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Matt Taibbi: How Obama Sold Out America
Commented Dec 11, 2009 at 02:32:33 in Politics
“Matt Taibbi writes:
“Incredibly, Froman did not resign from the bank when he went to work for Obama: He remained in the employ of Citigroup for two more months, even as he helped appoint the very people who would shape the future of his own firm. And to help him pick Obama's economic team, Froman brought in none other than Jamie Rubin, a former Clinton diplomat who happens to be Bob Rubin's son. At the time, Jamie's dad was still earning roughly $15 million a year working for Citigroup, which was in the midst of a collapse brought on in part because Rubin had pushed the bank to invest heavily in mortgage-backed CDOs and other risky instrument
Jamie Rubin is not the son of Robert Rubin. Jamie’s father is the publisher Harvey Rubin and his wife Judith. I bet facts do not amount to nothing for conspiracy theorists.”
“Incredibly, Froman did not resign from the bank when he went to work for Obama: He remained in the employ of Citigroup for two more months, even as he helped appoint the very people who would shape the future of his own firm. And to help him pick Obama's economic team, Froman brought in none other than Jamie Rubin, a former Clinton diplomat who happens to be Bob Rubin's son. At the time, Jamie's dad was still earning roughly $15 million a year working for Citigroup, which was in the midst of a collapse brought on in part because Rubin had pushed the bank to invest heavily in mortgage-backed CDOs and other risky instrument
Jamie Rubin is not the son of Robert Rubin. Jamie’s father is the publisher Harvey Rubin and his wife Judith. I bet facts do not amount to nothing for conspiracy theorists.”
station agent replied on Dec 11, 2009 at 03:52:51
“Looks like you're the one who screwed up Edmonsky: there are two Rubins in the top levels of gov't today: the one you are talking about: the current informal foreign policy advisor to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. The son of Harvey Rubin...
And...the Jamie Rubin who is Robert Rubin's son...the one that Matt Taibbi is talking about: here is an excerpt from the Times on who he is:
"Obama is expected to soon announce the appointment of another Rubin protégé, Peter Orszag, as White House budget director. And even the headhunters for Obama have Rubin ties: Michael Froman, who was Rubin's chief of staff in the Treasury Department and followed him to Citigroup, and James Rubin, Robert Rubin's son." (November 24, 2008) Business Section
i think you owe Matt Taibbi an apology.”
And...the Jamie Rubin who is Robert Rubin's son...the one that Matt Taibbi is talking about: here is an excerpt from the Times on who he is:
"Obama is expected to soon announce the appointment of another Rubin protégé, Peter Orszag, as White House budget director. And even the headhunters for Obama have Rubin ties: Michael Froman, who was Rubin's chief of staff in the Treasury Department and followed him to Citigroup, and James Rubin, Robert Rubin's son." (November 24, 2008) Business Section
i think you owe Matt Taibbi an apology.”
evekendall replied on Dec 11, 2009 at 02:55:03
“Yes, the Rubin discussion took place earlier.
James Philip "Jamie" Rubin (born 1960 in New York City),
is the son of son of publisher Harvey Rubin and his wife, Judith,
and is married to Christiane Amanpour.
More:
http://en.
James Samuel "Jamie" Rubin (born 1967),
is the son of Robert E. Rubin and his wife, Gretchen Rubin.
More:
http://lit
I think there is some doubt about which Jamie Rubin Taibbi is referring to.”
James Philip "Jamie" Rubin (born 1960 in New York City),
is the son of son of publisher Harvey Rubin and his wife, Judith,
and is married to Christiane Amanpour.
More:
http://en.
James Samuel "Jamie" Rubin (born 1967),
is the son of Robert E. Rubin and his wife, Gretchen Rubin.
More:
http://lit
I think there is some doubt about which Jamie Rubin Taibbi is referring to.”
platanoman replied on Dec 11, 2009 at 02:43:11
“He keeps making this mistake. That's why i have a hard time taking Taibbi seriously. Plus, Jamie Rubin is a respected foreign policy ADVISER. I know Taibbi is not that dumb. Also, Froman is a good friend of Obama.”
Matt Taibbi: How Obama Sold Out America
Commented Dec 11, 2009 at 01:44:12 in Politics
“http://bus
“This Eric Martin post reminds me that a number of you have asked me what I thought of Matt Taibbi's Rolling Stone piece on Goldman Sachs. What I think, sadly, is that Matt Taibbi is becoming the Sarah Palin of journalism. He seems to deliberately eschew understanding his subjects, because only corrupt, pointy-headed financial journalists who have been co-opted by the system do that. And Matt Taibbi is here to save you from those pointy headed elites.”
Megan McArdle”
“This Eric Martin post reminds me that a number of you have asked me what I thought of Matt Taibbi's Rolling Stone piece on Goldman Sachs. What I think, sadly, is that Matt Taibbi is becoming the Sarah Palin of journalism. He seems to deliberately eschew understanding his subjects, because only corrupt, pointy-headed financial journalists who have been co-opted by the system do that. And Matt Taibbi is here to save you from those pointy headed elites.”
