Makes My Blood Boil

This sticker is SO NOT TRUE.





Today I got an anti-health reform email which included this:

Go to: www.brownforussenate.com and donate every cent you can spare. We can take that 60th vote away from Reid and then health care will never pass. If we do not do this and send the Democrats a real message, we really are screwed. If you live in Massachusetts or even in New Hampshire near the border, volunteer to get the Republican vote out on January 19th.

Haven't we bled enough to fill these people's pockets. When did doing the job you were elected to do require that we donate every cent we can spare? Shouldn't people with good sense be able to see this whole reform bill is a crock and vote what's right?

A well-spoken businessman from Florida was on Fox new this morning. For thirty years, he's been providing top-of-the-line health care for his employees, including staffing his own medical clinic. He's paying $2500 per employee right now and feels it's the "right thing to do, since he can afford it." Under the Obama plan, he would be fined $750.00 per employee for NOT providing the health care, thus saving him EIGHT MILLION dollars to trash his plan and let people flounder. Great! Employees who currently pay more than $750 per employee would be motivated to stop. Right now, my benefits cost my previous employee $770, but after the first of the year, the plan has increased, and my $150 per month is doubling. I'm already being affected by the reform and it hasn't really passed yet.

AND...I have an important question. What is the definition of PROVIDE? Does it mean offer the option or pay for the full benefit?

In Tennessee, few companies offer any health care, and if they do, the employee-paid portion is so expensive, it becomes prohibitive. My husband, if he accepted enrollment, would virtually pay for benefits with little left over for household management. You can see why I ask. I'm sure the $750 fine would provide money to the government to help repay the trillion dollar debt, but how does it benefit Joe America? I suspect if you have health care now, and are happy with it. Since the fine is lower than the premium, more people are going to HAVE to accept Obamacare when their health care is snagged away from them. So much for the promise, you can keep you health care if you like it. Right!!!

Christmas Hiatus

I'm continuing my holiday hiatus. As some of you know, I've been sidelined with illness for the past couple months, so my blogs have been pretty much ignored. However, I couldn't resist one last post before I stop and refocus for the New Year. One I had hoped would be better until I read the following:

Obama's Christmas tree has
Chairman Mao, transvestite


The face of China's Mao Zedong, blamed for the deaths of 50 to 80 million of his countrymen, graces an ornament on the White House Christmas tree for President Obama's first holiday season in residence. And that's just the beginning.

Find out the latest right now at WND.com.

At a time of the year when the focus should be on the true meaning of Christmas: peace, harmony, and brotherhood, I ask, how can this man have any kind of conscience...and moreover, what type of example is he setting for his children. I wanted to disbelief what I read, but Fox News reported the same, and there are pictures of the ornaments published on the net.

So, how's the president's performance working for ya know...those of you who still put your faith and trust in him? What basis do you use? I'd like to know.

As I close now, I share my prayer. Lord bless us all as we head into a New Year. May the star that guided the wise men to the Christ child shine bright enough to show us now the way out of the darkness that consumes us.

I believe in miracles. :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, one and all.

Ginger

Behind The Scenes

I read this past week, from October statistics, that over five million people are on unemployment. This doesn't count anyone who has moved on to receive extensions beyond the limit allowed per person. My dilemma...I don't know whether to be thankful or upset that Congress voted to extend benefits. I think I'll settle for frightened.

Most folks pay into unemployment, but certainly those coffers ran out long ago. Consider only the five million mentioned in the article, and not those receiving extended benefits. Using what my husband received for the weeks he was without work, I'll enter $268.00 per week as a figure to work with. Now multiply this times fifty-two weeks in a year, then multiply that by five million individuals. Where is the government finding the money? And why are we being encouraged by a climbing stock market and rising financial reports? False courage according to U.S. News.com:

So are job losses good for the stock market? Actually, yes. At least for awhile. Stocks are rising because many companies are earning more money than analysts have expected. But earnings aren't up because companies are selling more stuff; most companies are still selling less stuff and grappling with falling revenue. Instead, earnings are rising because companies have cut their costs more than revenues have fallen. And "costs" are often the same as "jobs."

While I honestly am thankful that struggling Americans are finding help when jobs are simply just not there, I wonder how much more the government can pile on to the ever growing debt pile?

We owe our future to China, now the current administration wants to add anyone fifty-five and over to Medicare. I'm over fifty-five, but reports prior to health care reform showed this government-run agency already in financial despair...on the brink of ruin, actually. How is adding millions more bodies to the numbers going to help.

And the basis for reform is high medical costs. Ask any doctor who drove up the costs. The Government. If you've ever researched the ridiculous amounts of money they pay for anything, you might not be so surprised that we're in the mess we're in. Grants to study ridiculous topics, and things like this:

Medicare wastes more money than any other federal program, yet its strong public support leaves lawmakers hesitant to address program effi­ciencies, which cost taxpayers and Medicare recip­ients billions of dollars annually.

For example, Medicare pays as much as eight times what other federal agencies pay for the same drugs and medical supplies.[6] The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently com­pared the prices paid by Medicare and the Depart­ment of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care program for 16 types of medical equipment and supplies, which account for one-quarter of Medicare’s equip­ment and supplies purchases. The evidence showed that Medicare paid an average of more than double what the VA paid for the same items. The largest difference was for saline solution, with Medicare paying $8.26 per liter compared to the $1.02 paid by the VA.

OR THIS:

Unused Flight Tickets Totaling $100 Million

A recent audit revealed that between 1997 and 2003, the Defense Department purchased and then left unused approximately 270,000 commercial airline tickets at a total cost of $100 million. Even worse, the Pentagon never bothered to get a refund for these fully refundable tickets. The GAO blamed a system that relied on department personnel to notify the travel office when purchased tickets went unused.

The government has been overly generous with money for years and years. The spending frivolity is finally catching up, and it hurts us all.

I urge you, when it's time to vote, clean house. It's time to stop the hemorrhaging and get career politicians out of Congress and the Senate and on the unemployment lines with the rest of America. Let them see how their actions have affected this nation.

Okay...going to take my blood pressure meds now. :)

Empty Promises

I've been sickly and not the least interested in political things as I already felt miserable enough. I want to thank my friend who continues to provide me with fodder to share during the moments when my brain doesn't work on it's on. I won't name her, but she knows who she is and how much she's appreciated. :) This is by far one of the best comparisons I've seen.

THE COW AND THE ICE CREAM--From a teacher in the Nashville area

"We are worried about 'the cow' when it is all about the 'Ice Cream.'

The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third grade this year...

The presidential election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest.

I decided we would have an election for a class president.

We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote.

To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members.

We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have.

We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot.

The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids.

I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support.

I had never seen Olivia's mother.

The day arrived when they were to make their speeches.

Jamie went first.

He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place.

He ended by promising to do his very best.

Everyone applauded and he sat down.

Now is was Olivia's turn to speak.

Her speech was concise.

She said, "If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream."

She sat down.

The class went wild. "Yes! Yes!

We want ice cream."

She surely would say more. She did not have to.

A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream?

She wasn't sure.

Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it.

She didn't know.

The class really didn't care.

All they were thinking about was ice cream.

Jamie was forgotten. Olivia won by a landslide.

Every time Barack Obama opened his mouth he offered ice cream and 52 percent of the people reacted like nine-year-olds.

They want ice cream.

The other 48 percent know they're going to have to feed the cow and clean up the mess."



This is the ice cream Obama promised us!







Remember, the government cannot give anything to anyone that they have not first taken away from someone else.

“NO EMPTY PROMISES”

"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it."
~~ Thomas Paine ~~

'IN GOD WE TRUST!!!' Cause you sure can't trust the government anymore.

Note: Thanks to Critical Layouts for unknowingly letting me "hijack" the photograph. Visit their site.

