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White House, Fox News Meeting: Gibbs Met With Fox News Exec
Commented Oct 29, 2009 at 16:38:05 in Media
“About what? Are you saying that General Electric, one of the biggest defense contractors leans to the left? Or do you deny that Roger Ailes worked for Nixon and other Republicans? I am not sure to what joke you are are referring.”
White House, Fox News Meeting: Gibbs Met With Fox News Exec
Commented Oct 29, 2009 at 15:42:21 in Media
“Fox News is managed and operated by Roger Ailes.who is a former Republican leader and spokesperson and owned by the avowed Australian conservative Rupert Murdoch. . That is enough to understand that Fox News is a nothing more than a channel for Republican and conservative propaganda.
On the other side MSNBC is owned jointly by Microsoft and General Electric the partent company of NBC. It would be hard pressed to identify either as having a Democratic or Liberal bias.”
On the other side MSNBC is owned jointly by Microsoft and General Electric the partent company of NBC. It would be hard pressed to identify either as having a Democratic or Liberal bias.”
WalkTheTalk replied on Oct 29, 2009 at 15:50:11
“Actually Roger Alies worked for... the .... NIXON administration! Really! He was the PR guy for Nixon. Nuff said!!”
jordan327 replied on Oct 29, 2009 at 15:48:02
“You are joking i hope.”
Too Big To Fail, Too Small To Survive: Small Bank Failures Mount, While Big Banks' Profits Soar
Commented Oct 29, 2009 at 15:33:06 in Business
“15 years ago my business began doing business with a medium size NJ bank, They were bought by a bigger bank, which was bought by an even bigger bank which was bought by Bank of America.
Now, thanks to the recession and a 30% reduction of sales, this bank, which has received billions in government bailouts with the intent to ease credit is actually tightening our credit and squeezing us with higher asset requirements and higher interest rates. This despite the fact that we have never missed a single loan payment.
Since we have shown a loss for the last year due to the recession it is almost impossible to now go to another bank and try to get a new credit line or capital financing.
To me this treatment is outrageous and if anyone thinks this bailout has helped main street or small business in general they are seriously mistaken.”
Now, thanks to the recession and a 30% reduction of sales, this bank, which has received billions in government bailouts with the intent to ease credit is actually tightening our credit and squeezing us with higher asset requirements and higher interest rates. This despite the fact that we have never missed a single loan payment.
Since we have shown a loss for the last year due to the recession it is almost impossible to now go to another bank and try to get a new credit line or capital financing.
To me this treatment is outrageous and if anyone thinks this bailout has helped main street or small business in general they are seriously mistaken.”
batmancw replied on Oct 29, 2009 at 16:44:20
“You're preachin' to the choir paulfree. This situation is SO wrong, I can't find the words for it.”
Seething Dems Hit Back At Report That Public Option Is Dead In House
Commented Oct 23, 2009 at 12:21:46 in Politics
“Most states require you to purchase Auto Insurance from a private company in order to get a license or registration. Now you may argue that driving is optional but for many people that do not have access to public transportation it is a necessity. So if they can do it with auto insurance I am not sure how it would be unconstitutional to do it for health insurance.”
Seething Dems Hit Back At Report That Public Option Is Dead In House
Commented Oct 23, 2009 at 11:18:24 in Politics
“Why isn't the same argument made when we commit troops to Afghanistan or iraq?. It seems the debt is only an issue when the spending is on anything other than the military.”
luvbeingright replied on Oct 23, 2009 at 11:23:26
“Obama set the terms for Hc reform, deficit neutral”
"Sell The Vatican Save The World": Sarah Silverman's Campaign To End Hunger (VIDEO)
Commented Oct 14, 2009 at 16:47:27 in Comedy
“Ever hear of the Inquisition????”
Sotomayor Asks More Questions In An Hour Than Thomas Has In Years
Commented Oct 07, 2009 at 10:43:49 in Politics
“You mean as opposed to conservatives who support the Birther movement. Or suggest the possibility of a military coup against the govenment?”
Sotomayor Asks More Questions In An Hour Than Thomas Has In Years
Commented Oct 06, 2009 at 19:22:42 in Politics
“Clarence is too busy watching "Long Dong Silver" on his IPOD.”
PharmaMan replied on Oct 06, 2009 at 19:55:34
“Why do Progressives make such bigoted comments?”
barrycourage replied on Oct 06, 2009 at 19:28:16
“And after the oral arguments, he goes to lunch with his colleagues and treats them to a round of Cokes.
They all make sure the cans are sealed before they drink, 'though.”
They all make sure the cans are sealed before they drink, 'though.”
