The United States health care industry is a hog trough, and the U.S. government has allowed it to become so. Common people can no longer afford basic health care unless they have insurance and that insurance is priced beyond those without employer or government assistance.
The greed of health care providers and insurers is every bit as destructive as that of oil companies, Wall Street operators, banks, and monopolistic concerns of all stripes. These horrific giants operate destructively with their own rules by permission of Washington DC. They can do so because they have bribed the US Congress. It’s that simple.
The major flaw with Obama’s “reform” is not that Americans don’t want it, necessarily, but that it is so complicated that few if any commoners understand it or ever understood it, making it vulnerable to the disinformation that was/is heaped upon it. Who knows if we want it if we don’t know what it is?
I’m pretty sure that President Obama’s “health care reform” is dead in the water. Even before Thursday’s televised forum to discuss the issues, you can tell neither Republicans nor Democrats intend to use it for less than their personal grandstand. The New York Times’ preview for the event is at this link.
People such as Ohio’s very own House Minority Leader John Boehner have already announced that the purpose of this meeting is not to look for compromise, but attention. “We shouldn't let the White House have a six-hour taxpayer-funded infomercial on ObamaCare,” Boehner said, meaning this is one more place, one more event, where Mr. Boehner will try to get his hat in the ring for the Presidency. At least some of us back in Ohio know what a waste he is.
Meanwhile, the Democrat Party machine is intent on scoring points - not for Americans, but for Democrats. Watch the chief Democrat clowns at work on the nation’s health care crisis: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be out front, elbowing for the spotlight.
The solution to health care reform is for the federal government get out of it, except to restore competition. I think the President could use the executive branch to end the AMA’s monopoly profits, lift the protections allowing the drug industry to rape at will, and bust up the cartels selling health insurance.
That would be the foundation for genuine health care reform. What we’re going to get is cheap, annoying, self-defeating theatrics.
Showing posts with label congress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label congress. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Let’s help legalize democracy
Government-by-and-for-businesses was bad enough before the U.S. Supreme Court gave foreign and domestic corporations new power to interfere with our already-failing democracy.
The situation and what’s being done about it are summarized by “Move To Amend,” a project of the Campaign to Legalize Democracy:
“On January 21, 2010, with its ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the Supreme Court ruled that corporations are persons, entitled by the U.S. Constitution to buy elections and run our government. Human beings are people; corporations are legal fictions. The Supreme Court is misguided in principle, and wrong on the law. In a democracy, the people rule.
“We Move to Amend.
“We, the People of the United States of America, reject the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United, and move to amend our Constitution to:
Firmly establish that money is not speech, and that human beings, not corporations, are persons entitled to constitutional rights.
Guarantee the right to vote and to participate, and to have our votes and participation count.
“Protect local communities, their economies, and democracies against illegitimate ‘preemption’ actions by global, national, and state governments.”
If you want to sign a petition to help get this done, go to: http://www.movetoamend.org/
The situation and what’s being done about it are summarized by “Move To Amend,” a project of the Campaign to Legalize Democracy:
“On January 21, 2010, with its ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the Supreme Court ruled that corporations are persons, entitled by the U.S. Constitution to buy elections and run our government. Human beings are people; corporations are legal fictions. The Supreme Court is misguided in principle, and wrong on the law. In a democracy, the people rule.
“We Move to Amend.
“We, the People of the United States of America, reject the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United, and move to amend our Constitution to:
Firmly establish that money is not speech, and that human beings, not corporations, are persons entitled to constitutional rights.
Guarantee the right to vote and to participate, and to have our votes and participation count.
“Protect local communities, their economies, and democracies against illegitimate ‘preemption’ actions by global, national, and state governments.”
If you want to sign a petition to help get this done, go to: http://www.movetoamend.org/
Sunday, March 8, 2009
DST spells profits, so reset your clocks, Bunky
(Reprinted From March 10, 2008 Which Was Reprinted From March 14, 2007.)
Intro: I am reprinting this Observation because big media refuses to see and/or talk about the real rationale behind DST, which is profits for business. Dollars for business is what government's purpose has become, and this foolishness is among penalties the rest of us pay.
Daylight Saving Time is a gift from Washington to U.S. business interests.
Washington nannies never tire of fixing non-problems at the expense of citizens. Because of that we recently lost several minutes of our collective life - as happens twice every year - because these meddlers make everybody turn their clocks backward and forward.
And why is this? Follow the money: It's a commercial thing, promoted by chambers of commerce, manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, travel industry, and service providers. But, because none of those money machines wants to take credit, government nannies justify it as an energy-saving device.
Yet there are those who say it doesn't save energy, but costs more when the additional travel costs are figured, and that makes sense to me.
Who wants to take an hour from the morning and add it to the afternoon? Nobody whose job or lifestyle depends on the rising and setting of the sun, but just about everybody who's in business. Not just the golf courses and not just the barbecue suppliers, all enterprises associated with sports, recreation, and travel benefit. That's a big chunk of change, but that's not all.
Since almost nobody goes out for routine shopping after dark if they don't have to - or anything else except night-life socialization and recreation - all retailers profit from more routine shopping because of more evening daylight. There is more of everything happening that costs money during that extra hour in the afternoon.
DST is government's way of making you stay up an hour later so you can spend more money. Slick, huh?
Some references are:
Winners of new daylight savings - Industries cashing in on the change
For a history of the efforts of Robert Garland, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Pittsburgh back in the 1920's, read his report on his efforts and his rationale for "daylight savings." It's called "Ten Years of Daylight Saving from the Pittsburgh Standpoint."It demonstrates how he and his chamber of commerce back then talked about all the supposed advantages except the profit motive.
An extensive report on the history and effects of DST (except that here too the profit motive is pretty much ignored) plus lots of reference material.
Intro: I am reprinting this Observation because big media refuses to see and/or talk about the real rationale behind DST, which is profits for business. Dollars for business is what government's purpose has become, and this foolishness is among penalties the rest of us pay.
Daylight Saving Time is a gift from Washington to U.S. business interests.
Washington nannies never tire of fixing non-problems at the expense of citizens. Because of that we recently lost several minutes of our collective life - as happens twice every year - because these meddlers make everybody turn their clocks backward and forward.
And why is this? Follow the money: It's a commercial thing, promoted by chambers of commerce, manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, travel industry, and service providers. But, because none of those money machines wants to take credit, government nannies justify it as an energy-saving device.