Born Again American

What's Wrong With This Picture

I'm not a rocket scientist, but I see some ugly evidence of what continues to drive our country into poverty.

Why are we bailing out financial institutions who have outsourced all their customer service jobs abroad? Bank of AMERICA and many of the other larger conglomerats have sent thousandss and thousands of job overseas, denying all those here without jobs a fair opportuniy for employment, yet we're worried about them succeeding? Ever wonder why when you call for help you can't understand the person on the other end? It's because you're probably speaking to someone in India or Pakistan. Great isn't it? What kind of government continues to allow this?

And which industry continues to be pounded by the failing economy. Think about it..everytime a business, big or small, closes their doors, moves abroad, or falls to bankruptcy, who takes a hit along with them? Truckers. Who got scalped the most when fuel prices soared. Truckers again. Which of course is ridiculous because diesel is a gasoline by-product and has always been cheaper. But all those trucks you curse on the freeway are the very people who deliver the goods you need everyday. From toothpaste to toilet paper to food, and all those things your order on-line. Each time they lose a contract, they are forced to raise their prices in order to stay in business, which in turn raises the price of the goods they deliver. In the end, we take a pounding along with them.

Just somethings I thought of when I couldn't sleep tonight. That and the Female Senator who took $300 million dollars to vote for Obamacare. When will the corruption, greed, and stupidty end?

Or will it ever?

Healthcare Reform

I'm so confused by all the BS being reported, denied, and shared on the news about Healthcare that I feel like shooting something or someone. I'm fearful about the reported changes in in PAP smear and Mammogram eligibility and the gap between testing. How many women will die because of this?

I'm angered over the Senator I just learned took a $300 million dollar bribe to vote in favor of healthcare reform. And even more pissed that the government is soliciting donations to help defray the escalating deficit.

What has gone wrong with this country? We're bringing terrorist to our shores to try them with constitutional rights and attorneys who will plead their cases for them despite the fact they've already admitted to their crimes. They're war criminals, and the fact that we've given H1N1 vaccine to Gitmo detainees and other inmates when I myself haven't been able to get a dose makes me madder than you can imagine.

But...in this time of such confusion, I decided to solicit a few friends from aboard who partake of Government run or shared healthcare for their opinions. Actually, these responses I received were uplifting and made me feel not quite so helpless, although my own healthcare benefit is doubling in 2010, I would still rather be the boss of my own destiny.

Testimonies:

I'm from Germany, as you all know, and we have universal health care. It's a mix of government/private insurance (actually mostly government regulated private insurance). It was a total shock for me to come here to the US and not be able to afford/get health care. I have it now finally that I'm full time after 20 years of being adjunct faculty without benefits, but many things that I should have taken care of I couldn't, and I'll pay the price for that in the future, or actually right now. You should see me limp on my bad ankles.... At least I was lucky enough so far not to require any serious procedures.... Haven't been to a doctor in over ten years....

In Germany, dental and vision is included (I need new glasses!!!). The way it works is that everybody gets a certain basic level of health care that is heavy on preventative care (for example, massages are paid for by health care - they prevent a lot of unnecessary back surgeries...). In other words, you are encouraged to get regular check-ups, etc. Leads to less catastrophic care and peace of mind. If you want to, you can buy more expensive private plans on top of that. My parents did that and reap the benefits now - my mother has major health issues and has spent quite a while in the hospital. She now needs in-home care, and a health worker visits her twice a day to help with whatever she needs from rewrapping bandages to personal hygiene. If they didn't have both the basic and the private level of health care, they'd be bankrupt. They still have to contribute something to the most expensive stuff (my mother got some experimental foot surgery), but it's nothing they can't afford.

If you work, your basic insurance contribution is taken directly out of your paycheck, just like taxes/social security benefits. You don't miss it, I found, just like I don't miss my regular stuff taken out of my paycheck here. If you're unemployed, it's part of your unemployment benefits - no fear like here that if you lose your job you will be left without insurance. So many people here (and in Germany) don't lose their jobs in this economy because they're lazy bums, so how do they deserve to be all of a sudden without any recourse if they're ill? There's no cap on the services, and pre-existing conditions can't exclude you. Neither can the insurances kick you out if you get sick - my mom would be in dire straits in the US.

The argument in Germany is that we're all in this together, and that no person should go bankrupt or die for want of basic health care. Doesn't matter whether you're a native or an immigrant either; after all, they work, so they can get health care. Hey, even prostitutes get it *grin*. The argument is that catastrophic health care (which cannot be denied - you can't let people croak on the emergency room stairs, after all, right? Hippocratic oath and all...) is beaucoup more expensive than decent basic care for all. Call it socialism, or whatever - give me socialism then.... Besides, what about Christian charity???

Read an interesting article about that not long since - the idea that the collective well-being is considered important in Europe, whereas rugged individualism is more treasured in the US, which leads to everybody being left to fend for him/herself - the motto is: I worked for it, it's mine. You want it, work for it yourself. I'm not paying for you. It's a philosophical difference. But universal health care is also better for the labor market - a healthy workforce is better for the economy than one that's always taking time off for preventable illnesses....

Now I'm not saying everything's perfect in good old Germany (not all hospitals/doctors are equally good - but neither are they here -, and Germany has its share of snafus), but the old canard about everybody having to wait forever to see a specialist or stuff like that is plain wrong. If you need emergency treatment, you get that. If you don't, then you're behind the ones who came in before you. Not a problem in my eyes. Also the claim that older people don't get treated, or that health care is rationed: what is it here??? Rationed by who can afford what. If you want all the bells and whistles, you have to pay for it, both in Germany and here. That's the same everywhere. Example: basic health care will get you a hospital room, but not a private room. You'll share it with others. If you want a private room, you pay for it - privately, with extra insurance or cash. That's what my mother got with the extra coverage - but my parents have paid into the system for a long time now, and now they get it back in spades.

The fear here that government controlled health care would lead to the extinction of private insurance is manifestly false in Germany (and even in England, which is often cited as a model here in the US). Private insurance does just fine, but is compelled to play by the rules. That is what the for profit insurance companies here fear the most.... My roomie was an attorney for years for an insurance company, and they're in the business to take your money, not to give it back to you, according to her. Honestly, when it comes to the choice of a government or a private insurance bureaucrat to take care of my health decisions, I'd rather have the government one - he/she is not motivated by profit.... And incompetence exists everywhere....

Give you another example: the swine flu crisis. Here distribution of the vaccine is problematic, people wait in lines, can't get it, tempers flare. You see it in the news all the time. In Germany, everybody is in the system. So people in the high risk groups get notified by mail when to come in for a vaccination (by appointment). No lines, no confusion. Pregnant women, people with pre-existing conditions, health care workers, and children first. No preference by company, money, whatever. Unified/shared medical records make that possible. Again, doesn't always work perfectly (even in the case of my mother, who has the bells/whistles private supplemental insurance, not all records arrived where they needed to be in all cases), but still, much better than the opposite.

What amuses me the most is to see the protesters against government sponsored health care: mostly middle-aged to older people, many of whom are on Medicare (government health care) and don't want anybody to touch it, much less take it away....

Honestly, can't really give you any cons against government sponsored health care - always worked ok for me. I don't expect perfection, after all. And it certainly worked for my parents. I like the peace of mind it gives you - you know that you'll get treated if something goes wrong. Got kicked by a horse in Germany in my university days. Had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance, and had to stay for a week. I never even saw a bill. I wasn't asked before I was treated who was paying for this. Now that's peace of mind. My only thought here has been not get ill - though I suppose I'm judgement proof. Paid for stitches twice out of my own pocket in small payments (broke grad student), and it took forever. Consider the fact that the US pays more per capita in health care than any other civilized (whatever that means *grin*) in the world, but gets less for it than other countries and leaves so many millions uncovered.

