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Glenn Beck's Revolution, And Ours
Commented Nov 27, 2009 at 13:46:04 in Media
“'You disagree because you've allowed 25 years of Neocon propaganda to blur the distinctions between Democratic government and tyranny."
I can't really respond to anyone who has a crystal ball and believes they know what others think and why they think what they think.
My advice to all reading this thread is simple: Go read the original documents and make up your own mind. Read The Federalist Papers, the original writings of the founders, the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, Washington's farewell address and Common Sense and the other writings that preceded the revolution.”
I can't really respond to anyone who has a crystal ball and believes they know what others think and why they think what they think.
My advice to all reading this thread is simple: Go read the original documents and make up your own mind. Read The Federalist Papers, the original writings of the founders, the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, Washington's farewell address and Common Sense and the other writings that preceded the revolution.”
Arianna Discusses Obama's Afghanistan Decision On Charlie Rose (VIDEO)
Commented Nov 27, 2009 at 13:34:34 in Media
“I recall plenty of evidence that Clinton haphazardly rushed the citizenship of millions for votes, & discussion of his ensuring they voted.
I remember because I voted for Clinton, liked him, argued for him with his critics and when the issues was discussed in a government course I was disappointed to think he'd do anything for voters other than be a good president.
---This from UC Davis about Clinton's rush to nationalize over one million before his election for a second term:
http://migration.ucdavis.edu/MN/more.php?id=1066_0_2_0
November 1996 Volume 2 Number 4
As the number of newly-naturalized US citizens surpassed 1.1 million in FY96, Republicans stepped up their attacks on Citizenship USA. Vice President Gore launched the INS-administered initiative Citizenship USA in 1995 to eliminate the backlog of 800,000 immigrants who applied for US citizenship and were waiting to be naturalized.
Republicans charged that expedited naturalization was an attempt by the Clinton administration to add Democrats to the voter rolls in California and other key states before the November 1996 elections. The INS officer in Fresno, for example, asserted in an April 1996 letter that the "INS has been told to naturalize everyone who filed Form N-400 prior to April 1, 1996, in time for them to register to vote in the November election."
----This from PBS (down the page a bit)
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/election/october96/immigrants_10-23.html”
I remember because I voted for Clinton, liked him, argued for him with his critics and when the issues was discussed in a government course I was disappointed to think he'd do anything for voters other than be a good president.
---This from UC Davis about Clinton's rush to nationalize over one million before his election for a second term:
http://migration.ucdavis.edu/MN/more.php?id=1066_0_2_0
November 1996 Volume 2 Number 4
As the number of newly-naturalized US citizens surpassed 1.1 million in FY96, Republicans stepped up their attacks on Citizenship USA. Vice President Gore launched the INS-administered initiative Citizenship USA in 1995 to eliminate the backlog of 800,000 immigrants who applied for US citizenship and were waiting to be naturalized.
Republicans charged that expedited naturalization was an attempt by the Clinton administration to add Democrats to the voter rolls in California and other key states before the November 1996 elections. The INS officer in Fresno, for example, asserted in an April 1996 letter that the "INS has been told to naturalize everyone who filed Form N-400 prior to April 1, 1996, in time for them to register to vote in the November election."
----This from PBS (down the page a bit)
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/election/october96/immigrants_10-23.html”
Glenn Beck's Revolution, And Ours
Commented Nov 27, 2009 at 12:26:40 in Media
“"This country WAS NOT founded on anti-government sentiment..."
Oh boy. I disagree with the gist of your statement and believe it's overwhelmingly countered by much solid evidence.
To one degree or another, the founders most definitely distrusted government power, as evidenced by their writings and the historical record.
The founders' distrust of government is evidenced most tangibly by the way they intentionally and thoughtfully put checks and balances into the Constitution and our government structure to limit government power and prevent tyranny.
Government is a necessary evil unless one embraces anarchy, but I've never read anything that gave me the impression the founders of this country took comfort in this fact.”
Oh boy. I disagree with the gist of your statement and believe it's overwhelmingly countered by much solid evidence.
To one degree or another, the founders most definitely distrusted government power, as evidenced by their writings and the historical record.
The founders' distrust of government is evidenced most tangibly by the way they intentionally and thoughtfully put checks and balances into the Constitution and our government structure to limit government power and prevent tyranny.
Government is a necessary evil unless one embraces anarchy, but I've never read anything that gave me the impression the founders of this country took comfort in this fact.”
