Bart Bows Out - Stupak Resigns

Politico:Bart Stupak D-MI has announced he will not seek reelection in 2010. Since changing his Health Care Reconciliation Act NO vote to Yes, under pressure and deals (bribes) from the Obama Administration, Stupak's chances of reelection in the Michigan 1st Congressional district have dwindled. Stupak initially refused to support the Reform Bill over language allowing for Federally funded abortions, and later changed his mind when Barack Obama signed an executive order (which is not a law)stating federal funds would not be available for abortion under his health reform act.

Stupak was under pressure from both the left and the right, before and after the health care reform votes. Apparently, he received calls at both his office and home.

A general surgeon Dan Benishek had announced his intent to run against Stupak. Visit Dan Benishek's website here at: danbenishekforcongress.com.

The Ethical Reasons Why Eric Massa Should Not Have Resigned His Congressional Seat

Congressman Eric Massa - image multichannel

Yesterday at 5:00 pm, Eric Massa, Democrat, resigned his 29th District Congressional Seat. He did so, in part, because he was under a congressional ethics investigation. Apparently, the Junior Congressman had sexually harassed a male staffer at an event – so the question follows – how is that any different from several key Democrats who’ve had ethics complaints against them – for decades? Take recently dismissed Charles Rangel, who held onto his Chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee while under the cloud of tax issues and most recently, a corporate kickback of one trip to the Caribbean, which was, apparently, too much for Pelosi to endure. Then there’s Massachusetts 4th district’s, Barney Frank, who, in 1989, hired a male prostitute as a “companion” and “household employee”, who then ran a prostitution ring out of Frank’s home , allegedly unbeknownst to Frank. He endured calls for his resignation, and yet today he is the Chair of the powerful House Finance Committee. So, while Eric Massa had a bit too much to drink at a party, and basically made an off the cuff remark to a male staffer, which constituted Sexual Harassment, he must be banished.  Massa is a card-carrying member of the same party, the party that turns its back when one of its favored members is pulling one egregious stunt after another, protecting and defending them till the last vote is cast.

Something is fishy here, and Massa’s claims that he was set-up and pushed out because he refused to play ball with the Obama administration is more probable than not, given party history of ethics. In fact, the Democrats are treating Eric Massa just like a Republican! Recall any Republican who had an infidelity of any sort in the past two decades and the calls for ethics investigations and resignations came first from the Democrats. The word hypocrite is strongly advised as an adjective in this case.

Then Massa called it like it was, on radio, letting the world, or whoever would listen, know that he was pushed out because he refused to vote for Obama’s Health Care Reform Plan. He even had a visit from Rham Emanuel, while in the shower. (Politico). Massa alleges that Rham came at him in the shower, yelling, and himself naked – it is not just a circus in Washington now, it is a shambles. Democrat members of the house now understand that if they don’t vote for health care, they may have to face a naked and angry Rham Emanuel – that will be sure to change a vote or two.

It’s a matter of principle and it’s a matter of backbone, so, when Eric Massa came out and let the world know what had taken place, he should have stayed right where he was, in his seat, until November, but he didn’t. Massa promptly resigned, giving rise to speculation that the shower visit from Emanuel may have been followed up by other threats.  It's time the nation saw another Nathan Hale. If not Massa, then who will rise to the occasion?

Now, Massa’s had been called into question by an ethics investigation as early as February (reported by Politico). His aides were grilled for over 3 hours and the gist of the questioning was whether or not the Congressman was gay. Now, not for nothing, but Barney Frank is openly gay, but he’s a standard bearer for the party, so what is the problem here? Eric Massa would not play ball with Barack Obama.

As conservatives embrace Massa because of his outing of the Administration, Democrats (no less)warn that they should be not be too hasty ) and certain Conservative Talking Heads, are joining in  - with the “sky is falling”, beware, of ethics violations and possible conspiracy theories rhetoric dished up by the Democats in charge.

That’s the disconnect with the public – whereas a Congressman who may or may not have done anything specifically wrong by Congressional Standards (Democrat), resigns and then tells all, in hopes of stopping a health care fiasco pushed by the President, is being turned into a pariah of sorts by both the left and the extreme right. It’s easy to Monday morning quarterback, and one cannot know all the facts (just those that trickle down).  However, it is also glaringly apparent that this man went out to let the world know what had taken place because he did not want to go with the Obama flow. Given the use of the word “thug” in conjunction with the administration on a fairly consistent basis from Right of Conservative Talking Heads, one has to give this guy points for standing up and speaking out. One also has to wonder, again, what threats he endured to actually resign his seat.

It is far too easy to cast aspersions on what amounts to a “whistle blower”, what boggles the mind is that, to date, few are coming to his defense against a backdrop of a Congress that holds so many corrupt in its embrace. It is not so much that Massa was “disgraced”; it was more that a message was sent to the rest of the Democrats in Congress, one that is clear and without doubt; either stand with us, or pay the price.