My roomie is now a bankruptcy trustee, and what she sees, how many people lose everything because of medical bills, is heartbreaking. That shouldn't happen, esp. not to older people who have worked all their lives.

Oh, well, I could go on for a long time. Let me know if you want more info. I can get more specific. But you probably get the idea. Like most Europeans, I don't understand why Americans can't get it together on health care and cover everybody. Quote me if you want to - nothing to hide :-)

Carolin Walz

Australia is a lot like Germany, same sort of system.
One difference is that here you must pay for the use of Ambulances, unless you're on a senior's pension or unemployed. You can pay $100 a year Ambulance cover and that' s all you pay no matter how many times you call one.
The Australian government healthcare system isn't perfect, but it is better than many other countries and I'm grateful for it. I'm not in a private health insurance, and haven't missed it. I've had three babies and my kids have broken bones, etc, and we've all been seen to and never had a problem. Josh has been to ER/had hospital stays 13 times in 15 years and we've never had to pay for it. I wouldn't live anywhere else.



As a most recent recipient of the UK's NHS, I cannot praise it highly
enough.
Whats good about it?
-The expertise, among the best in the world
-It's free at point of use
-Available to all
-It is interlinked.
eg I went to my GP complaining of chest pain in May 09. After routine
tests - cholesterol, resting ECG, reaction to sprays etc, she sent me to my
local hospital for a treadmill ECG which alarmed them enough to book me in
for an angiogram on 30th June at another hospital. Went in, had that, saw
the results on tv screen, appreciated what alarmed them and was told I neede
bypass surgery. All this relayed to my GP, and to the Freeman surgeons
(centre of excellence for heart surgery on Tyneside). Saw the consultant on
7th August who told me what they would do (if I agreed) and said I would be
called within 18 weeks. I waited, was called, had that date cancelled
because patients were not moving as quickly as expected out of Intensive
Care (they were elderly, and slow to recuperate) but in I went on 30th for
pre-assessment tests (lung function, ECG and X-ray plus checks for MRSA etc
etc) Into the ward on 1st Nov, op next day, out on 7th and home. In two days
the District Nurse was on the phone wanting to visit, and the Cardiac
Rehabilitation Centre sent me an invitation to join them on a date in
December. All this has been relayed to my own GP and I sit here typing this,
recuperating nicely six months later and I shall see the consultant in a
fortnight's time for checks and to be signed off, given the green light.
Every step of the way has been explained to me by the most friendly people,
I don't expect to see a bill and if I have any queries or questions, however
small, I have a number to ring and get immediate attention. Counselling is
available if I need it (I don't think so, but evidently some people feel
they do need it) and extra help with physiotherapy or just simply managing
on a day to day basis if I have problems. What's not to like?
The media focusses only on the downside and gives the NHS a bad name. People
complain that the have to pay to park their car in hospital car parks, or
that they can't have the most expensive drugs to keep them alive. Bill used
the bus to visit me some of the time. Someone complained that they had to
pay to use the tv in the ward, but really, you don't need a tv to get
better. A tv, in my view, is a luxury, and the money is better spent on
medication. As for the cancer drugs, so expensive, is it better to keep one
person alive for three months or do 30 hip transplants with that money?
The money to pay for all this has been taken out of my salary over my
working life, and I don't, and never have, begrudged it. It's a good system,
which I haven't really had to use until now. But when I need it, it is
there. And no one ever knows when they or their nearest and dearest, will
need it.

As a Canadian, I love my universal health care. I can't imagine having an insurance company between me and my doctor deciding what treatment I can have and what I can't. That offends me terribly. I never have to think of money for a doctor's office visit or for a hospital stay or for a treatment. We simply go, talk to the doc and come out without any financial worry. Everybody knows that it's always best to eliminate the middle man whenever possible.

How can anybody love having insurance companies when they refuse to cover you if you're sick, or dump you when you're sick. No one loses their homes here in Canada if they get sick with cancer.

I've always had great health care - immediate, timely, great. Most recently I had 3 doctor visits in one month because I broke out in shingles. I was put on 4 prescriptions which cost a total of $34.00 and which I can get my money back on the private portion of my health care or I can use it as a tax deduction.

Elective surgeries in Canada may be delayed up to one year, but that's because of a doctor and equipment shortages. Many of our doctors move to the U.S. because they can make more money there in the private system, not that $200,000 per year here in Canada is much to scoff at.

The only private health care we have is for dental, vision, and prescriptions, ambulances, and for private rooms during a hospital stay. My company paid for this while I was working. Now that I've retired, I continued with it for my entire family at $168 per month. My husband has diabetes and a heart condition which requires regular medicine. I wear glasses now and we can get most of our dental work paid wkith that $168 per month.

This is What We've Come Too?

I couldn't resist. With all the economical woes, unemployment and other worries dragging us down, is it any wonder someone came up with this video. I had to share...to cute, but a little scary.

Our Future

Sorry, I've been sickly for the past couple of weeks and haven't even been following the news. No use exacerbating my already sickened stomach. :) I got this in an email today and had to share. To frightening though:

The New GM (Government Motors) Proudly Introduces The 2010 Obama This car runs on hot air and broken promises. It has three wheels that speed the vehicle through tight left turns. It comes complete with two TelePrompters programmed to help the occupants talk their way out of any violations. The transparent canopy reveals the plastic smiles still on the faces of all the happy owners. Comes in S, M, L, XL and 2XL It won't get you to work, but hey, there aren't any jobs anyway!

In all Fairness!

Since I posted yesterday, my nephew did a little more research on the most recent picture of President Obama standing before a huge American flag. Supposedly, this was taking on Veteran's Day and the flag was passing by, but in reality, Taps was just beginning to play and he had not yet moved his hand to his heart. He did, probably the instant after the pictures was taken. So, the President did pay homage to his country and presented a very touching speech. I saw the video myself, so I can attest that what was shared by some was very misrepresenting. I want to correct my part in that.

But, while I have your attention, I do have a question to ask though. Does anyone else think it strange that up until President Obama was elected, Osama Bin Laden's name was spelled with an "O". Now he has become known as Usuma Bin Laden. Just sort of seemed a little weird. That and my computer spellcheck keepss trying to make me change Obama to Osama. *smile. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words

OBAMA SEEMS TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH HONORING OUR FLAG...












BUT NO PROBLEM DOING THIS? WTF????

This is How Things Get Passed

True, this video is from a vote in 2007, but is still an indication of how things get pushed through when so many people oppose them. John Murtha is also the person who has funneled millions to a very, very small airport named for him (approximately four commuter flights daily) in order to make unnecessary improvements when the country is in dire need of cash elsewhere. Time for this old geezer to step down and stop padding his pockets at our expense. Further reason that we need to clean house and start with fresh blood.

Twelve out of Nineteen Characteristics...

This is very frightening and undeniably supported by Biblical passages. This doesn't declare our President is indeed the antiChrist, but certainly gives you pause to wonder. It's 10 minutes worth watching. Please share your feelings after you watch it.

Are You Kidding Me?

Why would you go on a talk show where you know the topic is going to be the "newsworthy" items about yourself, and then become as ass like Carrie PreJean did in this video. The woman is definitely not even newsworthy in my opinion, and clearly the blonde bimbo she portrays. She's been Palinized! I guess I'm bitter because I'm an author, and I work hard at my craft, and clearly someone "ghost" wrote her life story and made her instant success. Kinda pisses me off, I have to admit.

