Affronted - Obama Care (Affordable Health Care Act) – Buffers Big Business (Insurance Companies) against Loss – is Anyone Surprised? - The 1 Trillion Dollar Budget.

According to Bob Laszewsk, writing his Health Care Policy and Market Place Review blog – the Obama administration’s bill subsidizes insurers against adverse losses they might incur up to 2015 – this allows the carriers to limit any increases in the cost of policies, before everything skyrockets in 2016.

The Washington Post article (here) written by Ezra Klein, describes Mr. Laszewsk as “president of Health Policy and Strategy Associates, a policy and marketplace consulting firm that has him working closely with many in the health industry as they try to navigate the Affordable Care Act” - He goes on, in an interview, to suggest fixes for Obama care’s computer woes, and does so with an eye toward inevitability, as well as for his clients, the insurance companies.

Although Laszewsk’s blog is technical in style written for those who are more familiar with insurance profits/losses and terminology- it is easy to get the gist – Obama care is a taxpayer funded project – right down to buffering the insurance companies.

Time and again, one sees the Federal government vested in Corporate America, which is a tad disconcerting to those who are concerned, regardless of party, when business (See K Street), benefits from Federal tax dollars. It runs against the grain of those who believe in free enterprise, without strings, fail or flourishing on one’s own steam.

With the new budget in place topping 1 trillion dollars – the Establishment GOP is thrilled to have preserved Incandescent light bulbs, and been granted a few concessions, here and there (Washington Times) – which screams both parties are either in collusion or being bi-partisan – and can do well without any interference from smaller parties influence. Those that may prefer to curtail spending, and reduce the debt per person in the nation (taxpayer), while prohibiting corporate collusion with government programs, should be gnashing their teeth at this latest budget.

Ted Cruz – 2013 – First Year Most Influential Senator – No apologies – No remorse – As it Should be.

Ted Cruz, the junior Senator from the State of Texas, made some promises on the campaign trail and once elected, put himself to work – on the promise he made. These included stopping the Affordable Health Care Act – otherwise known as Obama Care – and he did his utmost to do so. He talked to his constituents in town hall style meetings, and went about the other states doing the same – the conclusion was that he needed to do something – so he did.

In a 21 hour non-filibuster (due to Senate rules) – he attempted to educate the general public on what might happen should the government fund Obama Care – things such as millions might lose their policies, and doctors might not be available. He was maligned not only on the left, which would be expected – but on the right as the old guards in the Republican Party are more interested in getting along and keeping their jobs based on polling from DC rather than doing what their constituents want. Which makes Ted Cruz, one of the only guys in DC that is actually doing with he was sent to do – constitutionally, work for the people who sent him there.

Accordingly to Real Clear Politics, Senator Cruz, also has his head on straight – he places the blame squarely where it belongs for the “alleged” government shutdown: at the feet of Harry Reid and the President.

Both men wanted to insure that the legislation went though – on time – which, in retrospect, had they listened to Ted Cruz, and came to some compromise, the President’s approval ratings would be through the roof – but that would take two – and Harry Reid, who is the fact totem leader of the country, was having none of it.

Therefore, yes, it was their fault, and they went the extra mile by shutting down national monuments spending more on the shutdown than would have been necessary. The entire “debate” over Obama Care has cost the county a boatload of cash, and it is a disaster – putting it off a year or two and working across the aisle might have made the transition perfect –yet – with a lack of bi-partisanship and party about the people, that is displayed on both sides of the aisle, that was not going to happen.

Ted Cruz, who many suggest may run for the office of the Presidency with experience equal to the current office holder, may or may not be in for a surprise as he has yet to even remotely hint at a run. The perfect place for Ted Cruz in this bloggers book would be to replace on Harry Reid at the helm, of course, there has to be a real change in power in the senate in 2014 for that to take place. That chance in power is evidence by the growing distaste for all incumbents who are more party less people. In that scenario - the prediction from here –Obama’s last terms in office may be the best he has had – should the Senate and the House both become more Libertarian-Tea Party and less standard “Republican” party or “Democrat Party”. It is looking as if this could possibly occur.

Of course, there would be the usual attention hounds, McCain, King, the like – but they are no longer relevant in this date and age, and as they are cheerleaders for the Democrats, they might as well change parties (it happens frequently)

Therefore, Cruz remains one of my favorite political figures, along with Mike Lee, and, without a doubt, Rand Paul, there are others, but for brevity sake, saving that for another day.

These leaders give us hope, something that has been lost amongst the partisan “hacks” that have been ruling for the past 30 odd years.

As we Close 2014 -CNN Outlines Why It Might Have been a bad Year for Obama –They missed a few!

In an effort to figure out why the President’s poll numbers have been less than stellar these past few months, CNN has suggestedsix reasons why: Obama Care tops the list, the polling is number 2, the Snowdon Leaks at 3, number 4 – the IRS targeting, Number 5 is the Presidents “stalled agenda”, and rounding out the list: the “selfie” snap shot at Mandela’s funeral.(CNN)

They may have two of them correct, specifically the Obama Care rollout – which, due to the hyper-partisanship in the Senate (between Democrats and McCanian Republicans and the Constitutionalist), has come to fruition and is now laying waste to the lives of millions, while bits and pieces of the legislation are picked away – all without Congressional approval. The second woe that stands out in CNN’s list is the IRS Targeting of Conservative Groups, specifically Tea Party, during election cycles.

The balance are on the order of personal, or out of context: The Snowdon Leaks – although the buck stops at the top of the heap (i.e. with the President) – Snowdon’s filching of state secrets as a contractor hired by an agency that works for the Federal government is so far removed from the President it might as well be the moon. In this instance it is a case of general incompetence and little oversight of the hiring process associated with the contractors, coupled with the same as far as the government agencies are concerned. Agree or disagree with Snowdon, the point is – like other spies, one is either caught or not and this was not personally a pervue of the President.

(The contents however…)

The Stalled agenda, considering Obama Care, may be a plus rather than a minus for this particular President. The polling was bound to happen, historically, second term Presidents rarely have high poll numbers, given the degree with which the public interest is waning and looking for the next best President. A second term gives one’s detractors an ability to trash the daylights out of the guy sitting in the throne room, in a political move to swipe Congress and the Senate for their Party. Suffice it to say: Clinton, Bush, Gorge W (although Clinton’s numbers were unusually high for second term Presidents).

If, however, the polling goes to Carter levels, the one might want to find a good fictional – historian to set the record straight.

Lastly, the “selfie” – one must give the guy a break. In many instances, especially state affairs, the President has been criticized, however, since the public should be used to gaffes at this point, and since it as a funeral of a former head of state and icon, perhaps the length of the ceremony was too much to bear, and there was a need for a bit of levity, and sharing the moment, no better way to capture that amongst heads of states, than – the selfie.

What CNN did not mention: the level of incompetence in the administration is mind-boggling, unfortunately the President, or is aid in charge of hiring staff including appointments, needs to take a long vacation.

Benghazi, although part and parcel of the State Departments’ purview, the President’s Cabinet members hound have played this one straight instead of blaming some grossly ridiculous cartoonish video – while not demanding that whoever gave the orders to stand down while a U.S. ambassador was murdered should have been hung out to dry.

Lastly, it is the high partisanship displayed by the President that has caused the problem he’s faced with now. Either that or he was working with the wrong Republicans’ (i.e. the McCain’s, etc.), as had he actually listened to those who were newly elected (similarly to himself, less to no experience in legislation) tea party, and tried to work with them rather than investigate and harass them – maybe, just maybe in a utopian world – Obama Care would have become the signature legislation known as – you can now afford insurance, we’ve opened up the state lines and all carriers can go anywhere, no mandates on every single policy (which had he looked at Massachusetts, he would have avoided all the mistakes that are breaking the budget in this Commonwealth) and finally those who have no insurance and cannot afford it, will be given the option of Medicaid – simple.

He would have made new friends and a ton of enemies on the left, but would have had skyrocketing poll numbers.

Of course, first he would have had to muzzle Harry Reid.