Megan McArdle”
PBMac replied on Dec 11, 2009 at 01:57:17
“Give me a break! Obama is waffling for the fat cats and everyone who actually works for a living is paying for it. I for one saw it coming in his campaign. Taibbi may become the Cassandra of our times: he tells the truth but nobody listens. What is there to understand in Taibbi's analysis? It seems very cut and dried to me: we the ordinary citizen are screwed. Has this Megan McArdie looked for a job lately?”
Matt Taibbi: How Obama Sold Out America
Commented Dec 11, 2009 at 01:43:13 in Politics
“http://bus
”Taibbi is a gifted narrative journalist, whose verbal talents I greatly admire. But financial meltdowns don't offer villains, for the simple reason that no one person or even one group is powerful enough to take down a whole system. Confronted with this, Taibbi doesn't back away from the narrative form, or apply it to smaller questions where it is more appropriate, as William Cohan did in House of Cards. Instead, he grabs whoever's nearest to hand and builds them up into a gigantic straw villian, which he proceeds to bash with a handful of recently acquired technical terms that he clearly doesn't quite understand. It's not that everything he says is wrong, but the bits that are true aren't interesting, and the bits that are interesting aren't true. The whole thing dissolves into the kind of conspiracy theory he so ably lampooned in The Great Derangement. The result is something that's not even wrong. It's just incoherent
”Taibbi is a gifted narrative journalist, whose verbal talents I greatly admire. But financial meltdowns don't offer villains, for the simple reason that no one person or even one group is powerful enough to take down a whole system. Confronted with this, Taibbi doesn't back away from the narrative form, or apply it to smaller questions where it is more appropriate, as William Cohan did in House of Cards. Instead, he grabs whoever's nearest to hand and builds them up into a gigantic straw villian, which he proceeds to bash with a handful of recently acquired technical terms that he clearly doesn't quite understand. It's not that everything he says is wrong, but the bits that are true aren't interesting, and the bits that are interesting aren't true. The whole thing dissolves into the kind of conspiracy theory he so ably lampooned in The Great Derangement. The result is something that's not even wrong. It's just incoherent
Steven Duke replied on Dec 11, 2009 at 01:48:45
“30 years of reagonomics, deregulation, "free trade" tax breaks for the rich...
Its called neo-liberal economics. The Chicago School, Milton Friedman
Read the article...
stop defending something that doesn't deserve to be defended”
Its called neo-liberal economics. The Chicago School, Milton Friedman
Read the article...
stop defending something that doesn't deserve to be defended”
JackRusselTerrier replied on Dec 11, 2009 at 01:47:29
“BS - The article you cite is pure spin and propaganda_.
Read up on the great depression. A small group of men caused that too.”
Read up on the great depression. A small group of men caused that too.”
cavegal replied on Dec 11, 2009 at 01:47:19
“If you believe Megan McArdle, the shill used by Wall Street propagandists, then you deserve to lose any money you have invested in Wall Street. Hope you haven't invested in companies doing business in China. Look up Jim Chanos of Kykinos associates who is shorting all companies doing business in China. He's the guy who made a fortune off of shorting Enron stock after deducing their financial statements did not make any sense.”
Christina Romer, White House Economics Adviser, Dodges Questions About Windfall Profits Tax On "Morning Meeting" (VIDEO)
Commented Dec 05, 2009 at 00:51:38 in Politics
“I have utmost respect for those who think that Dylan Ratigan is the best thing to happen to mankind since slicebread. I only beg to differ. Dylan comes across as the smartest guy in the room, too exuberant and loquacious.
Christina Romer did not dodge his question but rather treated him with kid’s glove. Professor Romer is not allowed by protocol to make unauthorized policy statements. She is not a freelance economic adviser. She is constrained to follow chain of command consistent with her job classification. It is only the President that approves executive policies or by person(s) he delegates to do so.
All economic and fiscal policies under Obama’s administration go through Larry Summers, the director of the White House National Economic Council. Larry Summers brings the President up to speed through memoranda and conferencing in concert with secretary of treasury (Geithner) and Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers (Ms Romer). Dylan was asking Ms Romer to answer questions above her pay grade. If she did, she would have lost her job.”
Christina Romer did not dodge his question but rather treated him with kid’s glove. Professor Romer is not allowed by protocol to make unauthorized policy statements. She is not a freelance economic adviser. She is constrained to follow chain of command consistent with her job classification. It is only the President that approves executive policies or by person(s) he delegates to do so.
All economic and fiscal policies under Obama’s administration go through Larry Summers, the director of the White House National Economic Council. Larry Summers brings the President up to speed through memoranda and conferencing in concert with secretary of treasury (Geithner) and Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers (Ms Romer). Dylan was asking Ms Romer to answer questions above her pay grade. If she did, she would have lost her job.”
hearmeloudandclear replied on Dec 05, 2009 at 09:32:43
“Too-too full of himself. I can't watch anymore. The rudeness, interruptions, fast-talk 5-minute introductions to his questions -- too much for me.
I did see Ms Romer - and could see her expression - she KNEW what I know -- ...it was a futile, fruitless, one-way conversation -- Dillion likes hearing his own voice.”