It Does My Heart Good

I rant and rave all the time about Obama, and wonder why so many people don't see the harm he's doing. And Nancy Pelosi...the woman sickens me. She's got her lips so firmly planted on the president's butt, she can't see how horrible she looks. Anyhow...I felt vindicated today, when someone posted the following on a yahoo loop we share. These are someone else's words, but the posteer read my mind:

Now, if anyone is a supporter of Obama, um... you may not want to read the rest of this email. I don't want to offend your beliefs, but I just have to clarify how I feel.

Ok, moi? An Obama supporter???? (Hold on, I'm choking!) Honestly, the man scares me. I don't think he knows what the hell he is doing. And between that communist bastard Van Jones, corrupt Acorn and the other 'suspicious' characters he surrounds himself with at the WH -- all of whom were not veted or investigated -- I don't trust the people around him either. Either he is a complete idiot who believes everything these people tell him (probably prefaced by 'pseudo-messianic' flattering and stroking his arrogant ego) or he's a psychotic megalomaniac mastermind intent on world domination. Hopefully, he is neither or, at best, somewhere in between. For me the only thing believable about him is that I DO believe he loves his children and cares about their future which (I'm hoping) will help ALL our childrens' future as well.

In my opinion (and I think it's now being shared by many in both parties) he is trying to change the very foundations of this country in order to pursue his own agenda, shove programs and socialist ideology quickly down the throats of Americans without more thorough study, full disclosure or honest dialogue. When questioned, it's always the same rhetoric he said during his campaign.

Which brings me to another point! I don't trust anyone who cannot look you in the eye and speak openly and honestly from the heart. Watch him the next time he gives a speech. He looks left, right -- left, right....never straying too far from the scripted speech. Remember when he read the Irish Prime Minister's speech off the teleprompter, thanking HIMSELF (the President of the US) for inviting him to the White House???? And this is not the first time he's done this! Take a look at him giving a speech in Virginia about his health care plan and what happens when his teleprompter broke! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of61E1FesPU

The fact he has to have a teleprompter constantly, including at 'press conferences' where questions are NOT chosen randomly from the audience (as other presidents did) but pre-screened so he has a ready answer is a perfect example of him and his administration manipulating the press and media to suit his agenda, and NOT addressing the concerns of the people that a conscientious journalist might ask. Then again, the government now owns GE, who owns NBC and MNBC, -- so I guess no one wants to offend the major stockholder! And I really resent the fact that any citizen who questions him or doubts his experience or judgment is a racist. Sorry, I am NOT a racist and I think it's a cheap shot to keep playing that card.

My sainted Texan great-grandmother would probably compare him to a carpetbagger -- the 'fancy dressed' men who came to the south after the Civil War seeking power and success, primarily through corruption. My mom would call a flim-flam man -- deceptive, dishonest and willing to lie, cheat and swindle anyone to get what he wants. Me? I call him a snake oil salesman.

Still, when he was inaugurated, I prayed he would keep be a good president. Then I saw how the expenses for his inauguration, including the excessive GALA balls he said would not be at HIS inauguration in light of the economy and how people were suffering, were tripled what others presidents spent. Just two weeks earlier, Alcoa had laid over over 15,000 people and let's face it people were losing homes, being laid off, and no one was hiring.

I thought about how he told us all to not go to Vegas or take vacations (as if we could afford them); his solution to put air in our tires to save on gas and help the environment. Meanwhile, he goes on unprecedented vacations to the Grand Canyon, Hawaii, and New England with the wife and kids (all at taxpayer expense), not to mention their worldwide tour with the kiddies. Gee, let me run out and check my air pressure and worry about GAS prices! That's okay, Mr. President, take AF One and gallivant around the freaking world!!!!

Oh, and remember when Michelle said she was a bargain shopper and did not see the need to buy high-priced designer fashion???? Uh-huh. Gee, those $540.00 Lanvin sneakers she wore while doing a photo op at a food bank were so sensitive to the suffering of the homeless coming in there. When questioned about the 'fashionista' FRENCH sneakers, her assistant said she wears them to 'walk the dog'. Michelle's response? "They're just shoes." Uh-huh!!! OR, what about the $1,500 pumps and $1,000 tank top she wore when planting a tree a week later. And these are the two people who say WE are spoiled and need to cut back on OUR luxuries?????

CLEARLY, what these two say and what they do are at polar opposites. Well, I mean, I did have a glimmer of that during the election with his "uncle like" preacher saying "God Damn America", his criminal bomber friend, the felony charged slum lord who bought the lot next to his house and sold it for him for NOTHING -- and his association with that corrupt outfit Acorn -- the same outfit that is now being investigated by the IRS and scrutinized by the Senate -- FINALLY!

To be fair --- he does seem to be a good father -- so I guess he's not ALL bad. I'm still praying for the country, but I honestly do not trust this man and with his worshiping cult-like supporters having control of the House and Senate, I am terrified for this country and the possibly irreparable damage they are doing -- not to mention my concerns for our national security and the brave men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan who (let's face it) do NOT have a REAL Commander In Chief at the moment. Sorry, I cannot forget or possibly understand his 'priorities' when instead of meeting with the military and generals on critical issues regarding Iran, Irag, Afghanistan, etc. -- HE went to fricking Copenhagen to join Michelle and her retinue of staff to campaign for the Olympics in Chicago. At the same time, Gen. McChrystal (US Commander in Afghanistan) had just said he had never met the President and had not spoken with him in 70 days (OVER TWO MONTHS!!!???) about the war, etc.

The US Ambassador for the UN said the 'lack of communication with the general was indicative of Mr. Obama's misplaced priorities." You think????? I might add ONLY AFTER this information about lack of communication with the general was made public did Obama's people (roughly 48 hrs later) summon McChrystal to fly in for a 25-minute meeting face-to-face while AIR FORCE ONE was still on the tarmac in Copenhagen.

So, yeah, I am VERY concerned about the security in this country and especially his comprehension of the risk factor involved with the whole Iraq and Afghanistan situation, not to mention Iran making nuclear weapons.

And do NOT get me started on Nancy Pelosi because -- honestly -- I cannot stand that witch!!!!! She reminds me of some freaking wax work demon.

Let's Ignore the Bad News

Let's pretend that Pelosi and her cronies didn't just piss on the opinions of so many Americans by passing her crummy bill, and enjoy a new band. I just saw them on Bob & Tom and I love them. Don't judge by their ridiculous get up, just close your eyes and listen. I'll be you'll be tapping your toe. :)

P.S. Have I mentioned how much I dislike Pelosi?

The new OWRECK!

Again, I've "borrowed" something awesome from Iowntheworld because this needs to be shared. Although humorous, there is such truth in this cartoon. The site holds contests for readers to compete with captions for particular drawings. Whoever came up with this really had a handle on the present situation. Kudos!

An Ass on an Ass *laughing out loud*

One of my very favorites sites, I Own The World, featured this today. I had to "blogjack it and share.

Follow-Up on Yesterday's Post

Consider these are stacks of pages for reading. You can choose Pelosi's almost 2000 pages filled with waste, scotch-taped fixes, and her insistence that a favorable vote be cast immediatly...or you can read...

House GOP pens 230-page health bill draft

Nov 3 12:48 PM US/Eastern
By ERICA WERNER
Associated Press Writer


GOP Releases More Details for Health Care Bill Alternative

Bachmann Calls on Americans to Bring the Town Hall to DC on Thursday

Republicans to Read Health Bill Aloud on House Floor



WASHINGTON (AP) - After months spent criticizing Democrats' health overhaul plans, House Republicans have produced a draft proposal of their own. It's much shorter and focuses on bringing down costs rather than extending coverage to nearly all Americans.

A 230-page draft was obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press. A spokeswoman for Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said changes were still being made before the bill would be finalized in time to offer as an alternative when Democrats begin floor debate on their bill, possibly at the end of this week.

