* As a Jew, I certainly do not mean to be presumptuous about this topic. However, an editorial in today's New York Times has prompted this post. The editorial is rather short, and is entitled "This Day of Good Cheer."
* Said the editorial writers of the Times: "Christmas is, for many of us, our only glimpse of what tradition really means. Our lives are, by and large, not the least bit traditional. If it feels sometimes as though Christmas is another country, that's because it is." I have absolutely no idea what that last sentence even means. Is the idea of Christmas now so alien to the New York Times, so passe, that it no longer fits with their view of today's America?
* As for the lack of tradition, I assume the Times is referring, at least in part, to their favorite news topic - gay marriage. No surprise that today's edition has yet another front page story on gay marriage, entitled: "Indiana Finds It's Not So Easy To Buck Gay Marriage Trend." Nor does the Times much care for the tradition regarding the sanctity of human life. And they seem to be more enamored with socialism than that outdated, traditional concept of capitalism. As for G-d and religion in the public square? Not a chance.
* The Times editorial continues with: "There is no need to draw a lesson from Christmas. Life offers lessons aplenty." So much for what the New York Times thinks of Christmas. You know, maybe some people need a lesson still, about things like "peace on earth, good will to their fellow man." News item today: two bombs exploded in Iraq, with the aim of killing Christians. One exploded near a church and killed at least 26, and wounded 38. Another exploded in an outdoor market in a Christian section of a town, killing 11 and wounding 21. Think the perpetrators might do well to take a lesson from Christmas?
* I, for one, prefer one of the "traditional" messages as stated in an 1897 New York Sun editorial, in reply to a letter from young Virginia O'Hanlon. It read, in part, as follows: "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy." Perhaps we can bring back the Sun and have it replace the Times.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Sunday, December 15, 2013
A Difference in Values
* I recently repeated my assertion that Republicans and Democrats in Congress can rarely reach compromise because they no longer share the same fundamental values. When the two sides understand that they share the same basic values, it is far easier to then reach agreement on specific issues. I further indicated that the liberal/Democrat position had moved so far to the left, and so far away from basic American values, that the problem was mostly the result of Democrat radicalism. Needless to say, the liberals hearing my opinion objected. So let's take a look.
* The Pew Research Center did an extensive poll of Americans in April, 2012 regarding their values. One question asked was why people are poor; was it due to "circumstance" or "lack of effort." Republicans answered 28% due to circumstance and 57% due to lack of effort. However, 61% of Democrats said circumstance was to blame, versus 24% who blamed lack of effort. This belief reflects the underlying belief of those on the left that people are mostly "victims" of something or other. This belief also helps to explain the results of a Gallup Poll reported in November, 2012. Asked if they had a favorable view of socialism, 53% of Democrats/and those leaning Democrat did, but only 23% of Republicans/and those leaning Republican did. For a majority of Democrats it just does not matter that the US system of capitalism has created more wealth for more people than any other country in the history of the world. Facts just do not matter. Ideology is what counts.
* It also then follows that Democrats are more likely to have a favorable view of the federal government than do Republicans: 75% to 27%. (From the Gallup poll.) After all, if people are victims of "circumstance," then the government needs to step in and take care of them. It also follows that Democrats are more likely than Republicans to favor "preferential" treatment of minorities, and they do by 52% to 12%. Again, minorities are viewed as "victims." (From the Pew Research Center poll.)
* Prior to the 2012 election people were asked if government does more harm than good. It comes as no surprise that 85% of likely Romney voters agreed, compared to only 32% of likely Obama voters. With Obamacare still a big issue for the public, 91% of likely Romney voters said government was becoming too involved in healthcare, compared to only 29% of likely Obama voters. When broken down by party, 88% of Republicans agreed government was too involved in healthcare, compared to 37% of Democrats. (From the Pew Research Center.)
* People were asked, once government does get involved, is it usually inefficient and wasteful. A full 77% of Republicans agreed with that assertion, compared to only 41% of Democrats. Even Independents agreed with 63% in the affirmative.
* One interesting self-assessment asked people if they had "old-fashioned" values. A full 88% of Republicans said they did, whereas only 60% of Democrats agreed. Of significance, however, is the fact that 86% of Democrats agreed only 16 years ago, in 1987. (Data from the Pew Research poll.) Such a large shift, while stunning, is also not surprising to anyone paying attention to how far the Democrats have moved to the left.
* With regards to foreign policy and the military, 73% of Republicans agreed that the best way to insure peace is through military strength. Such an opinion is, of course, consistent with the views of two prior Presidents: Democrat John Kennedy and Republican Ronald Reagan. However, only 44% of Democrats agreed with the proposition. (From the Pew Research poll.) Nearly 4 in 5 Republicans (77%) favor Israel over the Palestinians, compared to only 55% of Democrats. (From a Gallup poll.) I was pleased to see an increase in Democrats support for Israel. The prior poll numbers I saw had Democrats at only 49%.
* While many on the left have an unfavorable view of this country, that view is not shared by the rest of the world. In a Gallup poll of foreigners, 640 million people said they would like to move to another country. To which country? The USA came in first with 23%. Second was the UK - with only 7%. Canada was third with 6%. Many university professors would undoubtedly be shocked by the above numbers, as they regularly blame the US for all the ills in the world. One example is Hawaii professor Haunani-Kay Trask, who said this to her students: "We need to think very, very clearly about who the enemy is. The enemy is the United States of America and everyone who supports it."
