those “safe” (D) districts need to be put back in play. bring on some brave (I) and 3rd party challengers – with some luck and hard work they may win, or at least lay a basis for future wins.

the very existence of the CPC keeps many (D) waverers in the fold – if they have no more credibility then there is no reason to keep thinking the Donkey is worth reforming, or taking over from within and giving a DNA transplant to.

Good evening!

Eureka!
And Woolsey – give up that private spa in her office? Not a chance.

Good evening.

Private spa, seriously?

Hi ES, Starbuck, all!

30 million people.

A bit early but funny:

A little levity for St Patrick’s Day:

A little boy asked his teacher if he could go to the bathroom. She said yes. When he went to wipe his fanny there was no toilet paper so, he used his hand. When he got back to class, his teacher asked, “What do you have in your hand?” The boy said, “A little leprechaun said if I open my hand he’d get scared and run away.”

He was then sent to the principal’s office and the principal asked him, “What do you have in your hand?” The little boy said, “A little leprechaun said if I open my hands he’d get scared and run away.”

The principal got mad and bellowed at him, “Open your hands NOW.”
He did and the little boy said, “Oh great , now look what you did. You scared the s–t out of him!”

HAPPY EARLY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

Pure dramatic embellishment. The perk for being ProgChief should pride in a job well done, nothing else.

Yeah, and what?

it is not at all too late for an Independent to step in, because there are going to be a lot of pissed off, pro-choice women in Marin County.

In many cases, I’d go so far as to support a Republican rather than return some of these Dems to Congress.

Evening Loo Hoo, Margot..)

ES, right on about Lynnie . . . I hope she feels the proggy love and heat against her lyin neocon positions.

I’m SO with you on this, and with Mz. Hamsher.

She got to go, the Prog Caucus is as shame, a disgrace, and they took our money, too.

Change is gonna be hard, but the progs of us are gonna brang it.

Harumph.

;-)

The Democratic Party, the women of the Democratic Party, will not stand up for women…

Well maybe you are on to something. We could offer her a couple gift certificates to Calistoga mud baths. /s

I reached that point today. Though I would prefer a Green or perhaps even a Libertarian or Socialist.

Just throw these bums out.

30 million voters who are going to be PISSED OFF when they realize they can’t afford the mandated health insurance as future congresses cut the subsidy Obama is using to lure you in support of his bill.

The Only Heart Of Stone I Know

Seems to me like Kucinich and Grijalva need to head the caucus for now.

LOL I was thinking of the Stones – Paint It Black during movie salon. I didn’t post it since I wasn’t sure if it would have been OT.

There are what — 50 people in the Progessive Caucus? If they stood strong for the public option, would Pelosi HAVE to put it in? Why do they always roll over and play dead?

Lead, follow, or get out of the way, Woolsey.

Funny, as close to things as I was paying attention to, and knew where stuff was at . . . ?

I flipped today, early, too.

Just went boiling mad about it all.

No quarter, they must pay, all of them.

They punked us, took our money, took FDL’s operations and kindness, and they abused it all.

Them.

The Prog Caucus, including Weiner and Grayson, Pelosi. More.

No. More.

As soon as the final HCR tally and legislations is published, I’ll be going Indie, and being harsh on the Dem’s, Blue’s, and anyone else I can.

I’m goin Norske. ;-)

Well, I’m a democratic woman and I want the bill to pass. It’s certainly far from perfect, but it beats the hell out of what we have now. I think Planned Parenthood will grow and expand until the kinks can be worked out.

Evening, ES and Pups!

In MY Wildest Dreams!!!!!

As long as Democrats (hell, they don’t even need Republicans for this parlour trick) seem content to portray a simply bad package (the PO as currently constituted) as a ‘far Left pipe-dream’, and Progressives sit still for it, it doesn’t matter who is in charge. The caucus needs to be almost thoroughly restocked

Funny, as I was listening to your vid, I was thinking of Yardbirds ‘Heart Full Of Soul’ for some reason.

Who knows how or why the synapse’s spark, huh . . .*G*

Well, those people in what remains of the middle class can pay the tax instead of buying insurance. Isn’t it about $850 for the family? Someone in that family will use the emergency room or one of Sanders’ Community Clinics and get their money’s worth right quick.

Ohhh, THAT was snarky!!!

Nicely done . . . ;-)

For which I have, as you know, the highest respect.

I was speaking of elected officials.
Jeebus, where the f*** is Barbara Boxer?

Yep.

All the news seems anti progressive. Many of these issues like ROE/Wade were mainstream Democrat. What has happened? It is like the corporate state is now the established authority while the world economy crumbles into disarray. Politicians are coopted individually. Why?