The bill leaves out a number of the key features of the Democrats' 1,990-page legislation, such as new requirements for employers to insure their employees and for nearly all Americans to purchase insurance. It also doesn't block insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing health conditions, as Democrats would do.

Instead, the Republican plan increases incentives for people to use health savings accounts, caps non-economic jury awards in medical malpractice cases at $250,000, provides various incentives to states with the aim of driving down premium costs and allows health insurance to be sold across state lines.

"As Leader Boehner has made clear, our proposal will focus on the No. 1 concern of the American people—reducing health care costs, and we do it at a price tag our nation can afford," said spokeswoman Antonia Ferrier, though Republicans have not said how much their bill would cost.

"Our proposal will help struggling middle-class families and small businesses by increasing access to affordable, high-quality health care," Ferrier said.

Democrats immediately dismissed the Republican plan as insubstantial.

The GOP alternative "does little to provide security and stability to all Americans, doesn't provide insurance availability for all Americans, does little to expand access to coverage," House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., told reporters.

"Ours is vastly superior and we think the American public will think that," Hoyer said.

The GOP draft bill obtained by The AP was dated Monday.

House Democrats, meanwhile, were working overtime to put the finishing touches on their 10-year, $1.2 trillion bill, which they released last week. Leaders were trying to resolve lingering concerns over language to bar federal funding of abortions and ensure that illegal immigrants don't receive government health benefits.

The Republican bill includes a permanent ban on any federal funding for abortions except in cases of rape, incest or threat to the life of the mother, stronger language than the Democratic bill,

Hoyer predicted Tuesday that Democrats would vote within the week to pass President Barack Obama's historic health care remake.

"I'm confident of prevailing and I'm confident of prevailing before Veterans Day"—next Wednesday, Nov. 11, Hoyer told reporters. "I am confident that we are going to pass this bill."

Across the Capitol, senators are waiting to see the final language and price tag on a health bill that Majority Leader Harry Reid and a few other top officials wrote in secret. It's not clear when those details will be available and Reid, D-Nev., may not be able to begin debate on the issue until the week before Thanksgiving.

Too Much Sense to be Implemented

Number one: let families and businesses buy health insurance across state lines;

Number two: allow individuals, small businesses, and trade associations to pool together and acquire health insurance at lower prices, the same way large corporations and labor unions do today;

Number three: give states the tools to create their own innovative reforms that lower health care costs; and

Number four: end junk lawsuits that contribute to higher health care costs by increasing the number of tests and procedures that physicians sometimes order not because they think it's good medicine, but because they are afraid of being sued.

“These are four smart, fiscally-responsible reforms that we can implement today to lower costs and expand access at a price our nation can afford. Again, you can learn more about these and all the health care initiatives Republicans have supported by visiting healthcare.gop.gov.

These suggestions come from House GOP Leader, John Boehner, in an attempt to make known to Congress what the GOP backs, and what a large number of Americans want. As I've pointed out, people see the word, "free" and react, but what they don't see are the long lines and diminished care that comes with the reform being pushed down our throats. The DEM administration is not reforming anything, rather adding more to an already broken medical care program. Ask people in countries where the government provides their medical care and see how they really feel: poor service, long lines, waiting for critical surgeries. These are just a few of the complaints I've heard from personal friends abroad. Nothing in life is free, there is a cost hidden somewhere, but to what end?

You can peruse the rest of the press release by clicking here.

This particular paragraph caught my eye while reading about what is being called, "The Worst Bill Ever." Nancy Pelosi should be ashamed.

Yet at this point, Democrats have dumped any pretense of genuine bipartisan "reform" and moved into the realm of pure power politics as they race against the unpopularity of their own agenda. The goal is to ram through whatever income-redistribution scheme they can claim to be "universal coverage." The result will be destructive on every level—for the health-care system, for the country's fiscal condition, and ultimately for American freedom and prosperity.

If you'd like to read the entire post, please visit The Wall Street Journal.

When The Prez Travels

Happy November!

I touched on a subject yesterday that is a sore spot for me, and I wanted to expand on it today since I have since garnered more information.

My bitch is the President spending tax payer bucks to campaign for his own party candidates in looming elections. Obama isn't the only one to do this, although he's firing up Air Force One again today to return to New Jersey to campaign for the trailing DEM there. Obama is the President of the United States, not President of the Democratic Party. He is charged to represent ALL of us, and I am insulted to have tax dollars collected from those from all political walks of life used for his traveling whims.

Did you know that his visits not only require the use of AF One, three other support jets (Gulfstream V) must be sent out to surrounding airports to allow him an "avenue of escape" should it become necessary. These jets carry a crew of at least twenty-five secret service personnel.

His limousines and additional secret service vehicles (only two that are bulletproof) must be sent via a C-5 Galaxy aircraft from Dover, Pope or Charleston AFBs including another extensive crew. I would assume his comfortable accommodations are also levied against the wallet of the taxpayers.

Am I wrong to believe the President should stay out of these races and allow the public to vote their conscience and the qualifications of the candidates and not be swayed by his position? Even if he paid the expenses himself, which I'm sure he can't afford on his salary, I think it's very wrong for him to use his political position in this manner. I'm just saying...

Watch Your Wallet

I don't get it. Why are politicians so dim that they can't see the forest for the trees? The new "Healthcare Reform Bill," almost 2000 pages was introduced by Pelosi today and she wants a vote by this time next week. HOW ABOUT READING THE DAMN THING! Why is the current administration hell bent to rush through something that so obviously to some is bound to fail. You cannot continue to tax the rich to pay for the poor, or the rich will eventually leave as they are in New York...by the droves. When they go, they take their innovative and prosperous businesses with them, thus increasing unemployment and marking failure of this bill which should in reality be called a TAX bill since it just heaps more onto some already broken medical programs that are government run.

Government intervention in anything doesn't work!!! Think about where you experience long lines, sour people, and extreme waits: DMV, post office, social services...

As reported on Fox new business this morning, each car sold under the Cash for Clunkers program cost tax payers over twenty-thousand dollars. Most who bought were not in need of a new automobile, but drive by the incentive program and would have purchased one in the near future anyhow. Those who drive the real "clunkers" are living on unemployment, facing foreclosuree and couldn't afford to create a car payment. So who did this really help?

Ask the dealers who are still waiting for their payments if they think it was a good program? Obama keeps bragging about jobs created, but he refuses to acknowledge and more and more are lost daily. Even with my increasing health benefit, I would much rather continue to pay and KEEP the government out of my business.

I'm sick and tired of those with a "gimme, gimme" attitude. People see "FREE" and think there is no long-term cost involved. TAXES people...you'll pay in the long run, or so well-known and experienced economists predict. I believe them over dimwits in Washington who know nothing about finances who continue to overburden and future generations with little or no regard. Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know Timothy Geithner has a degree...well, he couldn't even "remember" to pay his own taxes, so what does that tell you? T

Reform is a good thing, but take time and FIX the problem...don't just scotch tape it together and sell it as new and improved.

By the way, it you watched Sixty-Minutes on Sunday night, you must have been just as amazed as me at the man who so easily bilked Medicare out of over twenty million dollars and told people exactly how he did it. He was never questioned, but just paid for his fradulent claims. The government would never have known had the people involved in the scam noticed the erroneous charges on their Explanation of Benefits.

I know I may have mentioned this before, but my sister worked for a Hospice in Southern California as the Quality Control Person. When she discovered that home visits to dying people were not being made as reported, medications not given but charges submitted, she mailed, at her own expense, copies of documentation as proof, to at least a half dozen programs involved with Medicare. NOT one responded, and when she pressed, she was told unless the claim amounted to millions, they weren't interested. Is this how you want you tax dollars spent? Think about it, and speak up or forever slap yourself for being uninformed and stupidly believing the BS that's been fed to you by the current administration. Vote the bums out!!!