Yet there are those who say it doesn't save energy, but costs more when the additional travel costs are figured, and that makes sense to me.
Who wants to take an hour from the morning and add it to the afternoon? Nobody whose job or lifestyle depends on the rising and setting of the sun, but just about everybody who's in business. Not just the golf courses and not just the barbecue suppliers, all enterprises associated with sports, recreation, and travel benefit. That's a big chunk of change, but that's not all.
Since almost nobody goes out for routine shopping after dark if they don't have to - or anything else except night-life socialization and recreation - all retailers profit from more routine shopping because of more evening daylight. There is more of everything happening that costs money during that extra hour in the afternoon.
DST is government's way of making you stay up an hour later so you can spend more money. Slick, huh?
Some references are:
Winners of new daylight savings - Industries cashing in on the change
For a history of the efforts of Robert Garland, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Pittsburgh back in the 1920's, read his report on his efforts and his rationale for "daylight savings." It's called "Ten Years of Daylight Saving from the Pittsburgh Standpoint."It demonstrates how he and his chamber of commerce back then talked about all the supposed advantages except the profit motive.
An extensive report on the history and effects of DST (except that here too the profit motive is pretty much ignored) plus lots of reference material.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Get in line for our tax money, buggy-whip makers
That the Bush/U.S. Congress rape of America is alive and well and evermore destructive is reflected in today's news that our money will be also given to companies deemed by government to be important to making and financing of cars, according to USA Today.
This in addition to billions going to Wall Street traders, banks, and auto manufacturers.
And guess who is next in line? Newspapers! Already a Connecticut lawmaker wants to "save" his local newspaper. This, the most bizarre twist in the most bizarre use of tax money of all time, is reported by Reuters at this link.
If anyone is expecting this federal idiocy to stop soon, it isn't likely. At least not until the last of the businesses have been rewarded by Washington loonies with money from many generations of future taxpayers. The headline for that may read, as was written sarcastically by an Internet wag: "Buggy Whip Industry Demands Bailout - Claims $35B Will Allow It Time To Restructure."
This in addition to billions going to Wall Street traders, banks, and auto manufacturers.
And guess who is next in line? Newspapers! Already a Connecticut lawmaker wants to "save" his local newspaper. This, the most bizarre twist in the most bizarre use of tax money of all time, is reported by Reuters at this link.
If anyone is expecting this federal idiocy to stop soon, it isn't likely. At least not until the last of the businesses have been rewarded by Washington loonies with money from many generations of future taxpayers. The headline for that may read, as was written sarcastically by an Internet wag: "Buggy Whip Industry Demands Bailout - Claims $35B Will Allow It Time To Restructure."
Monday, July 21, 2008
PS to Medicare Advantage and to the AARP
Some additions and corrections to the piece I wrote 7/18/08 about Medicare Advantage (MA) insurance taking a hit from Congress:
For one thing I blamed media for not being on top of this, when in fact it was the private insurers such as Humana that should have been alerting everybody - most of all their own subscribers. But I, a Humana subscriber, still haven't heard from these folks about what happened in Congress or what it means to subscribers. That's pretty disheartening.
I also blamed AARP for instigating a massive panic attack among oldsters who were led to believe their medical services were at risk. In doing so, I implied that AARP did not sell MA.
A reader corrected me on that one and caused me to spend hours of research on the AARP and what it sells. Turns out AARP does offer an MA plan, but you have to know what you want and you have to aggressively search to find it. Meanwhile their other types of insurance are shoved at members from every angle. I suspect that the best profit for AARP isn't in MA but in Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) insurance.
AARP makes clear in its advertising of health and other types of insurance that it is not an insurer - as though AARP is merely offering these plans as a favor to members.
However, if you sort through the AARP financial statement offered in pdf format at this link you can read there - Note 3, page 12 (and in another place) how AARP sells insurance without underwriting it: It collects premiums, skims off a part of the profit, and remits to insurance underwriters.
On that same page it reports a haul for AARP of $497,635,000 for this part of its business. Compare that with membership dues bringing in $297,353,000. Note, too, that AARP has divided itself into various branches, some of which are not of the non-profit variety.
For one thing I blamed media for not being on top of this, when in fact it was the private insurers such as Humana that should have been alerting everybody - most of all their own subscribers. But I, a Humana subscriber, still haven't heard from these folks about what happened in Congress or what it means to subscribers. That's pretty disheartening.
I also blamed AARP for instigating a massive panic attack among oldsters who were led to believe their medical services were at risk. In doing so, I implied that AARP did not sell MA.
A reader corrected me on that one and caused me to spend hours of research on the AARP and what it sells. Turns out AARP does offer an MA plan, but you have to know what you want and you have to aggressively search to find it. Meanwhile their other types of insurance are shoved at members from every angle. I suspect that the best profit for AARP isn't in MA but in Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) insurance.
AARP makes clear in its advertising of health and other types of insurance that it is not an insurer - as though AARP is merely offering these plans as a favor to members.
However, if you sort through the AARP financial statement offered in pdf format at this link you can read there - Note 3, page 12 (and in another place) how AARP sells insurance without underwriting it: It collects premiums, skims off a part of the profit, and remits to insurance underwriters.
On that same page it reports a haul for AARP of $497,635,000 for this part of its business. Compare that with membership dues bringing in $297,353,000. Note, too, that AARP has divided itself into various branches, some of which are not of the non-profit variety.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Medicare Advantage took a hit while the press slept
While Congress and President Bush were talking about taking money away from Medicare Advantage subscribers and giving it to physicians, the press wasn't paying any attention, not that I detected. They weren't paying attention until it came time to pontificate about the righteousness of it, which is when The Advocate and some others gave it their editorial approval.
I doubt they understood the implications of what they were preaching, or backed their editorial positions by interviewing beneficiaries of different types of health plans.
Further, I doubt if Congress - including Senators Voinovich and Brown and Representative Space - understood what they were taking away by giving Medicare Advantage money to physicians. President Bush understood it and vetoed the bill because he said he favored paying physicians in full but getting the money to do so from a source other than Medicare Advantage providers.
