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phoebie's Comments (14)
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What You Don't Know About Osteoporosis
Commented Nov 15, 2009 at 11:12:38 in Living
“Thank you for the article. I do have a question for any professional. My otherwise healthy mother at 89 needed surgery for a calcium spur on her lower spine and also had the foramens for her sciatic nerve opened larger as they had closed to half of what they should have been. She had been on monthly medication (a biophosphate). When she had tests before the surgery, the surgeon did say she had the skeletal structure of a 45 year old woman (she's always been active and is now 93). Could the biophophates have contributed to the overgrowth of bone? I do not advocate not taking this medication but am curious of any connections. Thank you.”
Sarah Palin, The Anti-Poet
Commented Jul 20, 2009 at 09:16:48 in Living
“Expounding on using her Twitter,
Sounding more than a wee tad bitter,
Palin leaves her position,
While Alaskans were wishin',
Much sooner had the Guv been a quitter.”
Sounding more than a wee tad bitter,
Palin leaves her position,
While Alaskans were wishin',
Much sooner had the Guv been a quitter.”
HuffPost's Katharine Zaleski Weighs In On Palin/Letterman Feud On MSNBC
Commented Jun 14, 2009 at 11:25:05 in Media
“Snarky, self-centered, treating their spouses like sperm donors, claims to be Christian yet treats their large familes otherwise by putting them up for intense observation, contradicting what they affirm by their actions......
Are we sure that Sarah and Kate Gosseling aren't one in the same? Have you ever seen them together? The parallels are astounding.”
Are we sure that Sarah and Kate Gosseling aren't one in the same? Have you ever seen them together? The parallels are astounding.”
McCain Campaign: Our Health Plan Doesn't Work
Commented Oct 28, 2008 at 15:31:08 in Politics
“As a business owner of 20 years, we made a commitment to our employess that they would have health care paid in full by our company. Consider the following if we will be required to report this benefit on their W-2s as income per McCain's plan.
This is pure speculation on my part but following the current procedures, this is what may happen. Let's say your health insurance costs your company $5,000 per year and you get a $5,000 credit on your annual taxes. For a $5,000 dollar increase in your paystub per year, another $382.50 will be withheld from your paychecks annually just for the FICA - not taking in consideration the increase of federal and the state withholding. Your company would also be paying another $382.50 a year for you as we match FICA withholdings to the IRS. Increased FICA payments are not refunded.
This is only if your health benefits do not cost more than $5,000 per year. If the cost is more than that, the extra will be taxable income on your part.
I've yet to see anyone comment on McCain's proposal from this aspect. I am certainly not a tax expert and could be totally off base, but I would appreciate any comments to see if the above would actually happen.”
This is pure speculation on my part but following the current procedures, this is what may happen. Let's say your health insurance costs your company $5,000 per year and you get a $5,000 credit on your annual taxes. For a $5,000 dollar increase in your paystub per year, another $382.50 will be withheld from your paychecks annually just for the FICA - not taking in consideration the increase of federal and the state withholding. Your company would also be paying another $382.50 a year for you as we match FICA withholdings to the IRS. Increased FICA payments are not refunded.
This is only if your health benefits do not cost more than $5,000 per year. If the cost is more than that, the extra will be taxable income on your part.
I've yet to see anyone comment on McCain's proposal from this aspect. I am certainly not a tax expert and could be totally off base, but I would appreciate any comments to see if the above would actually happen.”
SailFree replied on Oct 28, 2008 at 16:17:42
“Well, if YOU made the commitment, why expect THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR IT BY GIVING YOU TAX CREDITS?
Why don't YOU give the extra money to the employees as SALARY and let them decide what THEY wish to do with it?”
Why don't YOU give the extra money to the employees as SALARY and let them decide what THEY wish to do with it?”
philko replied on Oct 28, 2008 at 16:12:17
“Dont confuse "tax credit" with "tax deduction". McCain proposes a credit, which means that people's total TAX BILL will go down by $5,000. If it were a deduction, your analysis would be essentially correct (although, I've heard some waffling about whether the insurance "income" would require FICA taxes or not).
For people whose employers will continue to provide insurance, McCain's plan should result in a net benefit. (Example, you provide $5k worh ot health insurance, your employee reports it as income and pays, say 25% income tax on it, for a total of $1250 extra taxes. Then, the $5k credit comes in and the employee comes out ahear $3750.)
The problem is, the prevailing analyses predict that one result of McCain's plan is that many employers will stop offering insurance to their employees. Most of them probably won't bump up the employees' wages to compensate, so there's going to be a LOT more people who are going to have to find insurance for themselves, pay much more for it than if their employer was buying it and, as a final insult, run into that whole "preexisting condition" thing that insurers are forbidden from taking on to group policies, but is rampant on the individual side of the market.
So - it ain't really the economics of McCain's plan. It's the unintended consequences. (yeah, I know, I'm really giving them the benefit of the doubt with that "unintended" stuff).”
