As a true capitalist, I see no further legitimate purpose for health insurers.
All insurance companies are a form of legalized gambling that we tolerate only when it is socially beneficial. (Our modern society no longer has a 'barn raising' tradition to replace a neighbor's building in the event of a fire.)
So, like good capitalists, we pool our money and charter insurance companies to hold the bet. However, they are not permitted to take advantage of their role; since they are essentially casinos that can easily harm their customers.
That is why every state has an Insurance Commissioner.
Health insurance companies are currently keeping 30% of the take for themselves. They have breached the public trust. They employ over one half million persons that do not provide a good or service that BENEFITS the household. They are obsolete; and they know it.
They are putting up quite a fight. Why are right thinking Republicans on their side?
Sunday, February 28, 2010
April 3, 1790. Senator William Maclay.
Journal Entry:
Went to the Hall. The minutes were read. A message was received from the President of the United States [Washington]. A report was handed to the Chair.
We looked and laughed at each other for half and hour, and adjourned.
Went to the Hall. The minutes were read. A message was received from the President of the United States [Washington]. A report was handed to the Chair.
We looked and laughed at each other for half and hour, and adjourned.
Of course, we would not want to try something that works.
Just wish there were alternatives to Obamacare.
Hey Terry, does this give you any pause? Any at all?
What has happened in Mass is exactly what we, Conservatives, doctors, Capitalists, say is going to happen to the nation.
Patients need "skin in the game"
Patients need "skin in the game"
Jim/Capitalism/Socialism/Fascism
Capitalism is alive and well, Jim. I'm impressed with how resilient retail sales have been. Also, a savings rate of less than 5% is the not the behavior pattern of a panicked population. Consumer Q&A surveys aside; the consumer continues to spend.
It is very hard to follow the logic of your Capitalism/Socialism rhetoric. It is unintelligible for couple of reasons:
1) GW Bush was hardly the iconic champion of laissez faire capitalism.
2) The Obama administration has not taken the country in another direction. There has been very little change. In fact, that is the most common criticism -- where is the change?
Just in case you missed that class; we live in representative democracy. Our system of exchange is a heavily regulated interpretation of capitalism. That has been the case for our entire lives.
The biggest structural threat our government is facing right now is from non-politicians. Sixty thousand lobbyists sitting on 900 federal agency advisory panels have effectively taken over your government; and they do not have your best interests at heart.
Ten financials institutions now control over 75% of banking assets. The robber barrons have taken over; they own the congress. Ron Paul knows it. Paul Volcker knows it. Alan Greenspan knows it. Barack Obama knows it. Milton Freidman would have said -- get the money back and let them fail.
The big banks are not only too big to fail, they are now beyond the reach of meaningful regulatory reform. They are above the law.
Forget about Greece -- your country is in real trouble; and it has very little to do with Barack Obama's health care proposal.
Why isn't a sincere conservative like yourself outraged by a banking oligopoly? Tolerating oligopoly flies in the face of bedrock republican principles.
Please don't reply by cutting and pasting something from a publication owned by Rupert Murdoch. He makes William Randolph Hearst look like a piker wearing pajamas.
It is very hard to follow the logic of your Capitalism/Socialism rhetoric. It is unintelligible for couple of reasons:
1) GW Bush was hardly the iconic champion of laissez faire capitalism.
2) The Obama administration has not taken the country in another direction. There has been very little change. In fact, that is the most common criticism -- where is the change?
Just in case you missed that class; we live in representative democracy. Our system of exchange is a heavily regulated interpretation of capitalism. That has been the case for our entire lives.
The biggest structural threat our government is facing right now is from non-politicians. Sixty thousand lobbyists sitting on 900 federal agency advisory panels have effectively taken over your government; and they do not have your best interests at heart.
Ten financials institutions now control over 75% of banking assets. The robber barrons have taken over; they own the congress. Ron Paul knows it. Paul Volcker knows it. Alan Greenspan knows it. Barack Obama knows it. Milton Freidman would have said -- get the money back and let them fail.
The big banks are not only too big to fail, they are now beyond the reach of meaningful regulatory reform. They are above the law.
Forget about Greece -- your country is in real trouble; and it has very little to do with Barack Obama's health care proposal.
Why isn't a sincere conservative like yourself outraged by a banking oligopoly? Tolerating oligopoly flies in the face of bedrock republican principles.