He was shouted down by legions of AARP members and others who were whipped into a frenzy of ill-placed support, thinking they would lose medical services if physicians didn't get what they demanded. But what they probably didn't realize is that AARP is a seller of "Medigap" Medicare insurance and stands to lose sales to Medicare Advantage. In fact, if you read AARP stuff it's pretty easy to see that more than anything else the AARP is in the insurance business - period - with sales aimed at older people.
The differences among health plans available to seniors are complex and obscure, which is why special-interest insurers, such as AARP, find it easy to snocker old people such as me. Since I heard about the implications of the congressional override of the President's veto about three days ago, I have been trying to find out who the players are, what the score it, and what's at stake. I've spent hours on the Internet and elsewhere and I admit that I am still confused about some of it.
But you can count me among the extremely satisfied customers of Humana, one of the Medicare Advantage providers.
Here's how the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) defines Medicare Advantage plans: "Unlike original Medicare, which is administered by the federal government, Medicare Advantage plans are provided by private insurers. The government pays the insurer a fixed monthly fee to provide services to each Medicare beneficiary under their care. Such plans are attractive because they offer the same basic coverage as original Medicare, along with additional benefits and services that original Medicare doesn't offer. They are designed to provide better services and lower out-of-pocket costs."
Some are better than others, of course, and some of these plans present some problems, but - again from the ODA - "Most Medicare Advantage plans, however, deliver as promised and have high customer satisfaction."
Count me among these folks. I've been a subscriber to Humana Gold Choice plan for about two years. It is affordable and user-friendly. It has health maintenance programs through education and such programs as "Silver Sneakers" (offering free membership at the YMCA, for instance) which are useful and greatly appreciated.
As for keeping up with medical bills, Humana is a Godsend. Unlike the old days of trying to find out what the insurance company has paid and what the government has paid, and what is still owed, Humana coordinates payment for health-care providers and communicates clearly about what's going on. Customer service by phone and Internet has, in my case, been perfect every time, and there are few if any other government or private services about which I can say that.
If the Medicare Advantage plans have indeed been submarined by this latest Congressional action, then there are a lot of seniors who may not know it yet, but who are about to lose money, lose time, lose some great services, and lose their tempers.
I doubt they understood the implications of what they were preaching, or backed their editorial positions by interviewing beneficiaries of different types of health plans.
Further, I doubt if Congress - including Senators Voinovich and Brown and Representative Space - understood what they were taking away by giving Medicare Advantage money to physicians. President Bush understood it and vetoed the bill because he said he favored paying physicians in full but getting the money to do so from a source other than Medicare Advantage providers.
He was shouted down by legions of AARP members and others who were whipped into a frenzy of ill-placed support, thinking they would lose medical services if physicians didn't get what they demanded. But what they probably didn't realize is that AARP is a seller of "Medigap" Medicare insurance and stands to lose sales to Medicare Advantage. In fact, if you read AARP stuff it's pretty easy to see that more than anything else the AARP is in the insurance business - period - with sales aimed at older people.
The differences among health plans available to seniors are complex and obscure, which is why special-interest insurers, such as AARP, find it easy to snocker old people such as me. Since I heard about the implications of the congressional override of the President's veto about three days ago, I have been trying to find out who the players are, what the score it, and what's at stake. I've spent hours on the Internet and elsewhere and I admit that I am still confused about some of it.
But you can count me among the extremely satisfied customers of Humana, one of the Medicare Advantage providers.
Here's how the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) defines Medicare Advantage plans: "Unlike original Medicare, which is administered by the federal government, Medicare Advantage plans are provided by private insurers. The government pays the insurer a fixed monthly fee to provide services to each Medicare beneficiary under their care. Such plans are attractive because they offer the same basic coverage as original Medicare, along with additional benefits and services that original Medicare doesn't offer. They are designed to provide better services and lower out-of-pocket costs."
Some are better than others, of course, and some of these plans present some problems, but - again from the ODA - "Most Medicare Advantage plans, however, deliver as promised and have high customer satisfaction."
Count me among these folks. I've been a subscriber to Humana Gold Choice plan for about two years. It is affordable and user-friendly. It has health maintenance programs through education and such programs as "Silver Sneakers" (offering free membership at the YMCA, for instance) which are useful and greatly appreciated.
As for keeping up with medical bills, Humana is a Godsend. Unlike the old days of trying to find out what the insurance company has paid and what the government has paid, and what is still owed, Humana coordinates payment for health-care providers and communicates clearly about what's going on. Customer service by phone and Internet has, in my case, been perfect every time, and there are few if any other government or private services about which I can say that.
If the Medicare Advantage plans have indeed been submarined by this latest Congressional action, then there are a lot of seniors who may not know it yet, but who are about to lose money, lose time, lose some great services, and lose their tempers.
Friday, July 11, 2008
We're in a mental recession? How about that guy peeing in the pool?
America has for the past four years watched its president pee in the world's pool, particularly that part inhabited by this country's middle- and lower-economic class citizens. Meanwhile, Congress has never been more inept or ineffective against such a White House.
So distraught and angry with the complete breakdown of their government have citizens become that now even "desk rage" is in vogue. Read about it here.
To goose up America's wrath, there's this McCain fat-cat calling us a "nation of whiners" who are in a "mental recession." Former Sen. Phil Gramm, who said that (read it here) is probably a millionaire many times over at the expense of America's working people, something like King Bush's oil buddies.
How much more before a serious revolution?
So distraught and angry with the complete breakdown of their government have citizens become that now even "desk rage" is in vogue. Read about it here.
To goose up America's wrath, there's this McCain fat-cat calling us a "nation of whiners" who are in a "mental recession." Former Sen. Phil Gramm, who said that (read it here) is probably a millionaire many times over at the expense of America's working people, something like King Bush's oil buddies.
How much more before a serious revolution?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
A lesson from 1973, but Big Oil owns the government
If you think $4 a gallon is anything but a full-court press by Big Oil and Big Government to get America to agree to off-shore drilling, then you're too young or too historically lame to know how the game was played in 1973. That's when Nixon, Agnew, OPEC and Big Oil conspired to force the building of the Alaska Pipeline over objections of environmentalists.
I saw it coming early in May when I wrote here to watch for Bush to seal some Big Oil/Energy deals because it became evident to me that we were into a replay of the 1973 shafting.