Most of them won’t be using any health services anytime soon. And when they find out that Democrats are forcing them to buy insurance, LOOK OUT at the voting booths! I don’t know why the Democratic Party thinks this is a good deal for them. Strange!

Edit: And with the anti-government mentality of Washington, you can bet those subsidies Obama is promising will slowly disappear as Democrats bow to Pete Peterson and Alan Simpson.

And I’m a Medicare for All type!

I think the Barbara types did as much as they could standing up to Stupak.

Love “Heart of Stone” ES. Cool futurism.

Another “Heart”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VSf90_uPYc

evening, pups

With mandatory insurance enforced by the IRS. Be careful what you ask for as more and more people go into servitude for big Pharma and Big Health insurance. Sure you want that?

I guess I respectfully disagree with all you said for all the reasons I and others have posited for a long time.

And PP has become threatened and is in fear of it’s own existence for funding and is no better than a corporate sponsored entity, so they cower anymore.

Along with the real threats to their employees and clinics live, they are alone in the desert anymore, and a shell of what they used to be.

If liberals would stand guard over them, daily, by the hundreds per clinic, they’d be able to pull some clout.

But alas, us progs and libs don’t stand on their door steps to protect them, and they HAVE been subjugated.

I blame only us citizens.

Yes.

Indeed it does… after all we have read and done since ’06… clearly it’s time to narrow our focus on the progressive caucus.

And I think we should get nutty and stay nutty on them for a while.

The GOP seemingly tries to take away choice, civil liberties, create military tribunals every month.

We need gay marriage, choice, end war, single payer bills/votes … over and over again in rapid fire succession until they stick.

It’s way past time for hardball.

I don’t care if Kucinich Af war bill garnered a mere 65 votes… keep bringing it back.

I’ve asked that question many times over the last few years, all the way down to the local level.

Why?

I’ve even considered running for office just to see what the answer looks like.

Maybe they have a movie like:

“What really happened at the Grassy Knoll”

No, if people don’t buy insurance they have to pay a tax instead. About $850 for the family.

See, the democrats are really guilty of not explaining the bill.

Sadly, lost, and I voted for her for a long time, too.

I’m not sure about her anymore, too much money from PACS if ya check OpenSecrets.org.

She’s gone. Assimilated. Borg’d.

Sigh.

If Boxer and DiFi and Stabenow had stood up and said, as they should have,

“If any further assault on women’s reproductive determinism is contemplated in HC legislation, we will rain down legislative fire on this body.”

they could have stopped this half-assed effort in it’s tracks.

And a failure to make them pay dearly at the ballot will doom us.

evening PPDCUS, bigbrother,emerson..)

I know. I’d only dare have this debate on LLN! But I really do want this reform to pass. It’s going to be like watching the Olympics when they have the vote. Too close to call!

Joisey!!!

PP and NARAL need to learn from the NRA… it’s time to slam the system with so many bills they can’t keep them straight.

Let’s start with a socialized limo service for every woman to a free medical clinic amendment.

It’s cheaper than drones, mofo’s.

Here!

Thing is Loo Hoo … if it passes the US will still be in last place for the highest costs in the world.

I would love for health care to be an olympic event… so the avg. Jo could see just how bad we are… and the direction we are heading. Dead last and broke.

Loohoo, it’s phreakin tithing no matter how you look at it, it’s unconstitutional I believe, and it’s never been done before, which is a BAD PHREAKING PRECEDENT to set for a mandate, for a plan that will allow higher premiums and no controls, allow for higher copays and no controls and allow for higher deductibles and no controls all the while ensuring that caps will be LOWER for lifetime with no controls.

We tell you this over and over, you’ve seen the links, the bill languages, and yet you continue to reason the Senate/WH bill as is is better than nothing? Including the abortion and women’s rights issues at hand?

I guess I don’t really get what prog platform you claim to be coming from?

I thought it was a % of household income, no?

Yes. And they didn’t, no more than Boxer or Pelosi have not, or anyone else in the Senate or House have not.

We progs got punked, Greenwald nailed it, Rotating Villain.

What’s left to tell?

I don’t get it Loo Hoo? Why would you want it to pass given that it mandates forced expenditures on 31 million who couldn’t afford expenditures and then FINES them for not buying a legislated purchase of private business?

And for all the reasons I listed?

Why would you want it to pass?

And what about the door opening to eliminate and privatize SS, Public Education, and all government provided and funded services? Roads?

Why?