Please don't reply by cutting and pasting something from a publication owned by Rupert Murdoch. He makes William Randolph Hearst look like a piker wearing pajamas.
It is different now.
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama has signed a one-year extension of several provisions in the nation's main counterterrorism law, the Patriot Act.
Provisions in the measure would have expired on Sunday without Obama's signature Saturday.
The act, which was adopted in the weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, expands the government's ability to monitor Americans in the name of national security.
Three sections of the Patriot Act that stay in force will:
--Authorize court-approved roving wiretaps that permit surveillance on multiple phones.
--Allow court-approved seizure of records and property in anti-terrorism operations.
--Permit surveillance against a so-called lone wolf, a non-U.S. citizen engaged in terrorism who may not be part of a recognized terrorist group.
Obama's signature comes after the House voted 315 to 97 Thursday to extend the measure.
The Senate also approved the measure, with privacy protections cast aside when Senate Democrats lacked the necessary 60-vote supermajority to pass them. Thrown away were restrictions and greater scrutiny on the government's authority to spy on Americans and seize their records.
Provisions in the measure would have expired on Sunday without Obama's signature Saturday.
The act, which was adopted in the weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, expands the government's ability to monitor Americans in the name of national security.
Three sections of the Patriot Act that stay in force will:
--Authorize court-approved roving wiretaps that permit surveillance on multiple phones.
--Allow court-approved seizure of records and property in anti-terrorism operations.
--Permit surveillance against a so-called lone wolf, a non-U.S. citizen engaged in terrorism who may not be part of a recognized terrorist group.
Obama's signature comes after the House voted 315 to 97 Thursday to extend the measure.
The Senate also approved the measure, with privacy protections cast aside when Senate Democrats lacked the necessary 60-vote supermajority to pass them. Thrown away were restrictions and greater scrutiny on the government's authority to spy on Americans and seize their records.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Productivity Increases as a Cop Out
It has been said that Clinton simply benefitted from extraordinary productivity growth in the economy, thanks to the growth of personal computers, the dot coms and technology in general. I have pointed out that each post-war decade has had it's reasons to excel. The 1950's benefitted from post-war growth and the unequivocal US supremacy of the industrial world. We entered the jet age, which certainly enhanced our industrial productivity.
The '60's was the age of IBM and Xerox and the Nifty Fifty. The '70's were ugly thanks to the oil shocks. The '80's saw the boomers come of age - there was a huge growth in family formations and then, the earliest of the generation entered their peak earning years. The '90's did benefit from technological gains, but the growth was not unique. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the 2000's saw greater productivity gains than the preceding decade.
I went to the OECD to check on annual US productivity gains, and the data went back to 1985:
1985 - 1990: .7
1990 - 2000: .9
2001 - 2008: 1.4
So - I hope this puts to rest the idea that the 1990's were some sort of unnatural era in productivity growth. They weren't. However, our government tax and spending policies were disciplined for the first time in a generation, at great political cost to the adults in the room.
Greece, NY, CA can the good old USA be far behind?
Tax and spend. Taxing and spending. Taxing begat spending? Regardless of the grammar, Liberal tax and spend policies and class warfare for political gain always ends with the same result.
Move over, New Jersey, you're getting a run for your tax money as the nation's most dysfunctional state from the once great mecca of commerce and finance known as New York. Politics in the Empire State has become a carnival of spendthrifts, sexual miscreants and the all-purpose ethically challenged.
In the latest sign that the Apocalypse is upon Albany, New York Governor David Paterson announced yesterday that he won't seek election to a full term in November only two weeks after he had announced that he would. Mr. Paterson, a Democrat who became governor in March 2008 after Eliot Spitzer resigned in a prostitution scandal, has spent the past two years lurching from one fiasco to the next.
Mr. Paterson's troubles have been catnip for "Saturday Night Live," but the state's voters are laughing to keep from crying. New York's budget deficit is an estimated $8.2 billion, due in no small part to state spending that has risen by nearly 70%, or $35 billion, over the past decade. The recent financial crisis has exposed the state's overreliance on tax revenue from Wall Street.
Move over, New Jersey, you're getting a run for your tax money as the nation's most dysfunctional state from the once great mecca of commerce and finance known as New York. Politics in the Empire State has become a carnival of spendthrifts, sexual miscreants and the all-purpose ethically challenged.