* The evil of political correctness, begun by the left, has, under Obama, also infiltrated our military. According to the military manual used by its Equal Opportunity officers: "Simply put, a healthy, white, heterosexual, Christian male receives many unearned advantages of social privilege, whereas a black, homosexual, atheist female in poor health receives many unearned disadvantages of social privilege." Not only does the military do a tremendous disservice to those minorities; I suspect that liberals reading this will not even see any problem with it. At every turn, the left tells people they are victims, and the alleged "victims" then act accordingly.
* I am reminded of the inspiring movie "Stand and Deliver," in which math teacher Jaime Escalante tells his inner-city students just the opposite - that they are not victims. He tells them that they can take and pass the AP calculus exam. And that is exactly what they do. When minorities come from other countries they often become successful - because they have not been exposed to decades of hearing that they are victims, that the system is rigged against them, that only whites can succeed, and therefore they are unable to accomplish anything on their own. Yet, that evil message of victimhood is, ironically, the message that is regularly perpetrated by a black man elected to the highest office in the land - by a majority white country.
* The Pew Research Center did an extensive poll of Americans in April, 2012 regarding their values. One question asked was why people are poor; was it due to "circumstance" or "lack of effort." Republicans answered 28% due to circumstance and 57% due to lack of effort. However, 61% of Democrats said circumstance was to blame, versus 24% who blamed lack of effort. This belief reflects the underlying belief of those on the left that people are mostly "victims" of something or other. This belief also helps to explain the results of a Gallup Poll reported in November, 2012. Asked if they had a favorable view of socialism, 53% of Democrats/and those leaning Democrat did, but only 23% of Republicans/and those leaning Republican did. For a majority of Democrats it just does not matter that the US system of capitalism has created more wealth for more people than any other country in the history of the world. Facts just do not matter. Ideology is what counts.
* It also then follows that Democrats are more likely to have a favorable view of the federal government than do Republicans: 75% to 27%. (From the Gallup poll.) After all, if people are victims of "circumstance," then the government needs to step in and take care of them. It also follows that Democrats are more likely than Republicans to favor "preferential" treatment of minorities, and they do by 52% to 12%. Again, minorities are viewed as "victims." (From the Pew Research Center poll.)
* Prior to the 2012 election people were asked if government does more harm than good. It comes as no surprise that 85% of likely Romney voters agreed, compared to only 32% of likely Obama voters. With Obamacare still a big issue for the public, 91% of likely Romney voters said government was becoming too involved in healthcare, compared to only 29% of likely Obama voters. When broken down by party, 88% of Republicans agreed government was too involved in healthcare, compared to 37% of Democrats. (From the Pew Research Center.)
* People were asked, once government does get involved, is it usually inefficient and wasteful. A full 77% of Republicans agreed with that assertion, compared to only 41% of Democrats. Even Independents agreed with 63% in the affirmative.
* One interesting self-assessment asked people if they had "old-fashioned" values. A full 88% of Republicans said they did, whereas only 60% of Democrats agreed. Of significance, however, is the fact that 86% of Democrats agreed only 16 years ago, in 1987. (Data from the Pew Research poll.) Such a large shift, while stunning, is also not surprising to anyone paying attention to how far the Democrats have moved to the left.
* With regards to foreign policy and the military, 73% of Republicans agreed that the best way to insure peace is through military strength. Such an opinion is, of course, consistent with the views of two prior Presidents: Democrat John Kennedy and Republican Ronald Reagan. However, only 44% of Democrats agreed with the proposition. (From the Pew Research poll.) Nearly 4 in 5 Republicans (77%) favor Israel over the Palestinians, compared to only 55% of Democrats. (From a Gallup poll.) I was pleased to see an increase in Democrats support for Israel. The prior poll numbers I saw had Democrats at only 49%.
* While many on the left have an unfavorable view of this country, that view is not shared by the rest of the world. In a Gallup poll of foreigners, 640 million people said they would like to move to another country. To which country? The USA came in first with 23%. Second was the UK - with only 7%. Canada was third with 6%. Many university professors would undoubtedly be shocked by the above numbers, as they regularly blame the US for all the ills in the world. One example is Hawaii professor Haunani-Kay Trask, who said this to her students: "We need to think very, very clearly about who the enemy is. The enemy is the United States of America and everyone who supports it."
* The evil of political correctness, begun by the left, has, under Obama, also infiltrated our military. According to the military manual used by its Equal Opportunity officers: "Simply put, a healthy, white, heterosexual, Christian male receives many unearned advantages of social privilege, whereas a black, homosexual, atheist female in poor health receives many unearned disadvantages of social privilege." Not only does the military do a tremendous disservice to those minorities; I suspect that liberals reading this will not even see any problem with it. At every turn, the left tells people they are victims, and the alleged "victims" then act accordingly.
