Catapulting The Propaganda For The Baucus Bill

It appears that the Baucus health care reform bill wants the National Assn. of Insurance Commissioners to be the overseer in crafting the rules governing "health insurance rating, issuance and marketing requirements" that would become "the new federal minimum standard without any further congressional action." The NAIC sees nothing wrong with this approach, despite the fact that many former members of the group have left it to take lucrative jobs in the insurance industry!

Sandy Praeger, according to the article, likened the movement from NAIC to said lucrative jobs, stating: "I kind of look at it as seeding the industry with good regulators."

Reminds me of Bush and his comment that in his line of work, "you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in ... to kind of catapult the propaganda."

Never Mind Saving Money For Seniors, Government Can't Lower Prescription Costs ... It Would Not Be Fair To Big Pharma!

One of the things about our government's deal with big pharma is the fact that it disallows the negotiating of fair prices for drugs. This became even worse for seniors when in 2003, as part of the Medicare prescription drug program, the "donut hole" was created, wherein at a certain point for seniors, they reach a maximum amount that is paid for by the government. Then they have to pay for their prescription drugs out of their own pocket until they reach the end of the "donut hole" and the government will pick up the payments again. This, as reported for years, has resulted in seniors having to pay more for their prescription drugs in this new program, then they had to pay before this program was enacted and was alleged to save money for seniors in the long run. No, it did not, but what it did do is line the pockets of big pharma at (as usual) the expense of those least likely to afford the huge pay-off, senior citizens.

Now, during the health care reform negotiations, a provision to change the 2003 plan, putting the seniors from Medicaid and back into Medicare, which will then allow for the negotiation of lower prescription drug prices, one illustrious Democratic Senator feels this change would be unfair ... to big pharma! H/T to Crooks and Liars.

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) proposed ending what some Democrats have called a windfall for the pharmaceutical industry – and he picked up strong support from his party.

[snip]

As part of the 2003 Medicare prescription drug program, more than 6 million low-income seniors were shifted from Medicaid, which allowed the government to negotiate a deep discount for drugs, to the Medicare program, which did not. This has resulted in the government paying about 30 percent more for drugs, according to an analysis by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Ca.).

Nelson’s amendment would shift these beneficiaries back to the Medicaid program, resulting in $86 billion in savings that could be used to close the donut hole for senior citizens.

Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) said the Finance Committee should honor the deal with the drug industry. To suddenly double their obligation from $80 billion to more than $160 billion would not be “fair,” he said.

(shaking head, hitting it on keyboard). There was more furious discussions over this, which included a comment from Senator Grassley (R-Iowa):

This prompted one of several heated responses from Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who defended the Medicare program, which was passed under his watch, and deflected responsibility for the pharmaceutical deal.

“If this is a bad deal, then you ought be embarrassed with the president for sitting down with these folks,” Grassley said.

As the article explains further down, Grassley had his timeline re: presidential sit down mistaken. But, hey, what's new about that? Republicans, since Obama became president, have taken the liberty of mostly spouting lies about everything and anything, however minuscule it is concerning.

It just plain pisses me off that representatives in our government, that are elected by the people to serve the people's interests, find that it is unfair to corporate interests to actually produce a plan that would save money for their constituents. They are more worried that their corporate sponsors will have their billion dollar yearly profits trimmed down a bit, but have no moral compass whatsoever concerning the unfairness to the grandmas and grandpas that go broke thanks to the "donut hole." (Let's not forget the hypocrisy of the Republican talking points and fake concerns about the non-existent "death panels" in the health care reform package).

Where is the real change we Americans voted for in the last election? When is our government going to finally buck the stranglehold on it by corporations? When is democracy finally going to replace capitalism as the operating government policy? When, goddamnit?

L.A. Soapbox Derby, Real Drag

I took my grandson to the Red Bull sponsored first Los Angeles Soapbox Derby race today. To say it was a complete disappointment is an understatement.