Oh yeah...one more burr in my side. In this day and age when people are facing the end of their unemployment benefits, still haven't found a job, can't afford to relocate and hope one is elsewhere...how can the President, in clear conscience, still fire up AF One and fly to New Jersey and Virginia to campaign for the Democratic governmors there? How much does that cost the tax payers? And how about equal representation??? What does his negating the importance of the other candidates because of their "party affiliation" contribute to equality? Further proof we need to obliterate party lines and be ONE!!!!!

Follow the Leader - No Thanks!

Maybe this picture DID mean something. There were plenty of excuses for why Mr. Obama looked like someone with no respect for our flag or anthem, but he got elected and people still follow and believe in him. Picture me with a big question mark over my head, and it has nothing to do with the fact that he's a democrat. I could give a crap about that!

I have NO party affiliation. As I've said, I vote for A man, not THE logo he flies, and I believe everyone should do the same. Party division is the reason for finger-pointing and blame, and right now I would have a problem realizing pride in either the Democrats or the Republicans. Both are equally guilty of spinning their wheels on important issues while they occupy their time coming up for reasons to cast aspersions on the "other side."

There shouldn't be an "other side." Case in point, I offer the following to those who still like to blame George W. Bush for everything that is happening now. Sure, the man had his faults, but we have a Congress made up of both sides, so where is their blame. I'm sick of hearing it's the Democrat's fault...no it's the GOP. NO!!!! It's our fault for not speaking up and taking back control of a government that is clearly failing!

One man can't move a mountain alone, but it appears that Mr. Obama is certainly committing more than his share of political faux pas...and all on his own. (the following was received via email.)

If George Bush was an idiot. . . .

If George W. Bush had been the first President to need a teleprompter installed to be able to get through a press conference, would you have laughed and said this is more proof of how he inept he is on his own and is really controlled by smarter men behind the scenes?

If George W. Bush had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to take Laura Bush to a play in NYC, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had reduced your retirement plan's holdings of GM stock by 90% and given the unions a majority stake in GM, would you have approved?

If George W.Bush had made a joke at the expense of the Special Olympics, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given Gordon Brown a set of inexpensive and incorrectly formatted DVDs, when Gordon Brown had given him a thoughtful and historically significant gift, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given the Queen of England an iPod containing videos of his speeches, would you have thought this embarrassingly narcissistic and tacky?

If George W. Bush had bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia , would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had visited Austria and made reference to the
non-existent "Austrian language," would you have brushed it off as a minor slip?

If George W. Bush had filled his cabinet and circle of advisers with people who cannot seem to keep current in their income taxes, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had been so Spanish illiterate as to refer to "Cinco de Cuatro" in front of the Mexican ambassador when it was the 5th of May (Cinco de Mayo), and continued to flub it when he tried again, would you have winced in embarrassment?

If George W. Bush had mis-spelled the word "advice" would you have hammered him for it for years like Dan Quayle and potato as proof of what a dunce he is?

If George W. Bush had burned 9,000 gallons of jet fuel to go plant a single tree on Earth Day, would you have concluded he's a hypocrite?

If George W. Bush's administration had okayed Air Force One flying low over millions of people followed by a jet fighter in downtown Manhattan causing widespread panic, would you have wondered whether they actually get what happened on 9-11?

If George W. Bush had failed to send relief aid to flood victims throughout the Midwest with more people killed or made homeless than in New Orleans , would you want it made into a major ongoing political issue with claims of racism and incompetence?

If George W. Bush had created the position of 32 Czars who report directly to him, bypassing the House and Senate on much of what is happening in America,would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had ordered the firing of the CEO of a major
corporation, even though he had no constitutional authority to do so,would you have approved?

If George W Bush had proposed to double the national debt, which had taken more than two centuries to accumulate, in one year, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had then proposed to double the debt again within 10 years, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had referred to the 58 states that make up these United States, would you have thought him "geographically challenged"?

So, tell me again, what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant and impressive? Can't think of anything? Don't worry. He's done all this in ten months -- so you'll have three years and two months to come up with an answer.

NOTE: Thanks to whoever compiled this list. There is so much more to add, but I think this gives you food for thought. No one wants our President to fail. I know I certainly don't, but when he apologized for America he ceased to be anyone I want to follow. Of course my reasons have been re-enforced ten fold since then. Sad!

Dizzing Progression

NOTE: I blog-jacked this great pic from my new favorite spot, http://www.iowntheworld.com.

I find great consolation in finding supportive comments on my blog, and I thank those few who follow and continue to read what I have to day.

Like Elizabeth who commented yesterday, I feel the gray blanket of doom descending on us. How much more can we take? The jobless rate keeps climbing, and although bailout money was supposed to create jobs, unless you are a highway worker or heavy equipment operator, there still isn't anything out there for the common folk. Have you noticed, like I have, that those pimply-faced kids working in Taco Bell and Burger King have been replaced with much older folk?

Watching the news has become unbearable. The ridiculousness I see reported makes me scratch my head and wonder how so many can still support the fruitless endeavors of a president who honestly doesn't have a clue. Men and women are dying in Afghanistan, and he doesn't have a plan despite his hand-picked General issuing an urgent request for more troops. Have we abandoned those there? I'd rather see the money spent on that space shuttle yesterday put into bunker bombs and sent to Afghanistan to blow up all those mountain ranges where the Taliban hides. UPS can track a package across the nation, know where it is at a moment's notice, but our entire military compilation and CIA can't find Bin Laden. Strange!

Clearly the bailout didn't work. I agree with my sister. If that money had been split and sent to each household across the US, we would already have witnessed an improvement. People would have been able to make their house payments buy cars, pay bills, shop, eat out, invest...but I guess that made too much sense.

What makes me angriest is that instead of concentrating efforts on the needs of his constituency, he traipses all over the country, to places like Virginia where he urgently needed to campaign for the democratic candidate who is losing there. These non-essential trips he makes cost us money to fire up that jet and enlist his secret service corp. And, I think we needed money more than the Palestinians and Pakistanis. Don't you? Oh, I could rant all day, but it just makes my blood pressure rise.

California - Bah!!!!

I'm pissed. I was born and raised in California and waited until I was eligible for the senior meal at Denny's to leave the state. California is a true example of how politicians have lost sight of their goals. Shouldn't someone have noticed the money problems long before they became so serious? Where was the treasurer...the oversight? Just as our federal government is operating, too many people are padding their own pockets, looking the other way while corruption blossoms, and seeing their mission as increasing their own wealth.

So, how does this affect me, you ask, since I'm no longer a resident? I worked for over twenty years for a major university there. I recently received my "benefit package for 2010," and I knew when the accompanying letter started with rambling rhetoric about the state of the economy and need for increased revenues, I was in deep doo doo. Blah blah blah!

Of course, retiree benefits are always good places to cut or eliminate, and I'm appalled that the health care I have...and the only one for which I am eligible since I'm out-of-state (Anthem Blue Cross) is more than doubling their yearly premium. Last year I paid $156 and effective January 1, I'll be required to pay over $300 if I want to keep my policy in force. Once I hit sixty-five, it will reduce substantially since I will then become a Medicare victim, but in lieu of my whopping ten percent COLA and no increase in my social security benefits, I wonder how I'll afford it. I can't live without it, and I certainly don't want NOBAMA and his Congress handling my health issues.

I don't know if I'm angrier about the increase or the fact that because my life circumstances have required me to relocate, I'm being unduly punished by not having a choice as those in California do. This is a great example of how buying insurance across state lines would make health insurance more competitive and most likely, lower rates.

Government tends to F**k everything up these days. Have you noticed? What do you expect when people like Keith Olbermann continue to rave about what a wonderful job Washington is doing. Pah-lease! Don't get me started on that moron.