* I am reminded of the inspiring movie "Stand and Deliver," in which math teacher Jaime Escalante tells his inner-city students just the opposite - that they are not victims. He tells them that they can take and pass the AP calculus exam. And that is exactly what they do. When minorities come from other countries they often become successful - because they have not been exposed to decades of hearing that they are victims, that the system is rigged against them, that only whites can succeed, and therefore they are unable to accomplish anything on their own. Yet, that evil message of victimhood is, ironically, the message that is regularly perpetrated by a black man elected to the highest office in the land - by a majority white country.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Obamacare
* "If you like your healthcare plan you can keep it." Personally, I never bought into this lie for one minute; knowing that the true goal remained single payer. This lie was right up there with being able to insure 30 million more people - without it costing anybody anything. Or that your premiums would go down, even as insurers were required to have no policy limits, accept all preexisting conditions, and let your 'children' stay on your policy until age 26. I do not know how many people bought into these lies - right up until their policies were cancelled.
* Incredibly, only 52% now believe Obama to be a liar and untrustworthy, according to a recent poll. What is wrong with the rest of the population? There are those who still do not believe Obama to be a liar, even after NBC obtained memos from 2010 showing that up to 2/3 of those in the individual market would lose their coverage; and that in 2010 the White House predicted up to 80% of small business policies would be cancelled, along with up to 69% of employer provided group plans. Whereas the policy people in the White House argued for the President to speak the truth, the political advisers felt differently. So, Obama went with the political people because, as a good leftist ideologue, the ends justify the means; and the 'issue' trumps all other values, including the truth.
* Obama said, maybe dozens of times, "If you like your health care plan you can keep it. Period. No one will take it away from you." Here is more proof it was all a lie. After millions had their policies cancelled, Obama told another lie to cover up the lie about keeping your plan: What I said was you can keep your policy if no changes were made to it after the law's enactment. Jay Carney added this lie: "What the President said...is that there are going to be changes brought about by the Affordable Care Act that create minimum standards of coverage." Uh - no! Obama never said any of that. There were no caveats to "You can keep your policy, period."
* Obama then took it to the next level by blaming insurance companies. But the insurers had no choice - the policies had to meet the law's minimum standards, even if it was for a type of coverage you do not need (maternity and newborn care, for example). So, Obama decided that everyone's policies that did not meet the law's requirements were "substandard." Not surprisingly, the mainstream media supported the President in his lies. Said the New York office of Pravda (you may know it as the New York Times), the President did not lie, he simply "misspoke." So, even after the memos showed Obama knew he was lying in 2010 and thereafter, and even when he subsequently claimed a caveat that he never mentioned, the Times says Obama "misspoke." Anybody still believe the trash published in this paper's editorials? The Times went on to say that the millions of policies that were cancelled were "substandard." That's exactly how Obama described those cancelled policies; which is not a surprise coming from a government controlled media outlet. Hence, the reference to Pravda.
* As one of those millions who had their policy cancelled, I can assure everyone that neither Obama nor the editorial writers of the Times asked to read my policy before describing it as "substandard." But why let facts interfere with the advocacy of the underlying issue. Again, the 'issue' over truth. The Washington Post, another Pravda branch, said Obama's comments "reflect how elected officials sometimes gloss over nuances." This same left wing media had no problem adopting the left wing lie of "Bush lied, people died." So they had no problem calling a President a liar, even though they had absolutely no proof of Bush lying. Nor was there any proof, when every major intelligence agency in the world, including Israel's Mossad, said Iraq was developing WMDs.
* Economist Christopher Conover at Duke University has predicted that 129 million Americans (of 189 million with their own health insurance) will lose their coverage after full implementation of the law. The Manhattan Institute predicts an average increase in insurance premiums of 41%. I wonder how many still believe the Affordable Care Act was about getting better healthcare for anyone. It was, and remains, all about government control. You think you know what's best for you and your family? You think you still live in a free society? Young people who do not need or want insurance will pay for those who need subsidies. Those who will still be able to pay for private policies will pay higher premiums, to help pay for those who need subsidies. This is, of course, nothing other than income redistribution. Obama told you he thought it was a good idea to 'spread the wealth around' during his first campaign. Why didn't some of you believe him?
* We know that many plans will give you fewer doctors from which you can select, resulting in longer waits to see your doctor. We know that many plans will have fewer hospitals in their network. Don't like the hospital you may have to use? Sorry, the government knows what's best for you. And what about the doctors? Think some will drop out? Likely. And those who do not? I think we can anticipate that the government will dictate that they must take Medicare and Medicaid/Medi-Cal patients, resulting in reduced income. After all, doctors are licensed by the government. You want that license? Then you will do what we tell you to do. Think this is far-fetched? It was already proposed in Massachusetts.
* And what about those thinking of entering medical school? Think they will want to incur $200,000. in student loans if they might never be able to pay off those loans? You see, there are any number of potential - and likely - negative consequences that will flow from Obamacare. Things like longer waits to see your doctor, and lesser quality of care. But when you are a leftist, you need not concern yourself with any of that. It 'feels good' to say we are covering more people; and if it 'feels good,' what else do you need to be concerned about? The other nice thing about being on the left is that you do not believe your laws have any actual consequences. But even if they do, and even if those consequences are negative, you can still take comfort in knowing that, somehow, Obamacare makes everything more 'equal.'