Let’s keep the fratricide to a minimum.
If there isn’t room for us to respectfully disagree amongst ourselves..

it’s changed a few times in the last few weeks… from what little i can keep up with. Not sure what it is now, but it’s gone up once or twice in the final stages.

I can improve my diet and have. I can improve my lifestyle too. But being throw under the bus by your own is not manageable.
Lois Capps will be here for a local candidate for CA legislature Sunday. Last time I wore a black hood and torture suit. Maybe Public Option signs and accountability now signs.
Working through Non Profits like Surfrider seems to get more action. The beltway is in grid lock.

Ny Ack!!! Just across da rivuh!!!!

Okay, but abortion is one slice of overall healthcare. This argument is totally valid, but not worth throwing out all of the good parts. It’s just not, imo.

hey ES

True!

Que? Fraticide? Huh?

Last time I wore a black hood and torture suit

Dog love ya, bb.

Dam! Last number I recall was 2% for anyone over poverty level.

Yup. After this (if it passes) one bill at a time. Reimportation of drugs, ending of the insurance monopolies (if that’s not in the fix), etc.

Thing is, we don’t even know what goodies are in the fix.

Well, some of us must be writing with invisible ink.

Good parts?

We, I! I have named and offered the arguements AGAINST the bill as is.

Will you PLEASE offer some specifics as to what you think are GOOD things about this Senate/WH bill?

What good parts?

What proof do you have there will be fixes in the future, and such?

I mean PROOF, not just the premise or promise of the Senate or The House?

I agree that reproductive choice is only one part. But Boxer and DiFi are two Senators who have made their careers on this signature issue. To see them set it aside because the President ‘needs them’ almost makes folly of their promises to women for going on 40 years now.

And I have sisters. And a niece. And this is the Democratic Party.

I think you’re right. I think the $850 tax would apply to a family making $80K.

Senate bill may be a flat number, but I am sure they raised whatever the fine is recently.

It’s interesting that people say we need to act “now” or never because there won’t be another time, but then claim they are going to “fix” the bill later — AT ANOTHER TIME. LOL.

Yes, about $850 until Obama’s deficit-cutting commission gets a hold of it, at which point that $850 will be MUCH HIGHER as the government subsidy is cut.

Meeting Across the River

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VSf90_uPYc

I really don’t want to pile on, but you do know there is no reason to ignore the fact they just went out of their way to kill the Dorgan (drug reimportation) amendment.

That is what they just fought to do. Expecting folk who think /act like that to change their tune after all these years of false promises… well I don’t buy it for one second.

I want it to pass because people like my daughters would qualify for medicaid. Right now all I can afford for them is a catastrophic policy which costs me $85 per month X2. They have $2700 deductibles, and my daughter called today really sick. I’ll have to pay out of pocket for the doctor’s visit and the meds.

Shouldn’t be that a 23 year old is afraid to seek medical treatment because she can’t afford it.

And that’s just one reason. Suppose she were REALLY sick and Kaiser decided to dump her?

I agree, we don’t know exactly what this will look like.
What bothers me quite a lot is what comes after. I want my party to thrive and play hardball when it is called for, when fixes are called for. But I have seen scant evidence of the stuff it takes to put up their fists and fight in the same ring as the Republicans. The Republicans are just better at it.

It is the Hope Thingie. The carnie says step right up folks step right up and win a prize. In the end you feel good for a while a spend a lot for it. It is the politicians con job. The other part is the hog trough fighting for that piece of the pie to bring home and to get campaign contributions from those you helped get favorable leg for their industry. Meaningless regulation for the markets, pigs in pokes and lot of show and no go with media backing.

Well, that may be true. $850 is pretty cheap. I know that if I were to cover my daughters under my large group plan, it would cost $480 per month EACH.

Yes I do know that, and I blame Rahm. Shameful, I agree. But…it’s an easy fix. Even the republicans would vote for that!

Had to purchase some meds for my parents recently. American Big Pharma prices were up to 300% higher than Canadian generics.

Why don’t I live in Canada again?

With you on MY two senators, and Pelosi, all the way.

If not now, when, kinda thang.

Wasted careers as women, for women.

Corporate bought, owned, and served.

Oh, I agree. The dems are STILL not getting the message out. Can’t they afford an advertising agency?

Bada boom, badda bing.

For all we give the politicians….think we could get a fair shake now and then instead of just a shakedown.

There’s some SS Johnny and AJ with Springsteen as a kid on youtube, you and I have showcased them in the past!

I LOVE that stuff!

If you find the secret entrance… call me…)

See, that bothers me, too. Glad I’m not the only one.

Changing one’s tune in politics appears to be the death knell.

Apparently true even among activists!