What can possibly go wrong in 2014? -

Obama Care Glitches In Land of Romney Care – New Depths of Disaster - Let’s Blame it on the Website! The Repercussions.

According to the Boston Herald Governor Deval Patrick has insisted that everyone in Massachusetts will have health insurance by the deadline and insured by January 1, 2014. That may be a tall order since even under Romney Care, not everyone in Massachusetts was insured. In fact, many preferred to pay the fine rather than the higher and unaffordable premiums under Commonwealth Care – it was that simple. Those that are not subsidized do not have a choice.

Apparently these individuals will not get any exceptions under the hybrid Obama-Romney Care either: Red Mass Group reports that. as of the 17th of December those who are unsubsidized (working and making too much money) will not be eligible for extensions under the new Obama Care. The numbers are dismal - as of yesterday, the 18th of December, not one individual, subsidized or not, was able to sign up through the website.(Red Mass Group).

Apparently, Red Mass Group (Read Here) has been chronicling the disastrous roll-out of Obama Care in the Commonwealth upon which it was modeled. From individuals denied coverage due to their non substantiated criminal past (a mistake), to those who are now on phones with state workers who will “describe” a plan to them. Frankly, if one has been to the DMV does one really trust a state (read government) employee to give them the straight scoop – especially since nothing appears work – it’s a question of trust as well as proof of disaster.

From Massachusetts doctors sending out notices telling their patients they are either ending their practices or going to a fee for service sans government intervention method (preferred!!) – one wonders how long it will be before the Feds throw in the towel and turn to some in the Senate or Congress that have suggested solutions which fell on deaf ears – (make that the hyper-partisan ears of Harry Reid, Democrat sheep leader). Pull the mandates for individuals and employees, open each state to competition and watch the premiums fall – those who cannot afford the now lower plans would be on Medicaid, which is the vehicle used in the past. A few tweaks were all it would have taken to prevent this mess. The worst of it was that it was modeled on a system that “pretended to cover” everyone in the first place – but, at least the website worked.

2014 for the Independent, the Libertarian and those few incumbents who never voted for the Bill, or voted to Fund the bill (recall Ted Cruz); will be in fairly decent shape. Those who are still supporting or furthering Obama Care on either side of the aisle, will be facing a rough road – they may even loose with the dead voting.

Massachusetts - Obama Care Hikes in Employer Premiums – Businesses Hold Breath for 2014 – MA Health Care Connector (Formerly Romney Care) Uses Community Organizers to Canvas Prior to Election Spends Federal Obama Care Grants

Massachusetts businesses are growing increasingly concerned about the erratic premium increases due to Obama Care mandates according to the The Springfield Republican (Masslive) Apparently, some will find no increases, while others will find increases up to 50% - forcing small businesses to drop coverage, according to the article.

Over at Red Mass Group – it has been discovered that the Health Care Connector is using Federal Obama Care grants to fund Community Organizer Groups to “educate” the public – prior to a statewide election – they knocked on doors. Apparently, paying organizers to solicit votes prior to an election using Federal Funds is raising a few eyebrows (Red Mass Group)

What on earth did they expect? Massachusetts has consistently voted a more progressive Democrat track in the past 10 years, and therefore, the writing should be on the wall. Romney Care was far from perfect with many families opting to pay fees rather than buy the pricey Health Care Connector (Romney Care) insurance – however, with some of the highest premiums in the country, one might not have considered it could get any worse – apparently, Romney Care is not Obama Care or Obama Care is Romney Care on steroids.

President Obama Approval Plummets – Blame on Obama Care – Affordable Care website and rollout – There’s more to the downward spiral – Democrats and Administration Incompetence, Confusion and Ownership

Addendum: This morning CBS News Poll finds the President at a 37% approval, again an administration friendly media - this does not bode well for 2014 and those who supported the President and his plans.


ABC News with the Washington Post conducted a poll which revealedthe President has taken a hit in job approval, as well as other categories, including trust. The administration friendly media has the approval at 41% - one can well imagine that it might be a tad lower. (ABC News).

Considering that the Affordable Health Care Act was rejected from the beginning by half of the population while the Republican’s wanted no part of the mandated government program – offering options that would make it more efficient, such as insurers allowed to sell cross state boarder, which would drop premiums significantly, expanding Medicaid, and tort reform, to name a few. Each option was rejected by the Democrats who wanted – control and credit for what they perceived as the perfect plan – ego got in the way of true reform, and now they do own it. Although the President is attempting to blame Republican’s its going to be a hard sell, and as 2014 looms, those Democrats up for reelection will be faced with a steep uphill battle. Certain Republicans, who turned to support or “get along” for public appearance sake, will also suffer the consequences – such as McCain in Arizona.

It was not the roll out alone – it was the President’s denial of any issues, the loss of millions (with more to come) of individual policies, the fact that the President continues to mislead the public, especially those who are losing health care plans, is icing on the cake for any who would challenge a Democrat – be it a dogcatcher.

Will this leave the Republican’s unscathed and fairly safe –it may, as long as those Republican’s danced with those who felt the program a nightmare and refused to go along – They favored repeal and rewriting in order to salvage a bill gone bad – of course those offers were, again rejected. The last to protest was Senator Ted Cruz and Senator Mike Lee, who, much maligned about protesting, and shutting down the government to stop Obama care – were 100% correct in what they were trying to do to avoid the pain and suffering of those millions of people.

Go figure.

Nancy Pelosi – Is Up for Reelection in 2014 – #1 Reason Obamacare In Place Today

Nancy Pelosi, the U.S. Representative from California 12th District - who got a "gig on 30-Rock" (TV Show) - Image from and article here at Reuters.com

Nancy Pelosi is up for reelection in 2014, in fact she, along with every single Congressional Representative in the U.S. is up for reelection every two years. Congressional Representatives are elected during Mid-Term elections and again during the General Election (when the U.S. votes for a new President).

Nancy Pelosi, in 2009, was the Speaker of the House of Representatives (one Chamber of Congress), as such she was the one individual who pushed Obamacare through stating the infamous words: We have to pass the bill, so you can find out what’s in it” (YouTube) – She is still a cheerleader for the Democrat team, rather than the United States citizens - On NBC news, Ms. Pelosi suggested that all Democrats would stand tall in 2014 in support of Obamacare”. This might not set well with other Democrats, who are facing reelection in both the House of Representatives or the Senate (Both Houses of Congress), as the problems with the Bill, including the rollout fiasco, the high insurance premiums, the loss of policies for millions of people, the part-time status of most workers whose employers don’t want to pay the price for Obamacare, et al., who will have to face constituents who are not enamored of the plan as it was put together by, voted on, and passed and supported by the – Democrats, specifically Nancy Pelosi.

Nancy Pelosi is the U.S. Representative of the 12th District, which includes the City of San Francisco - that’s it; one City delivered upon the nation the most badly crafted legislation in history.

If Ms. Pelosi had said there was a mistake made and we need to fix it, or offered to work with Republican’s who had some reasonable ideas, instead of sticking to the Democrat Party Line rather than throwing the American Public a life-line, then she would be suitable for reelection. As it now stands it behooves those who vote in San Francisco to take a hard look at any other candidate and choose an alternative U.S. Representative.

A few suggestions as to fixes for “Obamacare” or The Affordable Health Care Act: remove the mandate on individuals and corporations – offer Medicare, with no to limited premiums to those who cannot afford private health insurance-Medicare is already in place. Open state borders, all of them to competition. When a state has only 3 insurance carriers, there is no incentive for those insurers to lower premiums. However, when there is ample competition, the insurers do lower premiums and fast. One shining example is Massachusetts auto insurance changes. Several years ago, Massachusetts only allowed certain carriers to offer auto insurance in the state – Massachusetts had some of the highest auto insurance rates in the nation, until the State opened up the borders allowing competition – there were no changes in the quality of the plans, there was an instant reduction in pricing on premiums however. This made buying car insurance affordable.