For people whose employers will continue to provide insurance, McCain's plan should result in a net benefit. (Example, you provide $5k worh ot health insurance, your employee reports it as income and pays, say 25% income tax on it, for a total of $1250 extra taxes. Then, the $5k credit comes in and the employee comes out ahear $3750.)
The problem is, the prevailing analyses predict that one result of McCain's plan is that many employers will stop offering insurance to their employees. Most of them probably won't bump up the employees' wages to compensate, so there's going to be a LOT more people who are going to have to find insurance for themselves, pay much more for it than if their employer was buying it and, as a final insult, run into that whole "preexisting condition" thing that insurers are forbidden from taking on to group policies, but is rampant on the individual side of the market.
So - it ain't really the economics of McCain's plan. It's the unintended consequences. (yeah, I know, I'm really giving them the benefit of the doubt with that "unintended" stuff).”
Carolab replied on Oct 28, 2008 at 16:08:01
“There was a discussion on Thom Hartmann's show about this. People are going to be forced to go out into the market to buy their insurance, they are going to be discriminated against and they are going to be refused or it's going to cost them so much they won't be able to afford it. The plan is for the insurance companies to insure the youngest, healthiest people. They don't care about anybody else.”
Just Where/When Has McCain Led in Any Crisis? His Only 2 Speeds are Lame and Impetuous
Commented Oct 26, 2008 at 09:07:24 in Politics
“I've always found it hypocritcal of McCain to be pushing his health care agenda with a $5,000 tax credit. All his life, he has had health care provided for him by the government - his father being in the navy, attending a military academy, the service and now the senate. Has he ever had to pay a dime for health care? Since he attended a military academy, he has never had to pay nor did his parents pay for his education. The worry of how to pay for college or the back breaking debt of student loans was never a concern. We supplied the health care and college for John McCain. I'm not about to supply him a another house - The White House.”
littleuno replied on Oct 26, 2008 at 11:08:09
“thank you phoebie, my husband and I have been screaming this to the neighbors for weeks. I am surprised McCain's sucking of the goverment's breast all his life nevers comes up.
Obama in 9 days!!!”
Obama in 9 days!!!”
Expect McCain to Gain Ground These Final Weeks
Commented Oct 18, 2008 at 08:38:47 in Politics
“An election can change direction like my border collie chasing a squirrel. We cannot become complacent if you think Obama has a lock on the presidency. We thought that Gore had it in 2000 (and he really did), polls indicated that Kerry was going to win in 2004 and now the trends are telling us Obama will win too. Do not underestimate McCain as an opponent. Talk to your friends, neighbors and relatives. Get them to the polls. Ignore bad weather. Your one vote, your efforts DO count. This election is going to determine whether we become a strong, energy independent, hopeful nation again or continue to slug along in our gas guzzling SUVs sending our money and sellling our souls for a bit of oil.
Amen, alleluiah, GET OUT THERE!”
Amen, alleluiah, GET OUT THERE!”
Blaming the Poor
Commented Oct 12, 2008 at 09:09:16 in Business
“Well done. I recall having conversations with young homeowners five or so years ago. They were all in the process of having their mortgages redone with companies that encouraged them to build additions on to their homes and tack on their high interest credit card debt (most likely from buying furniture, appliance and electronics to fill the home they could not otherwise afford). Luring them with interest only or superfically low payments with a ballon payment later,the homeowners were sure they could refinance years down the road. Or the best one I heard was one mortgagebroker who tried to tempt the borrowers into another $10,000 in order for the mortgage broker to invest those funds in the stock market for the broker to control for them.”
Gidster replied on Oct 12, 2008 at 20:25:01
“I refinanced to pay the out of pocket expenses for my wife's illness. $64k in medical expenses. It was either refinance my home or file bankruptcy. So I refinanced, when the bubble burst, my payments went up over a grand a month!
I knew what I was getting into, I thought. I was sure I could absorb another $3-$500 in payments, but $1085 a month on top of my current $865 payment was more than I could afford.
60% of my monthly salary was now going to my house payment alone. That leaves very little for food, gas, or even a telephone!”
I knew what I was getting into, I thought. I was sure I could absorb another $3-$500 in payments, but $1085 a month on top of my current $865 payment was more than I could afford.
60% of my monthly salary was now going to my house payment alone. That leaves very little for food, gas, or even a telephone!”
Sarah Six-pack Needs To Put Country First by Stepping Down
Commented Oct 06, 2008 at 09:19:04 in Politics
“George Six-Pack Bush? For those who voted for him, did you not realize the man does not and cannot drink?”
Ifill Book Public Weeks Before McCain Agreed To Have Her Moderate VP Debate
Commented Oct 01, 2008 at 14:10:58 in Politics
“If they did or did not know about Ms. Ifill's book, shame on those complaining. Either they aren't smart enough to know how to googgle or Wiki. Or they are lying. Choose one.”