Stephen Lahanas replied on Nov 27, 2009 at 12:42:56
“You disagree because you've allowed 25 years of Neocon propaganda to blur the distinctions between Democratic government and tyranny.
Let's be clear - the founders wanted a government Of the People, By the People and For the People - not a government For the King, For the Tyrant or Emperor or For the Oligarchy. This does not at all necessarily imply limited government, in fact in many ways it requires a more complex structure because instead of supporting the needs of one man or a handful it must support the active participation of millions.
The only reason that anyone then distrusted government was because they were EXCLUDED. Recall the phrase Taxation w/o Representation, it wasn't the taxes they were mad about it was the fact they had no say. Read your history instead of trying to reinterpret it...”
Let's be clear - the founders wanted a government Of the People, By the People and For the People - not a government For the King, For the Tyrant or Emperor or For the Oligarchy. This does not at all necessarily imply limited government, in fact in many ways it requires a more complex structure because instead of supporting the needs of one man or a handful it must support the active participation of millions.
The only reason that anyone then distrusted government was because they were EXCLUDED. Recall the phrase Taxation w/o Representation, it wasn't the taxes they were mad about it was the fact they had no say. Read your history instead of trying to reinterpret it...”
Arianna Discusses Obama's Afghanistan Decision On Charlie Rose (VIDEO)
Commented Nov 26, 2009 at 07:18:18 in Media
“Before the election for Bill Clinton's second term, he quickly gave citizenship to millions, then made sure they were bused them to the polling stations. They were grateful to him and voted for him.”
scornflakes replied on Nov 26, 2009 at 08:34:57
“What in the hell is wrong with you? (And so were clear, that's a rhetorical question.)”
pfc1369 replied on Nov 26, 2009 at 07:27:50
“Try making sense.
The president doesn't "give" citizenship to anyone.”
The president doesn't "give" citizenship to anyone.”
In The Fed We Trust? Will The Senate Reward The Architect Of The Wall Street Bailout?
Commented Nov 25, 2009 at 12:36:05 in Business
“What? You must have meant to direct your comment elsewhere as it has nothing whatsoever to do with mine. That said, you need to get out more if you think incomes have been rising for middle class people. And if you want to discuss spending money one doesn't have, why not start big? Let's not forget it was banks who overspent and showed up with hands out for Trillions at the soup kitchen of the American treasury.”
WritusMaximus replied on Nov 25, 2009 at 15:58:13
“"Let's not forget it was banks who overspent and showed up with hands out for Trillions at the soup kitchen of the American treasury."
Nice! Great play on words to illustrate the truth! I envy your wit!”
Nice! Great play on words to illustrate the truth! I envy your wit!”
We Need To Put Our Foot Down On Net Neutrality
Commented Nov 25, 2009 at 11:36:22 in Media
“Thanks so much.
This is the most important issue on the agenda today as everything the people are able to get done on so many issues will be impeded if Internet freedom is taken from us.
Knowledge is power, so if the Internet and its many diverse voices and educational sites and resources are silenced, Americans will become even less powerful.
Next in line is the issue of campaign finance reform and publicly funded elections!”
This is the most important issue on the agenda today as everything the people are able to get done on so many issues will be impeded if Internet freedom is taken from us.
Knowledge is power, so if the Internet and its many diverse voices and educational sites and resources are silenced, Americans will become even less powerful.
Next in line is the issue of campaign finance reform and publicly funded elections!”
In The Fed We Trust? Will The Senate Reward The Architect Of The Wall Street Bailout?
Commented Nov 25, 2009 at 11:20:59 in Business
“oh boy. shouldn't have posted this while on the phone! "foUrth stage lung cancer" and "smoke more"”
In The Fed We Trust? Will The Senate Reward The Architect Of The Wall Street Bailout?
Commented Nov 25, 2009 at 10:39:13 in Business
“"Should Senate vote to reward him [Bernake] with another term?"
This is like asking whether one should go back for more opinions to a doctor who diagnosed them with indigestion and told them to take smoke more when they had forth stage lung cancer...or whether one should promote to CEO the company manager whose department went bankrupt for the third time.
Bernake should have been long gone. And what the Senate does with this opportunity will merely offer more irrefutable evidence to the American people about how much we need to replace the dead wood in the halls of Congress with true leaders. If they keep him on, it will demonstrate further (not that it's needed for anybody with even one eye open) that too many we've elected are pedestrian, fearful people who believe their best chance for any success in life is to anticipate and follow the orders of the special interests that simultaneously betray and govern this country.