In the latest sign that the Apocalypse is upon Albany, New York Governor David Paterson announced yesterday that he won't seek election to a full term in November only two weeks after he had announced that he would. Mr. Paterson, a Democrat who became governor in March 2008 after Eliot Spitzer resigned in a prostitution scandal, has spent the past two years lurching from one fiasco to the next.
Mr. Paterson's troubles have been catnip for "Saturday Night Live," but the state's voters are laughing to keep from crying. New York's budget deficit is an estimated $8.2 billion, due in no small part to state spending that has risen by nearly 70%, or $35 billion, over the past decade. The recent financial crisis has exposed the state's overreliance on tax revenue from Wall Street.
Friday, February 26, 2010
THE HEALTH CARE DEBATE
I stayed up till midnight last night watching the entire health care debate and came away with 5 observations.
1. While Pelosi, and Reid, are IDIOTS, there is no shortage on the other side. John Boehner, Jon Kyle, are right up there with them.
2. Obama is the best spokesman for the Democratic position on health care. He knows the bill.
3. Republicans can't stop preaching fear to the American people. They did it during Bush and are doing it again.
4. There is more than a philosophical difference between the Republican position and the Democratic position. They just want to win the next election period.
5.PROPS,CODE WORDS, LIKE WASHINGTON,WELFARE,SOCIALISM are keeping the Fear going and stop the bill going forward.
Where were all these Republicans when you had the Presidency and the Congress, and your concern about health care then that you profess so deeply about now.
Oh! I forgot your agenda then was WAR, TAX BREAKS FOR THE WEALTHY SO THEIR COULD BE TRICKLE DOWN.
By the way how are those tax breaks you passed doing now shouldn't we be enjoying the prosperity you promised.
1. While Pelosi, and Reid, are IDIOTS, there is no shortage on the other side. John Boehner, Jon Kyle, are right up there with them.
2. Obama is the best spokesman for the Democratic position on health care. He knows the bill.
3. Republicans can't stop preaching fear to the American people. They did it during Bush and are doing it again.
4. There is more than a philosophical difference between the Republican position and the Democratic position. They just want to win the next election period.
5.PROPS,CODE WORDS, LIKE WASHINGTON,WELFARE,SOCIALISM are keeping the Fear going and stop the bill going forward.
Where were all these Republicans when you had the Presidency and the Congress, and your concern about health care then that you profess so deeply about now.
Oh! I forgot your agenda then was WAR, TAX BREAKS FOR THE WEALTHY SO THEIR COULD BE TRICKLE DOWN.
By the way how are those tax breaks you passed doing now shouldn't we be enjoying the prosperity you promised.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
WSJ
ATHENS—Greek police clashed with youths in central Athens Wednesday as tens of thousands of people took to the streets in protest at the Socialist government's austerity measures.
The strike has affected transport and public services, with government offices, schools and universities all shut and travel around the capital, Athens, disrupted. Athens International Airport was also closed as air traffic controllers joined the action, with no flights in and out of the country's airports. Train, bus and ferry services were canceled nationwide.
Protesters clash with riot police during a demonstration in Athens on Wednesday. Greece ground to a halt as unions staged a one-day general strike and thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to protest austerity measures designed to tame a public debt crisis.
Banks are also expected to be affected while state hospitals will operate on skeleton staffing. No newspapers will be published because the journalists' union is taking part too.
"In many industries participation in the strike is 100%. Many banks in the center are closed or are operating with skeleton staff," said Stathis Anestis, spokesman for private sector umbrella union ADEDY. "It shows that the working people are totally against the government's austerity plans. We understand the difficulties in the economy, but the average worker can't give anything more. If the EU wants more measures, the rich and those who evade taxes should pay for it."
The strike has affected transport and public services, with government offices, schools and universities all shut and travel around the capital, Athens, disrupted. Athens International Airport was also closed as air traffic controllers joined the action, with no flights in and out of the country's airports. Train, bus and ferry services were canceled nationwide.
Protesters clash with riot police during a demonstration in Athens on Wednesday. Greece ground to a halt as unions staged a one-day general strike and thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to protest austerity measures designed to tame a public debt crisis.
Banks are also expected to be affected while state hospitals will operate on skeleton staffing. No newspapers will be published because the journalists' union is taking part too.