* With Thanksgiving only days away, the President wants you to discuss healthcare and insurance at your Thanksgiving dinner. No - really! Obama tweeted: "When your loved ones get together this holiday season, remember to talk to them about health insurance." His web site even tells you when to bring it up, how to bring it up, and why everyone needs to participate in the system. I hope even my liberal readers can see the totalitarian/communist nature of Chairman Obama's web site. Soon, they will want you to report anyone who refuses to buy insurance; and perhaps not too much thereafter, anyone who owns a gun. As I discussed in my analysis of the Supreme Court decision upholding Obamacare, the Court gave Congress virtually unlimited power to force you to do or buy whatever they want. If you wish to see that power exercised, then continue to vote for democrats.
* Incredibly, only 52% now believe Obama to be a liar and untrustworthy, according to a recent poll. What is wrong with the rest of the population? There are those who still do not believe Obama to be a liar, even after NBC obtained memos from 2010 showing that up to 2/3 of those in the individual market would lose their coverage; and that in 2010 the White House predicted up to 80% of small business policies would be cancelled, along with up to 69% of employer provided group plans. Whereas the policy people in the White House argued for the President to speak the truth, the political advisers felt differently. So, Obama went with the political people because, as a good leftist ideologue, the ends justify the means; and the 'issue' trumps all other values, including the truth.
* Obama said, maybe dozens of times, "If you like your health care plan you can keep it. Period. No one will take it away from you." Here is more proof it was all a lie. After millions had their policies cancelled, Obama told another lie to cover up the lie about keeping your plan: What I said was you can keep your policy if no changes were made to it after the law's enactment. Jay Carney added this lie: "What the President said...is that there are going to be changes brought about by the Affordable Care Act that create minimum standards of coverage." Uh - no! Obama never said any of that. There were no caveats to "You can keep your policy, period."
* Obama then took it to the next level by blaming insurance companies. But the insurers had no choice - the policies had to meet the law's minimum standards, even if it was for a type of coverage you do not need (maternity and newborn care, for example). So, Obama decided that everyone's policies that did not meet the law's requirements were "substandard." Not surprisingly, the mainstream media supported the President in his lies. Said the New York office of Pravda (you may know it as the New York Times), the President did not lie, he simply "misspoke." So, even after the memos showed Obama knew he was lying in 2010 and thereafter, and even when he subsequently claimed a caveat that he never mentioned, the Times says Obama "misspoke." Anybody still believe the trash published in this paper's editorials? The Times went on to say that the millions of policies that were cancelled were "substandard." That's exactly how Obama described those cancelled policies; which is not a surprise coming from a government controlled media outlet. Hence, the reference to Pravda.
* As one of those millions who had their policy cancelled, I can assure everyone that neither Obama nor the editorial writers of the Times asked to read my policy before describing it as "substandard." But why let facts interfere with the advocacy of the underlying issue. Again, the 'issue' over truth. The Washington Post, another Pravda branch, said Obama's comments "reflect how elected officials sometimes gloss over nuances." This same left wing media had no problem adopting the left wing lie of "Bush lied, people died." So they had no problem calling a President a liar, even though they had absolutely no proof of Bush lying. Nor was there any proof, when every major intelligence agency in the world, including Israel's Mossad, said Iraq was developing WMDs.
* Economist Christopher Conover at Duke University has predicted that 129 million Americans (of 189 million with their own health insurance) will lose their coverage after full implementation of the law. The Manhattan Institute predicts an average increase in insurance premiums of 41%. I wonder how many still believe the Affordable Care Act was about getting better healthcare for anyone. It was, and remains, all about government control. You think you know what's best for you and your family? You think you still live in a free society? Young people who do not need or want insurance will pay for those who need subsidies. Those who will still be able to pay for private policies will pay higher premiums, to help pay for those who need subsidies. This is, of course, nothing other than income redistribution. Obama told you he thought it was a good idea to 'spread the wealth around' during his first campaign. Why didn't some of you believe him?
* We know that many plans will give you fewer doctors from which you can select, resulting in longer waits to see your doctor. We know that many plans will have fewer hospitals in their network. Don't like the hospital you may have to use? Sorry, the government knows what's best for you. And what about the doctors? Think some will drop out? Likely. And those who do not? I think we can anticipate that the government will dictate that they must take Medicare and Medicaid/Medi-Cal patients, resulting in reduced income. After all, doctors are licensed by the government. You want that license? Then you will do what we tell you to do. Think this is far-fetched? It was already proposed in Massachusetts.
* And what about those thinking of entering medical school? Think they will want to incur $200,000. in student loans if they might never be able to pay off those loans? You see, there are any number of potential - and likely - negative consequences that will flow from Obamacare. Things like longer waits to see your doctor, and lesser quality of care. But when you are a leftist, you need not concern yourself with any of that. It 'feels good' to say we are covering more people; and if it 'feels good,' what else do you need to be concerned about? The other nice thing about being on the left is that you do not believe your laws have any actual consequences. But even if they do, and even if those consequences are negative, you can still take comfort in knowing that, somehow, Obamacare makes everything more 'equal.'