"It is simply inconceivable that in a constitutional Republic, the Federal Reserve can commit trillions of dollars to private companies with no vote of the Congress, no review, no audit, no accountability. How can the Senate even judge whether Bernanke merits reappointment without being able to look at his books?"
Very important question.”
This is like asking whether one should go back for more opinions to a doctor who diagnosed them with indigestion and told them to take smoke more when they had forth stage lung cancer...or whether one should promote to CEO the company manager whose department went bankrupt for the third time.
Bernake should have been long gone. And what the Senate does with this opportunity will merely offer more irrefutable evidence to the American people about how much we need to replace the dead wood in the halls of Congress with true leaders. If they keep him on, it will demonstrate further (not that it's needed for anybody with even one eye open) that too many we've elected are pedestrian, fearful people who believe their best chance for any success in life is to anticipate and follow the orders of the special interests that simultaneously betray and govern this country.
"It is simply inconceivable that in a constitutional Republic, the Federal Reserve can commit trillions of dollars to private companies with no vote of the Congress, no review, no audit, no accountability. How can the Senate even judge whether Bernanke merits reappointment without being able to look at his books?"
Very important question.”
Nofuzzydreams replied on Nov 25, 2009 at 11:50:08
“Garbage! Household median income has been rising in the US for the last 30 years. Ordinary middle class people are driving BMW's and poor people own plasma TV's. All you have to do is to check the trajectory of sales of luxury cars and other expensive items. That some of them also show up at soup kitchens because they borrowed too much is their own fault.”
themainpoint replied on Nov 25, 2009 at 11:20:59
“oh boy. shouldn't have posted this while on the phone! "foUrth stage lung cancer" and "smoke more"”
The Essence Of Great Leadership
Commented Nov 20, 2009 at 19:29:10 in Living
“Really important points you've added to the discussion. Thanks.”
Meltdown: Images of What We Lose When the Glaciers Disappear
Commented Nov 20, 2009 at 15:38:46 in Green
“It's really impressive that Helena went to see the problems for herself. Great post. Thank you for taking the time to share this very important story.”
The Ersatz Public Option
Commented Nov 19, 2009 at 18:39:35 in Politics
“This Wealth Care Reform locks today's problems into legal stone & slams shut the doors Americans will turn to when reality hits Families will continue to be overcharged 2x for health care (& 20k plus per YEAR 10 years from now) States will be barred from taking their own approach. This is no compromise. Congress has too many extremists & we've got to replace many of them.
California Nurses Association:
* Healthcare will remain unaffordable for many Americans. The bill does not do nearly enough to control skyrocketing insurance, pharmaceutical, & hospital costs. Indeed, by various estimates, with no effective limits on the insurance industry's price gouging, out-of-pocket costs for premiums, deductibles & other fees by some estimates with eat up from 15 to 19 percent of family incomes by several accounts.
* No meaningful reform of the rampant insurance denials of medical treatment the insurers don't want to pay for.
* Little assistance for individuals & families who presently have employer-sponsored health plans and face frequent erosion of their coverage & health security. No help for the healthcare cost-shifting from employers to employees.
* Minimal expansion of consumer choice. The much debated public plan option will be available only to about 2 percent of people under age 65, mostly those now not covered who buy insurance on their own (it may or may not be expanded in 2015). Further, no additional plan options for those in the many markets dominated by one or two private plans, and no additional”
California Nurses Association:
* Healthcare will remain unaffordable for many Americans. The bill does not do nearly enough to control skyrocketing insurance, pharmaceutical, & hospital costs. Indeed, by various estimates, with no effective limits on the insurance industry's price gouging, out-of-pocket costs for premiums, deductibles & other fees by some estimates with eat up from 15 to 19 percent of family incomes by several accounts.
* No meaningful reform of the rampant insurance denials of medical treatment the insurers don't want to pay for.
* Little assistance for individuals & families who presently have employer-sponsored health plans and face frequent erosion of their coverage & health security. No help for the healthcare cost-shifting from employers to employees.
* Minimal expansion of consumer choice. The much debated public plan option will be available only to about 2 percent of people under age 65, mostly those now not covered who buy insurance on their own (it may or may not be expanded in 2015). Further, no additional plan options for those in the many markets dominated by one or two private plans, and no additional”
youknow replied on Nov 19, 2009 at 21:30:03
“Better something than nothing should not be the option - WE THE PEOPLE SHOULD RULE, BUT WE DO NOT. Nothing will change as long as we put up with it - so its up to us.”
jmpurser replied on Nov 19, 2009 at 19:05:47
“Good post and excellent cite of a valuable voice in this debate.”