The Official Pace Car

I'm more confused than ever about the ongoing debates over health care. This picture seems to be worth a thousand words...especially for those reaching our happy golden years and turning "disposable" when it comes to the government saving money.

Sure Fire Job Creation

As you can see, I blogjacked this from one of my favorite sites, IOwnTheWorld.com. Gotta love the creativity there...especially if you aren't real happy with the current administration.

H1N1 Flu

Lost in the reporting of the idiot dad who tried to report his son lost in a balloon is this little item:

Inmates to get swine flu shots

BOSTON - Massachusetts health officials have decided to give swine flu vaccinations to state prisoners before the rest of the population. FOX25's Bob Ward reports.

Does this piss anyone else off? What about school children who live in a hot bed of germs? How about nursing homes? What about the rest of us who abide by the laws, then stand by and see that breaking them gets you more privileges? Honestly, I think my grandson's life is worth far more than a rapist or murderer, and I can't imagine who decided this was a good idea. Massachusetts is known for being a liberal state, but WTF!!!

What Are You Going to Be for Halloween?

Wouldn't it be fun to don a happy face and know the world was in good hands. Hey, at this point, I'm thinking Allstate might do a better job than our current administration. Thanks to my friends, I'm getting lots of blog fodder. As much as it's human nature to want something for nothing, it's not the fair and equitable way. Consider the following quotes seriously:

"You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.

What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.

The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.

When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is the beginning of the end of any nation..

You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

Adrian Rogers, 1931

(How about we require this quote to be prominently published in every public building?)

I Told You So...

Network news spoonfeeds watchers only what they've been allowed to share. I "borrowed" the following from World Net Daily. I thank them for posting it.

WorldNetDaily Exclusive
White House admits (on camera): We 'control' news media

Communications chief offers shocking confession to foreign government
Posted: October 18, 2009
7:11 pm Eastern


By Aaron Klein
WorldNetDaily


TEL AVIV – President Obama's presidential campaign focused on "making" the news media cover certain issues while rarely communicating anything to the press unless it was "controlled," White House Communications Director Anita Dunn disclosed to the Dominican government at a videotaped conference.

"Very rarely did we communicate through the press anything that we didn't absolutely control," said Dunn.

"One of the reasons we did so many of the David Plouffe videos was not just for our supporters, but also because it was a way for us to get our message out without having to actually talk to reporters," said Dunn, referring to Plouffe, who was Obama's chief campaign manager.

"We just put that out there and made them write what Plouffe had said as opposed to Plouffe doing an interview with a reporter. So it was very much we controlled it as opposed to the press controlled it," Dunn said.

Check out the hot new best-seller -- "Muslim Mafia"

Continued Dunn: "Whether it was a David Plouffe video or an Obama speech, a huge part of our press strategy was focused on making the media cover what Obama was actually saying as opposed to why the campaign was saying it, what the tactic was. … Making the press cover what we were saying." Dunn was speaking at a Jan. 12, 2009, event focusing on Obama's media tactics and hosted by the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development, which seeks to promote collaboration between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. The event was held in Santo Domingo and was attended by the country's president.

Dunn has been facing some criticism since she led a White House campaign last week against Fox News, slamming the top-rated network as an "arm of the Republican Party" and "opinion journalism masquerading as news."

Fox hit back this past Friday, releasing a video of Dunn speaking to high school students last June in which she lists her two "favorite political philosophers," including Communist Chinese leader Mao Tse-tung, whose draconian policies are blamed for the deaths of tens of millions of people.

Video of Dunn's speech stating the facts about media control can be viewed below:

Is Your Head Spinning Yet?

Since I babysat all week, I missed watching the news and posting here. I was totally immersed in old episodes of Star Wars with my grandson, who sees them a new and exciting. I must say, I don't recall Harrison Ford looking so sexy! OMG...but then I digress.

I returned to the computer and read all the posts, went to Facebook and perused the notices people left, and I had to stop and wonder...doesn't anyone care or realize the issues of real importance?

Sure...I want to sell my books as much as anyone, but I'm having a hard time begging someone to spend $5.95 for a download when Seniors aren't getting a COLA for the first time in ages because according to whoever decides these things...the cost of living didn't rise. ON WHAT PLANET???? Hell, the cost of gasoline here went up sixteen cents in two days this week, and Walmart prices have risen so much I don't shop there anymore.

The President has decided, after the uproar, to give each senior citizen $250.00. That averages out to $1.46 a day, and that won't even buy a gallon of gasoline. I guess we should be thankful, but then someone on Fox pointed out that we already have a national debt in the trillions and the President just keeps coming up with new ways to spend money we don't have.

Hey...remember the millions NObama gave to the Palestinians to repair damage done by Israel in their retaliation against the constant lobbing of bombs into their backyard? That would come in pretty handy right now. I believe in charity, but doesn't it start at home? That's what the saying is, I think.

I saw a perfect sign on the internet. "Stop apologizing FOR America and apologize TO America." Right now the Prez and his VP are stomping around the "blue" states and trying to rebuild their lost popularity. Imagine how much it costs to fire up Air Force One for all his jaunts around the world. If he just stayed HOME and and saved on that expense, he could save taxpayers a ton...maybe even discuss the importance of reading bills before they're signed. I can't believe that's even an issue, but it is. Hey...the Dems are FOR it...sign...Nah, the GOP likes it, let's trash it. Get rid of party lines America. Let's all work together instead of against each other.

As for health reform...why doesn't the government pay attention to the polls. Health reform places last on the concern meter. Unemployment is the real emergency. I may be stupid...and probably am, but I really can't understand why there is an urgency to shove this plan down America's throat in such a hurry. Why not fix Medicare, Medicaid and the Veteran's Administration...find the corrupt people taking advantage and enhance oversight. Add another program to help those who don't have insurance, but stop trying to control the doctors and medicine. AND why, I ask, would the bill mandate that everyone who doesn't have insurance PURCHASE it or be fined. If they had the money, don't you think they would already have done that? Okay...you argue, some people sit back and want something for nothing. Well, there's a good example of punishing the masses for the sins of a few. Oversight!!!! Learn the word Congress and appoint people to follow up on the programs now in place. FIX THEM and leave the rest of us alone.

Okay...I'm on a rant. I want to be able to promote my books and not have this blog, but I fear things are going to get a whole lot worse before they get better...if they do. Too many people still have their heads in the sand and avoid the unpleasant topic of politics. Well folks...like it or not, your world revolves around politics, and right now the current administration is spinning out of control.

How Much Do You Know About Politics?

I found this quiz through my following of the Blog, Wake Up America. I totally agree with the site's title... Wake Up America. Those who follow the current administration blindly are ME a few years ago. I watched only network news and considered I was informed. WRONG. I knew very little about what went on behind the scenes, and never realized I was being force-fed approved newscasts and denied the facts important to all of us. Fox news has changed my outlook and made me more aware and informed about our world and what happens each and every day. If you watch only network news, you might know how many people have been murdered in your city or area, the weather, the road conditions and see a brief skim of the political arena, but you're missing the big picture. This is OUR government, and if you don't WAKE UP AMERICA, you don't have a right to complain...nor do you have a right to judge my opinions until you have ALL the facts.

I surprised myself by scoring ten out of twelve in the quiz. I didn't know the Dow Jones average or exactly how many troops are in Afghanistan.

