Obama Calls for a Strong and Decent Government

Barack Obama spoke as our commander in chief last night, setting the tone and direction of the country, and he mentioned ALLENTOWN, PA! We thought he sounded more conservative than liberal, but strong and hopeful as he scolded both Democratic and Republican elected leaders for not mirroring the strength and decency of the American people. He reminded people that he is working on important issues like health insurance reform because of the real stories he has heard from Americans who have been denied coverage, or have gone bankrupt, not because of his "legacy." He also cuffed around the Supreme Court for their radical decision that corporations can now overpower the American people and buy elections, as he stared right at them, and we thought that was gutsy. Take that, Roberts and Alito! How dare you play politics with our democracy! We won't stand for that!

Some things that stood out for us was how he mocked the Democratic majority for "running for the hills" and not getting the job done on health care reform. (YES!) But he also personally took some of the blame for not being clear enough to the American people. He called out the Republicans for obstructing everything he wants to do, but he is still hopeful that we can "move forward as one nation." We don't feel too hopeful about that anymore considering the recent Supreme Court decision and the fact that not one Republican is on board with health insurance reform. Obama has gotten closer to achieving reform than any President ever before, and if it is derailed, then the onus is on the Republicans. He reminded Republicans that if they have any better solutions, then he would like to hear them. Near the end of the speech, some of the Republicans finally began to applaud. But they were silent earlier, even when he mentioned tax cuts. The Republicans are even opposed to his plans for a fee on big banks to recover the rest of the bail out money and give it back to taxpayers!

Obama realizes that people are still struggling, but at the same time he has averted a major disaster, because of the stimulus. The markets are stabilized and most of the money has been recovered from the bank bailout. The economy is growing. He cut taxes to 95% of working families, created 2 million new jobs. He says that his main priority in 2010 is JOBS. He is proposing a new jobs bill which will focus on small business tax credits and loans, eliminating the capital gains tax, creating infrastructure and clean energy jobs.

We believe that if Obama's conservative tone and willingness to work with Republicans on so many issues will continue to be flat out rejected by the GOP, this will ultimately result in Americans not voting for Republicans and their "do nothing" stand. This will be the demise of the Republican Party, since they are not willing to work for the American people, and they clearly care more about divisive politics. Obama is fed up with the divisiveness, the dirty tactics, and the spins and lies of the media. So are the American people. He is calling for a government and a Supreme Court that matches the "decency" of the American people, not the greedy, corrupt corporate interests. He wants a government that "embodies the strength of the American people." He said "we don't quit, and I don't quit."

Obama Calls for a Strong and Decent Government

Barack Obama spoke as our commander in chief last night, setting the tone and direction of the country, and he mentioned ALLENTOWN, PA! We thought he sounded more conservative than liberal, but strong and hopeful as he scolded both Democratic and Republican elected leaders for not mirroring the strength and decency of the American people. He reminded people that he is working on important issues like health insurance reform because of the real stories he has heard from Americans who have been denied coverage, or have gone bankrupt, not because of his "legacy." He also cuffed around the Supreme Court for their radical decision that corporations can now overpower the American people and buy elections, as he stared right at them, and we thought that was gutsy. Take that, Roberts and Alito! How dare you play politics with our democracy! We won't stand for that!

Some things that stood out for us was how he mocked the Democratic majority for "running for the hills" and not getting the job done on health care reform. (YES!) But he also personally took some of the blame for not being clear enough to the American people. He called out the Republicans for obstructing everything he wants to do, but he is still hopeful that we can "move forward as one nation." We don't feel too hopeful about that anymore considering the recent Supreme Court decision and the fact that not one Republican is on board with health insurance reform. Obama has gotten closer to achieving reform than any President ever before, and if it is derailed, then the onus is on the Republicans. He reminded Republicans that if they have any better solutions, then he would like to hear them. Near the end of the speech, some of the Republicans finally began to applaud. But they were silent earlier, even when he mentioned tax cuts. The Republicans are even opposed to his plans for a fee on big banks to recover the rest of the bail out money and give it back to taxpayers!

Obama realizes that people are still struggling, but at the same time he has averted a major disaster, because of the stimulus. The markets are stabilized and most of the money has been recovered from the bank bailout. The economy is growing. He cut taxes to 95% of working families, created 2 million new jobs. He says that his main priority in 2010 is JOBS. He is proposing a new jobs bill which will focus on small business tax credits and loans, eliminating the capital gains tax, creating infrastructure and clean energy jobs.