Bring Back the Cots! The Filibuster and Health Care Reform
Commented Nov 19, 2009 at 09:13:00 in Politics
“Let him vote no. This is not real Health Care Reform, it's more Wealth Care Reform. Americans will continue to suffer if we pretend just to save face:
California Nurses Association:
* Healthcare will remain unaffordable for many Americans. The bill does not do nearly enough to control skyrocketing insurance, pharmaceutical, and hospital costs. Indeed, by various estimates, with no effective limits on the insurance industry's price gouging, out-of-pocket costs for premiums, deductibles & other fees by some estimates with eat up from 15 to 19 percent of family incomes by several accounts.
* No meaningful reform of the rampant insurance denials of medical treatment the insurers don't want to pay for.
* Little assistance for individuals & families who presently have employer-sponsored health plans and face frequent erosion of their coverage & health security. No help for the healthcare cost-shifting from employers to employees.
* Minimal expansion of consumer choice. The much debated public plan option will be available only to about 2 percent of people under age 65, mostly those now not covered who buy insurance on their own (it may or may not be expanded in 2015). Further, no additional plan options for those in the many markets dominated by one or two private plans, and no additional choice of doctor or hospital within existing plans.
More here:
http://www.calnurses.org/media-center/press-releases/2009/november/statement-by-cna-nnoc-executive-director-rose-ann-demoro-on-the-house-bill-on-healthcare.html””
California Nurses Association:
* Healthcare will remain unaffordable for many Americans. The bill does not do nearly enough to control skyrocketing insurance, pharmaceutical, and hospital costs. Indeed, by various estimates, with no effective limits on the insurance industry's price gouging, out-of-pocket costs for premiums, deductibles & other fees by some estimates with eat up from 15 to 19 percent of family incomes by several accounts.
* No meaningful reform of the rampant insurance denials of medical treatment the insurers don't want to pay for.
* Little assistance for individuals & families who presently have employer-sponsored health plans and face frequent erosion of their coverage & health security. No help for the healthcare cost-shifting from employers to employees.
* Minimal expansion of consumer choice. The much debated public plan option will be available only to about 2 percent of people under age 65, mostly those now not covered who buy insurance on their own (it may or may not be expanded in 2015). Further, no additional plan options for those in the many markets dominated by one or two private plans, and no additional choice of doctor or hospital within existing plans.
More here:
http://www.calnurses.org/media-center/press-releases/2009/november/statement-by-cna-nnoc-executive-director-rose-ann-demoro-on-the-house-bill-on-healthcare.html””
Integrative Mental Health: A New Model For Depression Relief
Commented Nov 18, 2009 at 14:11:56 in Living
“Thanks so much, Dr. Weil. It is such a luxury to be able to review your thoughtful and comprehensive views here on Huffpo.”
RDenning replied on Nov 18, 2009 at 16:22:19
“I would say the same about testosterone for men. Some men have very low levels of testosterone and it definitely has an impact on mood.”
Tea Party Protest Turns Violent (VIDEO)
Commented Nov 17, 2009 at 11:08:38 in Politics
“It's so unecessary for people resort to violence like this.
I am for any and all immigration reform that is good for both the country and those coming here. Especially if there is no racism involved and ALL immigrants of ALL races are treated equally and nobody who cuts in line gets in front of others who have waited their turn.
Unfortunately, since so many corporations can exploit cheap labor and put the expenses on the taxpayers, they are fighting and honest and rational conversation about this and often label people with legitimate concerns as racist.
Of course there will always be some racists, but it's a bit over the top to play the race card against all those concerned with their countries immigration policy--especially in the US which is the only country in the world that has allowed such massive amounts of illegal immigration. And surely the many legal hispanic immigrants in CA who are so vocal about their concerns about illegal immigration are not racist against their own race.”
I am for any and all immigration reform that is good for both the country and those coming here. Especially if there is no racism involved and ALL immigrants of ALL races are treated equally and nobody who cuts in line gets in front of others who have waited their turn.
Unfortunately, since so many corporations can exploit cheap labor and put the expenses on the taxpayers, they are fighting and honest and rational conversation about this and often label people with legitimate concerns as racist.