The Palin Pick -- The Devolution of McCain
Commented Sep 26, 2008 at 10:12:21 in Politics
“Thank you, Mr. Bernstein for you wonderful assessment.
I am the demographic that McCain was hoping for - 54, female and a Senator Clinton supporter. McCain's unconsidered choice of Palin is condescending and flippant. I've yet to talk to anyone within my demographic who is voting for McCain and all are making a considered effort to get the vote out for Obama.”
I am the demographic that McCain was hoping for - 54, female and a Senator Clinton supporter. McCain's unconsidered choice of Palin is condescending and flippant. I've yet to talk to anyone within my demographic who is voting for McCain and all are making a considered effort to get the vote out for Obama.”
troika replied on Sep 27, 2008 at 13:13:27
“You go sister. I was a Hillary supporter. No way I am going to vote for these nuts. Obama/Biden 08”
Diletto replied on Sep 26, 2008 at 12:31:40
“Thank God! I was beginning to believe all the hype coming from the right that the female demographic was swaying towards McCain-Palin. I cannot believe that any Hillary supporter would find anything in common with Sarah Palin. She is the anti-Hillary; Tina Fey and Amy Poehler captured it beautifully in their SNL skit two weeks ago.
I am angered that the McCain camp has kept her so sequestered, yet when I watch the few interviews she has done with Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric I can easily see why - she has no substance and it scares the daylights out of me that she could be President.
The absurdity of it all makes me loose faith in Americians and agree with Bill Maher that there are alot of stupid people in the voting block!”
I am angered that the McCain camp has kept her so sequestered, yet when I watch the few interviews she has done with Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric I can easily see why - she has no substance and it scares the daylights out of me that she could be President.
The absurdity of it all makes me loose faith in Americians and agree with Bill Maher that there are alot of stupid people in the voting block!”
An Open Letter to Sarah Palin About Working Mothers
Commented Sep 21, 2008 at 09:08:54 in Politics
“Sarah Palin lost question and answer from her first interview. Let's listen in, shall we?
"Governor Palin, since you believe McCain is the most holy, the savior of our economy and is forgiven all his transgressions including including leaving his wife after she was physically transformed from a model to someone who required lengthly surgeries after a horrible disfiguring accident just to walk again, do you believe if his cold leaden heart stops beating three days after his inauguaration that you could be president and make decisions that determine entire mankind's fate on this fragile globe we call Earth?"
(crickets......)
"Now Charlie, you know the Earth is flat."”
"Governor Palin, since you believe McCain is the most holy, the savior of our economy and is forgiven all his transgressions including including leaving his wife after she was physically transformed from a model to someone who required lengthly surgeries after a horrible disfiguring accident just to walk again, do you believe if his cold leaden heart stops beating three days after his inauguaration that you could be president and make decisions that determine entire mankind's fate on this fragile globe we call Earth?"
(crickets......)
"Now Charlie, you know the Earth is flat."”
Why Can't I Be Pro-Choice and Pro-Life?
Commented Sep 18, 2008 at 09:59:52 in Politics
“In St. Joseph's as a child I sat during mass beside my mother and four sisters listening to the priest pontificate about abortion - under any circumstances even to the detriment of the woman was this never to happen.
To myself I wondered, why would God want my mother to die when she had us and dad to take care of? Why would something have more rights than my mother? And at eight years old I was aware of this thing called abortion.
My feelings on abortion are this. It should be legal, safe and used sparingly. A parent who forces their daughter to have a baby is no different than forcing incest upon them. Choosing to have an abortion must be excruitating but as all significant life choices should be. And anyone who chooses to have one should most likely not be a parent - this does not exclude them later to be a parent when the time and circumstances are right.
Complicated thoughts? Yes. But it's a complicated matter.”
To myself I wondered, why would God want my mother to die when she had us and dad to take care of? Why would something have more rights than my mother? And at eight years old I was aware of this thing called abortion.
My feelings on abortion are this. It should be legal, safe and used sparingly. A parent who forces their daughter to have a baby is no different than forcing incest upon them. Choosing to have an abortion must be excruitating but as all significant life choices should be. And anyone who chooses to have one should most likely not be a parent - this does not exclude them later to be a parent when the time and circumstances are right.
Complicated thoughts? Yes. But it's a complicated matter.”
Are You Ready to be President?
Commented Sep 15, 2008 at 08:37:06 in Politics
“."Are you ready to be president, Govenor Palin?"
"Of course, Charlie. I DID sleep at the DC Holiday Inn Express last night."”
"Of course, Charlie. I DID sleep at the DC Holiday Inn Express last night."”
"Alaskan Women Reject Palin" Rally
Commented Sep 15, 2008 at 08:25:22 in Politics
“One of the major reasons that Palin was chosen is because she is expendable as is McCain. McCain will be too old to run again and Palin will retreat to Alaska to order up more smear-marks for her state, intimidate those around her and moose hunt - not necessarily in that order.”