Cameron Todd Willingham: Texas Governor Dismisses 3 Commission Members Just 48 Hours Before Arson Review
Commented Sep 30, 2009 at 23:38:27 in Politics
“I have heard that they are going to introduce public hangings during halftime at all Dallas Cowboy games. If that works out they can bring in the lions (not Detroit) and and gladiators to deal with the criminals and dissidents. Heck it worked in Rome and the Colliseum is stall drawing tourists two thousand years later.”
Reuters Health Care Poll: Most Americans Would Pay Higher Taxes For Reform
Commented Sep 30, 2009 at 16:39:02 in Politics
“Checked your credit card rates lately?”
Reuters Health Care Poll: Most Americans Would Pay Higher Taxes For Reform
Commented Sep 30, 2009 at 15:22:39 in Politics
“Raise gas prices - shrug
Raise insurance premiums - shrug
Raise cable costs - shrug
Raise utility costs - shrug
Raise interest rates - shrug
Raise Taxes - Lets have a tea party.......
Why don't we spend more time getting up in arms about the things that are really taking money out of our pockets not to better the country but to line the pockets of these CEOs making 7 and 8 figure paychecks.”
Raise insurance premiums - shrug
Raise cable costs - shrug
Raise utility costs - shrug
Raise interest rates - shrug
Raise Taxes - Lets have a tea party.......
Why don't we spend more time getting up in arms about the things that are really taking money out of our pockets not to better the country but to line the pockets of these CEOs making 7 and 8 figure paychecks.”
abbyrose86 replied on Sep 30, 2009 at 18:30:46
“Well said!”
Chris replied on Sep 30, 2009 at 15:58:36
“Gas prices went up and peole were outraged last summer. Congress members were so afraid of peoples reaction that they actually voted on allowing drilling.
When did itnerest rates rise? They have been low for some time.
Cable is a luxury not a neccissity.”
When did itnerest rates rise? They have been low for some time.
Cable is a luxury not a neccissity.”
rosal replied on Sep 30, 2009 at 15:51:39
“What a great observation. Email this to your representatives, and re-post. You are absolutely right, everything goes up and there is silence on the land, but heaven forbids we want good heath care for the country, because all heck breaks lose.
Fanned.”
Fanned.”
Reuters Health Care Poll: Most Americans Would Pay Higher Taxes For Reform
Commented Sep 30, 2009 at 15:16:40 in Politics
“So rollingdivision now that you have the rates in front of you please explain the fact that the 50's were a period of enormous growth in the economy despite having a 90% marginal tax rate. The argument that high taxes stifle innovation and business is total B.S.”
rollingdivision replied on Sep 30, 2009 at 16:59:19
“The rest of the worlds' industrial capacity was crushed by WWII and slowly rebuilding.”
Reuters Health Care Poll: Most Americans Would Pay Higher Taxes For Reform
Commented Sep 30, 2009 at 12:32:37 in Politics
“My insurance company just hit my business with a $75,000 dollar tax in the form of a premium increase. This while increasing deductibles and copays.
Why is that better then being hit by a government tax? If the government does not do a better job, considering they are not required to make a profit, then I can continue my private plan with one of the two private companies I can chose from. I would like the option to make a choice. By the way, the CEO of the US government makes I believe about $400K. The CEO of AETNA makes about $20 Million. And the true sinkhole is the government???????
You have got to be kidding me.”
Why is that better then being hit by a government tax? If the government does not do a better job, considering they are not required to make a profit, then I can continue my private plan with one of the two private companies I can chose from. I would like the option to make a choice. By the way, the CEO of the US government makes I believe about $400K. The CEO of AETNA makes about $20 Million. And the true sinkhole is the government???????
You have got to be kidding me.”
marxmarv replied on Sep 30, 2009 at 13:30:18
“What? Republican crickets?”
Lorianne replied on Sep 30, 2009 at 12:54:39
“We could change this game overnight by cancelling our insurance policies en masse and paying for health care and meds out-of-pocket until this matter is resolved to our satisfaction.
This would take millions of $$$ out of the Insurance Cos. pocket, money they use to bribe ... I mean lobby Congress for more sweatheart deals for themselves.
Boycott them or you'll get more of the same.”
This would take millions of $$$ out of the Insurance Cos. pocket, money they use to bribe ... I mean lobby Congress for more sweatheart deals for themselves.
Boycott them or you'll get more of the same.”
Reuters Health Care Poll: Most Americans Would Pay Higher Taxes For Reform
Commented Sep 30, 2009 at 12:26:20 in Politics
Reuters Health Care Poll: Most Americans Would Pay Higher Taxes For Reform
Commented Sep 30, 2009 at 12:24:01 in Politics
“They also tend to use healthcare more. The goal was to try to discourage them from smoking. That is a voluntary tax unless you believe tobacco is so addictive that people would pay the tax just to keep their habit. In which case it should be banned or regulated like other addictive drugs.”