I did see Ms Romer - and could see her expression - she KNEW what I know -- ...it was a futile, fruitless, one-way conversation -- Dillion likes hearing his own voice.”
mannapat replied on Dec 05, 2009 at 01:56:27
“Agreed. I don't think she was being evasive...
Orszag Curiously Circumspect About Unemployment Insurance Extension (VIDEO)
Commented Nov 05, 2009 at 00:27:41 in Politics
“Dylan Ratigan wrote:
http://www
“This is why I think we must ask if U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is still the right person for the job. It has become clear recently that, back in his previous role as New York Federal Reserve Governor, he unnecessarily gave billions of dollars of US tax money to banks and insurance companies with few strings attached.”
This is yellow journalism at its worst. TARP is an Act of Congress enacted October 3, 2008 and signed into law by President George Bush. It is known as Public Law 110-343 (Pub.L. 110-343, 122 Stat. 3765. TARP allows the US Dept. of the Treasury to purchase or insure up to $700 billion of troubled assets. New York Federal Reserve is not part of US Treasury authorized to pay TARP money.”
http://www
“This is why I think we must ask if U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is still the right person for the job. It has become clear recently that, back in his previous role as New York Federal Reserve Governor, he unnecessarily gave billions of dollars of US tax money to banks and insurance companies with few strings attached.”
This is yellow journalism at its worst. TARP is an Act of Congress enacted October 3, 2008 and signed into law by President George Bush. It is known as Public Law 110-343 (Pub.L. 110-343, 122 Stat. 3765. TARP allows the US Dept. of the Treasury to purchase or insure up to $700 billion of troubled assets. New York Federal Reserve is not part of US Treasury authorized to pay TARP money.”
Orszag Curiously Circumspect About Unemployment Insurance Extension (VIDEO)
Commented Nov 04, 2009 at 20:33:28 in Politics
“Xlntcat:
Thank you for your enlightened views. How would Larry Summers oppose extending unemployment benefits and still has his job in the White House. Smearing Larry Summers and Tim Geithner is the best entertaining sport amongst the progressives.”
Thank you for your enlightened views. How would Larry Summers oppose extending unemployment benefits and still has his job in the White House. Smearing Larry Summers and Tim Geithner is the best entertaining sport amongst the progressives.”
Solja replied on Nov 04, 2009 at 21:12:55
“I agree.”
Public Option: Progressives Take Aim At Rahm, Demand White House Take A Stronger Stance
Commented Oct 23, 2009 at 14:16:26 in Politics
“When Obama was campaigning for president in 2008, he did not at any time campaigned on “public option” legislation for healthcare.
He campaigned on creation of a National Health Insurance Exchange in which private insurers would offer coverage as generous as the government's plan, with new regulations requiring them to accept and not penalize anyone regardless of pre-existing conditions. Obama regularly cites the type of insurance members of the Congress have under a similar Exchange.”
He campaigned on creation of a National Health Insurance Exchange in which private insurers would offer coverage as generous as the government's plan, with new regulations requiring them to accept and not penalize anyone regardless of pre-existing conditions. Obama regularly cites the type of insurance members of the Congress have under a similar Exchange.”
windup replied on Oct 23, 2009 at 14:32:59
“"private insurers would offer coverage as generous as the government's plan"
That won't happen unless there IS a public option they have to compete with. It's a necessity if we actually want REFORM rather than a band-aid which will end up costing us all more. So he may not have used the word, but it's be the only thing that can achieve the goal.”
That won't happen unless there IS a public option they have to compete with. It's a necessity if we actually want REFORM rather than a band-aid which will end up costing us all more. So he may not have used the word, but it's be the only thing that can achieve the goal.”
Henk replied on Oct 23, 2009 at 14:23:02
“Yes if he don't campaign on it he doesn't have to support it. No matter that it's supported by the majority of the people and the party. No matter that it saves, lives, family finances and government money, he didn't run on it so just because WE ALL WANT it, doesn't mean OUR president needs to support it.”
honoursplendor replied on Oct 23, 2009 at 14:21:08
“Using, you know, "facts" to support your logical statements won't work with people committed to only one view. ;--)”
Head Count: House Progressives Preparing For Public Option Showdown
Commented Sep 11, 2009 at 23:42:17 in Politics
“The trajectory is very clear.
House will pass legislation with public option.
Senate will pass theirs with no public option.
During the conference resolution, the final bill will pass without public option.
Most pundits with good political anthena know this for fact.”
House will pass legislation with public option.
Senate will pass theirs with no public option.
During the conference resolution, the final bill will pass without public option.
Most pundits with good political anthena know this for fact.”
ouroborous replied on Sep 12, 2009 at 03:03:46
“No, that's how Rahm et al wants it to roll.
We're not going to let that happen.”
We're not going to let that happen.”
Marcospinelli replied on Sep 12, 2009 at 00:00:21
“The same day that Speaker Pelosi and Leader Reid announced that they "would support any provision that increases competition and accessibility for health insurance - whether or not it is the public option favored by most Democrats" a chief lobbyist for UnitedHealth, Steve Elmendorf, sent an email blast inviting people to a $5,000/PAC or $2400/individual fundraiser in his home for Nancy Pelosi.
http://www
http://www
pearlone replied on Sep 11, 2009 at 23:51:51
“and next year there will be another bill, and another after that. By the end of Obama's second term we may even be single payer.”