May 2 was when Pat Tiberi, (the Republican representing the western part of Licking County in the U.S. House) revealed the Bush Government's plan to "reduce energy costs in the near term" - and put the blame on Democrats. I wrote then that "This is the Bush Empire's first move in a final drive to seal some deals for the oil/energy brethren before he departs. Watch it unfold."
Since then the drumbeat has grown louder. Yesterday, no less than Senator McCain joined up. According to today's Washington Post, he called "for an end to the federal ban on offshore oil drilling, offering an aggressive response to high gasoline prices ..."
Oh, yes, John. Like this isn't an exact replay of Big Oil/Big Government conspiracy of 1973?
First, a little tussle between the Jews and Arabs October 6, which gave OPEC an excuse to impose an oil embargo 11 days later. According to a report by PBS: "Overnight, the price of a barrel of oil rises from $3 to over $5. Gas at the pumps will soon rise from 30 cents per gallon to $1.20, and drivers will wait in long lines to fill up their tanks."
Then on Nov. 16, the report continues: In direct response to the oil crisis, President Nixon signs the Trans Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act into law. Nixon introduces "Project Independence" in a televised speech: "Throughout history, America has made great sacrifices of blood and also treasure to achieve and maintain its independence. In the last third of this century, our independence will depend on maintaining and achieving self-sufficiency in energy."
By December oil was at $11.65 and January 3, 1974 a federal permit was issued that allowed construction to start.
So watch the Bush-McCain Government at work. And if you don't think its owned by Big Oil, you will before this is over.
I saw it coming early in May when I wrote here to watch for Bush to seal some Big Oil/Energy deals because it became evident to me that we were into a replay of the 1973 shafting.
May 2 was when Pat Tiberi, (the Republican representing the western part of Licking County in the U.S. House) revealed the Bush Government's plan to "reduce energy costs in the near term" - and put the blame on Democrats. I wrote then that "This is the Bush Empire's first move in a final drive to seal some deals for the oil/energy brethren before he departs. Watch it unfold."
Since then the drumbeat has grown louder. Yesterday, no less than Senator McCain joined up. According to today's Washington Post, he called "for an end to the federal ban on offshore oil drilling, offering an aggressive response to high gasoline prices ..."
Oh, yes, John. Like this isn't an exact replay of Big Oil/Big Government conspiracy of 1973?
First, a little tussle between the Jews and Arabs October 6, which gave OPEC an excuse to impose an oil embargo 11 days later. According to a report by PBS: "Overnight, the price of a barrel of oil rises from $3 to over $5. Gas at the pumps will soon rise from 30 cents per gallon to $1.20, and drivers will wait in long lines to fill up their tanks."
Then on Nov. 16, the report continues: In direct response to the oil crisis, President Nixon signs the Trans Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act into law. Nixon introduces "Project Independence" in a televised speech: "Throughout history, America has made great sacrifices of blood and also treasure to achieve and maintain its independence. In the last third of this century, our independence will depend on maintaining and achieving self-sufficiency in energy."
By December oil was at $11.65 and January 3, 1974 a federal permit was issued that allowed construction to start.
So watch the Bush-McCain Government at work. And if you don't think its owned by Big Oil, you will before this is over.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Earmarks: the Washington hog trough
Among the most important freedoms that citizens gave away to government is control over the money they earn. Most is sent to Washington bureaucracy where it is disbursed in ways that would be amusing if it were someone else's money.
"Earmarking" our money for specific projects and political interests is a budgetary end-run which is commonly practiced and evermore expensive.
SourceWatch encyclopedia says earmarks "are typically handed out as favors in exchange for votes on key pieces of legislation by party leaders and appropriations chairmen."
Ohio legislators, as a group, are doing their share at the hog trough - $305 million this year, according to an Associated Press report in yesterday's Advocate.
Another report in the Columbus Dispatch yesterday told how Voinovich, Ohio's own "chief deficit hawk," did his part to balance the budget by making off in the night with $18.7 million for his folks back home in Ohio. He also co-sponsored another $171 million for other states.
Let the meaning of "oink" start to rule Ohio's voting booths.
"Earmarking" our money for specific projects and political interests is a budgetary end-run which is commonly practiced and evermore expensive.
SourceWatch encyclopedia says earmarks "are typically handed out as favors in exchange for votes on key pieces of legislation by party leaders and appropriations chairmen."
Ohio legislators, as a group, are doing their share at the hog trough - $305 million this year, according to an Associated Press report in yesterday's Advocate.
Another report in the Columbus Dispatch yesterday told how Voinovich, Ohio's own "chief deficit hawk," did his part to balance the budget by making off in the night with $18.7 million for his folks back home in Ohio. He also co-sponsored another $171 million for other states.
Let the meaning of "oink" start to rule Ohio's voting booths.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Zack Space votes for consumers
Thanks to Zack Space, our U.S. Representative, for his affirmative vote on HR6074 that amends the Sherman Act to make oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. It authorizes the Justice Department to pursue enenrgy antitrust and price-fixing cases. John Beohner and Jean Schmidt were the only two Ohio Congressmen to vote against this measure. You can read more here.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Big Media and Big Oil - are they one and the same?
The Greatest Story Never Written is what's going on with gasoline prices and what's causing it. That, aside from Big Media's failings on wars and their causes, is their greatest and most costly failing in my memory. Big Media simply will not address the hidden story of manipulation of world energy supplies and the power and riches resulting therefrom.
I have maintained throughout the years that the laws of supply and demand do not freely operate in energy markets (and many others controlled by government). Because of that, as I said here 5/2/08, Bush and the oil companies are eating America alive and mass media can't see that the Energy Empire - using front men like Pat Tiberi - is in a final drive to seal some deals before Bush departs. Read it here.
Breitbart reported 5/17/08that Bush said "Our problem in America gets solved when we aggressively go for domestic exploration. Our problem in America gets solved if we expand our refining capacity, promote nuclear energy and continue our strategy for the advancing of alternative energies as well as conservation."
Was my prediction on target?
Two days later Cal Thomas, who sometimes seems half-bright, wrote an Advocate column that had what he wants us to believe is the answer to our problems. He quoted an expert on why repeal of the $17 billion in tax breaks to oil companies would be wrong and why oil companies should be allowed to defy environmentalist concerns about off-shore drilling. His source? That would be Peter Robertson, vice chairman of Chevron.
Brilliant journalist, that Cal Thomas.