Of course there will always be some racists, but it's a bit over the top to play the race card against all those concerned with their countries immigration policy--especially in the US which is the only country in the world that has allowed such massive amounts of illegal immigration. And surely the many legal hispanic immigrants in CA who are so vocal about their concerns about illegal immigration are not racist against their own race.”
bluntobject replied on Nov 17, 2009 at 11:35:02
“You know what huffington post, your censorship is starting to look like The Spanish Inquisition.”
bluntobject replied on Nov 17, 2009 at 11:34:15
“Do you honestly think you can reason with these teabag freaks? They are there to start a fight. Thats all they are about.”
3neuticals replied on Nov 17, 2009 at 11:31:33
“The racism allegation is a red herring that has its roots in, and is essential to leftist dogma. More people everyday are waking up to exactly what is going on in the war of words, newspeak and the cultural subversion that results. The reason illegal immigration is largely a mestizo issue is because of the shear volume of offenders that are mestizos. If one cannot address even this most simple fact without the fear of offending someone, then the leftists have won. This is the whole idea. Its sort of a verbal form of Judo. More of us everyday have developed an immunity to this ploy. That is why the left's shrill rallying cries are getting more pitched with every response by groups like the Tea Party. The clash between the pro-illegal alien forces and American may indeed get bloody very soon. And I'll tell you what- if you are emboldened by your thugs attacking protesters, you had better enjoy it while it lasts, because when this thing blows up, it is not going to bode well for you or your people. You are outnumbered and vastly outgunned.”
UncleHomer replied on Nov 17, 2009 at 11:26:59
“Now this is very rational thinking which in reality in this instance makes it irrational thinking.
The reason for that is what we see coming out of the Tea Party has nothing to do with issues like immigration, health care reform, foreign or domestic policy. What the Tea Party stands for is spreading hate and discontent because their conservative ideology has been rejected.
The idea is simple and unfortunately has worked before. Create chaos, fear, anger, violence, and disorder and once the public is frightened enough pretend to be the party of law and order, and use that to regain power.”
The reason for that is what we see coming out of the Tea Party has nothing to do with issues like immigration, health care reform, foreign or domestic policy. What the Tea Party stands for is spreading hate and discontent because their conservative ideology has been rejected.
The idea is simple and unfortunately has worked before. Create chaos, fear, anger, violence, and disorder and once the public is frightened enough pretend to be the party of law and order, and use that to regain power.”
Soule23 replied on Nov 17, 2009 at 11:18:04
“Watch the second video--see the Hitler flag?”
Memo to Warren Buffett: Put Down the Pom-Poms and Tell Us the Truth About the Economy
Commented Nov 17, 2009 at 10:36:51 in Business
“"You think Geithner and Summers created Wall St. greed? People weren't greedy in the 80's when junk bond dealings were going on? Or when the S & Ls crashed? You make an incredibly naive statement."
Your statement is naive.
Sure. Greed always existed. But now it's institutionalized & the foxes are guarding the hen house.
The rapidly growing gap between the wealthiest and poor is unprecedented. The US now has the largest gap between wealthy & poor in the western world.
We have no free market. The American work ethic is a thing of the past for many large interests afraid to compete for a living like the rest of Americans:
Today large interests --like drug & insurance- just have secret meetings with the president or go to Congress and make deals to be able to charge Americans more than anybody else in the world for the same drugs,etc. (despite that Americans are already overcharged more than twice the going rate for health care).
We import technology workers when we've got students graduating with degrees and no jobs (who cost more to hire due to high student loans debts)
No creative solutions in sight to resolve these things, make our country stronger as a whole, or share prosperity fairly with all those make prosperity possible.
Nothing substantial has been done to keep banks from putting the economy on the brink again, then threatening financial Armageddon unless they get another bailout from hard working Americans (those who can get jobs, that”
Your statement is naive.
Sure. Greed always existed. But now it's institutionalized & the foxes are guarding the hen house.
The rapidly growing gap between the wealthiest and poor is unprecedented. The US now has the largest gap between wealthy & poor in the western world.
We have no free market. The American work ethic is a thing of the past for many large interests afraid to compete for a living like the rest of Americans:
Today large interests --like drug & insurance- just have secret meetings with the president or go to Congress and make deals to be able to charge Americans more than anybody else in the world for the same drugs,etc. (despite that Americans are already overcharged more than twice the going rate for health care).
We import technology workers when we've got students graduating with degrees and no jobs (who cost more to hire due to high student loans debts)
No creative solutions in sight to resolve these things, make our country stronger as a whole, or share prosperity fairly with all those make prosperity possible.