LeftOfCenter44 replied on Sep 11, 2009 at 23:44:47
“Then President will veto or be a lame duck 1 term president. Simple.”
Obama's Health Care Speech: HuffPost Bloggers React
Commented Sep 09, 2009 at 22:33:36 in Politics
“You are asking a very cynical question. The issue is about insurance coverage. To obtain insurance coverage, you must present driver’s license and social security card. These identity cards are not issued to illegal immigrants.”
Geithner Defends Dealings With Goldman Sachs, Says Govt Officials Acted Appropriately
Commented Aug 22, 2009 at 08:51:49 in Business
“Democratic Party is not philosophically and politically a monolithic party with one set of point of view. The party is made up many constituencies and very often, with many irreconcilable differences. These irreconcilable differences are both the source of the Party’s strength and weakness. Strength because it admits of many groups, cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations and you name it. It is source of weakness because these constituencies on regular basis form a circular firing squad against one another.
Free market Democrats are seen as extension of Wall Street is pejorative terms. Social Democrats in the same fashion are unfairly stigmatized as stooges to the labor organizations.
Secretary Geithner, Larry Summers and those in their camp, as it were, are maliciously criminalized for having served in Bill Clinton’s administration as fiscal centrists.”
Free market Democrats are seen as extension of Wall Street is pejorative terms. Social Democrats in the same fashion are unfairly stigmatized as stooges to the labor organizations.
Secretary Geithner, Larry Summers and those in their camp, as it were, are maliciously criminalized for having served in Bill Clinton’s administration as fiscal centrists.”
Dems Who Backed Obama Tripping Up Reform
Commented Aug 20, 2009 at 16:10:38 in Politics
“Here are the reasons for bipartisanship.
Democrats have 60-senate seats on paper only. Senators Kennedy and Byrd are very sick and may not make it to vote if necessary. Furthermore, if something happens to Senator Kennedy, l pray it does not happen, his seat will be filled during special election.
To prevent fillibuster, you need 60-votes. Senators Colins and Olympia Snowe are republicans that are likely to vote with the Democrats, hence, providing the cushion if Senators Kennedy and Bryd could not make it.
Preaching bipartisanship appeals to the Independents, who most of the time hold sway to national elections. If you offend the Independents to the level they write you off, the midterm election is going to provide sweeping waves against election or re-election of Democrats to national offices.
Buget Reconciliation bill has limitations and strings attached to it. It has to be the solution of last resort.”
Democrats have 60-senate seats on paper only. Senators Kennedy and Byrd are very sick and may not make it to vote if necessary. Furthermore, if something happens to Senator Kennedy, l pray it does not happen, his seat will be filled during special election.
To prevent fillibuster, you need 60-votes. Senators Colins and Olympia Snowe are republicans that are likely to vote with the Democrats, hence, providing the cushion if Senators Kennedy and Bryd could not make it.
Preaching bipartisanship appeals to the Independents, who most of the time hold sway to national elections. If you offend the Independents to the level they write you off, the midterm election is going to provide sweeping waves against election or re-election of Democrats to national offices.
Buget Reconciliation bill has limitations and strings attached to it. It has to be the solution of last resort.”
White House Insists It Still Wants Bipartisan Health Bill
Commented Aug 19, 2009 at 12:49:06 in Politics
“Universal Healthcare Legislation cannot pass without bipartisanship. Democrats do not have the 60-Senate votes to cut off fillibuster. Senators Kennedy and Bryd are sick and have not shown up to the Senate for a while. We saw that Senator Kennedy could not attend his sister’s funeral.
Bipartisanship is more or less geared towards the two Senators Olympia Snow and Susan Collins from Maine.”
Bipartisanship is more or less geared towards the two Senators Olympia Snow and Susan Collins from Maine.”
Antifascist-08 replied on Aug 19, 2009 at 13:42:04
“Old news.”
keepemhonest replied on Aug 19, 2009 at 13:30:39
“Ed,
Dream on ... Kennedy will NOT miss the vote due to illness - you can take that to the bank.”
Dream on ... Kennedy will NOT miss the vote due to illness - you can take that to the bank.”
Where Is Kent Conrad Getting His Whip Count?
Commented Aug 17, 2009 at 21:11:25 in Politics
“Legislative process is complex and intricate. Many people are prejudging the process without firm grip on how the process works. Politics is like a chess and you must not show your hand but keep your oponent guessing your moves. On this healthcare legislation, the next step is for the Senate Finance Committee to present their bill. Before that, President Obama has to be dancing sideways, front and back to avoid killing the bill in the Senate Finance Committee. Once the bill is out, the next step is to get committed 60 Senators to prevent fillibuster. It is very important to understand that a Senator may vote against fillibuster and still vote against the bill in up and down vote.
What matters in the final analysis is that Democrats in the Senate has 51 votes, including the VP for public option to pass in up and down votes.”
What matters in the final analysis is that Democrats in the Senate has 51 votes, including the VP for public option to pass in up and down votes.”