We believe that if Obama's conservative tone and willingness to work with Republicans on so many issues will continue to be flat out rejected by the GOP, this will ultimately result in Americans not voting for Republicans and their "do nothing" stand. This will be the demise of the Republican Party, since they are not willing to work for the American people, and they clearly care more about divisive politics. Obama is fed up with the divisiveness, the dirty tactics, and the spins and lies of the media. So are the American people. He is calling for a government and a Supreme Court that matches the "decency" of the American people, not the greedy, corrupt corporate interests. He wants a government that "embodies the strength of the American people." He said "we don't quit, and I don't quit."

Obama Stimulus is Working

The Congressional Budget Office Report provides the facts about how the economic stimulus is working.

Here are some facts: between 600,000 and 1.6 million jobs have been created or saved through September 2009 as a result of the American Recovery and Re-investment Act. The data shows that the real inflation adjusted GDP was 1.2 to 3.2% higher than it would have been had the $787 billion dollar stimulus package not been passed.

Here's a link to the report: Congressional Budget Report

But sadly, for the disgruntled lunatic fringe, it doesn't matter what the facts are because there is such polarization in this country. House Minority "Leader" (wink wink) John Boehner and fellow NeoCONservatives like frustrated actor Glenn Beck and frustrated hater Rush Limbaugh boldly claim the stimulus has failed (?) no matter what. It's like this in local politics w/ our local NeoCons, too. Look at our local "newspaper" and blogosphere: the loudest and most blatant liars and NeoCon sycophants are the ones referenced as "reputable" (wink wink) sources of information. Our local "newspaper" actually links its online "news" stories to NeoCon haters like disbarred and un-rehabilitated lawyer Bernie O'Hare and perpetually disgruntled and konstantly kvetching Allentown Mayoral "Hopeful" (wink wink) Mike Molovinsky as "other news sources." Incredible. The truth doesn't matter anymore. Ditto facts. Only the hate. And the RepubliCONS couldn't care less about the well-being of the citizenry, they just want to make sure Obama fails by blocking him. Same way some jealous locals try to block Bill Villa. And if they keep repeating the same lie loudly enough that the stimulus has failed, easily duped dunces will believe them. Ditto locally, where easily duped dopes fall for what NeoCons O'Hare, Molovinsky, Casey, Varkony, Najarian, LVCI, and Michael Donovan are dishing out. Thankfully, we Liberals are the majority.

Bush's tax cuts for the rich did not trickle down to create jobs. The jobs created under the Bush administration were mostly jobs outsourced to China, India, Dubai, and Mexico. The right wingnuts complain that the jobs created by Obama's stimulus are government jobs, and that he is expanding big bad government with his socialist agenda. Well, some of those bad government jobs include, fire, police, teachers, and court employees. Spending results in jobs. And the top economists in the country have pointed that out. Obama has avoided a depression. It's going to take a while to recover and rebound from the desperate situation that "W" left us in but Obama has all the right things heading in the right direction. To the left. Just sayin'.

For more facts on how the stimulus money is being used, click here.

Obama Stimulus is Working

The Congressional Budget Office Report provides the facts about how the economic stimulus is working.

Here are some facts: between 600,000 and 1.6 million jobs have been created or saved through September 2009 as a result of the American Recovery and Re-investment Act. The data shows that the real inflation adjusted GDP was 1.2 to 3.2% higher than it would have been had the $787 billion dollar stimulus package not been passed.

Here's a link to the report: Congressional Budget Report

But sadly, for the disgruntled lunatic fringe, it doesn't matter what the facts are because there is such polarization in this country. House Minority "Leader" (wink wink) John Boehner and fellow NeoCONservatives like frustrated actor Glenn Beck and frustrated hater Rush Limbaugh boldly claim the stimulus has failed (?) no matter what. It's like this in local politics w/ our local NeoCons, too. Look at our local "newspaper" and blogosphere: the loudest and most blatant liars and NeoCon sycophants are the ones referenced as "reputable" (wink wink) sources of information. Our local "newspaper" actually links its online "news" stories to NeoCon haters like disbarred and un-rehabilitated lawyer Bernie O'Hare and perpetually disgruntled and konstantly kvetching Allentown Mayoral "Hopeful" (wink wink) Mike Molovinsky as "other news sources." Incredible. The truth doesn't matter anymore. Ditto facts. Only the hate. And the RepubliCONS couldn't care less about the well-being of the citizenry, they just want to make sure Obama fails by blocking him. Same way some jealous locals try to block Bill Villa. And if they keep repeating the same lie loudly enough that the stimulus has failed, easily duped dunces will believe them. Ditto locally, where easily duped dopes fall for what NeoCons O'Hare, Molovinsky, Casey, Varkony, Najarian, LVCI, and Michael Donovan are dishing out. Thankfully, we Liberals are the majority.