The same would be true for health insurance. Only an idiot would think otherwise. This brings up the point that any Representative or Senator who supported Obamacare in any way, shape or form, or did not vote to stop Obamacare when they had the chance so it could be revised –should be shown the proverbial door. This is regardless of whether or not that individual is a Democrat or Republican. It is time to put the Party aside and put the people first. If a representative, such as the CA 12th District’s, Nancy Pelosi, is not smart enough to do the job, or is making additional cash from lobbyists who will make money off the suffering of the Citizens, then, that individual should be replaced – get out and vote.

As One Million in California See Blue Cross Blue Shield Cancel Health Insurance, Chris Christie polls fine in the Northeast – but nowhere else – The curse of the moderate

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Obama care has struck again – this time in California Blue Cross has issues cancellation notices to one million people, due to – yes, you got it, Obama care (CBS Local). Darn that Ted Cruz and his 21 hour speech imploring the senate to do anything to stop the rollout and just take a second look at the program! So many watched the junior Senator from TX recite Dr. Seuss as part of the nation’s news in pieces designed to make him look like an idiot, that they failed to understand that he was trying to call attention to an impending disaster. (Also he was reading bedtime story to his children who were not in DC.) We know how that turned out, Ted tried to warn everyone, was blasted by John McCain and McCain and his buddy Harry Reid, just pushed that Obama care through - we know who to blame at least - it's not Ted.

Therefore we are at a crossroads in this nation between those who go along to get along (McCain should have his name next to that one (along with Graham and so many of that ilk), and those who care less about their “political futures” and more about the process – and there are one or two or even four of those – sadly.

Enter Chris Christie, or Mitt Romney light – Chris Christie has no signature health care plan in New Jersey upon which to run, he is not yet “severely conservative”, but he is treading that thin line where those who are both Democrats and Republican’s cannot figure out which party he should belong to – and that’s fine in New Jersey, New York, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the other 7 states where Obama enjoys above average approval ratings.

Once one leaves those states and is campaigning as a Republican (Hypothetically) as Christie has yet to announce a candidacy as it is far too early), one finds people are not – in the least “moderate” – it’s not the DC Beltway, It’s not New Jersey, it’s not Massachusetts. Christie doesn’t have a savvy political director who will stick an ideological look alike in some like minded state, run one for Governor, and then use the same campaign to roll out nationwide. It takes a whole lot of cash and an army of Community Organizers to be successful in that endeavor. Therefore, once Christie leaves the safe zone, he enters the part of the nation where a recent NBC poll suggests that 2/3 of those outside of the safe zone, prefer anybody else to Christie (The Week). Therefore one might understand that Christie might get a few Democrats to switch sides (always the GOP idea), but, will lose the 20 million or so grassroots voters how will, once again, sit out an election rather than vote for a candidate they do not remotely like.

It’s a challenge for the GOP/RNC to see past the hope that they can front a moderate candidate that will appeal to the base of the Party –or Independents for that matter –and that costs them elections – since this has happened on more than once occasion, one must draw a conclusion that those running the national party either don’t get out much, or are clueless.

To be kind – it may be Beltway syndrome, where, once inside the D.C. beltway, one cannot see the forest through the trees, and just fails to understand what is taking place mere miles away, thus, insuring that eventually, elections will be lost.

They don’t’ like people who shake up the old apple cart – that Seussing Ted Cruz, or anyone who might actually suggest something is amiss in Candy Land.

Good luck to them as the coming landslide of support for someone other than a “chosen candidate” may leave them with little choice but to “go along to get along” – only this time, unlike 2008, that candidate will not put up with any shenanigans by the insiders of the “party”. Chances are that this next round of candidates might be more independent minded.

We can only hope so.

Meanwhile, those in the RNC scouting team might want to meet potential candidates in say Iowa, and see if the surrounding audience is holding their noses at any time – and then not waste a dime doing more. – It is highly doubtful that will happen.

They will, undoubtedly lose again, and then the boobie prize for the American Public will be President “Hiawatha” Warren, or Lizzy Warren, a common name for the women who rose to Scott Brown’s seat, zip for experience, and ready to roll into the white house, the nickname is twofold – she claimed she was American Indian in order to land a job at Harvard, and two, for kicks Lizzie Borden beat a murder rap, it’s possible that in Massachusetts Style, as has happened before, Ms. Warren could dupe a nation – we’ve been there before.

President Say’s “Sorry” you’re Losing Your Health Insurance – People See Foot in Mouth – Media Reacts -2016 Begins in Ernest

Last night the President on NBC News told the American People that he was sorry they were losing their health insurance, but not to worry, he was sure they would just love the new plans that had better coverage and cost less. This prompted TIME to write Another Stunning Reversal in President Obama’s Talking Points on Obama Care":

For the second time in as many months, President Barack Obama has dramatically changed his communications strategy for coping with the troubled rollout of his signature legislation. In an interview Thursday with NBC‘s Chuck Todd, the President apologized for the fact that some people in the individual insurance market had found their health plans canceled under the new law, in violation of Obama’s promise that “if you like your plan, you can keep it.” “Even though it’s a small percentage of folks who may be disadvantaged, you know, it means a lot to them,” Obama said Thursday. “And it’s scary to them. And I am sorry that they, you know, are finding themselves in this situation, based on assurances they got from me.” He also hinted that he would support efforts, possibly through legislation, to address the problem.

(TIME)

Stunning to say the least – is TIME’s coverage of the President’s latest about face. He’s the “Boy who’s cried wolf” and if the public isn’t buying it anymore, the news media wants to keep some of its sagging rankings so they are (sort of) jumping on the public bandwagon.

Rasmussen was polling last evening on the overall Approval of Obama, and the line-up they perceive for 2016 – paired as potential protagonists in this latest installment of “we are just guessing at who might want to clean up the biggest mess in U.S. History”: Hillary Clinton and Chris Christie – they did not offer “None of the Above. One might conclude with results not yet posted, that Christie trumps. Of course, calling blue states for that match-up is somewhat of a no-brainer, they should have paired Cruz or Paul with Elizabeth Warren. Those results would have been a real understanding of the depth of rejection by the people of the “party lines”.

As a reminder: Ted Cruz will be on the Jay Leno program tonight. It will interest to see the Senator from Texas interact in a setting that is more entertaining in nature. Additionally, one does not get invited to the Today Show or Letterman’s attempt at an evening talk show, without being tagged as a potential – star of some nature. It’s at this time when those who might be running for President get the call to go on-air in a more casual setting. Therefore, this is of import to Cruz in two ways: Cruz will be able to once again, say “I told you so, not without a bit of explanation, thereby educating more people about Obama care than say – CSpan. Two, he is afforded the opportunity to show America he’s not the crazy person they might think he is – reaching the low-information voters who are sick and tired of the two party system. The outcome, insignificant as it may seem, may speak volumes about Cruz’s “stock”.

National GOP Looks Towards “Moderates” – Again – Obama Approval Falling – the Partisan Fight for the Soul of America.

They are at it again, conservative members or those who identify with the Republican Party, may be, once again, sadly disappointed at the Beltway’s choices for the 2016 Nomination. In a recent interview former 2012 Presidential GOP candidate, Mitt Romney, laid out some “suitable “names as candidates for the GOP –including Jeb Bush, but especially New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie (Huffington Post). Understanding that Gov. Romney knows how to run a business, and get elected to an extremely liberal minded state, does not make him eligible to name candidates that would be acceptable to run for the Presidency – there are obvious reasons. For more obvious reasons, he did not mention the name of Ted Cruz as one of those contenders (Huffington Post) – perhaps it was an oversight or more probably due to the fact that Cruz is an actual – conservative (or otherwise known as the hard-right-tea-party type). Romney it appears, is now the front man for the National GOP – slamming the President for Obama care this past week – which would have all been fine, had it not been for the kettle calling the pot black system, considering Romney Care leaves lot to be desired. Perhaps the roll out went smoothly enough – but there are unreported families not enjoying health care and paying the penalty to the Mass DOR, limited choice for doctors and yes, high insurance premiums. –

To the Nation – Welcome to Massachusetts.