First off, it was a hot day, and the race was to take place at 1:00 p.m., so pretty much the hottest part of the day. But, hey, I was prepared. Packed up both of our portable chairs, had my little umbrella and even a battery operated fan that clipped onto my chair. I packed lunch with plenty of Capri Sun coolers, handi wipes, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

When we got there, we found a perfect spot, right in front next to the railing and the bales of hay, where the races would end. Across the way was the jumbo screen, so you could see the race from the beginning on the screen, and view the ending right in front of us.

First a regulation NASCAR car came down the course, and right in front of us did a loop turn. That was cool, and I got it on video.

Next, the skydivers jumped out of the helicopter and landed. That was cool too. I only got a good video of the one landing. But, after the landing, the security suddenly quickly moved the bales of hay and the gates, and my grandson and I, who were ensconsed in our little niche, got trampled over by hundreds up people rushing the gate.

Needless to say, we saw absolutely zero of the race. We couldn't see the jumbotron, and we absolutely could not see any of the cars coming down the course. In the end, it was a complete and utter waste of time. And I really wanted my grandson to see what a true soapbox derby was like.

Oh well. Thumbs down to you, Red Bull. You should have planned better, and had the foresight to know that when you moved those gates, with hundreds of people leaning on them, that there would have been a rush of people that was dangerous to all around.

Touch Down...Single Ladies' Style

Saw this tonight. Funny, but still pretty cool, when you think about it, dance wise. (First time ever watching the show).

"No, seriously, I cleaned your pool, then I had sex with her (your mother) in your bed. Nice Star Wars sheets."

Does Anybody Really Take Kirk Cameron Seriously? I Mean, Come On, Seriously?

I found this on Crooks and Liars, concerning Kirk Cameron (child star who morphed into Christian evangalist) and his pal the "banana man" and their plan to hand out 50,000 copies of Darwin's "Origin of the Species" with a special "denial" 50 page prologue.

This is ZOMGitsCriss' (screen name) video reaction to the news.

Obama Thinks Blogs Don't Fact Check, No, Seriously! He's One Confused Puppy

Mr. Obama said he noted the trend. "I am concerned that if the direction of the news is all blogosphere, all opinions, with no serious fact-checking, no serious attempts to put stories in context, that what you will end up getting is people shouting at each other across the void but not a lot of mutual nderstanding," the President said.

Um, Mr. President. People shouting at each other across the void, without a lot of mutual understanding, is not a description of the blogosphere. It's not even a description of newspapers (which is what your comments were that preceded this one). It is, however, what television news has become. And the comment about fact checking being practically non-existent in the blogosphere, and "no serious attempt to put stories in context" shows how little you read the blogs and how much you actually DO watch television news shows! Actually, when it comes to not checking the facts, AP Wire Service, and its reporters, are fabulous for that.

News broadcasters have been telling outright lies for at least the past four to eight years now, with the most egregious lies coming since this president has been elected. But, with the weak-spined president that we have, instead of calling a liar a liar, to his face, this president has to put the blame on the blogosphere -- back to the pajama wearing, Cheetos eating, kids living in the basement of their parents, blogger mentality.

Time and time again it has been proven that the blogosphere is what is keeping truth out in the forefront while the mass media assault on truth is ongoing, with no abatement in sight.

How ignorant. And here, I thought GWB was the twit. Imagine that.

Call Me Stupid, But ...?

There's dumb. And then, there's dumber.

Even by the confessional standards of the "Dr. Phil" television show, it was a whopper of an admission.

The nicely dressed couple said they had roamed several states as shoplifters, stealing mostly toys, selling them on the Internet and making as much as $1 million over seven years.

"I'm no lawyer or a cop," said talk-show host Phil McGraw, his Texas drawl mixed with incredulity, "but isn't that a federal crime?"

The wife paused a second and then said, "Yeah, it is."

[snip]

"In 20 years of fraud cases, I've never seen anything like this: a taped confession before a national audience," said Secret Service agent Greg Meyer, who worked on the case.

Paul Pfingst, a former two-term San Diego County district attorney and now a high-profile defense attorney, said, "In the hall of fame of dumb crooks, these people will have a prominent position."

Round One To Obama On "This Week"

STEPHANOPOULOS: "But your critics say it is a tax increase."

OBAMA: "My critics say everything is a tax increase."

Amen to that nonsense.