The fact is that Americans and the rest of the world are under attack by oil companies, politicians, speculators, and most of all the President of the United States.
The oil swindle started with President George H. W. Bush and helped propel George W. into office. You can read how this occurred in a report by Samuel A. Stanson, entitled Did former President George H. W. Bush create an oil crisis in order to get his son elected?
Then read another well-researched piece by Emanuel A. Winston at Israelenews.com:"The Oil Swindle Never Stopped"
All Big Media need to do is to pick up on this research. They haven't and likely they won't. They will keep publishing rehashes of oil company propaganda written by hopeless hacks like Cal Thomas.
Is it because Big Media are too lazy and/or too stupid? Or is it rather because - somewhere up the feeding chain - Big Media and Big Oil are one and the same?
I have maintained throughout the years that the laws of supply and demand do not freely operate in energy markets (and many others controlled by government). Because of that, as I said here 5/2/08, Bush and the oil companies are eating America alive and mass media can't see that the Energy Empire - using front men like Pat Tiberi - is in a final drive to seal some deals before Bush departs. Read it here.
Breitbart reported 5/17/08that Bush said "Our problem in America gets solved when we aggressively go for domestic exploration. Our problem in America gets solved if we expand our refining capacity, promote nuclear energy and continue our strategy for the advancing of alternative energies as well as conservation."
Was my prediction on target?
Two days later Cal Thomas, who sometimes seems half-bright, wrote an Advocate column that had what he wants us to believe is the answer to our problems. He quoted an expert on why repeal of the $17 billion in tax breaks to oil companies would be wrong and why oil companies should be allowed to defy environmentalist concerns about off-shore drilling. His source? That would be Peter Robertson, vice chairman of Chevron.
Brilliant journalist, that Cal Thomas.
The fact is that Americans and the rest of the world are under attack by oil companies, politicians, speculators, and most of all the President of the United States.
The oil swindle started with President George H. W. Bush and helped propel George W. into office. You can read how this occurred in a report by Samuel A. Stanson, entitled Did former President George H. W. Bush create an oil crisis in order to get his son elected?
Then read another well-researched piece by Emanuel A. Winston at Israelenews.com:"The Oil Swindle Never Stopped"
All Big Media need to do is to pick up on this research. They haven't and likely they won't. They will keep publishing rehashes of oil company propaganda written by hopeless hacks like Cal Thomas.
Is it because Big Media are too lazy and/or too stupid? Or is it rather because - somewhere up the feeding chain - Big Media and Big Oil are one and the same?
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Thank you Zack Space for goosing Congress on criminal aliens
The incredible travesty against Americans on illegal immigration, wrought by President Bush and his mega-billion buddies, is being met head-on by at least one congressman. That is our own Zack Space (D-18).
Yesterday (3/15/08) Zack sent out the word to his peers that it's time to get off the pot and bring an end to this crisis.
I have for many months been writing about the screwing Bush and the rest of Washington is giving America by letting the invasion by criminal aliens continue. To review:
Criminal aliens: The losers are Mexico and Mexicans
Comment on immigration should be required reading
Zack Space report card so far: Big Attaboy
NO DRUG SMUGGLER LEFT BEHIND! - by Ann Coulter
What's wrong, Bunky?
Zack sent out a news release yesterday that explains the legislation that has been road blocked by a do-less, careless, and unresponsive (except to mega-billionaires) U.S. Congress. Here's what he said:
WASHINGTON, DC – Tired of waiting on the House leadership to address America’s illegal immigration crisis, Congressman Zack Space (OH-18) today called upon them to advance a bill that would help combat the nation’s illegal immigration crisis. Space today joined a number of his colleagues in a letter demanding that Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer bring up pending legislation quickly that strengthens border security, increases interior enforcement, and cracks down on employers who hire illegal immigrants.
This legislation, the bipartisan Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement (SAVE) Act of 2007 (H.R. 4088), has been stalled since last year.
In the letter, Space and his colleagues pointed out that, “Illegal immigration and border security are high priorities for many Members and our constituents, and we fear that these issues have not been given the proper and necessary consideration in the House of Representatives.”
“My constituents are crying out for action on the illegal immigration issue,” Space said. “There is no doubt that the illegal immigration problem is placing an undue strain on our public resources and our job market.”
“When I traveled to the Mexican border last year, I saw firsthand how easy it is for people to sneak across, and that is completely unacceptable. We need swift and dramatic action to protect both our national security and our job security. I find it difficult to understand the delay,” Space continued.
Congressman Space has represented Ohio's 18th Congressional District since 2007. He is working to restore integrity to the office, expand Ohio's economy, and support renewable energy.
Yesterday (3/15/08) Zack sent out the word to his peers that it's time to get off the pot and bring an end to this crisis.
I have for many months been writing about the screwing Bush and the rest of Washington is giving America by letting the invasion by criminal aliens continue. To review:
Criminal aliens: The losers are Mexico and Mexicans
Comment on immigration should be required reading
Zack Space report card so far: Big Attaboy
NO DRUG SMUGGLER LEFT BEHIND! - by Ann Coulter
What's wrong, Bunky?
Zack sent out a news release yesterday that explains the legislation that has been road blocked by a do-less, careless, and unresponsive (except to mega-billionaires) U.S. Congress. Here's what he said:
WASHINGTON, DC – Tired of waiting on the House leadership to address America’s illegal immigration crisis, Congressman Zack Space (OH-18) today called upon them to advance a bill that would help combat the nation’s illegal immigration crisis. Space today joined a number of his colleagues in a letter demanding that Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer bring up pending legislation quickly that strengthens border security, increases interior enforcement, and cracks down on employers who hire illegal immigrants.
This legislation, the bipartisan Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement (SAVE) Act of 2007 (H.R. 4088), has been stalled since last year.
In the letter, Space and his colleagues pointed out that, “Illegal immigration and border security are high priorities for many Members and our constituents, and we fear that these issues have not been given the proper and necessary consideration in the House of Representatives.”
“My constituents are crying out for action on the illegal immigration issue,” Space said. “There is no doubt that the illegal immigration problem is placing an undue strain on our public resources and our job market.”
“When I traveled to the Mexican border last year, I saw firsthand how easy it is for people to sneak across, and that is completely unacceptable. We need swift and dramatic action to protect both our national security and our job security. I find it difficult to understand the delay,” Space continued.