* With Thanksgiving only days away, the President wants you to discuss healthcare and insurance at your Thanksgiving dinner. No - really! Obama tweeted: "When your loved ones get together this holiday season, remember to talk to them about health insurance." His web site even tells you when to bring it up, how to bring it up, and why everyone needs to participate in the system. I hope even my liberal readers can see the totalitarian/communist nature of Chairman Obama's web site. Soon, they will want you to report anyone who refuses to buy insurance; and perhaps not too much thereafter, anyone who owns a gun. As I discussed in my analysis of the Supreme Court decision upholding Obamacare, the Court gave Congress virtually unlimited power to force you to do or buy whatever they want. If you wish to see that power exercised, then continue to vote for democrats.
Friday, November 1, 2013
An Allegory
* My son recently accompanied me to the local car dealer. Upon our arrival we were greeted by the dealer salesman (D.S.): "Hi, my name is Ron. How can we help you?"
* Me: "Well, it's time for me to get a new car, and I see the model I've been getting for years sitting right over there on the floor. I'm not really a car guy, so I usually get the basic version, with the power windows and brakes, of course, and air conditioning."
* D.S.: "Yes sir. That model would be just the one you are looking for. No extras beyond what you want."
* Me: "Great. I'll take it. Let's write it up."
* D.S.: "I'm sorry sir, that won't be possible. We don't sell that version anymore."
* Me: "What do you mean? It's sitting right there. So I'll take it."
* D.S. "Sir, we cannot sell you that model. Also, the manufacturer will be ceasing production of that model. Haven't you heard about ObamaCarcare?"
* Me: (with temper rising) "No. So I can't buy the car I always get anymore?"
* D.S.: "That's correct sir. But allow me to show you some of these other models. They have many more bells and whistles than the model you used to buy."
* Me: "I don't need bells and whistles. I just need a car."
* D.S.: "Sir, take a look at this one, please. It has a sun roof."
* Me: "I don't like sun roofs!"
* D.S. "It's also a six cylinder, unlike the four cylinder you're used to. And it has 300 horsepower instead of 200 on your model. Also, it has built in blue tooth and..."
* Me: (interrupting) : "Look, I neither need nor want all these extras. Are you telling me I have to buy one of these fancier models?"
* D.S.: "I'm afraid so, sir. ObamaCarcare requires it."
* Me: "Fine. How much will these fancier models cost me?"
* D.S. "Well, the model with the fewest bells and whistles will be $5000. more than your old model, and it goes up from there. But, we also give you a list of wonderful mechanics, who will take good care of your car."
* Me: "That's all right. I like my current mechanic just fine. I'm happy with his service and his rates are reasonable."
* D.S.: "Well, give me his name and I'll see if he is on the approved list of mechanics."
* Me: "No! I told you I'm happy with him!" (my anger is still rising.)
* D.S.: "Sir, I do not mean to belabor the point, but I'm not sure you've been keeping up with the news. Under ObamaCarcare, each car comes with its own list of approved mechanics and body shops. So, you really have no choice."
* While I stood there muttering obscenities under my breath, the salesman approached my son.
* D.S. "How about you young man? Are you in the market for a new car? And, if I may ask, how old are you?"
* Son: "Well, I'm 27 and in graduate school. So I really do not need a car as I take public transportation. Anyway, I could not afford one, being in school."
* D.S.: "That's a real shame. You see, now that you are 27, you will no longer be able to drive your Dad's car, even if he says it's okay. It's the law. And if you don't get a car, you will have to pay a fine."
* Son (now approaching my anger level): "What do you mean 'pay a fine?' Why would I have to pay a fine for not wanting a car!"
* D.S.: "I'm sorry to have upset the two of you. I'm just trying to inform you of what the law requires. The government wants everybody to buy a car. But some people cannot afford it. So young people like you, young man, who decide not to get a car, will have to pay a fine in order to help people who want to buy a car but cannot afford to do so. That's how it works."
* Son: "That's the biggest bunch of bull crap I ever heard. I should help someone else get a car when I won't have one! I won't do it!"
* D.S: "Maybe I should clarify. You won't be paying the fine to us. You pay it to the government. They then redistribute the money to make sure everyone can get a car. If you don't buy a car, and you don't pay the fine, you will be hearing from the IRS. Now, nobody wants that."
* Me: "You know what. I agree with my son. This is bull crap. I want to talk to someone in corporate management."
D.S.: "I can give you the number of Mr. Jones, our VP of West Coast operations. I can assure you, however, that he will tell you what I just told you."
* I took the phone number and we left.
* The next day I called the VP.
* Me: "I'd like to talk with Mr. Jones please."
* VP: "This is he. How can I help you?"
* Whereupon I recounted everything that occurred at the dealership.
* VP: "Well, what the salesman told you was correct. ObamaCarcare is the law of the land."
* Me: "But, you are going to lose me as a customer. I won't pay those prices for bells and whistles I won't use. Don't you care about losing customers? Why don't you do something?"
* VP: (in a whisper) "Sir, we really shouldn't be talking about this."
* Me: "Why shouldn't we? I said you're going to lose me as a customer! And why are you whispering?"
* VP: (still whispering) "You really do need to keep up with events, sir. I don't know who may be listening in on this conversation. For that matter, for all I know you may be a plant - just testing me."
* Me: "Testing you? What do you mean testing you? Testing you for what?"