Without Massa coming out, so to speak, the public would not be aware of the alleged tactics used by this administration. With that in mind, he has given the media that cares one whit, the option of keeping close tabs on all of the Democrat Congressional Representatives who previously had voted no on this health care bill, and who suddenly change their minds, either by threat or by bribery (see Ben Nelson). Either way, it casts a very dark shadow over the administration. In this instance, its determination to run a bill through both houses, one that is not wanted by the American Public, but what of future plans?

In historical terms, this November will be the most critical of all mid-term elections. Should the house or the senate remain in concert with the administration, the health care reform package may be the least of our concerns, as the tax and spend rampage will undoubtedly continue unabated. Although his scenario is highly unlikely, (given the current polls), Eric Massa made it extremely clear, that all American’s should take a hard at where we are, and where we could be. Should the Congress flip, and nothing be done for two years, it would be in the best interest of the nation.

John Kerry’s “Managed” Health Care Town Hall – Tightly Controlled with Advocacy Groups & Unions Dominating Attendance.

Senator John Kerry, (D-MA), held a town hall meeting in Somerville, MA yesterday, which was surprisingly well attended – by supporters of Health Care Reform. The event, which was pushed by Organizing for America (MyBarackObama.com), gave Kerry a platform to pontificate that he would be carrying the torch for the late Ted Kennedy dream of Universal Health Care (public option), a move that Harry Reid can appreciate.

The interesting aspect of this particular pro-health reform event, were the attendees: according to the Boston Globe: “Spectators arrived early, many carrying pro-health care overhaul signs, which were prohibited inside for security reasons. Advocacy groups on hand included the Service Employees International Union, the Massachusetts Nurses Association, and Mass-Care, a state group pushing for a single-payer plan. . The question arises: Although the Globe and like-minded press, have heralded this event as a pro-health care rally (one of the first of its kind), it was not the general public in attendance, rather advocacy groups who were urged to get there early and fill the auditorium by the Obama Campaign, - played as throngs of regular folk by the press – will this charade be bought by the American people, most of whom do not support any form of government controlled health program? Unlikely.

For perspective : live blogging of the event by the Mass. DNC (Blue Mass Group)

Republican’s take the lead on Public Trust – 8 out of 10 Key Issues – Rasmussen

The public trust is a fluid commoditynot owned for long recently, by any political party - as proven by a recent Rasmussen Poll.

On the issues:

Health Care – Republicans lead in polling on trust by 44% to 41% (Democrats)
(The President’s Health Care Reform Plan is currently favored by 42% of the population, down from prior polls)

On the Economy – by 6 points

On Education – 41% to 38%

On Social Security – 43% to 39%

On Taxes – 51% to 35%

War in Iraq – Tied

National Security – 47 to 43% (a decrease)

Ethics and Corruption – 31% to 34% (Democrats)

Abortion – 46% to 36%

This survey was based on a sample of 1,000 likely voters.

Looking at the issues that Republics (i.e. conservatives) hold the lead – several are related to and include the economy, such as taxes, social security, and health care reform (the social aspects aside, this is an economic issue) – One would expect the Republican party to come out strong on Abortion and National Security, but surprisingly Education, which has been owned for decades by the Democrat Party, is now in the hands of Republicans – the question is why? Republicans are more free-market in areas of education, with a belief that should there be competition, the end result would be better teachers, and higher levels of education achieved by the general populace, as it would apply across the board (See Mike Huckabee’s record on education while Govenor of Arkansas – outstanding.) That said, the Democrats backed by the powerful teachers unions, may have had a play in the numbers change, as most American’s now consider themselves as conservatives. The ethics and corruption category should be owned by both parties, and has been, therefore, this one, from a reasonable perspective, is moot.

What is driving these numbers? A move to the left by the Obama administration, (centrist on the Campaign trail) while in concert with the leading Progressives in both Houses, is leading the general public (those that now consider themselves conservative) to brand the entire party. It is perception that will realize any change in power in the 2010 election. For polling on 2010 races (Congressional and Senate) visit: Real Clear Politics.

Rep. Nikki Tsongas (D-MA) when Questioned on Why She is Execpt from Proposed Health Care Reform Plan – “I have a tremendous array of choices”.

The “Party Line” on the Administration’s Health Care Reform regarding a “government run” health care program is that it will offer more choices to the American people – that said, government employees, including those in unions and members of Congress are exempt from participating in the proposed plan. The current plan that members of Congress (and those working for the government – be they military and or civilian) offers health care programs on several levels, HMO’s, PPO’s, Standard Plans with Deductibles and so on. Employees are offered a choice of plans once a year during an “open season”, where they have the options of either downgrading their plan, or buying into a better benefit plan, based on choice and what they can afford. These plans are administered and underwritten by insurance companies (Those that Nancy Pelosi deemed as “evil” – are the same ones that she trusts for her own healthcare), not the Federal Government. (Office of Personal Management Health Insurance program options here.)