Nonsense. They have their sources of funding, and many years ago they ignored the gathering storm clouds.

Woohoo! We raised nearly 15K for Kucinich today.

Dayam, I got burned by the hour shift…! I was robbed of the zed I tell’s ya…! ;-)

Aloha Ya’ll…!

ES…good chat and subject. Interesting graphics in the video. We has near tropical weather today. Started seeds late turned over warm well rested soils. Pumping iron so got to hit the REM sleep and let the growth hormone kick in.

Try the search engines.

I beg your pardon? We change the tune here every night. *s*

Starbuck, as far as the ‘activists’ go, the ones who have disagreed with the majority here, and kept their wits about them, have proven to be right more often that they are wrong.

Cripes, you should have seen this place during the primaries!

Evening CT

We called that the Joisey Shore Sound. Now they think we’re talking about some mind-numbing “reality” farce. :-(

Congratulations!

Um, 100?

I wish you and your daughters well, I don’t think the system as given is going to help you as you believe.

I just don’t have the right to tell you different and I’m sorry I tried to.

Best wishes.

Been prepping my rocky w/ some soil yard for a major bamboo planting this week.

Hillbilly privacy fencing is hard work.

.

My deductible is $2500 per person with a $5000 family deductible for me and my three children. Premium is $930 monthly; BC/BS

Ooooh, Nice double play, Margot!

Well, I actually didn’t use “Zed!” but I never was acknowledged anyway, so nothing lost.

I suppose if you are a member of the clique here, then it would be different.

Invisible ink is to blame!

Well, at any rate, congrats on you centennial.

The right cane, and it works real well.

That’s a deal, ES. But I think the turnaround time is 4 years…

Youch.

Very nice.

Why don’t you, your parents or I have Dorgan?

Oh I know, I once traveled south of the border for a month with the author of the Book of Bamboo.

Customs made us dump a huge load of it in the Rio Grande on the way home.

I was crushed… it was massive 18′ pieces, cut from a stand topping over 110′ high.

Did I mention my wife’s from Nova Scotia?

Where that Nova Scotian fiddling sound comes from?

*G*

However much I like Kucinich, I was bothered by his rejection of stepping outside the Democratic Party and becoming an independent. The obvious rationale would be that he could loose his chairmanship, but that quickly falls apart in view of both Lieberman and Sanders. So, let’s hope the ‘Woohoo!’ is not premature.

I have no appointments.

Hey, did you guys see this? A conservative judge gives six solid reasons why drugs should be legalized in CA.

Texas, Florida, and California are the three largest entry points for illegal drugs into the US. Via Ed Brayton, Judge Jim Gray, a conservative California judge with lots of experience fighting drugs, says the present policy benefits drug lords and terrorists among others. After laying out his case, Gray concludes the most patriotic thing he can do is work to repeal drug laws:

Bookmark it for tomorrow if you don’t want to see it now. It’s really good.

Aloha, ES…!

I just published a new diary… A Tale Of Two Forces…!

I haven’t been insured or had a thorough physical in my adult life.

I maintain that we the people never gave our lives for the workers who did, and died.

THAT shit always changes things, and would have put the fucks like Randall Terry’s family on the run.

Right on.

Careful with Bamboo, the rhizomes are hell!

Excellent… thanks!

glad you liked it.:)

LOL-Excellent!

Not something I crave, or desire.

Best to you and yours, though, that’s all I want.

Can’t think of a good reason, honestly.

THAT, was funny.

Wanna come in with us as our faux suthern chile?

jeep jeep. wazzup peeps

show us something new

Bastid’s, that’s why, ‘sprised I had to say so . . . ;-)

I agree with Kos on Kucinich. 14 years and 2 bills passed. One, the naming of a post office, and the other something equally inane. Give me Grayson.

Haven’t heard the Yardbirds in years. Forgot how GREAT they were. and topped off with some Cream for dessert!

CT, I fixed your youtube for ya.

“640″ height=”385 is larger than the wordpress/blog format.

540 x 340 is about max, fyi.

You really should. You can apply for medicaid online.

equinox is this saturday

tw3k!

I need to work on my accent. /s

Hey newt :)

Nothing really new, still works in progress. I did manage to make it over to life drawing tonight tho:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5020101&id=552303713

That’s right! Thanks.

Eureka! :D

Just skimmed it, complicated, have to hit it tomorrow for more clarity . ..

Still, you brang it, thanks . . .

Sorry, didn’t realize it when I posted it…! Mahalo…! *g*

I’ll be aware of it next post…! ;-)

I earn too much for that.