Nothing substantial has been done to keep banks from putting the economy on the brink again, then threatening financial Armageddon unless they get another bailout from hard working Americans (those who can get jobs, that”
Goldman Sachs: It's Time to Put Country Before Company
Commented Nov 16, 2009 at 17:20:53 in Business
“You didn't give a lot of notice here. If you do this again, maybe post the plan a few days in advance?”
Vaccination: A Conversation Worth Having
Commented Nov 16, 2009 at 10:34:12 in Living
“Well done. Crystal clear.
"But I don't want the job. I agree with my critics who say there are far more qualified people than me -- its just that mainstream media rarely interviews doctors and scientists who present an alternative point of view."
Great Point. We need to hear a full range of educated views on all important issues. And as much as the MSM wants it to appear as though they are presenting different sides, when it comes to issues having to do with profit, war and politics, they often present a very small portion of the available views and leave out very important perspectives and key facts.”
"But I don't want the job. I agree with my critics who say there are far more qualified people than me -- its just that mainstream media rarely interviews doctors and scientists who present an alternative point of view."
Great Point. We need to hear a full range of educated views on all important issues. And as much as the MSM wants it to appear as though they are presenting different sides, when it comes to issues having to do with profit, war and politics, they often present a very small portion of the available views and leave out very important perspectives and key facts.”
CVN65 replied on Nov 16, 2009 at 13:26:19
“Don't forget the environment and AGW. Do you think that they are presenting a slanted view on the other areas but a balanced approach to AGW? It is necessary to watch news from several different sources, including Fox and the BBC.”
Common Sense for the Clean Energy and Climate Debate
Commented Nov 16, 2009 at 10:16:47 in Green
“Apologies for the typos; my computer is acting up today.”
Common Sense for the Clean Energy and Climate Debate
Commented Nov 16, 2009 at 07:49:28 in Green
“CALIFORNIANS IN THE 52nd DISTRICT! TAKE NOTE OF JOE RYAN. IF YOU WANT TO GET THE MONEY OUT OF POLITICS AND LIKE HIS VIEWS,. CAMPAIGN FOR HIM. IT APPEARS YOU HAVE A TRUE LEADER IN YOUR MIDST (see comment above)
I am so excited to read what you are doing, Joe. I totally agree with your approach. The most immediate thing Americans can take right now today to have a voice in government again is to simply stop voting for any candidate who accepts donations.
Don't give up. The tipping point is near-- and it seems certain that Americans are starting to recognize that for any rel change, we must get the money out of elections.
"We all must go back to winning with strong arguments that convince."
Absolutely. Let the best person with the best and most persuasive positions win.
"The left and right could support a taking no money litmus test because it favors neither 'side'. "
We are on the same page here. Having our reps answer to we the people is one thing all American can agree upon, which is why all Americans should not only stop voting for anybody who takes donations but also carve this in legal stone by passing an amendment to the Constitution that outlaws donations.”
I am so excited to read what you are doing, Joe. I totally agree with your approach. The most immediate thing Americans can take right now today to have a voice in government again is to simply stop voting for any candidate who accepts donations.
Don't give up. The tipping point is near-- and it seems certain that Americans are starting to recognize that for any rel change, we must get the money out of elections.
"We all must go back to winning with strong arguments that convince."
Absolutely. Let the best person with the best and most persuasive positions win.
"The left and right could support a taking no money litmus test because it favors neither 'side'. "
We are on the same page here. Having our reps answer to we the people is one thing all American can agree upon, which is why all Americans should not only stop voting for anybody who takes donations but also carve this in legal stone by passing an amendment to the Constitution that outlaws donations.”
themainpoint replied on Nov 16, 2009 at 10:16:47
“Apologies for the typos; my computer is acting up today.”
What You Don't Know About Osteoporosis
Commented Nov 15, 2009 at 19:13:14 in Living
“Call me paranoid, too. I'm in your camp.”
Common Sense for the Clean Energy and Climate Debate
Commented Nov 15, 2009 at 19:03:40 in Green
“My common sense says Congress will deliver nothing substantial to make us safer or stronger until we get the money out of elections.
The US government is no longer much in the hands of the people. It's out of control & there is a free for all going on with the American workers' tax dollars. Few in Congress have time to be bothered about clean energy.
The prerequisite I see to any positive change:
Note that we do not need the US Congress to do this. We only need to demand action from our local reps who serve us in our state legislatures--reps who live nearby & are more accessible and accountable than those on the hill.