Reuters Health Care Poll: Most Americans Would Pay Higher Taxes For Reform
Commented Sep 30, 2009 at 10:52:11 in Politics
“Why is it that people get up in arms when they hear the words "higher taxes" but shrug their shoulders when their employer tells them that they will take another $20 per week out of their paycheck to pay for the health care insurance increases?
For some reason people would rather give more to the corporations that benefit shareholders then to the government that might benefit them. They were right, "No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public"”
For some reason people would rather give more to the corporations that benefit shareholders then to the government that might benefit them. They were right, "No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public"”
Tahut replied on Sep 30, 2009 at 11:38:54
“My health insurance is $4500 a year with a $2000 deductible. You bet I'd rather pay a tax than a premium!”
flossophy replied on Sep 30, 2009 at 10:58:56
“More and more people are becoming shareholders. 401k's, kid's college funds, etc.
Why would they want their hard earned money wasted in some ineffective government bureaucracy, when they could be contributing to growing their investments.
Government is the biggest money pit humanity has ever known.”
Why would they want their hard earned money wasted in some ineffective government bureaucracy, when they could be contributing to growing their investments.
Government is the biggest money pit humanity has ever known.”
Nelson Will Oppose Reconciliation On Health Care
Commented Sep 29, 2009 at 14:59:27 in Politics
“In effect Senator Nelson has come out and said that there will be no health care reform. There is no bill I can think of that will garner 5 Republicans and 60 democrats. If there is a public option no Republican will vote for it and if there is no public option the most Republicans you can possibly get is 2 or 3 and you will lose several democrats.
The dems are going to have to go this alone if they want a bill with or without the public option. Bipartisanship left Washington a long time ago when the republicans unilaterally decided to impeach Clinton and Newt's Contract with America.”
The dems are going to have to go this alone if they want a bill with or without the public option. Bipartisanship left Washington a long time ago when the republicans unilaterally decided to impeach Clinton and Newt's Contract with America.”
Dylan Ratigan Rips Health Insurance Lobbyist: "All You Did Was Play Cable Dodgeball" (VIDEO)
Commented Sep 29, 2009 at 14:52:35 in Politics
“We just got the new health insurance rates for my business. There are only two companies able or willing to write this policy and the one we have is raising rates 25% unless we go from a $1000 deductible to a $2500 deductible in which case our rates will only go up 10%.
To say there is no monopoly or need for a public option is just plain putting your head in the sand.”
To say there is no monopoly or need for a public option is just plain putting your head in the sand.”
sloreader replied on Sep 29, 2009 at 15:00:15
“The rates for my small business are increasing 16% this time around even though we don't have any serious health problems among the group and despite similar increases every year for the last 5 or 6 years. Enough is enough!”
Biden Afghanistan Plan Gaining Traction In Obama White House
Commented Sep 23, 2009 at 13:25:18 in World
“We have at least two major issues to address. Healthcare and Afghanistan. I just got word that the republicans have a new solution to both. If you are in prison or the military you get free healthcare. So their proposal is that if you do not have healthcare you can either enlist in the military and help out in Afghanisatn or you can go to jail. Now don't tell me the Republicans never offer an alternative.”
Biden Afghanistan Plan Gaining Traction In Obama White House
Commented Sep 23, 2009 at 13:21:21 in World
“You mean as opposed to spend and die which the neocons advocate?”
Frank Rich: Even Glenn Beck Is Right Twice A Day
Commented Sep 21, 2009 at 17:33:31 in Media
“I don't know who watches Fox but I do know that whenever I am in a waiting room at a doctor's office Fox is always on.
It is getting to the point that I need to chose physicians not by which insurance group they belong to but what station is playing in their waiting room.”
It is getting to the point that I need to chose physicians not by which insurance group they belong to but what station is playing in their waiting room.”
Bill Clinton On The Daily Show: Negotiating With North Korea, Lunch With Obama, And How Health Care Is "Bankrupting" America
Commented Sep 19, 2009 at 07:10:47 in Politics
“I am a business owner and we insure about 75 employees. The average employee makes about $45,000 and the current health care premium for family coverage is about $1200 per month of which the employee pays $360 per month. This means that health care is costing about 30% of payroll. We just got notified that come November 1st, unless we reduce benefits, our rates are going to go up 25% to $1500 per month.
There is no way I can afford that and give out any raises which means an effective paycut for everyone of my employees. Why is it that everyone bemoans paying more taxes but just shrugs their shoulders when they have to pay more to insurance companies?