So what’s keeping you and your wife here? Doesn’t she have dual citizenship, Mr Larue?

for those of us who can’t sketch for beans…
nice

well, in DK’s defense, especially when you consider that passing progressive, decent and moral legislation with a majority is an apparent impossibility, blaming DK for loosing his moral arguments, is harsh.

CT gets it first — he’s probably southern most of the US firegods

Yeah, I gotta learn to click on her blue linkys, even if I have NO clue what I’ll find.

That was two doozies!

I generally do 420, because i like the number. And you all never knew. *s

Que?!?!?!?

Thanks you’re too kinda. I’m rusty! haven’t drawn the figure in over a decade, eek!

Especially at a time like this… when it is crystal clear he has nearly no allies, even in the progressive caucus.

Maybe, but the ‘reprehensible’ and ‘primary-worthy’ comments were over the top, IMHO.

She’s making a ton of money.

The Great White North is for our escape when we need it.

Perhaps this will have been asked and answered by the time I post this, but could you list what you perceive as the “good parts”?

Yup. After this (if it passes) one bill at a time. Reimportation of drugs, ending of the insurance monopolies (if that’s not in the fix), etc.

Do you really think that the drug mfg & insurance companies, who’ve had the muscle to get this piece of crap bill this far, are going to stand on the sidelines while each of these “improvements” comes up for a vote?

And do you think that the Congresscritters, who’ve shown such resolve for protecting consumers and defying their corporate supporters, are going to vote in favor of any of these pieces of legislation?

I mean, really: apply some LOGIC to the situation. Don’t just dream and imagine!

you said “chile” and I thought I need to work on my chilean accent. lol

Good evening Mauimom

That was MY suthern idiom at woik, apparently it failed, sohn. Ah say, sohn . . . lol

sounds like a plan. Nice to hear the good guys are doing well.

Did everyone have a good laugh today?

Really nice!

your punishment is your recipe for Chilean Bass.

Get what, PPD…? I am the most southern of the ‘usual suspects’ here, especially since the untimely demise of Persiflage…!

*blushes* aw, thanks Loo Hoo :)

I’m just saying that if Kucinich brings the bill down, he’s a fucker. Nothing harsh.

We’re barely.

But willing, and a job for me, we could be MUCH better . . .

Thanks.

I’ve been all over the planet comment wise today, kinda with a pissed offness.

General news is so sucky and I’m TAHRED of it, ah say.

Thanks to you, and all Pups who put up with me today . . .

Sun comes up tomorrow, I got band practice tomorrow night with REAL studio equipment!

That’s got me fahred up!!!!! Can’t WAIT to hear my musical misgivings and hear about them from Fearless Bandleader.

But I’m a sanger, he CAN’T fire me for lousy dobro work!!! *G*

Nite Pups, best to all, good thoughts to all I annoyed today . . . . and blessings to you and yours.

I’ll get better . . .

See, CT, just another reason Hawaii should adopt Daylight Savings Time.

/s

Saturday’s equinox passes over the equator closest to you, CT

*hates it when loo hoo minces her words*

Several here. lawd have mercy..)

Hi, ES.

I always resolve to get in here before the thread is 150 comments long, but without success.

That’s excellent.

If he does, I’ll have a wide happy grin on my face for days.

Mauimom, in my way of thinking, this is the logical start point. It’s this or nothing for many years. Which is better?

Thanks Margot :) How goes the landscapes?

The best laugh of the day — Chillbilly hits Central Florida

What I don’t get is-one night I’m listening to Pelosi tell Charlie Rose the public option is so important to her and she won’t accept the Senate bill. The next day Reid says the ball’s in her court. And then not a word about the PO. That’s a pretty closed little villain circle.

nite larue.

teehee***

Now now, I hear you and sympathize with your daughters predicament.

But if I had to pay even a couple hundred bucks towards forced insurance right now.. i wouldn’t be able to save up for the immediate care I need. (dental)

You want me to be forced to buy something that will never cover a health issue I have.

What are people supposed to do when rules of law forces them to make that kind of choice?

Thank dawg for Kucinich…. who understands the real meaning of health care over and above for profit insurance.

Holy crap!

When asked to comment about what effect Palin’s criticism might have, Grayson pointed out, “As the Knave’s horse says in Alice in Wonderland, ‘dogs will believe anything.’” Earlier, as the Orlando Sentinel reported, Grayson said, “I’m sure Palin knows all about politics in Central Florida, since from her porch she can see Winter Park,” which is part of Grayson’s district.