Obama Administration: DOMA, Anti-Gay Marriage Law, Unfair
Commented Aug 17, 2009 at 13:45:06 in Politics
“Squirtapotamus:
The essence of commenting is to be inform or be informed by you and your readers. You know that Prosecution can choose to or not to bring charges against a person who abridged the law. That is discretionary depending on what charges and the resources available to win the case and other reasons. But when a citizen or anybody brings up case to the court challenging any existing law or constitutional provisions, it is absolutely imperative that the Justice Department defends such existing law. If DOJ fails to depend such law, it is absolute dereliction of duty and the person responsible for making such decision has lost his job and could face any retribution under the law. By implication, refusal to depend existing law has invalidated the law passed by the Congress.
US President swears oath to defend the constitution and existing law of the country. If a President is found complicit in preventing the defense of US law, he or she is exposed to impeachment and subsequent criminal charges if there were ones. Please, do not allow your self-interest in any issue to blind your reasoning capacity.”
The essence of commenting is to be inform or be informed by you and your readers. You know that Prosecution can choose to or not to bring charges against a person who abridged the law. That is discretionary depending on what charges and the resources available to win the case and other reasons. But when a citizen or anybody brings up case to the court challenging any existing law or constitutional provisions, it is absolutely imperative that the Justice Department defends such existing law. If DOJ fails to depend such law, it is absolute dereliction of duty and the person responsible for making such decision has lost his job and could face any retribution under the law. By implication, refusal to depend existing law has invalidated the law passed by the Congress.
US President swears oath to defend the constitution and existing law of the country. If a President is found complicit in preventing the defense of US law, he or she is exposed to impeachment and subsequent criminal charges if there were ones. Please, do not allow your self-interest in any issue to blind your reasoning capacity.”
wandering girl replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 13:59:24
“thank you for clarifying this for those of us who confuse emotion with facts.
DOMA *is* unconstitutional, but it is also *law*. ANY administration that wishes to do away with it must go through these sometimes impenetrable mazes first.
but it *will* happen.”
DOMA *is* unconstitutional, but it is also *law*. ANY administration that wishes to do away with it must go through these sometimes impenetrable mazes first.
but it *will* happen.”
DevonTexas replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 13:56:50
“You said, " If a President is found complicit in preventing the defense of US law, he or she is exposed to impeachment and subsequent criminal charges if there were ones. "
Where were you when Bush was committing War Crimes? That he avoided prsecution was the gov't "picking and choosing" of the higest order.”
Where were you when Bush was committing War Crimes? That he avoided prsecution was the gov't "picking and choosing" of the higest order.”
Howard Dean On Public Option: "You Can't Really Do Health Reform Without It"
Commented Aug 17, 2009 at 12:24:43 in Politics
“If there are not enough votes in the Senate for private option, why keep on hitting head against wall.
Governor Dean is over-stating the fact “we shouldn’t spend $60 billion a year subsidizing the insurance industry”. Gov. Dean also claimed that cooperatives have been tried and it did not work by citing Blue Cross Group Healthcare of Washington State that started as cooperative but turned into for profit healthcare insurance. The cooperative being proposed by Conrad is going to be a national healthcare insurance that can compete in the market place. It all depends on the seed money the government put upfront and the legislation establishing it.
Most current uninsured that are poor will be insured under expanded Medicaid program.”
Governor Dean is over-stating the fact “we shouldn’t spend $60 billion a year subsidizing the insurance industry”. Gov. Dean also claimed that cooperatives have been tried and it did not work by citing Blue Cross Group Healthcare of Washington State that started as cooperative but turned into for profit healthcare insurance. The cooperative being proposed by Conrad is going to be a national healthcare insurance that can compete in the market place. It all depends on the seed money the government put upfront and the legislation establishing it.
Most current uninsured that are poor will be insured under expanded Medicaid program.”
nogornc replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 12:32:40
“Maddow slammed the MTP panel on Sunday. "The debate is left to three republicans and three democrats instead of the full finance committee; one the republicans, Grassley, is spreading the death panel rhetoric and passing out Glenn Beck book." or something like that - zing!”
Haaretz: Obama's America Is Not Delivering The Goods
Commented Aug 17, 2009 at 11:57:45 in World
“What a drivel. Haaretz is wallowing in its shallowness. The former Senator Mitchell first established a commission that laid out the principles on non-violence in Northern Ireland that led to the Belfast Peace Agreement in 1998. That was three-year effort. People who are at war with each cannot suddenly become peace partners if the participating parties in a peace process do not accept ground rules.
Most Arabs linked to Israel-Palestinian conflict always think that American President can just ask Israel to jump and they will jump. It does not work that way. Israel is a strong American ally and both are sovereign states with mutual respects. Israel cannot come to the negotiating table if they choose not to. President Obama has laid out what he sees as obstacle to peace negotiation in the Middle-East and it is up to the parties to accept or continue with their conflicts.”