Take the quiz: http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1378/political-news-iq-quiz

The Voice of An Angel

Since I've been grandson sitting at my son's house, I've missed all my Fox news and reasons to rant. Instead, today, I found this beautiful video in my email and decided to (SHOCK!) share something other than politics. This gives me goosebumps.
Declan was younger when he wrote and recorded this. He now has an official website and more beautiful songs. Oh, if only I could carry a tune. :)

Even I Have One Now

It's easy, smeasy, lemon squeezy to get your very own Nobel Peace Prize. Since the stardards have recently been lowered, all you need do is visit and declare your party affiliation. Of course, Democrats are favored with "Other" coming in a close second, so if you check Republican, don't be surprised if you are in the loser category. As an "Other" I was surprised to squeak by in the voting. Wow...imagine me, a Nobel Peace Prize Winner...and just like President Obama, I did absolutely nothing to deserve it.

P.S. I forgot to add...unlike the "real" award, this one comes with no monetary stipend. You don't get a trip to Oslo to accept it, but there is a link if you wish to book a cruise yourself. :)

There's Always Fodder for Ranting

My friend Sue is at fault. She keeps sending me links, then I follow other ones and get carried away. I came across a post today on The Cookie Blog about Rep. Charles Rangel. I couldn't help myself. You might want to go by and leave a comment of your own. This man is a crook and people just keep letting him get away with it. Why? Does he have to murder someone? Like I said in my comment, I'm thinking it's time he checks into Hotel Arpaio in Arizona and dawns a pair of pink undies.

Nobel Peace Prize - Picture me Stunned.

So, President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. I suppose congratulations are in order, but I for one, am stunned. His apology to the Muslims and other European nations on behalf of Americans, must have paid off. But when France announces they believe our leader has no spine and other nations have no respect for him, how could he even have been in the running? Maybe it's because Khadaffi stated he thinks Obama should be president forever. There's an edorsement from a stable person we should all heed. *lol*

I don't think Israel is all that impressed with his efforts to support them as they've supported us for years...and I'm not talking money. Honestly, I can't imagine he would be honored for a Peace prize by having no plan or strategy in the Aghan war, and by his hesistancy to make a decision, more of our troops have been killed because of the lack of support (more man/woman power and equipment.)

While he might receive recognition in the form of this award for making strides for world peace...eivdently Iran doesn't appreciate his efforts as the headlines today reveal, "Iran is still thumbing their nose at the West." Hmmm. Does that mean we can expect a nuclear blast any day now? Somehow the criteria for this award has gone down hill. Who in their right mind would put Barak Obama and Al Gore in the same league with Mother Teresa? AND... I wonder if the committee who made the award realizes how divided our own nation has become since he's become President. Interesting thought.


In my opinion, he was already a narcissistic, arrogant personality. Now I can only imagine how inflated his ego will become. Open wide, America...we're about to have healthcare rammed down our throats, like it or not. It's not about pleasing everyone, it's more about keeping on task for Change!!!






2009 - Barack Obama
2008 - Martti Ahtisaari
2007 - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Al Gore
2006 - Muhammad Yunus, Grameen Bank
2005 - International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei
2004 - Wangari Maathai
2003 - Shirin Ebadi
2002 - Jimmy Carter
2001 - United Nations, Kofi Annan
2000 - Kim Dae-jung
1999 - Médecins Sans Frontières
1998 - John Hume, David Trimble
1997 - International Campaign to Ban Landmines, Jody Williams
1996 - Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, José Ramos-Horta
1995 - Joseph Rotblat, Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs
1994 - Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres, Yitzhak Rabin
1993 - Nelson Mandela, F.W. de Klerk
1992 - Rigoberta Menchú Tum
1991 - Aung San Suu Kyi
1990 - Mikhail Gorbachev
1989 - The 14th Dalai Lama
1988 - United Nations Peacekeeping Forces
1987 - Oscar Arias Sánchez
1986 - Elie Wiesel
1985 - International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War
1984 - Desmond Tutu
1983 - Lech Walesa
1982 - Alva Myrdal, Alfonso García Robles
1981 - Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
1980 - Adolfo Pérez Esquivel
1979 - Mother Teresa
1978 - Anwar al-Sadat, Menachem Begin
1977 - Amnesty International
1976 - Betty Williams, Mairead Corrigan
1975 - Andrei Sakharov
1974 - Seán MacBride, Eisaku Sato
1973 - Henry Kissinger, Le Duc Tho
1972 - The prize money for 1972 was allocated to the Main Fund
1971 - Willy Brandt
1970 - Norman Borlaug
1969 - International Labour Organization
1968 - René Cassin
1967 - The prize money was with 1/3 allocated to the Main Fund and with 2/3 to the Special Fund of this prize section
1966 - The prize money was allocated to the Special Fund of this prize section
1965 - United Nations Children's Fund
1964 - Martin Luther King Jr.
1963 - International Committee of the Red Cross, League of Red Cross Societies
1962 - Linus Pauling
1961 - Dag Hammarskjöld
1960 - Albert Lutuli
1959 - Philip Noel-Baker
1958 - Georges Pire
1957 - Lester Bowles Pearson
1956 - The prize money was with 1/3 allocated to the Main Fund and with 2/3 to the Special Fund of this prize section
1955 - The prize money was allocated to the Special Fund of this prize section
1954 - Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
1953 - George C. Marshall
1952 - Albert Schweitzer
1951 - Léon Jouhaux
1950 - Ralph Bunche
1949 - Lord Boyd Orr
1948 - The prize money was with 1/3 allocated to the Main Fund and with 2/3 to the Special Fund of this prize section
1947 - Friends Service Council, American Friends Service Committee
1946 - Emily Greene Balch, John R. Mott
1945 - Cordell Hull
1944 - International Committee of the Red Cross
1943 - The prize money was with 1/3 allocated to the Main Fund and with 2/3 to the Special Fund of this prize section
1942 - The prize money was with 1/3 allocated to the Main Fund and with 2/3 to the Special Fund of this prize section
1941 - The prize money was with 1/3 allocated to the Main Fund and with 2/3 to the Special Fund of this prize section
1940 - The prize money was with 1/3 allocated to the Main Fund and with 2/3 to the Special Fund of this prize section
1939 - The prize money was with 1/3 allocated to the Main Fund and with 2/3 to the Special Fund of this prize section
1938 - Nansen International Office for Refugees
1937 - Robert Cecil
1936 - Carlos Saavedra Lamas
1935 - Carl von Ossietzky
1934 - Arthur Henderson
1933 - Sir Norman Angell
1932 - The prize money was allocated to the Special Fund of this prize section
1931 - Jane Addams, Nicholas Murray Butler
1930 - Nathan Söderblom
1929 - Frank B. Kellogg
1928 - The prize money was allocated to the Special Fund of this prize section
1927 - Ferdinand Buisson, Ludwig Quidde
1926 - Aristide Briand, Gustav Stresemann
1925 - Sir Austen Chamberlain, Charles G. Dawes
1924 - The prize money was allocated to the Special Fund of this prize section
1923 - The prize money was allocated to the Special Fund of this prize section
1922 - Fridtjof Nansen
1921 - Hjalmar Branting, Christian Lange
1920 - Léon Bourgeois
1919 - Woodrow Wilson
1918 - The prize money was allocated to the Special Fund of this prize section
1917 - International Committee of the Red Cross
1916 - The prize money was allocated to the Special Fund of this prize section
1915 - The prize money was allocated to the Special Fund of this prize section
1914 - The prize money was allocated to the Special Fund of this prize section
1913 - Henri La Fontaine
1912 - Elihu Root
1911 - Tobias Asser, Alfred Fried
1910 - Permanent International Peace Bureau
1909 - Auguste Beernaert, Paul Henri d'Estournelles de Constant
1908 - Klas Pontus Arnoldson, Fredrik Bajer
1907 - Ernesto Teodoro Moneta, Louis Renault
1906 - Theodore Roosevelt
1905 - Bertha von Suttner
1904 - Institute of International Law
1903 - Randal Cremer
1902 - Élie Ducommun, Albert Gobat
1901 - Henry Dunant, Frédéric Passy