I am caring less and less about his take on HC.

half /s

*heh* We need DST like we need a hole in the head…! *g*

Aloha, M’dear…! How’s the slopes of Haleakala doing…? ;-)

We keep hip waders by the door for you. *s*

You need to learn more about how Congress works. It’s easy to get crap, “post office-naming” legislation through.

Good legislation is dependent on having good Congresscritters to also vote for it. As long as we have the passel of idiots in there now, you can’t get anything decent through. It’s not like a Member introduces a bill and voila, it gets passed. It could be the most wonderful bill in the world [universal health care for all, for example], and if there aren’t the votes, it goes nowhere.

This is a reflection on the CONGRESS, not the member who introduces legislation.

Isn’t it all bizarre to watch? I can’t believe people read romance novels or watch American Idol or soaps when the reality is so much more bizarre. Nobody could write this stuff.

Torture, for the love of god!

Wasn’t that grand! He should have posted that here!

How did you know I have one? I was gonna leave, said my piece, 3 Hail Mary’s and such . . . and you suck me back in.

Ok, evoo all over your bass fillet.

S&P, too. I prefer sea salts, and a combo of white, red, green peppercorns, but I’m fussy like that.

Hard wood grill, or oven at 475F.

Cook the fish, turning as needed.

Lemons
Limes
Pink Grapefruit
Orange (blood orange if ya got ‘em)

Skin them, then section them out with fruit sections only, no skins or membranes.

Yes, this is tiresome, delicate and takes forever, just do it and combine the fruit sections in a bowl.

Make a lemon based buerre blanc.

Half cup sav blanc white wine
Four cloves
One clove smashed garlic
4 shallots finely diced
2 oz fresh lemon juice
Reduce by half
Add half cup of heavy cream
Reduce by half
Whisk in 1/2 pound sweet butter
Strain thru fine mesh strainer

Reserve buerre blanc in steam table, water bath, or warmer than room temp.

Once bass is cooked, heat saute pan on stove, add buerre blanc and sectioned fruits for the serving size of fish, heat and top to fish on plate.

Garnish per your choice, with lemon wheel, I like to use a chiffanade of fresh basil . . .

Viola. Cello. Badda boom. Bing.

Poission du Citroen a Larue

Niters awl . . . ;-)

Good for another half mil.
Dude is a windup-cash register.

lol, grayson is great.

Hah!! oh no he dint!

Constitution delivers as promised!

I agree that the dental issue hasn’t been covered (at least for adults, don’t know about kids.)

Personally, even though I have dental insurance, I go to Mexico for that. Much better work at 1/5th the price. Basically, my insurance covers cleanings.

He really is.

WooHoo!. says the citizen living in Rhode Island.

Grayson said something about Palin being the endangered flyover dingbat today too!

Right now, nothing.

At least “nothing” doesn’t enrich the insurance companies and drug manufacturers.

“Nothing” also means that people will continue to be pissed, and will demand something.

This bill [the Senate monstrosity] just has too many bad features, and lacks so many good ones, that it’s not worth passing.

It’s like shipping a load of worm-infested hot dogs to the people of Haiti and saying, “here’s that ‘relief’ you wanted.”

Or, as another poster said on here today, it’s like a hungry person is being offered candy laced with cyanide. Because believe me, this bill will “kill” people’s ability to get health care — if not immediately, then in the very near future, as premiums, co-pays & deductibles sky-rocket, and what once looked affordable becomes out of reach — at the same time as it locks people into turning $$$$ over to insurance companies and drug manufacturers, and penalizes them if they don’t comply with what is “the law.”

Even a big pile of lottery winnings would not convince me to take that choice.

I’ve now read your comments about your own situation and that of your daughters, but the question YOU need to research is whether THIS BILL will really provide a remedy. I think if you look at some of Marcy’s analysis of about a month ago — with regard to affordability, subsidies, etc. — and couple that with the fact that there are NO COST CONTROLS, you can foresee that while you all might get benefits “for a while,” they can [and probably will] be yanked away in an instant, and, because of the mandates, you’ll be in a MUCH worse position than you are now.

i hope you can see from my arguments, and those of others here, that this is not a “purity” situation: each of us is concerned about those without health care, or with precarious/insufficient care, and the question is “will this legislation help”? For most of us [not for our own situation, but in looking at everyone] the answer is a big, fat NO.

This is a reflection on the CONGRESS, not the member who introduces legislation.

Disagree. This is a reflection on the American voter. And if people really voted, maybe some of Kucinich’s bills would pass. I don’t disagree with his positions, I disagree with his all or nothing attitude.

It’s more ludicrous each day. I used to watch Senate proceedings on CSPAN. Now with about 4 exceptions, the mere sight of them makes me ill. I mean it-unwell.