Americans must lobby their STATE legislatures to pass a Constitutional Amendment that outlaws campaign donations & favors & mandates publicly funded elections in which each candidate is given the same amount of money & exposure. This way, the best man will win, not the person who has collected the most donations & OUs from special interests.
US Constitution
Article V
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, OR, ON THE APPLICATION OF THE LEGISLATURES OF TWO THIRDS OF THE SEVERAL STATES, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, WHICH, IN EITHER CASE, SHALL BE VALID TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES, AS PART OF THIS CONSTITUTION, WHEN RATIFIED BY THE LEGISLATURES OF THREE FOURTHS OF THE SEVERAL STATES, OR BY CONVENTIONS IN THREE”
The US government is no longer much in the hands of the people. It's out of control & there is a free for all going on with the American workers' tax dollars. Few in Congress have time to be bothered about clean energy.
The prerequisite I see to any positive change:
Note that we do not need the US Congress to do this. We only need to demand action from our local reps who serve us in our state legislatures--reps who live nearby & are more accessible and accountable than those on the hill.
Americans must lobby their STATE legislatures to pass a Constitutional Amendment that outlaws campaign donations & favors & mandates publicly funded elections in which each candidate is given the same amount of money & exposure. This way, the best man will win, not the person who has collected the most donations & OUs from special interests.
US Constitution
Article V
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, OR, ON THE APPLICATION OF THE LEGISLATURES OF TWO THIRDS OF THE SEVERAL STATES, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, WHICH, IN EITHER CASE, SHALL BE VALID TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES, AS PART OF THIS CONSTITUTION, WHEN RATIFIED BY THE LEGISLATURES OF THREE FOURTHS OF THE SEVERAL STATES, OR BY CONVENTIONS IN THREE”
Joe Ryan replied on Nov 15, 2009 at 21:58:09
“Just vote for candidates who refuse to accept money from anyone under any circumstances. my opponent in the election will raise over 1 1/2 million dollars, I'll raise none, make my campaign signs at home, and kick his butt in 2010 if the people of California's 52nd District have the guts to try something different.
If they take money, they're ineligible for my/your vote. One simple 'litmus test' campaign picked up on and carried forth by someone well-known (listening Hollywood celebrities) and everything would change forever. Getting money out of politics completely, can be done, but is not popular because it's so tempting to try and beat the other guys down with money, or amplify your ideas with the same. We all must go back to winning with strong arguments that convince.
The left and right could support a taking no money litmus test because it favors neither 'side'. The left and right would finally get what they voted for (a rep who actually represents them and not corporations). My litmus test plan doesn't require ratification by 38 states, just willpower and unity, until we get things straightened away. Anyone with confidence in their own ideas and faith in mankind would benefit. Voters can eliminate money from congressional races right now! Vote me in and watch the other 434 dominoes fall! Joe Ryan for congress in California's 52nd district, 2010 (if I'm not in jail by then).”
If they take money, they're ineligible for my/your vote. One simple 'litmus test' campaign picked up on and carried forth by someone well-known (listening Hollywood celebrities) and everything would change forever. Getting money out of politics completely, can be done, but is not popular because it's so tempting to try and beat the other guys down with money, or amplify your ideas with the same. We all must go back to winning with strong arguments that convince.
The left and right could support a taking no money litmus test because it favors neither 'side'. The left and right would finally get what they voted for (a rep who actually represents them and not corporations). My litmus test plan doesn't require ratification by 38 states, just willpower and unity, until we get things straightened away. Anyone with confidence in their own ideas and faith in mankind would benefit. Voters can eliminate money from congressional races right now! Vote me in and watch the other 434 dominoes fall! Joe Ryan for congress in California's 52nd district, 2010 (if I'm not in jail by then).”
How To Save Billions in Health Costs Starting Now
Commented Nov 14, 2009 at 19:06:19 in Living
“Prevention. Great. Yes. But that's hardly the biggest elephant in the health care cost room.
If Americans want to save substantially on health care and no longer want to accept being overcharged more than twice the going rate, then the large health care interests must compete for a living like the rest of us.
Just a couple of examples: Insurance has an anti-American anti-trust exemption and big drug (thanks to Congress) overcharges Americans more than anybody else in the world for the same drugs.
The health care industry players have secret meetings with the President and lobby Congress to be able to charge more than the going rate for their products and services and that needs to stop or we'll be in an even worse boat each year.