On the theme of “denial”, Gallup is showing the President’s approval ratings taking the plunge as daily tracking shows it had fell to 40% approval in the period ending November 2, 2013. Perhaps it was that nagging question of whether or not he either lied about, or just was not aware of the fact that individuals (93,000,000 of them – that’s 93 Million) would lose their health insurance and might not be able to keep their doctors. The Wall Street Journal interview with one man who is trying to stay alive (gall bladder cancer), and has lost health insurance as well as access to his doctors speaks to the matter quite eloquently (Wall Street Journal).

Therefore, the President either lied or is clearly clueless, and that goes for any number of instances that have caused the proverbial poop to hit the fan in recent years. Either scenario is not appealing to the general public, but, the public is increasingly aware.

White the media scrambles to excuse, they still have to have a connection with what’s left of their subscribers and/or viewers – a perfect example is the USA Today editorial where they headlineObamacare's critics justified: Our view”.

Even the Kingmaker, otherwise known as Advisor and Campaign Manager to the President (and other Progressives, with little time in government that either hold or may hold a political office) got a round of “tough” questions as he Faced semi-hostile journalist on “Meet the Press. (Politico) The question of whether the President knew or not that the American Public would lose their health insurance. The key word not for plans of choice by the Public that are being cancelled and revamped to meet Obama Care standards is – substandard. Apparently, the substandard plans may not have all the mandates attached to the law by the carrier. Some may attach them and one will see increases of 400% or, they may just drop them entirely and take the first road out of Dodge.

The entire bill is a house of cards for the Democrats, as well as those moderate GOP members who supported it and slammed those who did not. It is – in essence a disaster, that is bringing attention to other disasters that had previously been swept under the rug – Benghazi, Fast & Furious, IRS Targeting, et al.

It does not bode well for those who have that stamp of moderate or Progressive as the nation heads into the 2014 election – So bent out of shape are the General Public, the chances of those who hold office, from any party, maintaining that office is growing slimmer by the day. Watch local elections to see how incumbents fare.

Lastly, one get’s the final impression that Justice Roberts, in allowing the “tax” ruling on the program, which allowed the program to go forward, has the disaster in mind from the get-go. If he had struck the bill down, the Democrats would have had a leg to stand and campaign on – by letting it live and then die a grizzly death (along with American’s who critically need coverage), he insured the demise of those less than Conservative law makers. That’s hypothesis mind you, but it underscores the premise of hyper-partisanship that is – DC.

How this all plays out in the coming months – going into the November elections and the 2014 mid-terms, is going to be of grand interest to those who watch political ideologies change in the minds of the general public.

Obama, Under Siege, Goes to Boston to Defend Obama Care – As Romney Care! – Sebelius Falls on Sword –The Republican Blame Game Begins to Sound Hallow - Ted Cruz to Leno!

From the Boston Globe The President stopped in Boston, Massachusetts yesterday to defend his Obama Care plan, and compare it to the Massachusetts Romney Care plan upon which, he insists, it was modeled. Romney on the other hand, suggested – not-so-much – pointing to the folly of attempting to define what works for one state and transferring that model to the entire nation.

With Massachusetts basically the size of a postage stamp, bleeding population, and with a health care system that is far removed from what Romney envisioned but, for reasons unknown still defends, has enjoyed the following: lower premiums for some, huge increases in the budget, and deficits to run the program, large increases in insurance premiums (on average 20 to 40% per year) for private payer systems, and middle class families that fall through the cracks, completely uninsured. Those that do not make quite enough to qualify for Commonwealth Care subsidies, and with premiums for families at the $800 per month level, a family making less than $50,000 a year (before taxes), simply does not have the room to pay for that kind of coverage – so they pay the annual fee to the Commonwealth, instead – they are not insured.

Imagine transporting that system nationwide before thoroughly investigating the problems, and designing one that would, yes, be similar, but would address those problems so that no-one would fall through the cracks. The practice of hiking insurance premiums through the roof based on one set of economic levels, in order to pay for the subsidies of those that fall below, does not take into account the individual circumstances of those who are “deemed” capable of paying more. Massachusetts’s model has been less than perfect from the get-go – and those who pay the fines rather than enjoy the benefits of insurance – are unreported.

It was a hard sell to begin with to half the nation and now with the individuals nationwide losing insurance coverage as their policies are deemed “inadequate” (they need to pay higher premiums and load the coverage with all types of extra benefits, not necessarily fitting lifestyle in order to pay for others.), the fact that the President lied (along with others in D.C.), that one could keep what they had for coverage, for three years prior to the start date, the fact that the startup was totally mismanaged by a contractor that had ties to the Administration, it is a total mess.

To take the blame outright in order to attempt to appease the detractors, Kathleen Sebelius, took the blame for all, while the President blamed – those Republicans. (New York Times).

Herein lays the problem with that scenario for the thinking person. Yes there was a temporary government shutdown, the purpose of which was to stop funding and delay the program for at least a year, if not entirely. That lasted merely 17 days, with the rollout of Obama Care, supported in the Senate and the House by the Republican Leadership, who were battling their own members who wanted to derail what they felt was certainly going to hurt American People. However, that aside, did 17 days really matter in the grander scheme of things with a program that was signed into law in 2010, and should have been, under any conceivable circumstance, ready to roll out three months minimum before the start date. The entire mess, therefore, belongs to Obama and his administration and to anyone who signed onto the plan in the Senate and the House.

The system could work, with a lot of if’s attached, but in its present form, heavily mandated, driving up individual premiums and driving doctors out of the program, it will not. A few tweaks would help a great deal, and those have all been proposed – by Republican’s in the House. Unfortunately, those who would cast blame (see Harry Reid, Obama, et al), would not even entertain those options. Ego got in the way and they wanted to have a plan that was solely the creation of the Democrats. So, shame on them.

It would be the same if the shoe were on the other foot, and the Republican’s pushed through unpopular legislation, lost control of the House as a result, then pressed on, with a press that would look the other way under any circumstance – and roll out a substandard national program – then blame the Democrats!

Sick of it yet?

One might be going out on a limb here, but one might hope that the President will go on the stump in 2014 and 2016 for every single Democrat candidate who supported this program, and that John McCain might do the same for the Republican candidates that were the counterparts, especially those locked in heated primaries with Conservative candidates. The people may be determined to be “low information voters”, hwoever, should this mess continue, one will bet the House and the Senate, that night major political party will be thrilled with the outcome when the dust settles.

2016 Update - Maybe The Senator that has the ability to say "I told you so", one Ted Cruz of Texas will make an appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on November 8th (Variety) . As with past speculation on appearance by Sarah Palin, etc., the appearance does not necessarily mean the individual in question will actually run for the Presidency. In the case of Cruz, it allows him the ability to become more familiar with the general public, and perhaps, give them a little insight into what's up with him and the causes he supports or refutes.

Did the President Lie About Obama Care – The Affordable Health Care Act? If He Did Lie, Who Else Knew That You Could Not Keep Your Plan or Doctor?

The South Florida Sun Sentinel asks the question this morning: “Did Obama Blatantly Lie About Keeping Your Doctor Under Obama Care?” – and the answer from the paper’s, Gary Stein, is a resounding – yes.. One might also turn to the national NBC News article where it is revealed that the administration knew “millions could not keep their health insurance” – for three years prior to its implementation.” For those who understand the President has said, on numerous occasions, that one would not lose their insurance plan nor their doctor, it does appear as if he did, indeed, lie to the American People, however, the question should be asked: “Who else knew that one might not keep their insurance plan, or that their doctor was not about to accept patients under Obama Care? “: -

That answer is: every Congressional Representative, and every Senator – they had the bill, they had oodles of time to read the bill and should have been screaming from the rooftops in each and every hamlet that this plan was going to tug at the emotions, finances and general trust in government by those millions and millions who now find that they are losing both.

As the President’s team starts to go into “damage control”, the line is that one might not keep their “sub-standard” plan. The term sub-standard applies to any plan that does not meet the minimum requirements of additional mandates added to the program. For example, living in Massachusetts under “Romney Care”, one is obliged to carry infertility benefits in their plan, regardless of gender or age. The reason: the increase in insurance premiums that are collected by the insurance carriers (big business), on plans for individuals who do not need the coverage, pays for those who do! Some of the benefits mandated may seem medically unnecessary – however, in an attempt to please everyone, those who are socially liberal will mandate just about anything imaginable. – It is simply not fair. The nations workers already pay taxes for Medicaid – which is for coverage of those who cannot afford it, this type of mandate becomes a second or hidden tax.