Good point, I need to find and permanently bookmark those EW posts. They were a great bit of work which I have seen nobody else really try to do.

They deserve much more attention.

From his own page…

Palin, the former half-term Governor, current-nothing and future-even-less, charmed the all-Republican audience with her folksy folksiness and her homespun homespunnery. Atypically, Palin was wearing clothes that she had paid for herself. At the end of the event, she shared her recipe for mooseface pie.

snip

Scientists are studying Sarah Palin’s travel between Alaska and Florida carefully. They hope to learn more about the flight patterns of that elusive migratory species, the wild Alaskan dingbat.

This is just too good.

Mmmm-now I’m hungry. Wouldn’t have thought of grapefruit, but yeah.

I’m in a rut, so I stopped doing them. I have to go out and look at things, or look at photographs, for new material.

LooHoo the very interview kos frothed over… Kucinich was clearly willing to vote for a PO and hopefully states option to pursue single payer.

The man moved way way towards a compromise. He was only asking for what O campaigned on and what the entire party platform is, not what Kucinich campaigns on (SP).

It was O and the rest of these D’s who backpedaled and were not willing to compromise.

Crap, I know I won’t get #200, but I’ll try anyway.

I notice that Marcy hasn’t commented on HCR for the last month.

Just think what we’d have if Obama had worked as hard for Single Payer or the Public Option as he is currently for his pals in the drug and insurance industries.

It’s not that he can’t work hard; it’s where he chooses [or chooses not]to.

If he’s not re-elected, he gets a spot on Comedy Central!!!

He’s got the best staff in DC!

We’re a chatty bunch tonite…! ;-)

I don’t know if there have been changes in the Senate bill [since that's the "working frameword"], or if we’ve got what she analyzed many weeks ago.

It’s that lost hour, CT.

Frequent showers here today. Unusual for this late in the season, but welcome.

However, many muddy chow chow paws at my house. Getting them to walk on the wet lawn to remove the volcanic mud is always a struggle.

I understand that well enough. The figure draw has been a real joy to do. I’m going to sit in on a two week, 8-5, landscape painting class.

I think I’ll be ready for abstract work after that :)

I’m almost afraid to post articles on health care on my Facebook page, because I have a couple of friends who get into it.
One seems to think that LARGE TYPE is more convincing but it is not.

It damn near writes itself, but they do have a special touch.
And they must drink beer and howl at what they write, just before they post it. I hope the guy has a party-office.

Takin’ the dogs out for one last “spin,” then off to bed.

Nite all.

night maui!

It’s a completely rigged game. emerson.

What progressives have been agitating for is fundamental change in the way the system identifies the country’s needs, sets our priorities and allocates costs, benefits & risks.

The left was never intended to sit at the table with Obama. He ran his campaign around us. And now, he’s running the federal government over us.

It only looks like he’s squandered his first 14 months in office. He’s been running for his second term since the 2008 Iowa primary.

Between running for office & governing is a distinction lost.

I do love Kuchinich’s positions on the issues, and I agree that the WH has moved away from their campaign stances. Life’s rough, but we sure as hell need to start. Both as individual citizens and what HC is costing out country.

#200!

Just love that red dirt, eh…? Aloha, M’dear…!

Dam thing could have been done by summer.

I don’t think anyone knows! Wouldn’t it blow our minds if they came out with medicare for all in the reconciliation bill?!

Grayson’s national treasure — a politician & public servant living in Jon Stewart’s America.

See if you can get us an invite!

Niters, Mauimom.

It just means they care soooo much. /s

Well it’s late… time for me to turn in.

Good night fabulous firedogs.

No doubt. It seems like the plan all along was to say nothing for 14 months and then go back into campaign mode after killing any talk of single-payer or then the PO. That’s why libs/progs feel like they got slammed in the face with a shovel-cuz we did.

nite ES.

Aloha, ES…!

You want some fast growing cane or not? It grows by tubers, which are more or less easily dug up, and should ship easily as well. I started out ten years ago with about a dozen, and they now cover the whole of the west side of my forty foot barn. Wonderful in blocking the afternoon sun from reflecting on the house, never mind cooling the barn. Only now, instead of a two-foot thick row, I have a four-foot thick row. Miracle grow makes it crazy.

Well, this seems pretty stupid, but I will mail free ten tubers to the first ten emailers. Kids are off for spring break, give them something useful to do. aardvark@powwwer.net. Real email address, real cane.

nite ES-thanks for the hospitality.

nite ES
me too

nite newt!

/me goes back to painting :)

Night, ES. Thanks for putting up with me.