Christina Aguillera - Stuff

I was watching an E Entertainment Special about Christina Aguillera.

I have been a fan of hers from day one. And, yes, I preferred her over Brittney Spears. Coming from the entertainment background, I could clearly tell the difference from talent and the product of the moment.

So here are a few of my "tina" videos .. until the YouTube police remove them.

Enjoy!

America The Beautiful (dabbing eyes)



Dirty (mmmmm.... one of my favorites!)



Lady Marmalade



Ok, so all the performers (Pink, Mya, Lil Kim, Christina and Missy Elliot with the rap) were superb !!!!

Greed, Greed, And More Greed, Courtesy Of Insurance Companies

I know most of the blogs are all over the health care issue, which is why I have kept my posts to a minimum on this subject. First off, I have no insurance, and I have never had insurance, ever, in my entire life. I have been lucky my 57 years to not have any major illness or traumatic injuries that have required the need for thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Well, I was run over by a car once, and had my leg broken, but the person that ran over me had full insurance, and I came out of it with a $100,000 settlement that paid my medical bills (around $20,000). I had to have surgery and I now am the proud owner of a full length, titanium rod, from my knee to my ankle, that will go with me to my grave. If I didn't have insurance, and the person driving the car only had minimal insurance required by the State of California, or worse yet, no insurance, I probably would never had been able to have the surgery and would have had the leg casted for six month (which was cheaper), but still would have been out of thousands of dollars. Even when I was pregnant, I did not have insurance, and never saw a doctor until the five month stage, but you have to realize at that time I was living in hippie town north of San Diego, where most of the ladies gave birth at home by mid-wives (my sister actually became a certified mid-wife). The father eventually put me on his insurance long enough to give birth at Kaiser, but then after that, I was on my own again.

I ran across this video and story courtesy of Crooks and Liars. It underscores the damnatory practices of the insurance companies. Support your congress men and women who are insisting that a public option be a part of health care reform.

This year, Szakos was informed that Anthem was going to increase the premiums on Virginia Organizing Project's health plan by 14.1%. Around the same time, the Virginia Organizing Project received an email from Anthem:

We strongly support reform that builds a strong, sustainable private-sector health care system - and strongly oppose creating a government-run health plan. We are urging our elected officials in Washington to take bipartisan action that will accomplish that. We are educating policymakers in Washington and working with our trade associations to encourage Congress to build on the current system and not disrupt the quality, affordable coverage on which our members depend....

As our elected officials debate health care, they need to hear directly from you.

Szakos immediately had some questions for Anthem. Chief among them, why is Anthem using its resources to lobby against health care reform with a public health insurance option while at the same time increasing rates by 14.1%?

Szakos, along with three other Virginia Organizing Project board members, went down to Anthem's offices in Richmond, VA to ask. He left in handcuffs.

As reported in The Seminal at FDL.

RIP Patrick Swayze

Image courtesy of WireImage

Most everyone remembers him from "Dirty Dancing." Me, I skated in a movie with him called "Skatetown, U.S.A." We both took dance classes from Bobby Banas, who choreagraphed the skating and dance scenes.

My daughter had a crush on him when she was a tween, and even had her picture taken on Hollywood Blvd. with a fake Patrick. I know I have it somewhere in my picture boxes.

Patrick was a great dancer, and none of the movies he ever did really showcased his work. His mom taught dancing and his wife is a dancer. I will always remember him as a dancer, and a fucking great four wheel skater.

Trailer for Skatetown U.S.A.



Swayze was not doubled in the skating sequences. He did his own skating. Remember, this is not inline skating like ice skates. We did four wheel skates back then. This was shot at the Hollywood Paladium, by the way. I spent like 13 hours a day on skates, and when I'd take them off, my feet felt like they would float off the floor up to the roof!





Patrick and Lisa ... enjoy until the YouTube Police remove it.



I miss you already, babe.

Drama At The VMA's

I haven't watched an MTV Video Music Award (VMA) in years. I only watched tonight because, it being taped earlier in NYC it gave results here on the westcoast before the broadcast, I was tipped that Kanye West took the mike from Taylor Swift, who won the first award of the night, Best Video.

