August, 2010 archive
Twits on Twitter 0
More here.
About that Obama Record 0
Annette John-Hall delivers a does of reality:
Death to Obamacare! they shout.
Tell that to the parents who can keep their kids on their health-insurance policies until they’re 27 – a relief for me and my twentysomething daughter, who’s working but doesn’t have insurance. Or the millions of people who’ve stood in line for hours to get medical care at traveling clinics throughout the country, most of whom work but can’t afford insurance.
He’s antibusiness! the white collars whine.
Tell that to GM and Chrysler and their workers, rescued by government intervention.
He’s anti-middle class. Can’t identify with regular folk.
Tell that to the credit-card companies and overdraft sharks whose game of gouging people like you and me has been quashed. Or tell it to the already cash-strapped parents and their college-student children who see a president who pushed through school-loan reform.
And for his effort?
He’s “the worst president in history,” says Republican congressional candidate Ben Quayle, spawn of former stellar VP Dan Quayle. You know, most remembered for adding the letter e to the end of potato.
The sad fact is that for all the good Obama’s done, he’s been lambasted for everything and not given credit for anything.
An endless cycle of negativity on the hamster wheel.
John Cole adds some perspective.
Responsible Fiscals 0
I am not arguing that government spending must be cut.*
That is the argument of Republican Responsible Fiscals, who are against feeding at the government trough, except when are for it.
The Richmonder has a neat little post about this.
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*It sorely needs to rearranged, but, as I look at the roads and schools and the air traffic control system and other such stuff, it probably needs to be increased.
I also think that projects properly undertaken by the government, such as roads and schools and the air traffic control system and other such stuff, should be undertaken by the government and not serve as pretexts for shoveling money to cost-overrunning consultants and profiteers when government employees could do them as well and for fair salaries.
“Weapon of Mass Construction” 0
| The Colbert Report | Mon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| The Word – Weapon of Mass Construction | ||||
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Via TPM.
We Need Single Payer 0
From the Philadephia Inquirer:
But a local hospital group says the fastest-growing part of what hospitals call “bad debt” – basically, uncollectible bills – is money owed by patients who have insurance.
As employers dump costs onto workers, so now are workers dumping costs onto hospitals.
Because of rising deductibles and cost-sharing rules, patients are increasingly faced with bills that would have been unusual for someone with insurance a few years ago.
Read the whole thing. It goes on to point out that
- Hospitals are increasing asking for payment, if not up front, then very quickly. If you are admitted, you might be visited by a “financial counselor” before you get your first lab work back.
- Persons who have been released sometimes pay their cable bills before they pay the hospital bills. (Aside: This is not surprising. They probably have enough money to pay the cable bill. Hospital bills can be more than they will make in a decade or a lifetime.)
- Hospitals don’t much like the current system either.
The larger story is that hospitalization is getting so expensive that only the very very rich can afford it. The whole damn system is not just broke, it’s broken.
Insurance that doesn’t insure, but you can bet your bippy it stills pays the country club memberships of insurance execs.
Stray Thought 0
One of the first signs of civilization was clay pots. After all these years, one would think humans could make a coffee carafe that didn’t drip when poured.
Unintended Consequences 0
I’m staying out of Massachusetts. All I have to do to get poison ivy is look at it.
Also, global warming:
Scientists believe the plant might also be gaining in potency because, especially in cities, it is thriving on increasing carbon dioxide levels, partly the result of burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests.
It’s the Best Catch There Is 0
Catch 22:
Republicans in Congress prevent immigration reform, while Republicans prey on prejudice in the states.
Stimulus. We Don’t Need No Stinking Stimulus. 0
We need good old-fashioned traditional values, like breadlines.
Endless Warmongering 0
The rumble of the drums, having faded, starts to become louder.
Someone Can Be Found To Buy Anything 0
And it is getting creepy.
The Fifth Freedom 0
The freedom to hate:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Municipal Land-Use Hearing Update | ||||
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In related news, Adam Serwer looks at the backstory:
Video via Hanlon’s Razor.
No Einsteins on the Right II 0
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Excerpt: “Physics is a liberal plot . . . .”
Via TPM.
“Privacy Please” 0
The ACLU has a quiz to help you diagnose your on-line exposure.
I didn’t learn anything new from it, but I have followed this sort of stuff for years. If you aren’t sure about your privacy on line, it’s probably worth the three minutes.
Legacies 0
The San Jose Mercury-News editorializes:
These destructive emotions have mushroomed of late, particularly among politicians unashamed of stoking the flames of bigotry for political gain. The ground zero mosque debate is the most obvious example, but The New York Times reported last week that many proposed mosques in less symbolic locations across the country are facing the same kind of opposition.
Read the whole thing.
The First Day of School Can’t Come Too Soon 0
From the BBC. Picture at the link:
Crews painted “shcool” on the approach road to Southern Guilford High School.