Most Arabs linked to Israel-Palestinian conflict always think that American President can just ask Israel to jump and they will jump. It does not work that way. Israel is a strong American ally and both are sovereign states with mutual respects. Israel cannot come to the negotiating table if they choose not to. President Obama has laid out what he sees as obstacle to peace negotiation in the Middle-East and it is up to the parties to accept or continue with their conflicts.”
courtb replied on Aug 18, 2009 at 01:51:35
“I think that is a very fair and accurate point.”
White House's Mixed Messages On "Public Option"
Commented Aug 17, 2009 at 01:46:59 in Politics
“Politics is chess game. You have to perpetually keep your oponent guessing. The Whitehouse is not going to rule anything in or out until the House and Senate pass healthcare legislation and goes to conference reconciliation. The President and Whitehouse will then make their position known. The reason is very simple. Conference reconciliation requires simple majority to have it passed.
The House version of healthcare legislation is going to contain public option. The Senate version is going to have cooperative option.
People who do not understand legislative process tend to see it in terms of black and white.
Currently, the thorny issue is unresolved policy questions about health funding mechanisms. That is what is being worked out.”
The House version of healthcare legislation is going to contain public option. The Senate version is going to have cooperative option.
People who do not understand legislative process tend to see it in terms of black and white.
Currently, the thorny issue is unresolved policy questions about health funding mechanisms. That is what is being worked out.”
pjkool replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 02:19:49
“I respect your opinion Edmonsky but I think I understand the legislative process too and the ingredient I don’t see here is leadership. If the President and the Democratic majorities in both houses had been on the same page from the start, we wouldn’t be on the brink of failing to bring meaningful healthcare reform to all Americans. In the end the buck stops with the president, pass or fail. That’s about as black and white as it gets.”
pattycifra replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 02:18:06
“Yes! Reshuffle priorities!”
TurkerB replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 02:15:03
“Not when you confuse your supporters or the public, then it becomes a disaster in the making!
Will President Obama get his administration on the same page regarding health care reform and what critical components NEED TO REMAIN on the plan (the public option being one of those items). What a twisted and befuddling mess, which is not helped when K. Sebelius confuses the listening public more with her statement on CNN.”
Will President Obama get his administration on the same page regarding health care reform and what critical components NEED TO REMAIN on the plan (the public option being one of those items). What a twisted and befuddling mess, which is not helped when K. Sebelius confuses the listening public more with her statement on CNN.”
SocialDemocracy replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 01:56:09
“Fund it by raising taxes on the rich and corporations and cutting defense spending, including closing military bases in Europe and Asia that were set up to fight an opponent that ceased to exist 20 years ago.”
mauibob replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 01:55:29
“We should require all citizens to buy health insurance. We do for auto insurance and this is equally important. That will fund most of it.”
iceage7 replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 01:55:21
“The decision has been made. No PO. The WH knows they dont have the votes period. Where in this statememnt above did they say PO is on table. Its just a preference. Just coz i prefer something does no mean i will get it. I prefer we all have HC tomorrow..
gmailliw replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 01:53:13
“Great comment.
But I think even funding is worked out.”
But I think even funding is worked out.”
chasethis replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 01:52:23
“I appreciate your clarity. Some of us here tend to go off on the deep end when we see a headline and do no further study.”
Nate Silver: There's Ample Reason For Dems To Be 'Deeply' Worried About 2010
Commented Aug 17, 2009 at 00:05:29 in Politics
“President Obama is going to sign into healthcare reform bill. People who are going to be disappointed are the progressives who want single-payer system or heavily government public option. Well structured co-op is going to serve the same function as government public option except being directly controlled by the government.
Expanded Medicard is going to cover many uninsured that are very poor to pay premiums. Those who are employed but cannot afford to pay the full premium will be susidized through government provided vouchers or tax credits.
Healthcare insurance is going to be regulated. There will be denying healthcare insurance for pre-existing conditions or droping insured when they are sick; there will be limits to premiums etc.”
Expanded Medicard is going to cover many uninsured that are very poor to pay premiums. Those who are employed but cannot afford to pay the full premium will be susidized through government provided vouchers or tax credits.
Healthcare insurance is going to be regulated. There will be denying healthcare insurance for pre-existing conditions or droping insured when they are sick; there will be limits to premiums etc.”
ran6110 replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 00:20:17
“I could go for that!”
Marcospinelli replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 00:15:55
“It's not going to get affordable quality health care for all.
Big Insurance is going to make huge profits from whatever Obama and Baucus are working on, and no one with a pre-existing condition or is sick but not dropped is getting insurance on the cheap. Either the policy-holder will pay the jacked-up rates, or the taxpayers will pick up the costs. But none of this will bring down the costs of medical care.
We're on the edge of the next cycle of foreclosures (commercial real estate for the first time and the second wave of home foreclosures), to be followed by increasing unemployment.
Are you understanding why Obama is refusing to unlink health insurance from employment, in spite of the fact that employers want to get out from under that burden?
Obama's refusal to go the route that Americans want, a single payer system like European nations and Canada have, has got nothing to do with "it would be too disruptive". It's got to do with many more millions of Americans are going to be out of work, and the government is going to be spending taxpayer money on wars, social security and Medicare and the interest on past money borrowed for wars and armaments.
We're on the verge of a humanitarian disaster right here at home.”