Bush's tax cuts for the rich did not trickle down to create jobs. The jobs created under the Bush administration were mostly jobs outsourced to China, India, Dubai, and Mexico. The right wingnuts complain that the jobs created by Obama's stimulus are government jobs, and that he is expanding big bad government with his socialist agenda. Well, some of those bad government jobs include, fire, police, teachers, and court employees. Spending results in jobs. And the top economists in the country have pointed that out. Obama has avoided a depression. It's going to take a while to recover and rebound from the desperate situation that "W" left us in but Obama has all the right things heading in the right direction. To the left. Just sayin'.

For more facts on how the stimulus money is being used, click here.

Will Obama visit ART MART in Allentown?

President Obama is scheduled to visit Allentown this coming Friday Dec. 4th as the first stop on his "White House to Main St." tour. Allentown was chosen because of its potential for future economic growth and job creation. Obama will also stop at Lehigh Carbon Community College in Schnecksville. Enrollment is up at community colleges across the country, because they offer a more affordable choice during tough economic times. Obama plans on increasing the level of federal support for community colleges, because education translates into jobs.

Speaking of community and economic development ... the Obamas were community organizers, so they understand the importance of volunteer work. I believe the perfect stop on Obama's tour of Allentown would be ART MART at 813 Hamilton St. in Allentown. Art Mart is a new holiday gift shop and fine art gallery created by a large and growing community of local artists and volunteers. The volunteers have come together to promote the arts and help revitalize downtown Allentown. The industrious artists have been given permission by a gracious property owner to take over his vacant store on Hamilton St, and turn it into a holiday art emporium. Very cool cooperation all around. Local artists are hoping this location will eventually become a permanent art gallery, because all these dedicated professional artists really should have a home of our own.

The arts play a central role in revitalizing cities, and in creating much needed social capital, which leads to economic capital. Read about Art Mart and other arts news at The Allentown Chen Arts Group Blog

WFMZ Channel 69 News covered the very successful opening of ART MART this past Friday night. Check it out: 69 News Coverage of ART MART

There are great things happening in downtown Allentown, and now there is a growing art scene led by a community of talented artists and arts supporters. And that's what's going to turn the downtown around ... progressive-minded people working together to make positive things happen.

Support our local artists by buying their art at ART MART!

Visit ART MART at facebook.com/AllentownArtMart
Photo: Very Cool ART MART sign designed and made by local artist Vicki DaSilva and her husband Antonio

Photo from WFMZ News website

Will Obama visit ART MART in Allentown?

President Obama is scheduled to visit Allentown this coming Friday Dec. 4th as the first stop on his "White House to Main St." tour. Allentown was chosen because of its potential for future economic growth and job creation. Obama will also stop at Lehigh Carbon Community College in Schnecksville. Enrollment is up at community colleges across the country, because they offer a more affordable choice during tough economic times. Obama plans on increasing the level of federal support for community colleges, because education translates into jobs.

Speaking of community and economic development ... the Obamas were community organizers, so they understand the importance of volunteer work. I believe the perfect stop on Obama's tour of Allentown would be ART MART at 813 Hamilton St. in Allentown. Art Mart is a new holiday gift shop and fine art gallery created by a large and growing community of local artists and volunteers. The volunteers have come together to promote the arts and help revitalize downtown Allentown. The industrious artists have been given permission by a gracious property owner to take over his vacant store on Hamilton St, and turn it into a holiday art emporium. Very cool cooperation all around. Local artists are hoping this location will eventually become a permanent art gallery, because all these dedicated professional artists really should have a home of our own.

The arts play a central role in revitalizing cities, and in creating much needed social capital, which leads to economic capital. Read about Art Mart and other arts news at The Allentown Chen Arts Group Blog

WFMZ Channel 69 News covered the very successful opening of ART MART this past Friday night. Check it out: 69 News Coverage of ART MART

There are great things happening in downtown Allentown, and now there is a growing art scene led by a community of talented artists and arts supporters. And that's what's going to turn the downtown around ... progressive-minded people working together to make positive things happen.

Support our local artists by buying their art at ART MART!

Visit ART MART at facebook.com/AllentownArtMart
Photo: Very Cool ART MART sign designed and made by local artist Vicki DaSilva and her husband Antonio

Photo from WFMZ News website

Grayson's Got Guts!

Representative Alan Grayson (D-Fla) has become the new star of the Democratic Party because he has the courage to speak out loudly for the people. During a speech on the House floor, he said that the GOP's alternative healthcare plan is simple, "Don't Get Sick. And if you do get sick, die quickly." see this video

Grayson highlighted a Harvard study that found 44,000 Americans die annually due to no health insurance. We wrote about those facts here at LVS. We Must Have A Public Option

It's refreshing to finally watch a Democrat speak in a no-nonsense way, and to call out the RepubliCONS as "the party of no, and soon, the party of nobody." Seems like it is working. The "you get more bees with honey" approach is not gonna work here because people are dying, and because the majority of the American public supports a public option, or as it has been cleverly coined by Liberals, "Medicare Part E," i.e., Medicare for Everybody. Sometimes the truth has gotta sting and wake people up. Democrats have got to stand up to the bullying, lies, and smear campaigns of the right. Grayson says, "I don't remember hearing a lot about bipartisanship when we were talking about tax breaks for the rich."