Congressman Space has represented Ohio's 18th Congressional District since 2007. He is working to restore integrity to the office, expand Ohio's economy, and support renewable energy.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Want to know if that stuff you're eating was cloned?
That government wouldn't require accuracy in labeling food, particualy the types of food that are of concern to consumers is amazing. But it's amazing only to those who don't understand that food producers are among those who own our government.
Therefore, the only way we have of ensuring that our government nannies are indeed looking out for our interests above those of corporations is to insist on it.
Today's case in point: 89% of consumers say they want to know if the meat and milk they buy comes from cloned animals. According to Consumers Union, "This January, the FDA stated that it sees no problems with the safety of milk and meat from cloned cows -- despite 160,000 comments from consumers that they have concerns about the safety of cloned milk and meat and Congressional legislation asking FDA to hold back and do further study."
So unless there is an organized outcry, you're going to be eating God knows what.
Consumers Union has provided an easy way to get in on the outcry. Go to this web site to communicate your concerns to Congress.
Therefore, the only way we have of ensuring that our government nannies are indeed looking out for our interests above those of corporations is to insist on it.
Today's case in point: 89% of consumers say they want to know if the meat and milk they buy comes from cloned animals. According to Consumers Union, "This January, the FDA stated that it sees no problems with the safety of milk and meat from cloned cows -- despite 160,000 comments from consumers that they have concerns about the safety of cloned milk and meat and Congressional legislation asking FDA to hold back and do further study."
So unless there is an organized outcry, you're going to be eating God knows what.
Consumers Union has provided an easy way to get in on the outcry. Go to this web site to communicate your concerns to Congress.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Foreign aid for Newark Ohio
Makes me all warm and fuzzy because those crazy people in Washington are giving foreign aid to people in Newark Ohio like they give it to other countries.
We're going to get paid with tax money for being taxpayers and it's going to cost $150 billion.
They all know, of course, that there is nothing in their federal pants pockets; nothing but debt, meaning they are creating even more debt to "pay" us.
There they were, in that bill-signing photo yesterday, all those crazy congressional leaders, sitting there with the craziest among all crazies, our very own President Bush, smiling at each other and signing this boondoggle and proclaiming it as a fix.
And never once mentioning - nobody ever does - the price of oil which has, and is, devastating our economy to the point where we get foreign aid to survive in Newark Ohio until the election.
We're going to get paid with tax money for being taxpayers and it's going to cost $150 billion.
They all know, of course, that there is nothing in their federal pants pockets; nothing but debt, meaning they are creating even more debt to "pay" us.
There they were, in that bill-signing photo yesterday, all those crazy congressional leaders, sitting there with the craziest among all crazies, our very own President Bush, smiling at each other and signing this boondoggle and proclaiming it as a fix.
And never once mentioning - nobody ever does - the price of oil which has, and is, devastating our economy to the point where we get foreign aid to survive in Newark Ohio until the election.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Sex offenders, cell phones, and local revitalization
Sex offenders...
I second today's Advocate editorial regarding the mistakes of the new sex-offender regulations. They just don't make sense, and particularly so when compared to the ways in which other types of convicted evil-doers - drug dealers and killers, for instance - are set free after serving their time.
Good job, Advocate. Read it here.
Cell phones ...
Consumer Union is making it really easy for citizens to speak out for regulation of the cell phone industry. I used the form they e-mailed me to encourage meaningful federal legislation.
CU sent a follow-up e-mail, encouraging me to spread the word. Here's what the e-mail said:
"Pass the Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act of 2007
"The cell phone industry doesn't like real competition--so it produces phones we can only use with a particular company, contracts that lock us in with early termination fees, and more. I just took a moment to help turn it around. After FCC investigations last fall and pro-consumer standards passed in some leading states, Congress is finally stepping in to improve the market for all of us.
"I just took two minutes to tell my lawmakers the most important changes I want to see, and I hope you will too. It will take support from tens of thousands of regular people like us to offset the power of a well funded corporate lobby, but Consumers Union -- the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports and a cell phone reform proponent -- has a great track record getting things done. Click here to join me in action."
18th Congressional renewal plan ...
Zack Space is launching "Renew Ohio 18," a long-term game plan to revitalize Southeaster Ohio's economy. Read it here.
I second today's Advocate editorial regarding the mistakes of the new sex-offender regulations. They just don't make sense, and particularly so when compared to the ways in which other types of convicted evil-doers - drug dealers and killers, for instance - are set free after serving their time.
Good job, Advocate. Read it here.
Cell phones ...
Consumer Union is making it really easy for citizens to speak out for regulation of the cell phone industry. I used the form they e-mailed me to encourage meaningful federal legislation.
CU sent a follow-up e-mail, encouraging me to spread the word. Here's what the e-mail said:
"Pass the Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act of 2007
"The cell phone industry doesn't like real competition--so it produces phones we can only use with a particular company, contracts that lock us in with early termination fees, and more. I just took a moment to help turn it around. After FCC investigations last fall and pro-consumer standards passed in some leading states, Congress is finally stepping in to improve the market for all of us.
"I just took two minutes to tell my lawmakers the most important changes I want to see, and I hope you will too. It will take support from tens of thousands of regular people like us to offset the power of a well funded corporate lobby, but Consumers Union -- the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports and a cell phone reform proponent -- has a great track record getting things done. Click here to join me in action."
18th Congressional renewal plan ...
Zack Space is launching "Renew Ohio 18," a long-term game plan to revitalize Southeaster Ohio's economy. Read it here.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Zack Space is doing good stuff for us in Congress
Zack Space has taken a couple hits in this journal, but I believe it to be the fault of blundering from inexperience, rather than evil intent.
Fact is, I still like him very much and he's doing good stuff as our representative from the 18th District to the U.S. House of Representatives. In a recent e-mail to constituents, he told about some of his recent work:
He introduced, and the House passed, legislation "to reward teachers who generously purchase school supplies out of their own pocket, and to help students meet the skyrocketing cost of tuition. Congress has also passed legislation that will make sure that our servicemen and servicewomen – those who have sacrificed so much in defense of our nation and our freedom – will not suffer a ridiculous tax hit for receiving combat pay. Finally, the House passed my initiative to make sure working families caught up in the recent foreclosure crisis are not subject to a devastating 'phantom tax.'"