Big Insurance is going to make huge profits from whatever Obama and Baucus are working on, and no one with a pre-existing condition or is sick but not dropped is getting insurance on the cheap. Either the policy-holder will pay the jacked-up rates, or the taxpayers will pick up the costs. But none of this will bring down the costs of medical care.
We're on the edge of the next cycle of foreclosures (commercial real estate for the first time and the second wave of home foreclosures), to be followed by increasing unemployment.
Are you understanding why Obama is refusing to unlink health insurance from employment, in spite of the fact that employers want to get out from under that burden?
Obama's refusal to go the route that Americans want, a single payer system like European nations and Canada have, has got nothing to do with "it would be too disruptive". It's got to do with many more millions of Americans are going to be out of work, and the government is going to be spending taxpayer money on wars, social security and Medicare and the interest on past money borrowed for wars and armaments.
We're on the verge of a humanitarian disaster right here at home.”
fcsakes replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 00:14:24
“"...There will be denying healthcare insurance for pre-existing conditions or droping insured when they are sick; there will be limits to premiums etc..."
What does this mean?”
What does this mean?”
bluecollarblogger replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 00:12:32
“here here, someone that is paying attention.
mooregardening replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 00:09:51
“"All you need is Hope" - Revised lyrics from "All you need is love" = D.”
beautyontheinside replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 00:07:27
“fanned and faved!”
Sebelius: Public Health Care Option "Not The Essential Element"
Commented Aug 16, 2009 at 18:00:35 in Politics
“I have a question for some of you. How many Senators are politically progressive in ideology and philosophy? I cannot count up to ten. Please help.
It is the height of idiocy to say that President Obama caved in to Republican demands on healthcare legislation. The President, Progressives and some liberal Democrats want “public option”. In the Senate, there are not enough Progressives and Liberals to pass healthcare with public option. Conservative Democrats are against “public option”. In Congress, if you do not have enough votes to pass legislation, the proposed legislation is dead. President Bush wanted immigration reform but there were not enough votes to pass it in Republican Congress, and it died a natural death.”
It is the height of idiocy to say that President Obama caved in to Republican demands on healthcare legislation. The President, Progressives and some liberal Democrats want “public option”. In the Senate, there are not enough Progressives and Liberals to pass healthcare with public option. Conservative Democrats are against “public option”. In Congress, if you do not have enough votes to pass legislation, the proposed legislation is dead. President Bush wanted immigration reform but there were not enough votes to pass it in Republican Congress, and it died a natural death.”
AccMoto replied on Aug 16, 2009 at 18:17:22
“Boxer, Brown, Burriss (sheesh), Dodd, Durbin, Feingold, Frankin, Kennedy, Kerry (weenie), Leahy, Levin, Sanders, Schumer. Reid (moron) blows with the wind.”
Ryan Grim On The White House Deal With Big Pharma (VIDEO)
Commented Aug 14, 2009 at 16:37:58 in Politics
“Progressive mandate is out of the mainstream. Nobody who runs on Progressive plat-form will ever win the president. Ralph Nader, Dennis Kucinich are some of the examples. President Obama did not run on the progressive platform. Senator Obama did not campaign on single-payer system and never believed in nationalizing banks and healthcare industries.”
devildog21 replied on Aug 14, 2009 at 17:29:11
Big Pharma Lobbyist On White House Deal: "It's Counterproductive To Keep Talking About It"
Commented Aug 14, 2009 at 16:28:31 in Politics
“The reason Obama wants the universal healthcare bill to pass before the August break is because of past histories. The opponents of universal healthcare legislation are interested in killing the bill through manufactured lies and distortions. If the opponents are going to argue based on reason, facts and logic, then having public debate should be a welcome idea. What has healthcare legislation got to do with Hitler, assassinating president and his family and things of that nature.”
Big Pharma Lobbyist On White House Deal: "It's Counterproductive To Keep Talking About It"
Commented Aug 14, 2009 at 16:22:38 in Politics
“Obama’s official budge for medicare program is $486 billions for 2009.
http://www
CBO projection for Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP for 2009 Prescription drug program is $59.5 billion
http://www
Budget is a projection on tax revenue. If the Medicare drug prescription is say $40 billion, and the drug companies agree to contribute $8 billion to universal healthcare, what is so abnormal or nefarious with the plan? This will leave Pharma with $32 billion, gross.
Even in Canada, the cost of prescription drug in relation to US is $0.65 per $1. Commonsense dictates that by contributing $8 billion per year for universal healthcare has already eliminated the benefits that will accrue from bulk purchases overseas. This is a non-issue since the deal is for public good.”
http://www
CBO projection for Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP for 2009 Prescription drug program is $59.5 billion
http://www
Budget is a projection on tax revenue. If the Medicare drug prescription is say $40 billion, and the drug companies agree to contribute $8 billion to universal healthcare, what is so abnormal or nefarious with the plan? This will leave Pharma with $32 billion, gross.
Even in Canada, the cost of prescription drug in relation to US is $0.65 per $1. Commonsense dictates that by contributing $8 billion per year for universal healthcare has already eliminated the benefits that will accrue from bulk purchases overseas. This is a non-issue since the deal is for public good.”