Democrats are in power now and we gotta start getting things done. Let the tea baggers protest-- who cares. The facts speak for themselves. We the people want a public option.

Grayson has started a website called Names of the Dead as a tribute to people who have died due to lack of health insurance.

Grayson's campaign fundraising website is called A Congressman With Guts.

We're hoping Alan Grayson's gutsiness is contagious.

[Mr. Dottie contributed to this post]

Grayson's Got Guts!

Representative Alan Grayson (D-Fla) has become the new star of the Democratic Party because he has the courage to speak out loudly for the people. During a speech on the House floor, he said that the GOP's alternative healthcare plan is simple, "Don't Get Sick. And if you do get sick, die quickly." see this video

Grayson highlighted a Harvard study that found 44,000 Americans die annually due to no health insurance. We wrote about those facts here at LVS. We Must Have A Public Option

It's refreshing to finally watch a Democrat speak in a no-nonsense way, and to call out the RepubliCONS as "the party of no, and soon, the party of nobody." Seems like it is working. The "you get more bees with honey" approach is not gonna work here because people are dying, and because the majority of the American public supports a public option, or as it has been cleverly coined by Liberals, "Medicare Part E," i.e., Medicare for Everybody. Sometimes the truth has gotta sting and wake people up. Democrats have got to stand up to the bullying, lies, and smear campaigns of the right. Grayson says, "I don't remember hearing a lot about bipartisanship when we were talking about tax breaks for the rich."

Democrats are in power now and we gotta start getting things done. Let the tea baggers protest-- who cares. The facts speak for themselves. We the people want a public option.

Grayson has started a website called Names of the Dead as a tribute to people who have died due to lack of health insurance.

Grayson's campaign fundraising website is called A Congressman With Guts.

We're hoping Alan Grayson's gutsiness is contagious.

[Mr. Dottie contributed to this post]

It's About Time For Gay Rights

After winning the Nobel Peace Prize, our President Obama has started kicking some civil rights buttocks by pledging to end the outdated policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the military, and to move forward on repealing the Defense of Marriage Act. It's way long past the time that gays should have the same civil rights as everyone else in America.
see story

We know that our President has an enormous amount of important stuff on his proverbial plate right now, but we think this issue of gay rights is extremely important. Gay columnist Andrew Sullivan is not happy and says that Obama has done nothing, offered no timeline, no deadline for action. I can understand his POV and frustration, and we think Obama needs to now act, but geez what about the Democrats in Congress? We have a Democratic majority and still nothing has been done. We think our elected leaders and all of us need to scream a little louder about this issue. Gotta give the wacko religious right and the neo-cons credit for screaming the loudest about their crazy beliefs and values. We can understand why gays are tired of waiting, but we don't think complaining is going to help them right now.

Obama is putting the issue front and center by speaking about it and pledging to do something. He's done more than any other President. Gotta give him credit. In our present time of such gross injustices, (ie health insurance company abuses, bailing out Wall St. robber barons, right wing media lies) I guess we should be happy about even the smallest tablescrap of Democratic ballsiness in this country. Maybe it will inspire other Democrats to grow half a set, and speak out LOUDER for human rights.

It's About Time For Gay Rights

After winning the Nobel Peace Prize, our President Obama has started kicking some civil rights buttocks by pledging to end the outdated policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the military, and to move forward on repealing the Defense of Marriage Act. It's way long past the time that gays should have the same civil rights as everyone else in America.
see story

We know that our President has an enormous amount of important stuff on his proverbial plate right now, but we think this issue of gay rights is extremely important. Gay columnist Andrew Sullivan is not happy and says that Obama has done nothing, offered no timeline, no deadline for action. I can understand his POV and frustration, and we think Obama needs to now act, but geez what about the Democrats in Congress? We have a Democratic majority and still nothing has been done. We think our elected leaders and all of us need to scream a little louder about this issue. Gotta give the wacko religious right and the neo-cons credit for screaming the loudest about their crazy beliefs and values. We can understand why gays are tired of waiting, but we don't think complaining is going to help them right now.

Obama is putting the issue front and center by speaking about it and pledging to do something. He's done more than any other President. Gotta give him credit. In our present time of such gross injustices, (ie health insurance company abuses, bailing out Wall St. robber barons, right wing media lies) I guess we should be happy about even the smallest tablescrap of Democratic ballsiness in this country. Maybe it will inspire other Democrats to grow half a set, and speak out LOUDER for human rights.