To stop the IRS from unfairly taxing Ohio families Zack introduced a bill to severely cut the foreclosure tax being levied on families devastated by a mortgage crisis. He explained it like this:
"The IRS creates 'phantom income' for families going through foreclosure by counting forgiven debt as income and taxing them on it," Zack said. “The IRS must stop adding insult to injury when American families are in financial trouble." This bill recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is headed to the Senate.
To honor veterans and service members, Zack "introduced a bill to help service members qualify for tax credits and assist veterans to purchase homes. This bill allows service members to exclude combat pay from their income taxes, making many eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. The House has passed this bill.
“Those in uniform have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation, it’s time America gives something back,” Space said.
To reduce the soaring costs of education, Zack's "legislation to extend key tax relief provisions before they expire has passed the House." The bill extends deductions for tuition costs for higher education; for teachers for the school supplies they purchase out of pocket; for the contribution of books to public schools.
Zack also introduced a bill to extend for four years the enhanced charitable deduction for contributions to food banks. This, too, has passed the House.
“If a company has food available and there are people in need, why not provide a financial incentive for the company to help? Not only will businesses get tax breaks, but our charities get the supplies they need,” Zack said.
Fact is, I still like him very much and he's doing good stuff as our representative from the 18th District to the U.S. House of Representatives. In a recent e-mail to constituents, he told about some of his recent work:
He introduced, and the House passed, legislation "to reward teachers who generously purchase school supplies out of their own pocket, and to help students meet the skyrocketing cost of tuition. Congress has also passed legislation that will make sure that our servicemen and servicewomen – those who have sacrificed so much in defense of our nation and our freedom – will not suffer a ridiculous tax hit for receiving combat pay. Finally, the House passed my initiative to make sure working families caught up in the recent foreclosure crisis are not subject to a devastating 'phantom tax.'"
To stop the IRS from unfairly taxing Ohio families Zack introduced a bill to severely cut the foreclosure tax being levied on families devastated by a mortgage crisis. He explained it like this:
"The IRS creates 'phantom income' for families going through foreclosure by counting forgiven debt as income and taxing them on it," Zack said. “The IRS must stop adding insult to injury when American families are in financial trouble." This bill recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is headed to the Senate.
To honor veterans and service members, Zack "introduced a bill to help service members qualify for tax credits and assist veterans to purchase homes. This bill allows service members to exclude combat pay from their income taxes, making many eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. The House has passed this bill.
“Those in uniform have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation, it’s time America gives something back,” Space said.
To reduce the soaring costs of education, Zack's "legislation to extend key tax relief provisions before they expire has passed the House." The bill extends deductions for tuition costs for higher education; for teachers for the school supplies they purchase out of pocket; for the contribution of books to public schools.
Zack also introduced a bill to extend for four years the enhanced charitable deduction for contributions to food banks. This, too, has passed the House.
“If a company has food available and there are people in need, why not provide a financial incentive for the company to help? Not only will businesses get tax breaks, but our charities get the supplies they need,” Zack said.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Blame your lazy, incompetent media for impudent government
I have been inadvertently made aware at least two dozen times in the past several hours that Brittany's sister is pregnant. I don't give a damn about her or Brittany, but that news is inescapable.
Meanwhile, the impudence of government employees rages unchecked. Why? Because media are yammering incessantly about media-created "events" like Britney-slut and her sister's vagina. Media rarely talk about what's important and when they do, their lack of depth is prodigious.
Example: The U.S.-Mexico fence project has been stopped in its tracks. Did you know that? I heard about it only because I was walking by the TV last night when Glenn Beck was popping blood from his eyes over this travesty.
This morning I spent more than an hour running down a media report about the fence on the Internet because the fact that our nation is over-run by illegal Mexicans and God knows who else is just not in the same level of importance as what Britney-slut's sister's vagina has been over-run with.
I would really like to know if my congressmen voted for or against castrating the border fence. I cannot find out. No place in the articles I saw was the bill mentioned by number. Even if there were a number, good luck sorting through the way such votes are reported on the Internet, especially voting on amendments.
What we get from media is what the so-called "Washington Press Corps" decides to send to media. Never do we hear how our congressmen voted, not unless it's a real big deal to one of the media gatekeepers. That would be the folks enthralled by celebrity vaginas.
Example: Please tell me how Jay Hottinger, your representative to the statehouse, and Tim Schaffer, your state senator, vote on anything. In fact, just tell me what there has been for them to vote on.
Example: Please tell me anything of importance reported about the Licking County Commissioners in the past several weeks, except for a small blurb about a new tax proposal. Just tell me if they're still meeting at all.
Example: Please tell me what happened at the last Newark City Council meeting if you didn't watch it yourself. You may have read the Advocate's 22-paragraph fluff lionizing Mayor Bain for his exemplary service before he was voted out of office, or you may have read the five-paragraph "report" about the city employee union addressing council. But do you know what happened at the last council meeting that affected lives and property and tax money and who voted for it and why?
No, you don't. But you probably do know the latest buzz on Buckeye football or the minutia of the police blotter - because that's a cheap and easy journalistic gimme which any clerk can be taught to handle.
It is precisely for these reasons that you're getting government employees who thumb their noses at you. You don't know who's voting on what, and the people who are paid to tell you - the Gannetts and the WCLTs and the Dispatches don't know either, don't think it's important, and would have to spend some money on reporting and editing talent to get it done.
Meanwhile they're looking for the latest celebrity vagina news and whining about readers/listeners/viewers jumping ship.
Meanwhile, the impudence of government employees rages unchecked. Why? Because media are yammering incessantly about media-created "events" like Britney-slut and her sister's vagina. Media rarely talk about what's important and when they do, their lack of depth is prodigious.
Example: The U.S.-Mexico fence project has been stopped in its tracks. Did you know that? I heard about it only because I was walking by the TV last night when Glenn Beck was popping blood from his eyes over this travesty.
This morning I spent more than an hour running down a media report about the fence on the Internet because the fact that our nation is over-run by illegal Mexicans and God knows who else is just not in the same level of importance as what Britney-slut's sister's vagina has been over-run with.
I would really like to know if my congressmen voted for or against castrating the border fence. I cannot find out. No place in the articles I saw was the bill mentioned by number. Even if there were a number, good luck sorting through the way such votes are reported on the Internet, especially voting on amendments.