Every single one of those Senators and Congressmen and women who supported this bill, or who allowed it to go through the last budget standoff (otherwise known as the government shut-down) knew about this – Those who were screaming to Defund Obama Care knew about it – Ted Cruz warned, Mike Lee warned, and their “Tea Party” crazy friends and allies – they knew too – they just wanted to let the America People know.

Now we know.

Did we expect a President to lie to the American People? If the answer to that is no, then one has a short memory – or has no reference in history. Nixon famously said “I am not a crook”, Bill Clinton “Did not have sexual intercourse with that woman”, Republican and Democrat alike, they both lied to the public. They both were chastised; Nixon resigned in disgrace and Bill Clinton was impeached, but forgiven in the long run. Assuming that all things are equal, then one would understand that this should be an impeachable offence, however, one would have to impeach: Harry Reid, Democrat Senate Majority Leader, Nancy Pelosi, Democrat Congresswoman from San Francisco’s district, John Boehner, Republican Speaker of the House, John McCain, former Republican Presidential Candidate, and so on and so on.

Since that’s not quite possible, one might also take their angst out at the voting booth – One might ask the important question of their Congressman or Senator, or Presidential Candidate, if they voted for either Obama Care outright, or if they voted to fund the government, and then Obama Care – if the answer is yea, then vote for the other candidate, Republican or Democrat, Tea Party or Progressive, Independent or Green Party – replace the incumbent who knew exactly what they were doing to a huge segment of the American People.

One cannot vote President Obama out of office, he’s a “lame duck” or in his final term and cannot run again (regardless of the conspiracy theorists). He may lose the trust of the American People (some of them) – but vote for the individual who might have wanted to fix the plan, start over and keep segments in place, but not fund the darn thing. Those that think that Ted Cruz was wrong to point out that the plan was a problem for millions, like potential 2016 presidential candidate and former 2012 Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum, or Senator Elizabeth Warren of MA who clearly voted to fund the program, or anyone of their ilk, should not be given a glance – it should be the individuals who stood to uphold the Constitution, those crazy people who would rather have millions enjoy the freedom to choose their own plans, while funding a plan for those who could not afford one – a system that is already in place.

The media is already being clearly careful in its reporting on the issues (See the analysis here by Reuters this morning. Therefore, which suggests thousands might be affected, rather than millions, but does it really matter? It was the fact that from the President on down, throughout the hallowed halls of the Senate and the Congress, they knew – and they all lied to the public.

Fear - Dems Turn to Delay of Health Care Mandate – Obama Delays Individual Mandate for Six Weeks - The Apolitical Cruz was Right.

As the healthcare mandate known as Obama Care or the Affordable Health Care Act implodes to the strains of health insurers dropping individual’s converge across the nation, and the “glitches” in the on-line systems allowing for enrollment in Obama-care are at critical mass, the 21 hours of reasoning by the Texas powerhouse Senator – Ted Cruz, lampooned by his critics in both parties and especially the media, have apparently begun. What are Democrats to do, especially those that live in states where the party has a tenuous hold on the seat, at best?

They begin to beg for wavers and delays on the individual mandate! (U.S.A Today.)

What does the President do, after refusing delays or fixes to the program put forth by the Libertarian leaning Republican’s in the House and Senate? (i.e. Cruz, Lee, Rand, et al.) He has granted a reprieve of an entire six weeks for the individual mandate to begin.

Which begs the question, one’s insurance company has dropped their coverage in anticipation of Obama Care starting immediately – what is that person to do? As millions loose health care and millions more cannot enroll in the Federal Health Care System, known as Obama Care or the Affordable Health Care Act, what will they do?

One might hazard to guess those who are most effected or even moderately effected will remember whom this bright idea this entire fiasco belonged – Senate Democrats, specifically Harry Reid who refused to do anything to stop the mandate, including every possible parliamentary procedure followed by Ted Cruz, and his cohorts in the House – Nancy Pelosi, and those living in the la-law land of bigger government means more money in her pocket.

At the top of the Obama Care or bust standoff was the President himself, who called Republican’s out, including those no longer, serving the nation, as those who would prefer to see people go uninsured – seriously.

One can no longer vote the President out of office, however, one can ensure that anyone silly enough to have wholeheartedly supported a roll-out of an untested program, or for that matter, had done a seriously in-depth study on the ongoing disaster - which is the State of Massachusetts’s program post rollout – would have stopped this mess from occurring in the first place. Politically it would have been far better for the Democrats, in general, to have taken an anti-approach to Romney Care and then laid out a better plan (i.e. cross border insurance purchasing, with no mandates to purchase to name two).

They just could not help themselves.

The Libertarian-Tea Party-Republican types so maligned and so correct in their assessment of this debacle apparently will be the ones who will benefit. The GOP who runs the game and their candidates (generational politicians (any Bush), or moderates like McCain, and Christy) might have fared better had they jumped about the Cruz, o Paul or pick anyone member that was actually bucking the system not to get along.

One has to believe that those members will be stepping up the challengers against every Democrat in every conceivable district, from dog catcher on up in the next three election cycles.

The play for a coup it the National GOP should also become more evident as times rolls on – as to the Democrats, they hitched their ponies to the wrong horse, and frankly – there is little in the way of the media, or anything else, that can get them out from under – Way to destroy a political party!

Since the American people are so sick of the two party system, perhaps the DNC could run their Progressive candidates, the Unions and the old style Democrats could run their candidates, The GOP could run their McCain’s and the Libertarian-Tea Party could do the same – why stop at three parties for choices why not go to four or five and end the stranglehold these political behemoths have on the nation.

There’s much to play out in the next two to four years, and to those political junkies one can predict a period of extreme enjoyment in the goings on in the political arena.

What if there was A Government Shutdown and No-one really noticed? – A Lack of Discretionary Funding Does not Shut Down the Entire Government. – The rise of the Jeffersonian Republican (i.e. Libertarian)

From the website: Whitehouse.gov - courtesy of Harry Reid - don't forget to send thank you note!

If one were to ask the rank and file people on the street how they have been affected by the “government shutdown” – one might get the query – “What government shutdown”? – Or the statement - “They should shut it down”. The media and certain members of both major political parties have their proverbial panties in a bunch – and they are screaming from the rooftops that rascally Ted Cruz, Senator from Texas is the root of all evil and the problem that caused this “horrible government shutdown.” Obamacare – now being called the Affordable Health Care Act (its actual name) opened as scheduled, with massive inefficiency – which is the one thing the general public has come to understand is how the Federal Government operates.

The GOP (or better known as the Elephant in the Washington Room), is more concerned with how the media perceives their political strategy than the people that had voted them into office. That goes for the Democrats as well, to a lesser degree, as the media generally doesn’t mention the Democrats with the exception of platitudes so noxious; one wonders if it is a new perfume on the market.

There is this new (or recent more to the point) bandwagon on the schism in the Republican Party – oh my, those Libertarian leaning Republicans are really muddying up the water as they wish to play by the Constitution – rather than to kiss the feet of the Republican leadership, the media and the opposition party. Of course, memories are short, in the present age – if something did not occur last week, its history so deep that it is not worth noting – recall the 2008 Democrat Convention – where the Progressive wing of the Democrat Party – supermajoritied one Barack Obama to the nomination while the individual who received the majority of the popular votes – one Hillary Clinton, was kicked to the proverbial curb – thus the organization –PUMA – Party Unity My Ass – developed. The brouhaha did settle down, some of those PUMA’s did vote for the party choice, while others…not so much – they became unenrolled, or independents, or green party and yes, even Tea Party. But...there was little news, and the history of the hiccup in the perfect lives of Democrats according to the media – simply went away

Yet, now with Peter King, the Republican Congressman from New York is screaming to the Media that the “conservatives” are trying trying to hijack the GOP!!! - Ted Cruz Conservatives, grab your pitchforks!! (Seattle Post Intelligencer) He’s been complaining all along, anytime a conservative criticizes the way the rest of the GOP is operating - of course, King could do the decent thing and switch parties - which he may have to come 2014. That may also be the case with those erstwhile GOP lifers - who, nameless (McCain, etc.) in a Politico article on their ambush of Cruz and the many downright nasty statements made, including the fact that Cruz did not have a strategy –are also a little upset with the fact that they are being targeted by Conservative groups! – 19 of the 45 Republican Senators, the article notes, were on the side of Cruz – that leaves 26 open seats in the upcoming election.