* VP: (now barely audible) "You know who enforces ObamaCarcare, don't you? It's the IRS. The White House has made it clear to all the car manufacturers that they want no criticisms of ObamaCarcare. Frankly, sir, none of us wants the IRS breathing down our necks. Look what they did to the Tea Party and other critics of Obama during the last election. Look at Ben Carson, that poor doctor who made the mistake of criticizing the Affordable Care Act. You cannot reasonably expect any of us to take a public position."
* Me: (now steaming) "Isn't this still America? Don't we still have free speech? You know - the First Amendment."
* VP: "Good bye sir. Have a nice day."
* Me: "Well, it's time for me to get a new car, and I see the model I've been getting for years sitting right over there on the floor. I'm not really a car guy, so I usually get the basic version, with the power windows and brakes, of course, and air conditioning."
* D.S.: "Yes sir. That model would be just the one you are looking for. No extras beyond what you want."
* Me: "Great. I'll take it. Let's write it up."
* D.S.: "I'm sorry sir, that won't be possible. We don't sell that version anymore."
* Me: "What do you mean? It's sitting right there. So I'll take it."
* D.S. "Sir, we cannot sell you that model. Also, the manufacturer will be ceasing production of that model. Haven't you heard about ObamaCarcare?"
* Me: (with temper rising) "No. So I can't buy the car I always get anymore?"
* D.S.: "That's correct sir. But allow me to show you some of these other models. They have many more bells and whistles than the model you used to buy."
* Me: "I don't need bells and whistles. I just need a car."
* D.S.: "Sir, take a look at this one, please. It has a sun roof."
* Me: "I don't like sun roofs!"
* D.S. "It's also a six cylinder, unlike the four cylinder you're used to. And it has 300 horsepower instead of 200 on your model. Also, it has built in blue tooth and..."
* Me: (interrupting) : "Look, I neither need nor want all these extras. Are you telling me I have to buy one of these fancier models?"
* D.S.: "I'm afraid so, sir. ObamaCarcare requires it."
* Me: "Fine. How much will these fancier models cost me?"
* D.S. "Well, the model with the fewest bells and whistles will be $5000. more than your old model, and it goes up from there. But, we also give you a list of wonderful mechanics, who will take good care of your car."
* Me: "That's all right. I like my current mechanic just fine. I'm happy with his service and his rates are reasonable."
* D.S.: "Well, give me his name and I'll see if he is on the approved list of mechanics."
* Me: "No! I told you I'm happy with him!" (my anger is still rising.)
* D.S.: "Sir, I do not mean to belabor the point, but I'm not sure you've been keeping up with the news. Under ObamaCarcare, each car comes with its own list of approved mechanics and body shops. So, you really have no choice."
* While I stood there muttering obscenities under my breath, the salesman approached my son.
* D.S. "How about you young man? Are you in the market for a new car? And, if I may ask, how old are you?"
* Son: "Well, I'm 27 and in graduate school. So I really do not need a car as I take public transportation. Anyway, I could not afford one, being in school."
* D.S.: "That's a real shame. You see, now that you are 27, you will no longer be able to drive your Dad's car, even if he says it's okay. It's the law. And if you don't get a car, you will have to pay a fine."
* Son (now approaching my anger level): "What do you mean 'pay a fine?' Why would I have to pay a fine for not wanting a car!"
* D.S.: "I'm sorry to have upset the two of you. I'm just trying to inform you of what the law requires. The government wants everybody to buy a car. But some people cannot afford it. So young people like you, young man, who decide not to get a car, will have to pay a fine in order to help people who want to buy a car but cannot afford to do so. That's how it works."
* Son: "That's the biggest bunch of bull crap I ever heard. I should help someone else get a car when I won't have one! I won't do it!"
* D.S: "Maybe I should clarify. You won't be paying the fine to us. You pay it to the government. They then redistribute the money to make sure everyone can get a car. If you don't buy a car, and you don't pay the fine, you will be hearing from the IRS. Now, nobody wants that."
* Me: "You know what. I agree with my son. This is bull crap. I want to talk to someone in corporate management."
D.S.: "I can give you the number of Mr. Jones, our VP of West Coast operations. I can assure you, however, that he will tell you what I just told you."
* I took the phone number and we left.
* The next day I called the VP.
* Me: "I'd like to talk with Mr. Jones please."
* VP: "This is he. How can I help you?"
* Whereupon I recounted everything that occurred at the dealership.
* VP: "Well, what the salesman told you was correct. ObamaCarcare is the law of the land."
* Me: "But, you are going to lose me as a customer. I won't pay those prices for bells and whistles I won't use. Don't you care about losing customers? Why don't you do something?"
* VP: (in a whisper) "Sir, we really shouldn't be talking about this."
* Me: "Why shouldn't we? I said you're going to lose me as a customer! And why are you whispering?"
* VP: (still whispering) "You really do need to keep up with events, sir. I don't know who may be listening in on this conversation. For that matter, for all I know you may be a plant - just testing me."
* Me: "Testing you? What do you mean testing you? Testing you for what?"