We need to get rid of the giveaways and subsidies and makes sure that health care interests charge the going rate like other businesses and employees do.
No more rigging health care prices for the benefit of a few and at the expense of the health and wealth of our country.”
If Americans want to save substantially on health care and no longer want to accept being overcharged more than twice the going rate, then the large health care interests must compete for a living like the rest of us.
Just a couple of examples: Insurance has an anti-American anti-trust exemption and big drug (thanks to Congress) overcharges Americans more than anybody else in the world for the same drugs.
The health care industry players have secret meetings with the President and lobby Congress to be able to charge more than the going rate for their products and services and that needs to stop or we'll be in an even worse boat each year.
We need to get rid of the giveaways and subsidies and makes sure that health care interests charge the going rate like other businesses and employees do.
No more rigging health care prices for the benefit of a few and at the expense of the health and wealth of our country.”
Real Health Care Reform: What's Next?
Commented Nov 14, 2009 at 18:51:53 in Living
“"In fact, spending on health care related expenses now consumes more than one out of every six dollars we earn. Yet we experience greater incidence of disease and the World Health Organization's analysis of healthy nation indicators puts our life expectancy near the very bottom of the top 40 nations.
How can this be?
The problem sits at the very core of how we approach health care.
American health care does not help people become or stay healthy and does not make it easy for people who are seeking prevention. "
I'll agree that we need better preventative care. But please don't suggest that the reason Americans are overcharged more than twice the going rate for health care has anything substantial to do with all the care they are getting. We are overcharged more than twice the going rate because insurance has an anti-trust exemption, big drug made deals with Congress that enables them to charge Americans more than anybody else has to pay for the same drugs, and health care interests don't want to compete like the rest of us for a living.
The health care "reform" does little to address any of the key problems:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marcia-angell-md/is-the-house-health-care_b_350190.html
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/11/9/house_passes_healthcare_bill_with_amendment””
How can this be?
The problem sits at the very core of how we approach health care.
American health care does not help people become or stay healthy and does not make it easy for people who are seeking prevention. "
I'll agree that we need better preventative care. But please don't suggest that the reason Americans are overcharged more than twice the going rate for health care has anything substantial to do with all the care they are getting. We are overcharged more than twice the going rate because insurance has an anti-trust exemption, big drug made deals with Congress that enables them to charge Americans more than anybody else has to pay for the same drugs, and health care interests don't want to compete like the rest of us for a living.
The health care "reform" does little to address any of the key problems:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marcia-angell-md/is-the-house-health-care_b_350190.html
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/11/9/house_passes_healthcare_bill_with_amendment””
When Militarism 'Invades' Medicine...Doctatorship Happens
Commented Nov 14, 2009 at 18:25:58 in Living
“I don't think I've ever witnessed a commenter take things out of context, confuse the issues, put words in the mouths of others and obfuscate more than you. It's a total turn off.
Find somebody else to stalk.”
Find somebody else to stalk.”
When Militarism 'Invades' Medicine...Doctatorship Happens
Commented Nov 14, 2009 at 15:19:45 in Living
“Mofmars333, i had the chance to watch this tape. It certainly was surprising. I'm not sure Einstein would be happy as I think she misunderstood and misapplied his formula. And I'm in the same place I started which is that I've never heard an explanation of homeopathy that makes good sense to me-and this one takes the cake.
She basically talks about Einstein's formula (the relationship between mass and energy) and then she leaves relativity and goes into basic atomic (non-relativistic) physics. That's like taking about home runs at a football game and is so bad it's not even wrong.
She then completely confuses mass with volume. (If the mass of the entire universe were collapsed to the size of a bowling ball, it would still be the entire mass of the universe and the bowling ball would just be more dense). This led her to confidently neglect the mass of the ENTIRE universe? Seemed a bit arbitrary, but that's just me.
Thanks very much for the link to the video, but it I don't think it does proponents of homeopathy (or relativity) any service.”
She basically talks about Einstein's formula (the relationship between mass and energy) and then she leaves relativity and goes into basic atomic (non-relativistic) physics. That's like taking about home runs at a football game and is so bad it's not even wrong.
She then completely confuses mass with volume. (If the mass of the entire universe were collapsed to the size of a bowling ball, it would still be the entire mass of the universe and the bowling ball would just be more dense). This led her to confidently neglect the mass of the ENTIRE universe? Seemed a bit arbitrary, but that's just me.
Thanks very much for the link to the video, but it I don't think it does proponents of homeopathy (or relativity) any service.”
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