We Must Have A Public Option

I don't see how we can have real health care reform without the public option. Corporate control of our health care is resulting in people dying for the good of the insurance company. It's immoral. Corporations should not have control over our lives. A government run public option can co-exist with private plans. People can choose what they want, or stay with the plan they have. Obama's plan is NOT a government take over. The public option makes perfect sense and there is now an urgency to lower costs, and hold the greedy companies accountable for their many abuses, which have resulted in the deaths of American people. It is a serious crisis. The wingnut commentators are scaring people with lies. The Republicons want to see Obama fail, no matter how many Americans die. They hate Obama more than they love America. And they hate him because he is Black. We must have a public option, it's a human need.

Here are some facts and stats:

45,000 uninsured Americans die each year, according to research done by the Harvard Medical School. That's one person every 12 minutes.

See this article

46.3 million Americans lacked coverage in 2008. Uninsured adults under age 64 have a 40% higher risk of dying than those who have coverage. These people are dying from complications associated with preventable diseases such as diabetes because they can't afford proper care. The insurance companies run the real "death panels."

The New England Journal of Medicine reports that 73% of doctors favor a public option.

65% of Americans favor a public option.

14,000 people a day are losing their health insurance.

Where is our compassion for fellow human beings? We are all in this together, why not pool the wealth to help each other out? No one should have to die because they can't afford health insurance.

Did you know that young adults ages 19-29 make up 30% of the nation's uninsured? An average health insurance premium for young adults for the school year 2007-2008 was $850.00.

See this document

According to The Kaiser Family Foundation, the average cost of a family's health care policy is now more than $13,000 annually, having more than doubled in a decade. It is unaffordable for middle class people, especially those who (like us) are self-employed and have to pay the entire amount. Our policy is going up to $932.00 a month, and that's just for 2 people, since our child is enrolled in CHIP, which is a great government run program for kids. We would choose the public option.

We Must Have A Public Option

I don't see how we can have real health care reform without the public option. Corporate control of our health care is resulting in people dying for the good of the insurance company. It's immoral. Corporations should not have control over our lives. A government run public option can co-exist with private plans. People can choose what they want, or stay with the plan they have. Obama's plan is NOT a government take over. The public option makes perfect sense and there is now an urgency to lower costs, and hold the greedy companies accountable for their many abuses, which have resulted in the deaths of American people. It is a serious crisis. The wingnut commentators are scaring people with lies. The Republicons want to see Obama fail, no matter how many Americans die. They hate Obama more than they love America. And they hate him because he is Black. We must have a public option, it's a human need.

Here are some facts and stats:

45,000 uninsured Americans die each year, according to research done by the Harvard Medical School. That's one person every 12 minutes.

See this article

46.3 million Americans lacked coverage in 2008. Uninsured adults under age 64 have a 40% higher risk of dying than those who have coverage. These people are dying from complications associated with preventable diseases such as diabetes because they can't afford proper care. The insurance companies run the real "death panels."

The New England Journal of Medicine reports that 73% of doctors favor a public option.

65% of Americans favor a public option.

14,000 people a day are losing their health insurance.

Where is our compassion for fellow human beings? We are all in this together, why not pool the wealth to help each other out? No one should have to die because they can't afford health insurance.

Did you know that young adults ages 19-29 make up 30% of the nation's uninsured? An average health insurance premium for young adults for the school year 2007-2008 was $850.00.

See this document

According to The Kaiser Family Foundation, the average cost of a family's health care policy is now more than $13,000 annually, having more than doubled in a decade. It is unaffordable for middle class people, especially those who (like us) are self-employed and have to pay the entire amount. Our policy is going up to $932.00 a month, and that's just for 2 people, since our child is enrolled in CHIP, which is a great government run program for kids. We would choose the public option.

Meet The New Boss

Many are saying that Obama's powerful speech last night was the greatest speech ever by a US President in front of a joint session of Congress, and we here at LVS agree. He kicked ass. He took CHARGE.

One high point of the speech was when Obama said that his "door is open" to GOP ideas, but he will "call out liars." He spoke directly to senior citizens who have been the target of the ridiculous lies about "death panels." He said his plan is "not a government takeover." A low point of the speech was when Representative Joe Wilson from South Carolina yelled out "you lie" (or some sources report that he said "it's a lie") when Obama stated that his plan does not cover illegal immigrants. Wilson showed complete disrespect for The President, and proved just how low the hateful wingnuts will go to make sure our President fails.

Another high point of Obama's speech was when he spoke about the late Ted Kennedy, and the letter Kennedy wrote in defense of liberalism. Kennedy strongly believed that health care is a moral issue and that it speaks to the character of Americans. To deny sick people health care coverage due to a pre-existing condition, or loss of job, is a social injustice. We are all in this together and should help each other. No one in America should die because they can't afford medical treatment. Quality health care is a human need, not a privilege just for people who can afford it. Evoking Kennedy at the end was LIBERALISM at it's best. Obama spoke directly to the American people , referencing real life stories of people dying and going bankrupt because of the current abuses of the health care industry.