* VP: (now barely audible) "You know who enforces ObamaCarcare, don't you? It's the IRS. The White House has made it clear to all the car manufacturers that they want no criticisms of ObamaCarcare. Frankly, sir, none of us wants the IRS breathing down our necks. Look what they did to the Tea Party and other critics of Obama during the last election. Look at Ben Carson, that poor doctor who made the mistake of criticizing the Affordable Care Act. You cannot reasonably expect any of us to take a public position."
* Me: (now steaming) "Isn't this still America? Don't we still have free speech? You know - the First Amendment."
* VP: "Good bye sir. Have a nice day."
Monday, October 21, 2013
The Debt Crisis and Other Leadership Failures
* The Government Shutdown. You would not know it from the mainstream media, but the Republicans in the House of Representatives were well within their rights in trying to defund Obamacare. Article I, Section 7 of the US Constitution reads as follows: "All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other bills." If the House chooses to not fund Obamacare, or the EPA or any other agency for that matter, they can simply pass a bill that provides for no funding for that particular law or agency. Some do not appreciate the genius of our Founding Fathers, who feared an overly powerful central government, and an even more powerful single authority - a President acting as King. The power of the Presidency is vast, and Congress has certainly in the past threatened to cut off, and has cut off, funding from a President.
* But some prefer a King, especially one whom they believe is on their side. MoveOn.org has called on the Attorney General to "arrest Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Speaker of the House John Boehner and other decision-making House Republican leaders" because of their attempt to "extort the United States government into altering or abolishing the Affordable Care Act," in what they consider was an act of "seditious conspiracy." Now, one can argue that maybe they just do not understand the system of "checks and balances" created by the Founders. Unlikely. Rather, their position reflects a willingness to arrest and try the opposition, exactly as a totalitarian dictator would do. And they have the nerve to say that Republicans are "extreme."
* Perception is Reality. The mainstream media made it quite clear who they thought the bad guys were in this debt ceiling "crisis." Obama and Reid knew very well that the media would spin the debt ceiling battle according to Democrat policy. Much of the public adopts this false "perception," which then becomes their reality. Imagine, if you will, a different media. Imagine these headlines. "Obama again refuses to negotiate with Republicans." "While Bush invited the Congressional leadership to the White House within days of taking office, Obama waited 542 days to invite McConnell." "Once again, Obama seems oblivious to the ever growing threat to our economy and credit rating by asking for greater debt." "Greece, here we come." "Democrats are like children in a toy store, unable to control their spending." "Unlike Reagan, who met regularly with Tip O'Neill to reach a consensus, Obama tells Republicans 'It's my way or the highway.'" Create a different spin and create a different perception.
* It is unlikely that you would have read anything accurate in the mainstream media about the government shutdown, or the consequences of not reaching an agreement by last Thursday night. If no deal had been reached, there were no debt payments due for another couple of weeks. If no deal had been reached, the government would still take in more than enough money to pay the interest on the debt. The real issue is that they would have had to prioritize with regards to how they would spend the rest of the money. Not unlike the way almost every household in America has to do. Yet, many liberals expressed sentiments not too dissimilar from MoveOn.org - they hate the Tea Party. I would surmise that these same critics run a balanced budget, and even put away money for savings. But when the Tea Party tries to protect future generations from a crushing debt burden so that we do not end up like Greece - well, that's just evil.
* Obama and the Muslims. No, I am not going to discuss whether or not Obama is really a Muslim. I am going to point out that he withheld foreign aid from the Egyptian military because they overthrew President Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood. The military is trying to prevent a build-up of Al Qaeda forces in the Sinai, which could lead to an open war with Israel. The military prevented a key ally of the US, Egypt, from becoming another Islamic dictatorship. Clearly, they needed to be punished. Syria crossed a "red line" with their use of chemical weapons according to Obama. But, maybe not. Maybe it was just a pink line, maybe they didn't really cross any line, maybe they didn't see the line. (Apologies to Jackie Mason.) So, now the Russians get to decide whether or not Syria is complying with their commitment to eliminate their chemical weapons. What could go wrong there?
* Well, at least Obama is on good terms with Turkey's leader Recep Erdogan. That's a good thing, right? Turkey has been aligning itself with radical Islamists and away from the secular country established by Ataturk over ninety years ago. Erdogan has called Zionism a "crime against humanity." Erdogan accused Israel of orchestrating the overthrow of Morsi in Egypt. Erdogan says Israel is guilty of "genocide" when the Israelis defend themselves against terrorist attacks. And David Ignatius of the Washington Post reported that in 2012 Turkey revealed to Iran the names of 10 Iranians working for Israel. I imagine those 10 souls suffered quite a bit of torture before being executed. And speaking of Iran, I am guessing that Obama, taken in by Rouhani, will agree to let Iran continue their nuclear enrichment, so long as they promise not to build a bomb. Again, what could go wrong there?
* So, has Obama done anything right in the Middle East? In a word: no. He is demanding that Israel create a terrorist Palestinian state on its borders. He has given the two sides nine months to reach an agreement. At that point, and absent an agreement, I suspect he will have the US formally recognize "Palestine" as a state; with Jerusalem as its capital. While I have predicted similar actions by Obama in the past, this time he does not have to face re-election. This time, he need not worry about either the "Jewish vote" nor the fund raising provided by many Jewish supporters.