Incidentally, this was the program that, then presidential primary candidate, Hillary Clinton, proposed should be offered to the American people as part of her “health care reform” plan. (Video Below worth Watching).

Hillary Clinton on Health Care Reform – Her Plan

Therefore, one has to wonder, with a Health Care Program for the government and its employees already in place (and with the administration of plans in place), with Free Health Care options in place (Medicaid), and supplemental insurance for the elderly (Medicare) in place, why not do the obvious and expand streamline those options? At the same time, federally mandate the ability for consumers to purchase health insurance across state lines (thereby by-passing state’s such as Massachusetts that have so many mandated benefits, the costs of premiums and programs are through the roof) – this would bring the costs down due to some healthy competition. Apparently, any of these options would be far too simple to implement, thus the 800 pounds of paper necessary for one health care reform bill.

The town hall meetings held by members of Congress have been interesting to say the least, specifically because ordinary American’s are turning out in droves to question the support of a bill that offers less, costs more and is totally, see above, unnecessary. Those people are being harangued by the administration and the likes of Pelosi and company as mobs run by either the RNC or Insurance Companies, or George Bush – well, they haven’t brought out Bush yet, but they just might.

At a recent town hall meeting in Chelmsford, MA, State Representative Nikki Tsongas (D) had some interesting points when it came to choices. One individual who questioned the Congresswoman regarding the fact that she (according to the bill, which millions of regular people are now reading and understanding), would be able to keep her insurance plan, while others would not be so fortunate, Tsongas began by stating: “I have an enormous array of choices”… it went downhill from there are the she explained the program she is eligible to participate in to those in attendance. Her program, which she is allowed to keep, is the same program that then candidate Hillary Clinton, proposed be offered to the General Public. The YouTube video of Tsongas and all statements are shown below.

It is obvious that the health care delivery system in the United States requires a few fixes to make it more affordable, while it is also obvious that the United States enjoys the best health care in the world (despite claims to the contrary by those pushing for the administrations brand as well as other socialist entities) – it is also becoming glaringly apparent that the public is not wearing blinders when it comes to all issues, specifically the economy and their health care. This will translate, not into violence, (although some of that is definiately taking place on both sides), but into votes.

Nikki Tsongas (D-MA) on Her Choice of Health Care Plans at Town Hall Meeting, Chelmsford, MA)

Senate Democrats Consider Taxing Health Insurance Carriers – Fees to Cover Costs of Health Program will be Passed on to the Consumer

SenateFinance Committee Democrats, are seeking ways to fund the proposed Health Care Reform – the target – health insurance carriers. To date, the hospital and pharmaceutical industries have pledged $235 billion dollars towards the program, with no pledges from the insurance industry. Schumer (D-NY) and Rockefeller (D-WV) feel that the insurance carriers enjoy too much of a profit, and have portrayed them as the villain of health care:

Schumer and Sens. John Rockefeller (D-WV), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) pounded the insurers, who they portrayed as unwilling to help pay for reform even while they have enjoyed exploding profits

Assuming that the insurance industry is assessed fees of over $100 billion dollars; one has to expect that these companies, already burdened by increasing regulation and mandated state and federal benefits, will ultimately pass that increase onto the consumer. Case in point: Massachusetts.

When the State of Massachusetts adopted the trail version of Universal Health Care coverage, known as “Commonwealth Care”, originally designed to increase competition among insurers, and offer low-cost health insurance coverage to uninsured in the Bay-State, up to 26 mandated benefits were added by the State Legislature. Mandated benefits, are those that the insurance company must include in reimbursements to hospitals and other health care providers, some of the Commonwealth mandated benefits include procedures that, in the past, were normally considered “elective”, (not medically necessary or experimental), which would be the patients reponsibility. One of those that makes up over 80% of the cost to insurers is the addition of the treatment of infertility, which costs the State approximately $687 million annually. In addition, the result of adding mandates has caused private insurance health premiums to rise up to 56 %.

The suggestion to those even contemplating the addition of a national health care program - look to the Massachusetts product, one which when managed by a majority Democrat Legislature, with a State bureaucracy that is one’s worst DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles, pick a State) nightmares has consistently run under-budget, and is a major burden on the remaining taxpayers in the Commonwealth – it is simply a badly implemented and managed program. Nationally - the Republican House has produced a chart (here)that shows the planned bureaucracy – which would even make the Massachusetts Legislature blush. It appears that the Federal government has taken the Bay State Model and adjusted it somewhat.

It is a fact that there is a need to cover the uninsured, which is why there is a Medicaid program – or, in other words, government run universal healthcare – already in place. Making adjustments to the existing program, by offering benefits to the working uninsured at a lower premium, would, in effect, to do the trick. It is simple math at this point; as unemployment rises, with no end in sight, (see Stimulus), the Federal and State governments will continue to lose income, and turning to the private sector, which is caring for the remaining tax base, by assessing additional fees, is merely a band aid – not a cure.