holocaust Museaum.

McVeigh wasn’t ‘nurtured’ in a vacuum and it is dangerous and “W”rong to believe he was. The Republicans always state, ‘These people are crazies or demented.’ That isn’t the case. These killers reach conclusions and act on them because of the culture these attitudes are nurtured. These attitudes are poor reasons for ‘manhood. They turn into political agendas at the excuse of ‘Patriotism.’
　
…That disillusionment grew after he returned to the United States and failed to pass a tryout for the Army's special forces unit. "It was (a disappointment)," McVeigh told CBS from the maximum security prison at Terre Haute, Indiana, in an interview that was taped Feb. 22. "But at the same time, I was losing motivation. This was during a period when I was coming to grips with my role in the Gulf War."…

http://www.edition.cnn.com/2000/US/03/13/mcveigh/
　

There is an article in The Boston Globe that I found interesting. I wish the editorial staff and staff writers to The Boston Globe would do an indepth review of these killers, the culture they were nutured in and why they are allowed to exist and even accepted in their communities. It is a vital 'review' of the impetus of 'cultural violence' that also is validated that 'American militias' of civilians are required for national security from the idea of 'an evil government.'

…Following Forde’s arrest, one Minuteman worried that all members would “be painted with the same broad brush.’’ His concern is fair. The Minutemen cannot be held accountable for every act of its members (or former members). But these murders - as well as the murder of Stephen Johns at the Holocaust Museum, allegedly by an anti-Semite; and of Dr. George Tiller for performing legal abortions - are a threat to our freedoms….

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2009/07/06/a_climate_of_vigilantism/

Getting out the vote in Afghanistan

Afghanistan mobilizes donkeys for presidential elections (click title to entry - thank you)
14:5229/07/2009
KABUL, July 29 (RIA Novosti) - Some 3,000 donkeys are being mobilized to assist in Afghanistan's presidential elections next month, the UN envoy to Afghanistan said on Wednesday.
Some 17 million Afghans are due to vote in presidential and provincial elections on August 20, however many remote areas of the impoverished country cannot be reached by vehicle, which has meant employing more traditional means of transport.
Kai Eide said, "There will be 3,500 trucks involved...3,000 donkeys will get the ballot papers to the most remote areas," adding that the pack animals would carry voting boxes and papers to mountainous regions, where there was a problem with access.
Security and corruption are the greatest concerns prior to the polls, but the top UN official said that measures were being taken to avoid ballot fraud and increase security, despite recent attacks on election campaigners and presidential front runners.
Incumbent president Hamid Karzai's convoy was attacked on Sunday, although the leader, who is seeking reelection after his 2004 win, escaped unharmed.
And in a separate attack a campaign manager for former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah, one of the election front runners along with ex-finance minister Ashraf Ghani, was injured when his vehicle came under fire on Tuesday in eastern Afghanistan.