The root of Obama's speech was that comprehensive regulation of the healthcare industry is long overdue. Obama stressed that he does not want to put HIC's out of business, he "just wants to hold them accountable." He wants to make it illegal for HIC's to deny coverage for a pre-existing condition, or when you lose your job. Obama's brilliant plan has pluses for everybody: the American people, the Republicans (Obama has much GOP input including McCain's ideas, and GOP goals of reforming malpractice litigation) and even insurance companies will gain millions of new customers via Obama making minimal coverage mandatory for everyone, similar to car insurance.

Get on board Republicans, the train is leaving the station with or without you. It's time to stop playing partisan politics with the lives of American citizens.

Meet The New Boss

Many are saying that Obama's powerful speech last night was the greatest speech ever by a US President in front of a joint session of Congress, and we here at LVS agree. He kicked ass. He took CHARGE.

One high point of the speech was when Obama said that his "door is open" to GOP ideas, but he will "call out liars." He spoke directly to senior citizens who have been the target of the ridiculous lies about "death panels." He said his plan is "not a government takeover." A low point of the speech was when Representative Joe Wilson from South Carolina yelled out "you lie" (or some sources report that he said "it's a lie") when Obama stated that his plan does not cover illegal immigrants. Wilson showed complete disrespect for The President, and proved just how low the hateful wingnuts will go to make sure our President fails.

Another high point of Obama's speech was when he spoke about the late Ted Kennedy, and the letter Kennedy wrote in defense of liberalism. Kennedy strongly believed that health care is a moral issue and that it speaks to the character of Americans. To deny sick people health care coverage due to a pre-existing condition, or loss of job, is a social injustice. We are all in this together and should help each other. No one in America should die because they can't afford medical treatment. Quality health care is a human need, not a privilege just for people who can afford it. Evoking Kennedy at the end was LIBERALISM at it's best. Obama spoke directly to the American people , referencing real life stories of people dying and going bankrupt because of the current abuses of the health care industry.

The root of Obama's speech was that comprehensive regulation of the healthcare industry is long overdue. Obama stressed that he does not want to put HIC's out of business, he "just wants to hold them accountable." He wants to make it illegal for HIC's to deny coverage for a pre-existing condition, or when you lose your job. Obama's brilliant plan has pluses for everybody: the American people, the Republicans (Obama has much GOP input including McCain's ideas, and GOP goals of reforming malpractice litigation) and even insurance companies will gain millions of new customers via Obama making minimal coverage mandatory for everyone, similar to car insurance.

Get on board Republicans, the train is leaving the station with or without you. It's time to stop playing partisan politics with the lives of American citizens.

Solving Autism

Several of our relatives and friends have children who have been diagnosed with some form of autism. 1 in every 150 kids has autism. There is mounting research suggesting that exposure to EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) could be a cause of autism. Please check out this interesting article at the Huffington Post by Harvey Karp, Cracking The Autism Riddle.

Toxic EDCs are found in everyday products such as food cans, plastic water bottles, cosmetics, fire retardants found in sofas, and computers. These items are found in most American homes.

EDCs have been found to be linked to human disease, hormone related disorders, low sperm count, cancer, and many other illnesses. There is evidence that even miniscule amounts of these chemicals can disturb fetal brain development.

In 2000, a CDC (Center for Disease Control) study found that 99.9% of people tested had detectable levels of these chemicals in their bodies.

In 1996, during the Clinton administration, there was a push by pediatricians for the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to test these chemicals. The testing process had begun under Clinton, but then during the Bush administration (The Dark Ages of Science), the research was halted and its funding was cut.

To counter President Bush's efforts to ignore the health of our children, a group of dedicated pediatricians started the National Children's Study (NCS). Even though Bush refused to fund this important research, the NCS was able to continue for 8 years.

The Obama administration has committed over $3 billion to NCS research. Thankfully, scientists may soon be able to detect which chemicals could be linked to autism, and its heart-breaking mystery will start to get solved.

Solving Autism

Several of our relatives and friends have children who have been diagnosed with some form of autism. 1 in every 150 kids has autism. There is mounting research suggesting that exposure to EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) could be a cause of autism. Please check out this interesting article at the Huffington Post by Harvey Karp, Cracking The Autism Riddle.

Toxic EDCs are found in everyday products such as food cans, plastic water bottles, cosmetics, fire retardants found in sofas, and computers. These items are found in most American homes.