Her performance live in the subway was cool. Her stunned look when Kanye took the mike will probably be a classic memory in VMA history. He was loudly boo'd, and even Beyonce could be seen mouthing the words, with a quizzed look on her face, "Kanyee?" in the "WTF" mode.
The opener with Madonna's tribute to Michael Jackson was well done, and the dance performances wer spectactular, especially with Janet coming in at the end.

I have to say, Lady Gaga is still one of my techno faves, having heard her
earlier last year (although I do believe I put up a post that her music was very similar to the 1990's techno/house music at that time).

Green Day still rocks. When I first heard them in the early 1990's, I felt they were a version of The Ramones. I still see the similarities today, although the writing of material edge goes to Green Day.


I've always liked Beyonce as a person, but she's never cracked my top ten female artists. After the Kanye fiasco, it was clear that Beyonce has class, especially after winning video of the year. Her smile before and after her performance really radiates. The fact that she called Taylor Swift up to the stage to give her speech, which was cut short, was a class act. I still think she has huge thighs, but hey, it's not all about the size one's anymore, amen.


Got bored and switched channels, but came back in time to see Pink's performance. Pretty "acrobatic." (wink, wink)


Jay Z and Alicia Keyes "New York" brought me home. I miss my city.

At Least It's Football Season, And I Can Take My Mind Off Of How Bad This Country Sucks

The outlook is not bright for this country. On the one hand, we have a party (and people who ascribe to that party's beliefs -- whether they understand them or not) that is hell bent on saying "no" to anything the POTUS has to offer. On the other hand, we have a party, it's members and believers, and the POTUS struggling with an agenda that has been taken out of their hands and framed by lies, deceit and underhanded politics by the other side.

The mood of the country in 2008 was clear as Democrats (and progressive Independents) were elected to every branch of the government across the board. Obama stumped throughout the country with the mantra of "change we can believe in," and it was the basis upon which he was elected President. There was absolutely no interest in continuing along the path that the Bush Administration and the Republicans had forced down the American public's throat. That much was CLEAR.

I have no clue what happened between Obama being elected, and the present status of politics in Washington. It is like nothing has changed. Absolutely, nothing. The corporations are in control, as usual, and have taken over the talking points in every media that exists, be it television, radio, newspapers or the internet. The naysayers are minimal in numbers, in reality, but the corporate interest groups that do not want "change we can believe in" are mobilized and well financed enough to keep things status quo, while also making it appear that mainstream Americans, by a clear majority, don't want change!

And now, the SCOTUS may very well rule in a narrow manner on a case before it that will allow corporations unlimited abilities to contribute to campaigns. It's not enough that corporations dominate the landscape and dictate to America what they want Americans to believe, to buy, to do, etc. We've been fighting the lobby groups for a number of years now, but if the ruling goes the way of the corporations, Americans can basically kiss this country goodbye. The expansion of wealth to a minor few, at the expense of the American worker, will become so extreme, that it will not be possible for this country to move forward. It will fail, plain and simple, because of economic stress among the majority of Americans.

What disturbs me the most is the complacency of the liberals and progressives. Sure, the blogs and netroots are all over it, and it is impressive that through ActBlue the netroots raised about $400,000 in four days to distribute to the progressives in congress that are bucking the Republican minority and the President on the public option part of the health care reform bills currently pending in congress. Perhaps, despite the probability of failure, it is these progressive blogs that will work tirelessly to replace the DINO to real Democrats and real Independent and progressive congresscritters.

If after all the work done on the ground in this country to elect politicians that were supposed to change the framework of government, all we get is more of the same, there really is nothing left to do but just wait for the self-destruct button to finally be hit.

And we have no one else to blame but ourselves.

Never Forget, redux

Like DJ Rix, I got my new computer up and running today. It has bugs, and it's top of the line, newer generation, so most of my old school programming can't compute with this new generation. I had to reset all my icons (just Windows, only, I don't have time to do that in a day, sheesh!).

I went to work today, mostly because we had the holiday on Monday, and I took Tuesday off. I generally don't work on 9/11.

My heart is always heavy on this day.

Never forget.