Have you called your Congressional Rep? I Did.

A lot of people are howling and screaming about Congress these days. I know, I'm one of them. But most of those folks screaming haven't taken the time to actually try to communicate with their reps.

I spent a pleasant 22 minutes on the phone this afternoon with a person at Rep. Brian Higgin's Washington office discussing the health bill.  Now, I identified myself up front as someone who disagreed with Mr. Higgin's vote, but I said rather than be a jerk, I'd like to give them a chance to clear up my possible issues. We had a very informative discussion, and he was very polite about it. While I'm still opposed to the bill, I do feel I have a better understanding of how it will be effecting me, and I seriously suggest anyone else with questions, make a call. Be polite, be specific, and don't be a jerk. 

For phone numbers, visit house.gov or senate.gov.

My questions involved the Medicare Advantage changes (short answer, don't panic) and how the subsidy will be paid (short answer, tax credit at income tax time similar to the EIC pay outs.) We also discussed how these changed will effect small businesses such as my own, and a bit on the credit crunch.

While I'm still opposed to the mandate, I do feel more comfortable about how things are intended to go. I've done my duty in registering my concerns and feel quite comfortable in calling back again later.

Participating in the process.  Try it. It works better than pissing and moaning over an overpriced coffee in a coffee shop.

FBI Investigates Possible Threats Directed at House Democrats

FBI Investigates Possible Threats Directed at House Democrats

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http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010...use-democrats/

Quote:

More than 10 lawmakers have complained they've received threats since the run-up to Sunday's House vote on a health insurance overhaul, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Wednesday, and law enforcement officials are taking the allegations seriously. Federal law enforcement officials are investigating at least two possible threats directed at members of Congress and their families that Democrats suggest are related to their vote for health care reform. Plus the office of Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich. -- who initially opposed the Senate's health bill over concerns about abortion funding but switched to support the plan following assurance from the White House -- has received several threatening messages, recordings of which have been obtained by Fox News.

First, let me be very specific in my words here. I do not approve of violence, vandalism or threats. Directed at congress, the President, or their families.

That said, I can understand the frustration many feel as of late, a frustration that is growing as the divide between government and the people widens.

Understand, if you threaten these people, you -will- be investigated. Understand that the Secret Service, the FBI and the Capital Police are not slouches when it comes to their jobs, and they will put maximum effort into these investigations.

With all that said however, I feel that I must say, if any lawmaker is currently a little afraid, then Good.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.
Thomas Jefferson

They should fear for their jobs, their elite status, their special privilege, and their perks. It's not the time for them to fear for their lives. As I've said before, bombard them with letters, emails, phone calls. Protest, peacefully, outside their offices. Show up at their rally's and peacefully protest. Support their opponents who hold your views as important, who will need your time, your money, your efforts and your votes. Government in the US changes at the voting booth, not the battle field.

__________________

House votes to pass Dem Health Bill.

The House voted to pass the Senate plan which now goes to Obama to sign into law.

In a separate vote the House voted to send a list of "fixes" to the Senate to vote on. No guarantee the Senate will do as they wish. If they do so, it is expected that Obama will sign that as well.

Numerous challenges are reportedly in the works from State governments.

Virginia has passed a law exempting it's citizens from compliance. Several House Dems have laughed at that idea.

It is expected that the battle will move to the US Supreme Court to decide the Constitutionality of forcing citizens to purchase insurance from 3rd parties as well as several other aspects of the bill.

The fall out from this will drag on and effect this years campaign season with the House and a 3rd of the Senate up for grabs. Republicans stand to gain the most as voter disappointment is currently directed at Democrats. 3rd parties stand a chance to make significant gains for the first time in decades, provided they don't self destruct in the process.

It is truly interesting times.

A Letter to NY Senators Gillibrand & Schumer and NY Rep. Brian Higgins.

Senator,

  I am writing in opposition to the unconstitutional health care bill and the attempt by this Congress to force this unwanted legislation on the American People.  As a small business owner I am against this. As an American I am against this.

This act is little more than an unethical cash cow for the insurance industry who continues to raise premiums and subsidize insane gouging by the drug companies.

I oppose the increase in taxes this will bring.

I oppose the invasion of my privacy that this will result in.

I resent being forced to purchase something I can not afford or face jail time.

I resent the fact that should this happen, members of my family will see their benefits through Medicare cut.

Rather than force a subsidy out of already cash strapped Americans to aid the insurance lobby, you need to do something that will actually help the American People.

- Support educational aid to aspiring doctors and nurses and other medical specialists so that we can put more qualified Americans into the medical field.

- Support the creation of clinics and other medical support in poor neighborhoods so that people have care close at hand.

- Deal with the gouging of drug companies who charge $100 for a pill that cost them .01 to make.