If the government would take the health care burden off my back and charge me a health care tax on my payroll of 20% to enroll my employees in a public not-for-profit plan, me and my employees would certainly come out ahead.”
There is no way I can afford that and give out any raises which means an effective paycut for everyone of my employees. Why is it that everyone bemoans paying more taxes but just shrugs their shoulders when they have to pay more to insurance companies?
If the government would take the health care burden off my back and charge me a health care tax on my payroll of 20% to enroll my employees in a public not-for-profit plan, me and my employees would certainly come out ahead.”
mikep replied on Sep 19, 2009 at 19:14:32
“Very good points. One of the claims that so many make, including Obama in his big speech, was that we can't move to single-payer or some rational system because most people are "satisfied" with their current plans. This is utter nonsense. Like paulfree, I am in business. I don't know a single solitary businessperson in this country, from the smallest self-employed individual to the CEOs of the largest corporations that is "satisfied" with the current situation, and especially with the situation where premiums are regularly and unexpectedly going up, and much faster than the prices of everything else.
As this post points out it would be infinitely easier to do it with a simple payroll tax. Among all of the other benefits, this would make sure that the costs to businesses don't go when their profits are not also increasing. Only when they add more employees or pay them more. Under the current situation businesses have to pay health care even if they're not actually making money, which is simply unsustainable and absurd. Another benefit would be many, many more jobs, since the way it is now health care costs are the major obstacle to hiriing anyone.”
As this post points out it would be infinitely easier to do it with a simple payroll tax. Among all of the other benefits, this would make sure that the costs to businesses don't go when their profits are not also increasing. Only when they add more employees or pay them more. Under the current situation businesses have to pay health care even if they're not actually making money, which is simply unsustainable and absurd. Another benefit would be many, many more jobs, since the way it is now health care costs are the major obstacle to hiriing anyone.”
2Bfair replied on Sep 19, 2009 at 18:51:56
“paulfree17, thank you for a dose of reality, an honest reality check.. I hope this goes in a letter to the White House, your member of Congress, your Senators, your governor and legislator. No one seems to under stand the perspective of the smaller business owner and average worker.”
AZBunny replied on Sep 19, 2009 at 09:20:21
“Under my former employer, I could not afford healthcare. The premiums would have been roughly 20% of my take home pay. thank goodness I was covered under my husbands employer.”
Bill Clinton On The Daily Show: Negotiating With North Korea, Lunch With Obama, And How Health Care Is "Bankrupting" America
Commented Sep 19, 2009 at 07:01:29 in Politics
“So when you consider that about 25% of each insurance dollar goes to administrative costs and 10% to insurance company profits that would mean a reduction of 35% simply by getting rid of for profit insurance companies. My doctor has more employees to do his billing then he has nurses to administer to patients. Talk about unnecessary costs.”
Republicans Fear "Crackpots" Becoming Face Of Party
Commented Sep 11, 2009 at 13:20:17 in Politics
“Unfortunately the insurance lobby will be able to write one check to offset however much Mr. Miller gets from thousands of supporter. Especially if the Supremes decide to eliminate restrictions on corporate financing of campaigns as currently seems likely.”
Vxx replied on Sep 11, 2009 at 13:44:26
“I'd say it'd be a cinch to get a law banning corporate contributions or contributions above a certain amount from a single source.... but the Dems are just as fat sucking from those teats. Its a matter of which teat they are beholden to.
This is the endgame of granting corporations "personhood" in the last century -- and it is unclear whether they system will be able to remove the tentacles (or cancer) of corporate control.”
This is the endgame of granting corporations "personhood" in the last century -- and it is unclear whether they system will be able to remove the tentacles (or cancer) of corporate control.”
Rachel Maddow On Obama's Speech: President Offered "Full, Formal Defense Of Liberalism" (VIDEO)
Commented Sep 10, 2009 at 14:53:11 in Politics
“So are you saying that since public schools are, in your opinion, inferior to private schools, that anyone who cannot afford a private school should be denied an education?
If someone cannot afford a top notch grade A health plan should they be denied medical care altogether. There needs to be options available for those who do not have the where-with-all to purchase private insurance. Unless the insurance companies elect to offer free care the way some private schools offer scholarships the public option is the only way these people can afford any care even though it may not be the best in the world.
Maybe they do not get a private room. Maybe they are limited to generic drugs but at least they can get in the door.”
If someone cannot afford a top notch grade A health plan should they be denied medical care altogether. There needs to be options available for those who do not have the where-with-all to purchase private insurance. Unless the insurance companies elect to offer free care the way some private schools offer scholarships the public option is the only way these people can afford any care even though it may not be the best in the world.
Maybe they do not get a private room. Maybe they are limited to generic drugs but at least they can get in the door.”
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