This is astounding on sooo many levels…

Protecting agencies from oversight, Obama threatens to veto intelligence funding

The White House is threatening to veto a key intelligence funding bill over what it considers to be a dangerous amount of oversight on covert agencies, according to published reports.

The 2010 Intelligence Budget has gone through a number of key changes over the past few months, with House Democrats and the Obama administration butting heads over a number of provisions. Key among them for the latest White House veto threat is a provision that would allow the Government Accountability Office to investigate intelligence agencies.

“Current law exempts intelligence and counterintelligence activities from GAO review, leaving oversight to the inspectors general at the various intelligence community agencies,” Politico reported.

In a letter to the House and Senate intelligence committees, Office of Management and Budget chief Peter Orszag highlighted several areas of the bill that have intelligence officials worried, including the GAO oversight provision.

Orszag’s letter also claims that proposed reforms to how Congress is notified of covert activities poses a “serious” threat that intelligence agencies object to.

I think you meant for that comment to head out to Eureka Springs, aardvark.

Night, newt. Sleep well.

Let Blackwater be Blackwater.

They never intended to deliver on real change for the bottom 95% of the country because they’re owned by the top 5%. That’s who paid their way into office, and from whom they take their orders. Absent a vigorous, independent Fourth Estate, it will take nothing less than a revolution.

Pinter was right in 2005.

night all – be well

Ah! That’s a 45 minute lecture. Can you abbreviate?

Night everyone.

Didn’t Woolsey say she’s for “no recorded vote” for the House to pass the Senate version of HCR?

That doesn’t sound very progressive, or transparent.

And it makes me wonder where the House Democratic leadership, and the Obama administration, expect to get the votes to put the Senate version over the top in the House…from the Republicans?

Wouldn’t that be something. The party of NO gets the word from the MOTU;”Listen, new plan…”

Wow, lot of pups off to bed? Me too. G’nite all.

Yes, indeed. I’ve been saying all along that a handfull of Republicans will help Obama drag this horrid bill across the finish line.

I’m sorry, none of it works without a mandate. It just doesn’t. Brain up.

Well, at least you got the sorry part right.

Ive been with FDL and vigorously support our position to improve this terrible bill! Now I fear we are just being stubborn or Naderesqe. You know fighting against windmills to the detriment of all. I don’t think setting ourselves up to support the Destruction of our chances in the next election is the way to go. We fought the good fight now I , reluctantly must encourage everyone here to support this very unsatisfactory bill. If we KILL THE BILL do we actually think it will lead to Dems winning MORE seats or do we honestly think we could lose the house as a result. I think the latter is more likely. I don’t want to take the chance. I wont let my ego be my enemy! So I will now support the bill and ask Jane and everyone here to join me.

“I , reluctantly must encourage everyone here to support this very unsatisfactory bill.”

Your ego is not the enemy. Likewise, the Democratic party is not your friend. The Democratic party is giving the insurance industry hegemony over your life, literally. Forcing people to pay inflated prices to monopolies is not only criminal, it’s inefficient and will cause the ruin of our already dwindling middle class. This is not reform, it is cementing the status quo. Please join me in WAKING UP.

Sadly channeling Ralph, who happened to be “Right” got us GW Bushbag. I am an early riser and love to wake up, bright eyed and bushy tailed. P.S. I understand and RESPECT your position but sometimes being right is just plain wrong.

I am so glad to see that the “progressives” are FDL are channelling all of their energy into attacking Lynn Woolsey. Obviously, she’s the problem here. Not the insurance companies, not the Republicans, not the Blue Dogs. Lynn Woolsey.

However much I like Kucinich, I was bothered by his rejection of stepping outside the Democratic Party and becoming an independent.

I am reminded of the old cartoons — “Whoever wants to volunteer, take one step forward.” Then everyone (except our hero) takes a step back.

I am beginning to think that Kucinich is the only Democrat left in either the Congress or the White House.

You know that Woolsey has been FUND RAISING for at least one Blue Dog (Harmon, CA-36), don’t you?

Well if we can’t get abortion coverage then let’s ban insurance companies from offering coverage for vasectomies and Viagra. If they insist on passing this and restricting choice for women, why haven’t they equalized it across the board for men as well?

Yes, I was aware that Woolsey supports Blue Dog Harmon. Unfortunately, as a resident of Marin, I haven’t seen this bloc of pissed off, pro-choice women. (In fact, I haven’t really seen it in the Bay Area at all.) I would love to see a group of them at Woolsey’s office near Northgate Mall (1050 Northgate Drive, Suite 354) and I would be willing to join them. I mean, there isn’t even a NOW chapter in Marin, is there?