Consider a program for providing aspiring medical professionals with tuition and a paycheck in exchange for a 10 year hitch in a Federal Hospital system, similar to civil service programs of the past.

The people of this country do not want this disaster that is being proposed. This is too important to push through and try to "fix" later.  Do it right the first time.

I will not support, nor will my friends or family support any Senator or Representative who votes for this current bill, or who pushes it through by the reconciliation process.

Vote NO on the current health care bill.

Push for real reform.

Thank you.

Bob Hubbard.

====

NY Senators

Gillibrand, Kirsten E. - (D - NY)	Class I
478 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-4451
Web Form: gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/
Schumer, Charles E. - (D - NY)	Class III
313 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-6542
Web Form: schumer.senate.gov/new_website/contact.cfm

NY Representatives

New York

• Ackerman, Gary, New York, 5th
• Arcuri, Michael A., New York, 24th
• Bishop, Timothy, New York, 1st
• Clarke, Yvette D., New York, 11th
• Crowley, Joseph, New York, 7th
• Engel, Eliot, New York, 17th
• Hall, John J., New York, 19th
• Higgins, Brian, New York, 27th
• Hinchey, Maurice, New York, 22nd
• Israel, Steve, New York, 2nd
• King, Pete, New York, 3rd
• Lee, Christopher J., New York, 26th
• Lowey, Nita, New York, 18th
• Maffei, Daniel B., New York, 25th
• Massa, Eric J.J., New York, 29th
• McCarthy, Carolyn, New York, 4th
• McMahon, Michael E., New York, 13th
• Maloney, Carolyn, New York, 14th
• Meeks, Gregory W., New York, 6th
• Murphy, Scott, New York, 20th
• Nadler, Jerrold, New York, 8th
• Owens, Bill, New York, 23rd
• Rangel, Charles B., New York, 15th
• Serrano, José E., New York, 16th
• Slaughter, Louise, New York, 28th
• Tonko, Paul D., New York, 21st
• Towns, Edolphus, New York, 10th
• Velázquez, Nydia M., New York, 12th
• Weiner, Anthony D., New York, 9th

"Common Good"? Hogwash.

"Common Good"? Hogwash.

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Believing the propaganda about "The Greater Good" and "Your Responsibility for taking Care of the Less Fortunate" is crazy. Buy into this, and enjoy a life of mediocrity, frustration and unrealized dreams. Take care of yourself first. Everything else will follow.
Living in poverty, mooching off of others, suffering, none of those serve God. God provides a universe full of bounty, love, wealth and abundance, if only people would open themselves to it. I don't believe that God wants any of us dependent on others, and that by not serving ourselves first, we fall into the original definition of Sin, or "Miss the Mark". Put another way, we weren't put here to sit on our butts and collect a welfare check that someone else worked to fund, but to work for our own rewards, and enjoy them fully.

"People who spend their existence worrying
solely about the needs of others and not themselves are not nobles,
benevolent, and spiritual. They are crazy. "- Randy Gage
The Purpose That Drives Your Life
Source: www.successmethods.org


Fire away.

What would a Real Universal Health Plan look like?

What would a Real Universal Health Plan look like?
11-08-2009, 05:13 PM

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The current plans being tossed around fall far short of what would really help America. It creates a huge bloated bureaucracy and does little to solve the real problems with health care in America today.

Here are my thoughts on what a real system might look like.

First, it would cover all American's, not just some.

Costs would be done through a separate tax.
Those under 18, and those earning less than $15,000 would pay nothing.
Those who choose to have private insurance receive a fair tax credit.
Cost is deducted via payroll tax like FICA/SSI/etc.
FICA taxes are collected at a rate of 7.65% on gross earnings - earnings before any deductions. The breakdown of FICA is 6.2% for Social Security (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance or OASDI) and 1.45% for Medicare. There are upper limits to what is taxed. This system can be used here.
Using a 2% rate, someone grossing $20k would pay about $34/month in costs.

The plan would cover:
1 eye exam and 1 pair of glasses every 2 years.
Basic Dental Care
Basic Drug Care
Recommended Primary visits
Basic tests
Emergency Services.

Depending on your plan level, a copay may apply.

Some drugs, treatments and services may not be covered.
Cosmetic treatments, as well as vanity services would not be covered.

This is much like any other policy.

Doctors may choose to opt-out of accepting the insurance.

Your Social Security number could (though shouldn't be) all you need to access for treatment. As long as you file a tax return, you are covered.



I still dispute the constitutionality of a forced health plan, and I dispute the constitutionality of a forced retirement plan, however, if we are to be forced to have something, this seems at the moment the less intrusive manner. It retains choice, it allows for the purchasing of superior coverage through a private firm, and it allows for the ones most in need to get the basics needed.



Thoughts?