Ryan Grim On The White House Deal With Big Pharma (VIDEO)
Commented Aug 14, 2009 at 14:51:41 in Politics
“Lawrence O’Donnell has written articles in Huff Post. He has lots of legislative experience. He was Chief of Staff to US Senate Committee on Finance from 1993 through 1995. He was in the room during the negotiations on healthcare legislation under President Clinton. He has first-hand knowledge that on matters relating to universal healthcare reform, who has all the cards is not the President or the Senate leader but the chairperson of Senate Finance Committee. If Senator Baucus does not support the President on universal healthcare legislation, it is all over. At the interim, the President has no advantage over him to compel any result to his liking. Down the road, he could lose his chairmanship after the election cycle or he may not receive campaign funding for re-election from DNC. In fact, President Obama has been massaging Senator Baucus for favors. President Obama chose his deputy chief of staff, a former chief of staff to Senator Baucus as a backdoor contact to his former boss.”
coecoce replied on Aug 14, 2009 at 14:59:59
“actually, "we the people" have all the cards...
our vote every four years trumps everything else.
so our job is to make sure we get what we voted for (if we won, which we did...).
republicans did not vote for this, and so their job is to pressure their representatives to oppose this (unless of course they want to have healthcare, now & in the future).
if progressives are serious about getting universal health care, we need to make
sure that OUR representatives clearly understand what is at stake (their job).
we won the election, now it's time to implement that election platforms.”
our vote every four years trumps everything else.
so our job is to make sure we get what we voted for (if we won, which we did...).
republicans did not vote for this, and so their job is to pressure their representatives to oppose this (unless of course they want to have healthcare, now & in the future).
if progressives are serious about getting universal health care, we need to make
sure that OUR representatives clearly understand what is at stake (their job).
we won the election, now it's time to implement that election platforms.”
devildog21 replied on Aug 14, 2009 at 14:58:01
“And if President Obama had the resolve that LBJ had in getting the Civil Rights Act passed, he would get health care done. Maybe if Senator Baucus were to have a DNC sponsored opponent in his next election, he might consider do the right thing for the country.
Unfortunately, the only similarity between the two is the escalation of an unecessary war.”
Unfortunately, the only similarity between the two is the escalation of an unecessary war.”
Ryan Grim On The White House Deal With Big Pharma (VIDEO)
Commented Aug 14, 2009 at 14:45:47 in Politics
“http://voi
Nancy-Ann DeParle is the director of the White House Office on Health Reform. Interviewed by Ezra Klein of Washington Post
Ezra Klein:
Is that locked in stone? Will you protect them from further savings?
Nancy-Ann DeParle:
No. We support the number. The policies are what the Senate Finance Committee and the House bill enacts. We have to see what they end up with.”
Nancy-Ann DeParle is the director of the White House Office on Health Reform. Interviewed by Ezra Klein of Washington Post
Ezra Klein:
Is that locked in stone? Will you protect them from further savings?
Nancy-Ann DeParle:
No. We support the number. The policies are what the Senate Finance Committee and the House bill enacts. We have to see what they end up with.”
Ryan Grim On The White House Deal With Big Pharma (VIDEO)
Commented Aug 14, 2009 at 14:45:03 in Politics
“http://voi
Nancy-Ann DeParle is the director of the White House Office on Health Reform. Interviewed by Ezra Klein of Washington Post
Ezra Klein:
There's been a lot of talk lately about this deal with the pharmaceutical industry. Want to set the record straight on that?
Nancy-Ann DeParle:
Sen. Baucus was sitting down with various sectors in the health care industry with the organizing principle being everyone will benefit from health-care reform and everyone will have to help pay for it. You have to give a contribution towards this. There need to be savings.
We had proposed as part of our budget around $95 billion from our industry. They came forward and after some negotiations, said $80 billion is a number we can support. Having been through many budget reconciliation and health-care negotiations in my career in Washington, if you can get an industry to offer $80 billion in savings when you only wanted $90 billion, that's a good give-and-take. We agreed to support the number and we support the fact that one of the policies in there is the deep discounting of drugs in the donut hole. That's about four million seniors a year, and it's their number one issue of concern, if you look at the polling.”
Nancy-Ann DeParle is the director of the White House Office on Health Reform. Interviewed by Ezra Klein of Washington Post
Ezra Klein:
There's been a lot of talk lately about this deal with the pharmaceutical industry. Want to set the record straight on that?
Nancy-Ann DeParle:
Sen. Baucus was sitting down with various sectors in the health care industry with the organizing principle being everyone will benefit from health-care reform and everyone will have to help pay for it. You have to give a contribution towards this. There need to be savings.
We had proposed as part of our budget around $95 billion from our industry. They came forward and after some negotiations, said $80 billion is a number we can support. Having been through many budget reconciliation and health-care negotiations in my career in Washington, if you can get an industry to offer $80 billion in savings when you only wanted $90 billion, that's a good give-and-take. We agreed to support the number and we support the fact that one of the policies in there is the deep discounting of drugs in the donut hole. That's about four million seniors a year, and it's their number one issue of concern, if you look at the polling.”
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