"In many industries participation in the strike is 100%. Many banks in the center are closed or are operating with skeleton staff," said Stathis Anestis, spokesman for private sector umbrella union ADEDY. "It shows that the working people are totally against the government's austerity plans. We understand the difficulties in the economy, but the average worker can't give anything more. If the EU wants more measures, the rich and those who evade taxes should pay for it."
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Another Looney Left Quote - Harry Reid - Planet Liberal
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/82803-reid-men-when-theyre-out-of-work-tend-to-become-abusive
Funny comments afterward:
Voters, when they are being scrwd by their government, tend to tar and feather their politicians and run them out of town on a rail.BY KMichaels on 02/22/2010 at 19:12
I guess Reid will find out soon enough.BY MD on 02/22/2010 at 19:12
I am curious to hear his views of the favorite foods of African Americans.BY saintknowitall on 02/22/2010 at 19:12
Harry will become more "abusive" soon enough.BY CCPony on 02/22/2010 at 19:12
This man is totally out of touch with reality I can't believe he is a Senator The people of his State should be embarassed of his representation.BY Jon Ross on 02/22/2010 at 19:13
Well Harry, after November let's see if you can become anymore abusive than you have been to date.BY Al J on 02/22/2010 at 19:14
the man is an idiot. Nevada deserves him. Lets see if they are willing to get rid of the moron come November.BY Jack on 02/22/2010 at 19:14
Why won't he just die? How anyone could vote for this moron is beyond me…BY Roderick on 02/22/2010 at 19:14
I've tried for over ten years to get Harry Reid to get psychiatric help. The man is insane. I'm certainly hoping that Nevadans will show him the door next election. The man is certainly an embarrassment to the wonderful citizens of Nevada.BY RightStuff on 02/22/2010 at 19:14
What would Reid know about being a man?
Funny comments afterward:
Voters, when they are being scrwd by their government, tend to tar and feather their politicians and run them out of town on a rail.BY KMichaels on 02/22/2010 at 19:12
I guess Reid will find out soon enough.BY MD on 02/22/2010 at 19:12
I am curious to hear his views of the favorite foods of African Americans.BY saintknowitall on 02/22/2010 at 19:12
Harry will become more "abusive" soon enough.BY CCPony on 02/22/2010 at 19:12
This man is totally out of touch with reality I can't believe he is a Senator The people of his State should be embarassed of his representation.BY Jon Ross on 02/22/2010 at 19:13
Well Harry, after November let's see if you can become anymore abusive than you have been to date.BY Al J on 02/22/2010 at 19:14
the man is an idiot. Nevada deserves him. Lets see if they are willing to get rid of the moron come November.BY Jack on 02/22/2010 at 19:14
Why won't he just die? How anyone could vote for this moron is beyond me…BY Roderick on 02/22/2010 at 19:14
I've tried for over ten years to get Harry Reid to get psychiatric help. The man is insane. I'm certainly hoping that Nevadans will show him the door next election. The man is certainly an embarrassment to the wonderful citizens of Nevada.BY RightStuff on 02/22/2010 at 19:14
What would Reid know about being a man?
A bad deal
They always are and always will be. Let me guess, Harvard Economics is not as astute as Harvard Law Review.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Another Republican Officeholder Speaks Out
Apparently, disabled kids are God's punishment for abortion. So says Virginia State Rep Bob Marshall (R)
http://www.rhrealitycheck.org/blog/2010/02/22/virginia-delegate-handicapped-children-are-gods-punishment-women
Two Statesmen: Simpson & Petraeus
I have enjoyed hearing from two statesman over the past two days. The first - General Petraeus - opposes "enhanced interrogation techniques" on MTP stating that we need to "live our values" and when we don't, we ended up getting "bitten on the backside." I guess it is just like our parents told us growing up - we need to do the right thing especially when it is inconvenient. That is the test of integrity.
Alan Simpson (R) was interviewed by Maria Bartiromo today and said something like "don't tell me to find the savings in earmarks, foreign aid and waste, fraud and abuse. That is a cop-out that doesn't add up to 2%." He said he is going after the "Big Three" - Entitlements, Social Security and Medicare. Discretionary spending is now such a small part of the budget, that it is the last place you'd look for meaningful savings. "It will be very bloody," says the former Senator from Wyoming.
So, fellow bloggers, are we part of the problem or part of the solution? Shall we live by cop-outs and disingenuous rhetoric or will we honestly set about solving our problems at home and abroad?
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