If those Senators and Congressmen on both sides of the aisle believe that Cruz is the problem, they had better grab a mirror and take a long hard look at their districts and states and, especially, who they are going to face in their next primary – that person will most likely be Conservative (or on the flip side – Progressive) and will be heavily armed with cash from those who want to shake up D.C.

Perhaps they should stop listening to local news broadcasts about how angry individual are over the government shutdown, where the local anchor finds one or two people to say it’s just horrible!! – Or perhaps they should understand that in marketing terms Affordable Health Care doesn’t sound as bad as ObamaCare – so ObamaCare has been stricken from the Media Lexicon – yet –people still call it Obama Care.

Speaking of which, as the President’s numbers are tanking – (as is the nature of Presidents in their second term as the nation begins to grow weary should the economy not be going screamingly well) – those congressmen and Senators might be best served by hoping he stays away when they are home on the stump. (See Bush 2008).
One Senator whom the President should hang on to like a life preserver is Harry Reid, the real power in Washington, one might hope that there are challenges to the King of the Senate, from both the Progressive side and the Conservative side – of course, he will along with the rest of those who have, played to Washington rather than the 99% - in 2016. In the meantime, should the Congress (both branches) find themselves faced with a bunch of new senators and congressmen in 2016 that just seem a bit too much like Cruz, Lee and Paul, then the writing will be on the wall – and Reid will be left to sit and yammer with self-importance in the chamber – heck he may even filibuster a time or two.

There is an awakening in the nation – if one cannot feel it, then one is living in a bubble, those are the people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or social stature who have had enough – on both sides, and as is the case with history, there is the shift in fortunes that will take place – not overnight- but over time and at those who are fighting for the people, with sincerity rather than the usual platitudes and BS, will prevail, and those that are not - well, they may go back to whence they came.

Therefore, as the powers that be continue to make life inconvenient for the people (see shutting down the memorial so that the WWII vets could not visit - that came from the White House, as that memorial is part of discretionary spending), over the ridiculous Obama-Affordable Health Care Act – then perhaps, with common sense, they should listen to the people, fix the darn thing, and debut it when it is going to go off without more than a few glitches, not legions of glitches (especially on live television). The art of compromise, or the call for Compromise is now seen as extreme – what a sad day for the American Public – when the rulers of D.C are so power hungry-blind that they cannot grasp what is taking place outside of the beltway – so beholding to Party Power and Special Interests that they are no longer recognizable. Then there are those darn libertarian minded few, who are actually (literally) shouting form the rooftops – these few are showing the rest of the nation, what functioning senators and congressional representatives are supposed to do – whether one agrees with them or not, one must be a tad jealous that their Democrat or GOP Congressional Rep or Senator is doing – nothing but crying about somebody who is doing something.

Of course, that’ not about the shutdown that no one seems to care about – it’s about that Affordable Health Care Obama Act – or the Drones that could have been used on the American People, or the fact that the Government wants to spend even more money and go further into debt – again, instead of finding way to relieve the tax burden on those who are employed and the employers who would like to employ a whole lot more people.

This is the math – the more people that are working the more people pay taxes, and the Federal and State Governments have more money to spend. One would think that reducing tax burdens across the board, to allow more hiring, would be the smart way to go – John Kennedy thought so, Ronald Reagan thought so, George Bush thought so, yet, Jimmy Carter didn’t think so and neither did Barack Obama – who is now on track to be a great president in the ilk of James Carter. What the nation needs is a Kenney-Reagan-Bush – or heck a Libertarian - conservative – that’s the ticket.

Cruz Receives Praise from Media – Opines Ted Cruz Wins – Amid First Open Day Fumbles, and Falling Poll numbers for Obamacare (or Affordable Health Care Act) – Perhaps a Third Party has formed.

Of all the unlikely places to find positive mentions of the Senator from Texas, Ted Cruz, it would be – the mainstream media, in opinion or fact-based articles laden with the authors opinion (otherwise known as straight news these days), one might be surprised to find the following: From the Allen Call (Pennsylvania): “Shutdown or no shutdown, Ted Cruz wins”, speaks to the meteoric rise and respect of the new Senator, another from USA Today via the Green Bay Press Gazette Five Reasons Ted Cruz Deserves our Respect.”

Although many believe him to be some sort of right-wing mudslinger – he is, more concerned with his constituents than what his peers or the media think of him – which is a rarity in Washington? The Affordable Health Care Act or Obamacare, opened to endless glitches, and the Public, regardless of what it is named, is not buying - Businesweek cites the Quinnipiac poll suggesting 47 to 45% of American’s do not like the Act. which, on the face of things may seem like a 50/50 split, but – that’s the 50/50 norm for the nation.

It is not the only reason that a third party may be in order – as the old guard of the Republican Party (McCain & Co) tend to be more DNC than RNC, and there is a growing Libertarian wing of the Party – and when convenient the media call this the “Tea Party Wing” which, if you scratch the surface of the Tea Party, yes there are Libertarians involved, as well as former Republicans and former Democrats, etc. Read:¸Is the U.S. looking at a Third Party – article from the Idaho State Journal – It brings up a few startling points.

Suffice it to say on the Government Shutdown some apparently responsible media are now using the term partial shutdown- or something that has occurred consistently over the history of the Federal Government.

Yes, Ted Cruz wins, either way – he has brought awareness of the shift in Washington DC from a government working for the people to a government that uses the people to gain power – He’s got everyone talking, pro or con and that is something novel indeed.

Another Step in the Direction of National Health Care at the Hands of the GOP – What is a Government Shutdown? – CA Unions Funding Republicans!

Today is another emotional day for the millions of American’s who are hoping against hope that their erstwhile elected officials in the Senate, will once again, vote “Nay” on Cloture to give them breathing from furthering the start of the Affordable Health Care Act. The tweets at #MakeDCListen are no longer trending on Twitter, yet, they are active, and they are desperate. It is a question of how many people who are not on “twitter” who are silently and sadly waiting for the other shoe to drop – they are neither partisan one way or the other, merely afraid of their own government and what it will do to their health care.

The fault, according to the GOP Senators on the Floor is all Ted Cruz’s, the Senator from Texas who dared to buck the system in an attempt to tell the world for as long as he could, the reasons why Obama care should be brought back to the table and amended (fixed) – but the House Majority Leader Harry Reid, refused and has the unlimited power to do so. Those railing against Obama, as the President, should choose another, more culpable individual – that would be Harry Reid, who is in more powerful position than the President. One might guess that there will be a challenge to Reid in the next election cycle he faces. One might also guess that with his support of this bill, he will join Tom Daschle. He and McCain and those colleges of Cruz, Lee and whoever dared to step on the toes of the Washington ruling class.

Those might think it is just the “crazy tea-party” that is concerned over this ridiculous bill – not so:

The open letter from Jimmy Hoffa, Teamsters Union President, (click here to read), sound word for word, as if it were taken from part of Senator Cruz’s 22 hour and 19 minute call to his Senate Colleges to stop this bill in its Tracks. Those are strange bedfellows one might think.

What is even more startling is what some might see as an upheaval of sorts. The Unions looking towards Republican’s to bail them out of the muck and mire of the economy that this present course of action by the Democrats has wrought. From the Sacramento Bee – the headline screams Teachers union, SEIU open wallets to California Republican Party - , the article godson to point out that both unions (local to CA and that specific area), are donating heavily to the CA Republican Party.