EDCs have been found to be linked to human disease, hormone related disorders, low sperm count, cancer, and many other illnesses. There is evidence that even miniscule amounts of these chemicals can disturb fetal brain development.

In 2000, a CDC (Center for Disease Control) study found that 99.9% of people tested had detectable levels of these chemicals in their bodies.

In 1996, during the Clinton administration, there was a push by pediatricians for the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to test these chemicals. The testing process had begun under Clinton, but then during the Bush administration (The Dark Ages of Science), the research was halted and its funding was cut.

To counter President Bush's efforts to ignore the health of our children, a group of dedicated pediatricians started the National Children's Study (NCS). Even though Bush refused to fund this important research, the NCS was able to continue for 8 years.

The Obama administration has committed over $3 billion to NCS research. Thankfully, scientists may soon be able to detect which chemicals could be linked to autism, and its heart-breaking mystery will start to get solved.

We The People Want Public Health Care

The very sad news of the death of actress Farrah Fawcett today made me think about the many Americans without health insurance who suffer and die from cancer due to not being able to afford treatment for the deadly disease. Farrah was brave for documenting and calling attention to her battle with cancer. I think what the media needs to call attention to right now is the close to 50 million uninsured Americans. And many of those people are middle-class. We have a health care crisis in this country. The majority of Americans (72% according to a NY Times/CBS News Poll)

http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2009/06/21/health/policy/21poll_graphic_ready.html

favor a government administered health insurance plan. According to EBRI (Employee Benefit Research Institute) http://www.ebri.org/ a conservative organization, 83% of Americans favor "creating a new public health insurance plan that anyone can purchase."

Ironically, the demographic with the biggest opposition to a public plan are the over age 65 group, the same people who are currently in a government run health insurance plan called Medicare. Older Americans seem fearful of any change.

Obama promised us the same quality health care coverage that Congress receives. Everyone deserves health care, it is not a privilege. A public option is the only way to bring about universal affordable health care. In Obama's words, the public plan would "keep insurance companies honest." He is willing to compromise for Republican support, but most R's seem to just want to obstruct everything Obama wants to do. There are some Democrats against it too. And I think the Democrats need to grow a set and challenge the obstructionist Republicans. Let the R's filibuster. Obviously bipartisanship is not going to happen with this issue, so Congress needs to fight for the people's interests. They need to be in touch with the people. I like Howard Dean, he seems to be aware of the seriousness of this crisis . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Dean

Meanwhile, the national media is focusing on the infidelity and shenanigans of some governor, while Americans are dying due to lack of health care coverage. And in our local "newspaper", The Morning Call, headline news is constant updates on puppies in need and some hot dog vendor crisis. They need to get their priorities straight.

Photo: Protesters in Maine

We The People Want Public Health Care

The very sad news of the death of actress Farrah Fawcett today made me think about the many Americans without health insurance who suffer and die from cancer due to not being able to afford treatment for the deadly disease. Farrah was brave for documenting and calling attention to her battle with cancer. I think what the media needs to call attention to right now is the close to 50 million uninsured Americans. And many of those people are middle-class. We have a health care crisis in this country. The majority of Americans (72% according to a NY Times/CBS News Poll)

http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2009/06/21/health/policy/21poll_graphic_ready.html

favor a government administered health insurance plan. According to EBRI (Employee Benefit Research Institute) http://www.ebri.org/ a conservative organization, 83% of Americans favor "creating a new public health insurance plan that anyone can purchase."

Ironically, the demographic with the biggest opposition to a public plan are the over age 65 group, the same people who are currently in a government run health insurance plan called Medicare. Older Americans seem fearful of any change.

Obama promised us the same quality health care coverage that Congress receives. Everyone deserves health care, it is not a privilege. A public option is the only way to bring about universal affordable health care. In Obama's words, the public plan would "keep insurance companies honest." He is willing to compromise for Republican support, but most R's seem to just want to obstruct everything Obama wants to do. There are some Democrats against it too. And I think the Democrats need to grow a set and challenge the obstructionist Republicans. Let the R's filibuster. Obviously bipartisanship is not going to happen with this issue, so Congress needs to fight for the people's interests. They need to be in touch with the people. I like Howard Dean, he seems to be aware of the seriousness of this crisis . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Dean

Meanwhile, the national media is focusing on the infidelity and shenanigans of some governor, while Americans are dying due to lack of health care coverage. And in our local "newspaper", The Morning Call, headline news is constant updates on puppies in need and some hot dog vendor crisis. They need to get their priorities straight.