What we get from media is what the so-called "Washington Press Corps" decides to send to media. Never do we hear how our congressmen voted, not unless it's a real big deal to one of the media gatekeepers. That would be the folks enthralled by celebrity vaginas.
Example: Please tell me how Jay Hottinger, your representative to the statehouse, and Tim Schaffer, your state senator, vote on anything. In fact, just tell me what there has been for them to vote on.
Example: Please tell me anything of importance reported about the Licking County Commissioners in the past several weeks, except for a small blurb about a new tax proposal. Just tell me if they're still meeting at all.
Example: Please tell me what happened at the last Newark City Council meeting if you didn't watch it yourself. You may have read the Advocate's 22-paragraph fluff lionizing Mayor Bain for his exemplary service before he was voted out of office, or you may have read the five-paragraph "report" about the city employee union addressing council. But do you know what happened at the last council meeting that affected lives and property and tax money and who voted for it and why?
No, you don't. But you probably do know the latest buzz on Buckeye football or the minutia of the police blotter - because that's a cheap and easy journalistic gimme which any clerk can be taught to handle.
It is precisely for these reasons that you're getting government employees who thumb their noses at you. You don't know who's voting on what, and the people who are paid to tell you - the Gannetts and the WCLTs and the Dispatches don't know either, don't think it's important, and would have to spend some money on reporting and editing talent to get it done.
Meanwhile they're looking for the latest celebrity vagina news and whining about readers/listeners/viewers jumping ship.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Ohio Porkers, you're in the spotlight
Whoa, Ohio porkers! The Dispatch - for the first time I know about - has named names. Including Porker Space and Porker Tiberi, who were voted to office in part by people of Newark, and other Ohio Porkers Wilson and Pryce.
They were named for their part in the scattering of billions of our tax dollars in porkified projects. Go read it here.
There is but a single way to stop Pork Barreling: That is to tell voters back home about it. That is to remind voters next election day that they sent a Porker to Washington.
Traditionally, the media tell about this awful Pork Problem, how many billions were wasted by it, go "tsk tsk" and that's it. They generally don't mention the local porkers nor benefactors by name.
That the Dispatch has done it is the foremost step toward getting it stopped.
If every newspaper would do likewise, the federal Pork Barrel would vanish; it cannot exist in the spotlight.
They were named for their part in the scattering of billions of our tax dollars in porkified projects. Go read it here.
There is but a single way to stop Pork Barreling: That is to tell voters back home about it. That is to remind voters next election day that they sent a Porker to Washington.
Traditionally, the media tell about this awful Pork Problem, how many billions were wasted by it, go "tsk tsk" and that's it. They generally don't mention the local porkers nor benefactors by name.
That the Dispatch has done it is the foremost step toward getting it stopped.
If every newspaper would do likewise, the federal Pork Barrel would vanish; it cannot exist in the spotlight.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Looking for conspiracy? Check for media-government connections
Most baffling to me about my fellow citizens is their inability to make themselves heard about energy prices. It is not an issue among Presidential candidates; it is not a concern of Congress; newspapers lay it to "supply and demand." I say it's conspiracy.
If 81 percent of Americans believe it is "somewhat likely" or "very likely" that oil companies conspire to keep the price of gasoline high, (as has been determined by a Scripps Howard News Service/Ohio University poll and reported in the Columbus Dispatch this morning), why aren't they communicating about this to their government? And if they are communicating to their government about it, why isn't government investigating? And if they're not investigating, why isn't media investigating?
Here's my conspiracy theory: That not only are oil companies conspiring, but international governments are also conspiring, and our President is a ringleader. Not only is that conspiracy dogging us at the gas pump, but so is another: that big media is in on it too.
You'll wipe that snicker off your face if you'll go read the report on how the New York Times withheld a story about Pakistan for three years because Bush said so.
Now consider the biggest story ever about what I think is the biggest conspiracy of the Bush Administration, which is oil-price finagling, and guess why there are no meaningful media reports on why gasoline is $3+ per gallon.
If 81 percent of Americans believe it is "somewhat likely" or "very likely" that oil companies conspire to keep the price of gasoline high, (as has been determined by a Scripps Howard News Service/Ohio University poll and reported in the Columbus Dispatch this morning), why aren't they communicating about this to their government? And if they are communicating to their government about it, why isn't government investigating? And if they're not investigating, why isn't media investigating?
Here's my conspiracy theory: That not only are oil companies conspiring, but international governments are also conspiring, and our President is a ringleader. Not only is that conspiracy dogging us at the gas pump, but so is another: that big media is in on it too.
You'll wipe that snicker off your face if you'll go read the report on how the New York Times withheld a story about Pakistan for three years because Bush said so.
Now consider the biggest story ever about what I think is the biggest conspiracy of the Bush Administration, which is oil-price finagling, and guess why there are no meaningful media reports on why gasoline is $3+ per gallon.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Zack's honesty gets a booster shot
In the local news this morning is a report that Zack Space, our Congressional representative, has decided to pay for his own vacation to Greece. The Advocate carries an article today at this link which quotes Zack as saying such an act will "exceed the public's expectations." It doesn't.
As I pointed out here Monday, that he even planned to go to Greece courtesy of my pocketbook is a "surprise and a disappointment" since we have telephones, e-mail and/or video-conferencing tools with which he could get all the "facts" he needs about Greece and Greece from him.
Give Zack credit for listening to the folks back home. He sensed he was about to make a serious error, he stopped short, and he corrected his course. So cheers for Zack.
I presume this episode taught Zack more about what is expected of him from constituents. We expect him not to just talk the talk and to vote for ethics in government, but also to conduct himself as though he means it.
I think he will. I think he was honest when he made all those campaign promises and I think his honesty just got a booster shot.
As I pointed out here Monday, that he even planned to go to Greece courtesy of my pocketbook is a "surprise and a disappointment" since we have telephones, e-mail and/or video-conferencing tools with which he could get all the "facts" he needs about Greece and Greece from him.
Give Zack credit for listening to the folks back home. He sensed he was about to make a serious error, he stopped short, and he corrected his course. So cheers for Zack.
I presume this episode taught Zack more about what is expected of him from constituents. We expect him not to just talk the talk and to vote for ethics in government, but also to conduct himself as though he means it.
I think he will. I think he was honest when he made all those campaign promises and I think his honesty just got a booster shot.
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