What so many Republican’s have done is the past is despicable – they have railed against the unions, or played down endorsement requests, to their detriment. There is a broad divide in all unions between the national office (which is hard line progressive) and those many field chapters who are the “regular folk”, working class, suffering just like those non-union members. On a local level they may want to endorse a rising national Republican figure, or a local figure yet, add yet, those have, to a majority refused the invitation to “walk “with the local members – This is a symbolic gesture that cements a relationship between the candidate and the local –one that shows the individual by walking with the members, is in solidarity with them, and understand their needs.

How foolish of so many candidates – so fearful of the wrath of the GOP, that they would deny the members and themselves a benefit of mutual understanding – the GOP and the DNC would be reversed.

A source, in the SEIU, (ok, a relative) suggested that the one-time Presidential Candidate, Mike Huckabee, when asked to walk with a union (SEIU local) in the Pacific Northwest, declined, so they endorsed the Democrats. What a shame – Huckabee, in 2008, could have save the GOP from the embarrassment of John McCain.

Now, those union members are giving to Republican Parties in CA, and one wonders if there are any candidates on the horizon on the Republican ticket that would get off their behinds and go to that local and show support – and then ask for more –in every state, at every level, at every local.

They might find more support than they bargained for – regardless of the fact that the unions are in decline.

Today, the defeatist in the GOP will undoubtedly do exactly what the people are afraid they will, roll over.

To avoid a “Government Shutdown” that isn’t a Government shutdown at all – They are voting on a bill or continuing resolution which only applies to discretionary funding – not the funding of the Federal Government that is set in stone in the budget. Yet they use that as a means and way to vote to get along and the heck with the constituents.

Ironcially - it was those very same Senators, slamming Cruz, Lee, and all who support them, that wanted to shut down the Government in 2009. Short memories – while those who insulted Cruz, like his fellow Senator, Cornyn, are sending out fundraising letters based on their ability to STOP Obama care – really? – They don’t intend to stop anything. The article from Red State, entitled lies, dam lies and republican senators is worth the read.

Also, if so inclined, call your senator and give them a tip on the job at hand and whether or not you want Obama care to go through – pro or con, it allows you to actively participate in the process – the call is free for most of us: the capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121 – just ask to be connected to your Senators office.

Where Are Your Senators? Ted Cruz – Still Standing On Senate Floor- #MakeDCListen – Trending Twitter 13 Hours After Start of Filibuster – Why Cruz is doing His Job

Some may call the epic Filibuster of Ted Cruz against voting for Cloture on the Continuing Resolution without the one amendment to that bill, put forth by the Congress to Defund Obamacare grandstanding on the part of this Senator from Texas, but they, themselves are confused, or arrogant to believe that the only purpose of a member of the Senate or the Congress for that matter, is to tow a “party line”, or to put themselves and their political futures above the people who sent them.

Senator Cruz, still making sense after standing for a ridiculous and painful 13 hours, is battling for the Texans who sent him to the Senate. He is battling for the “lost generation” – those 18-25 year olds who are working part time, at lower wages, without the hope of having a home of their own, or an ability to move forward, get a better job, pay off their student loans, and participates in what once was referred to as the American Dream. He is fighting against the ability of one man, Harry Reid, the Senator from Utah and Majority Leader of the Senate, to run roughshod over the American people, time and time, by refusing to allow discussions on the subject of the monstrous bill made law – The Affordable Health Care Act.

Senator Cruz does not, at this point, appear to give a whit about what the media, or care about his political future, he is speaking from the mind and heart about the rights granted under the Constitution, for all citizens, both Democrats and Republicans. He is speaking of the reality of the economics of the Affordable Health Care Act, which some in the GOP and the DNC are politically avoiding voting against, as it does not apply to them personally – as they are the Political Class. He is speaking as a Patriot of the first order. Having read the Federalist Papers, and the biographies of the founders, Hamilton, Madison, Jefferson, and their peers, as a history geek who learned to love the nuances of historical and political poetry at the feet of a grandmother who had emigrated to this great nation as a sixteen year old, following her dreams of prosperity and rights not available in an increasingly volatile Europe, it is difficult to imagine in today’s America, the fact that there are not more Ted Cruz’s to defend each and every citizen in this nation.

Those who rail against the establishment of a political class, so wealthy and powerful that the divide between the have’ s and have not’s is palpable, are considered by those who are part of that political class or wish to be, to be either “dangerous” or mentally less understanding than they are, or simply ill-informed and less educated. They are both Democrats and Republicans or Unaffiliated politically, they are educated or not, they may or may not have Ivy League degrees, they may or may not have wealth or jobs or careers that are tied to Washington’s largesse, they are simply put, in disagreement with the policies, and the bureaucracy and the Political Party System (so loathed by our founders), running roughshod over the Constitution of the United States and not giving a whit about the individual and the liberties granted under the Document that grants each and every one that is privileged enough to be a citizen of this nation, the rights contained therein.

Senator Cruz, and his peer, Senator Mike Lee of Utah, standing alone in the well of the Senate, speaking after hours and hours into the dawn of the day that the Senate must take up a vote of Cloture, begging, daring those absent colleagues to vote No on Cloture – they are asking for an up or down vote on the Legislation of the Act known as “Obama Care” – the Affordable Health Care Act. They understand, clearly, they are railing against the “system”, and it is not for political gain, it is for the people who sent them.

There is a reason that the founders felt that the formation of political parties, who might grow and obtain so much power that they would, in deed and in purpose, outstrip the values of a free Republic, and undermining the liberties granted under the Constitution.

These two Senators standing are impressive, historically, they are not stalwart followers of a Political Party nor a political class, they are, in words and in actions, following the paths of those long buried and most often forgotten founders of this nation.

Whether or not one would agree, politically, those who are avoiding this debate, those who the people from their State sent them to the Capitol to do their bidding, should be debating these gentlemen, and doing the job that, according to the Constitution and the laws upon which this nation has been founded, bound to take up.

The American citizens of these United States of America deserve to have those they sent, regardless of whether they are Democrats, Republicans, Socialist, Libertarians, or simply unaffiliated, stand up and fight, not for their political party, or their own political futures, but for the citizens of their given state; with honesty and integrity for their deeply held belief, one way or the other on this issue of the Funding of the Affordable Health Care Act, or any piece of legislation put before them.

It is true, that the odds of the aforementioned behavior happening are slim to nothing, given the sad State of this Union and the elected political class, but what a fine day it would be for all of the United States citizens and those hoping to become citizens, if that very scenario would occur. We all, regardless of political affiliation owe a debt of gratitude for the Senator’s Cruz and Lee, who are doing what their colleges should be doing. A few of them did, notably, Sessions, Rubio, Rand, and Durban, and they deserve the credit, not those who have done nothing, regardless of which “party “to which they subscribe.

These Senators standing make this individual, first generation, American year for a day when this call for debate is a norm, not an anomaly.

2016 Presidential Speculation on Cruz and Clinton – Longshoreman Opt Out of AFLCIO over – Obama care

Image of Senator Ted Cruz and article from Western Free Press - "Ted Cruz Close to tie with Hillary Clinton in CO

Ted Cruz, the Senator from Texas, as of now, garners more headlines than any potential (speculated) 2016 candidate for President. The latest, an appearance at an event hosted by the Tea Party Group, Americans for Prosperity, in Tampa, FL. The Washington Post suggests in an article written over the Labor Day Weekday that Cruz enjoys a clear edge among tea party activist, at this particular summit. Cruz, who is not particularly shy about telling those in the media what he thinks, (and why he’s right) is one of the most compelling potential candidates with a Libertarian leaning. (One which dictates smaller federal government, more states rights, a peaceful rather than Hawkish approach to military involvement (unless directly attacked). In other words, a perfect example of someone the nation’s founders would have embraced. The more one hears from Ted Cruz, and the apparent heartburn he causes the establishment GOP (i.e. the McCain’s), the elite media, and the White House, the more his stock rises. Cruz has given no indication of a run for the oval office, as of yet.