Photo: Protesters in Maine

White Male Rage Over Sotomayor

Here's the entire comment, in context, that Sonia Sotomayor made during a lecture at UC Berkeley that has White Male NeoCon Right Wingnuts rolling around on the floor and foaming at the mouth over:

Whether born from experience or inherent physiological or cultural differences, a possibility I abhor less or discount less than my colleague Judge Cedarbaum, our gender and national origins may and will make a difference in our judging. Justice O'Connor has often been cited as saying that a wise old man and wise old woman will reach the same conclusion in deciding cases. I am not so sure Justice O'Connor is the author of that line since Professor Resnik attributes that line to Supreme Court Justice Coyle. I am also not so sure that I agree with the statement. First, as Professor Martha Minnow has noted, there can never be a universal definition of wise. Second, I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life

Let us not forget that wise men like Oliver Wendell Holmes and Justice Cardozo voted on cases which upheld both sex and race discrimination in our society. Until 1972, no Supreme Court case ever upheld the claim of a woman in a gender discrimination case. I, like Professor Carter, believe that we should not be so myopic as to believe that others of different experiences or backgrounds are incapable of understanding the values and needs of people from a different group. Many are so capable. As Judge Cedarbaum pointed out to me, nine white men on the Supreme Court in the past have done so on many occasions and on many issues including Brown. -Sonia Sotomayor

When read in context, it is clear that Sotomayor's comment is about the reality that different people have different life experiences. Diversity of opinion is good for the court. A judge's background can make a difference. In fact, her comment is the opposite of racism. She is saying that she hopes a Latina would make wise decisions, just like the previous white males did.

Drug addicted gas bag Rush Limbaugh has labeled her a "reverse racist." He says "He(Obama) just wants one of his own on the court to do his dirty work, from the highest court in the land, and she fits the bill." "Obama is the greatest example of a reverse racist, and now he has appointed one."

Newt Gingrich, Pat Buchanan, Glenn Beck, Michael Steele, Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, have all expressed their outrage over the Sotomayor comment. And at this blog in my previous post, I received numerous vile comments, some that we published, most that we rejected, from foaming at the mouth hysterical anonymous commenters gone bonkers. G. Gordon Liddy has said "let's hope the key conferences aren't when she is menstruating or something, or just before she is going to menstruate." Ex Congressman Tom Tancredo has referred to Sotomayor as the ring leader of the Latino's version of the KKK.

FACT: All but four of the 110 Supreme Court justices in our nation’s history have been white men.

Twist and shout all you want, connected white guys, your privileged days of exclusive and unchallenged power are over.

White Male Rage Over Sotomayor

Here's the entire comment, in context, that Sonia Sotomayor made during a lecture at UC Berkeley that has White Male NeoCon Right Wingnuts rolling around on the floor and foaming at the mouth over:

Whether born from experience or inherent physiological or cultural differences, a possibility I abhor less or discount less than my colleague Judge Cedarbaum, our gender and national origins may and will make a difference in our judging. Justice O'Connor has often been cited as saying that a wise old man and wise old woman will reach the same conclusion in deciding cases. I am not so sure Justice O'Connor is the author of that line since Professor Resnik attributes that line to Supreme Court Justice Coyle. I am also not so sure that I agree with the statement. First, as Professor Martha Minnow has noted, there can never be a universal definition of wise. Second, I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life

Let us not forget that wise men like Oliver Wendell Holmes and Justice Cardozo voted on cases which upheld both sex and race discrimination in our society. Until 1972, no Supreme Court case ever upheld the claim of a woman in a gender discrimination case. I, like Professor Carter, believe that we should not be so myopic as to believe that others of different experiences or backgrounds are incapable of understanding the values and needs of people from a different group. Many are so capable. As Judge Cedarbaum pointed out to me, nine white men on the Supreme Court in the past have done so on many occasions and on many issues including Brown. -Sonia Sotomayor

When read in context, it is clear that Sotomayor's comment is about the reality that different people have different life experiences. Diversity of opinion is good for the court. A judge's background can make a difference. In fact, her comment is the opposite of racism. She is saying that she hopes a Latina would make wise decisions, just like the previous white males did.

Drug addicted gas bag Rush Limbaugh has labeled her a "reverse racist." He says "He(Obama) just wants one of his own on the court to do his dirty work, from the highest court in the land, and she fits the bill." "Obama is the greatest example of a reverse racist, and now he has appointed one."

Newt Gingrich, Pat Buchanan, Glenn Beck, Michael Steele, Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, have all expressed their outrage over the Sotomayor comment. And at this blog in my previous post, I received numerous vile comments, some that we published, most that we rejected, from foaming at the mouth hysterical anonymous commenters gone bonkers. G. Gordon Liddy has said "let's hope the key conferences aren't when she is menstruating or something, or just before she is going to menstruate." Ex Congressman Tom Tancredo has referred to Sotomayor as the ring leader of the Latino's version of the KKK.

FACT: All but four of the 110 Supreme Court justices in our nation’s history have been white men.

Twist and shout all you want, connected white guys, your privileged days of exclusive and unchallenged power are over.