Hillary Clinton - Image from Infographic.com where one will find a - Ted Cruz Vs. Hillary Poll

Hillary Clinton inspired an op-ed that seems to make the most sense one might have read recently. From the Pittsburgh Tribune, Douglas Mackinnon, noted as a former White House and Pentagon official, opined that its’ “Too early to crown Hillary” He suggests that the National GOP and the media have gotten it wrong re: Hillary Clinton’s strength as a candidate in the not so distant past – i.e. 2008 – where Barack Obama came out of “nowhere”. He also correctly asserts that Elizabeth Warren may be a challenger.

If one were to bet on anything, it will be that the National GOP sticks its head in the sand, far too long to recognize the real challengers (i.e. the Warren’s), while prepping what they feel is a suitable candidate (one can bet it will not be Ted Cruz). It is hoped that with all hoopla that surrounds a Presidential Primary season, that Cruz, or someone who is similar in stand and clear chutzpah, will give both the National GOP and the Progressive Wing of the Democrat Party a real kick in the pants – all the way to the White House.

Cruz has been one of the strongest opponents in the Capital to Obama care – wishing to stop it by defunding the program – He is not alone in his angst regarding the disaster that is “Obama care”- Surprising Company, according to Labor Notes.org are the members of the Longshoremen Unions, who recently split form the AFLCIO – over Obama care and Immigration.

n a surprise move, the 40,000-member International Longshore and Warehouse Union announced its disaffiliation from the AFL-CIO yesterday. The news comes just a week before the federation is set to hold its national convention in Los Angeles, the nation’s biggest port and an ILWU stronghold. –

Lockstep with Obama

“[The AFL-CIO] wants to organize these big conventions, and rally to pat themselves on the back, doing nothing to promote the working-class,” said ILWU Coast Committeeman, Leal Sundet, who supported the union’s decision to disaffiliate.

The ILWU supports a national single-payer health care system, while the AFL-CIO is “in lockstep with Obama,” Sundet said. He criticized the federation for being unwilling to discuss the shortcomings of the Affordable Care Act, which discriminates against union Taft-Hartley benefit plans and will impose a so-called “Cadillac tax” on generous benefit plans.

Sundet also chided the federation’s position on immigration reform. The AFL-CIO is backing a bill that he contends will only make things harder for working-class immigrants, because it is “designed to give [only] highly-paid workers a real path to citizenship.”

Letter re: ILWU Disaffilation - here at scribd.com

Strange bedfellows indeed – but that speaks volumes about those elites pushing the Program regardless of the harm to the nation’s health care delivery system.

The Way Out of Obamacare – Defund – The Republican Base Approval of Cruz Plan On the Move – 2014 – Change is Coming

Sarah Palin on the Stump for Cruz in Texas - image from legalinsurrection.com

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has been suggesting that the budget of the U.S. could move forward without funding Obama Care (or the Affordable Health Care Act), and on that point he is correct. The Government, contrary to what is being touted by the Administration would not come to a screeching halt. Most recently support has been growing form the more Conservative wing of the Republican Base as evidenced by Sarah Palin lending her support to Cruz’s drive to Defund the behemoth program(Examiner) Palin still holds considerable sway with the base, however, she is not alone in her endorsement of the plan. George P. Bush of the Texas Bush family also supports the plan (burtorangereport). The option of defunding the program through a budgetary procedure would give a way out to those in the Congress from both sides of the aisle that are now uncertain as to the value of the plan. (See Politico: Democrats fret over Obamacare as 2014 looms” (Politico)

What those members of both parties who support the plan, without hesitation on both sides of the aisle may have cause for concern. The latest Rasmussen Polling on the subject finds that 42% of Republicans are in favor of shutting down the government (which is not technically what Cruz is proposing) in order to rid the country of that program. (Rasmussen Reports) Rasmussen polled Republican leaning voters for this survey, had the polled Democrat leaning voters, the question remains – would they also have been as willing to shut it down? More than likely – as jobs are scarce, and employers who are reducing benefits and hours are not shy about telling employees the reason behind their hard decisions – Obamacare. One might suggest those workers are not all Republicans.

Those most in danger of losing their jobs in Washington are those Senators and Congressional Representatives who do not support a shutdown – in fear of becoming unpopular (i.e. unelectable) with the press, and by extension the public. They should rethink that strategy as primaries will loom and the press and general public are not likely to vote. It will be fairly easy to predict some mightily upheaval on the Republican side of the aisle should those August (installed for life) members of both Chambers are ousted in favor of a candidate who will do the job that is in the best interest of the public, not the best interest of the party or for personal gain. One might suggest the same will occur on the opposite side of the aisle, as the base of the Democrat Party has become more progressively left – those who even smack of moderate will face challenges. If one thinks there is division now, wait until the dust settles after the 2014 election – and this is one issue that will drive the debate on both sides.

What’s in a Poll? McClatchy-Marist finds Obama Job Approval Plummeting – Congress at bottom, Two-Thirds Disapprove of Democrats.- When Will Voters Wise Up?

A new McClatchy-Marist poll released yesterday, pretty much sums up the salient fact that a majority of American’s don’t particularly like their elected officials. The poll suggests that Obama’s numbers are “still higher than Congress”, but notes that the 41% approval is the lowest since “September of 2011”, yet remind readers that he still managed to get the popular vote by (a somewhat anemic) 51%.

Apparently, the nation is paying attention to the “controversies” surrounding the White House (without mentioning the IRS, the NSA, Benghazi, ad naseum), and McClatchy further suggests that the President does best when he talks about the economy – so he’s going to give some speeches. Of course, McClatchy also found that only 37% of those polled actually trusts the President with the economy, therefore, it’s somewhat difficult to see the silver-lining – yet they do.

The fact that Congress fares worse does not mitigate the fact that all of D.C. is viewed with a bit of wariness by those who sent their Congressional Representatives and Senators to the Golden City to do their bidding. Although McClatchy underscores that the Republican’s are in trouble, due to the fact that Congressional members polled at a low point and that those Republicans are in control of Congress. One can’t help but wonder where those Republican’s polled against the dismal numbers that the Democrats received (1 out of 3 approve of the job Democrats are doing.) One has to guess it is close, unless of course they weren’t polling many Libertarians.

Suffice it to say, that despite the IRS attempting to blot out the Tea Party, (with a little help from MSNBC), the regular folk apparently are becoming “Fed Up”. Obamacare also is weighing heavily as more details come out about the bill Pelosi famously spoke, “ “But we have to pass the [health care] bill so that you can find out what’s in it....” (Washington Post). From skyrocketing premiums, to layoffs and part-time positions only as employers try to evade the heavy fees, to the IRS in charge of enforcement, and the fact that the Data Hub program designed to oversee all data, and sign-up those for Obamacare, will be staffed by individuals who are less than qualified:

In June, the Government Accountability Office reported that HHS is considering allowing navigators to assist with outreach and enrollment tasks even before completing their formal training. The reason? Like so much of Obamacare, the navigators program is behind schedule and drowning in its own complexity.

This spring, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee lawyers were also told by HHS that, despite the fact that navigators will have access to sensitive data such as Social Security numbers and tax returns, there will be no criminal background checks required for them. Indeed, they won’t even have to have high-school diplomas.

But HHS is unconcerned. It points out that navigators will have to take a 20–30 hour online course about how the 1,200-page law works, which, given its demonstrated complexity, is like giving someone a first-aid course and then making him a med-school professor. “I want to assure you and all Americans that, when they fill out their [health-insurance] marketplace applications, they can trust the information they’re providing is protected,” said Marilyn Tavenner, head of HHS’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, at a congressional hearing last week”

(Weekly Standard)

Now that’s comforting. The hope is that those in Washington will realize what a mess this system is and repeal it entirely, of course, that might not be the case as lobbyist come in all shapes, sizes, and well, family members of Congress, both Republicans and Democrats alike.

Watch for more poll numbers dropping in coming months. The question now remains: “Will the general public, including those “low information voters”, get a grip and vote incumbents out of office, especially those who’ve made a career out of a job meant to be a public service? That remains to be seen – but odds aren’t good.

A side note: From the LA times, Sarah Palin is remembered for being right about those darn Death Panels – a shocking op-ed.