* A word on the home front about the politically correct stupidity of "zero-tolerance" policies. A 17 year old high school student in Massachusetts went to a party where there was underage drinking. Realizing she could not safely drive herself home, she called a friend, another 17 year old. The friend went to pick up her drinking friend, and went into the house where the party was in order to find her. That is when the police arrived and arrests were made. However, the nondrinker was released without charges. That was not good enough for her high school, which has a zero-tolerance policy on the use of alcohol. As an honor student and volleyball player on the school team, she was suspended for 5 games. The school's attorney said this: "the school is really trying to take a very serious and principled stand regarding alcohol." Incredibly, MADD agreed with the school's position.
* Now, one could argue that this falls under the category of "no good deed goes unpunished." One could also argue these situations should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, just as courts do in any civil or criminal matter. What if we instituted a zero-tolerance policy against killing. Isn't killing bad? "Oh, you killed someone in self-defense? That's a shame because under our zero-tolerance policy you will spend the rest of your life in prison. You should have let yourself been killed." Far fetched? Not at all; because that's exactly the message this high school is sending to students. Better to drive home drunk and risk getting yourself killed and killing others, than to get your good friend in trouble. And the non-drinking friend - better to not go and get in trouble with the school.
* As I have said before, zero-tolerance policies substitute a predetermined outcome in place of judgment. Zero tolerance is an admission by school administrators that "we are just too stupid to be able to determine right and wrong by ourselves. Therefore, we will create a 'one size fits all' policy." More seriously, it means that students cannot trust those in authority to do what's right - and that alone outweighs any perceived benefits of "zero-tolerance."
* But some prefer a King, especially one whom they believe is on their side. MoveOn.org has called on the Attorney General to "arrest Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Speaker of the House John Boehner and other decision-making House Republican leaders" because of their attempt to "extort the United States government into altering or abolishing the Affordable Care Act," in what they consider was an act of "seditious conspiracy." Now, one can argue that maybe they just do not understand the system of "checks and balances" created by the Founders. Unlikely. Rather, their position reflects a willingness to arrest and try the opposition, exactly as a totalitarian dictator would do. And they have the nerve to say that Republicans are "extreme."
* Perception is Reality. The mainstream media made it quite clear who they thought the bad guys were in this debt ceiling "crisis." Obama and Reid knew very well that the media would spin the debt ceiling battle according to Democrat policy. Much of the public adopts this false "perception," which then becomes their reality. Imagine, if you will, a different media. Imagine these headlines. "Obama again refuses to negotiate with Republicans." "While Bush invited the Congressional leadership to the White House within days of taking office, Obama waited 542 days to invite McConnell." "Once again, Obama seems oblivious to the ever growing threat to our economy and credit rating by asking for greater debt." "Greece, here we come." "Democrats are like children in a toy store, unable to control their spending." "Unlike Reagan, who met regularly with Tip O'Neill to reach a consensus, Obama tells Republicans 'It's my way or the highway.'" Create a different spin and create a different perception.
* It is unlikely that you would have read anything accurate in the mainstream media about the government shutdown, or the consequences of not reaching an agreement by last Thursday night. If no deal had been reached, there were no debt payments due for another couple of weeks. If no deal had been reached, the government would still take in more than enough money to pay the interest on the debt. The real issue is that they would have had to prioritize with regards to how they would spend the rest of the money. Not unlike the way almost every household in America has to do. Yet, many liberals expressed sentiments not too dissimilar from MoveOn.org - they hate the Tea Party. I would surmise that these same critics run a balanced budget, and even put away money for savings. But when the Tea Party tries to protect future generations from a crushing debt burden so that we do not end up like Greece - well, that's just evil.
* Obama and the Muslims. No, I am not going to discuss whether or not Obama is really a Muslim. I am going to point out that he withheld foreign aid from the Egyptian military because they overthrew President Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood. The military is trying to prevent a build-up of Al Qaeda forces in the Sinai, which could lead to an open war with Israel. The military prevented a key ally of the US, Egypt, from becoming another Islamic dictatorship. Clearly, they needed to be punished. Syria crossed a "red line" with their use of chemical weapons according to Obama. But, maybe not. Maybe it was just a pink line, maybe they didn't really cross any line, maybe they didn't see the line. (Apologies to Jackie Mason.) So, now the Russians get to decide whether or not Syria is complying with their commitment to eliminate their chemical weapons. What could go wrong there?
* Well, at least Obama is on good terms with Turkey's leader Recep Erdogan. That's a good thing, right? Turkey has been aligning itself with radical Islamists and away from the secular country established by Ataturk over ninety years ago. Erdogan has called Zionism a "crime against humanity." Erdogan accused Israel of orchestrating the overthrow of Morsi in Egypt. Erdogan says Israel is guilty of "genocide" when the Israelis defend themselves against terrorist attacks. And David Ignatius of the Washington Post reported that in 2012 Turkey revealed to Iran the names of 10 Iranians working for Israel. I imagine those 10 souls suffered quite a bit of torture before being executed. And speaking of Iran, I am guessing that Obama, taken in by Rouhani, will agree to let Iran continue their nuclear enrichment, so long as they promise not to build a bomb. Again, what could go wrong there?
* So, has Obama done anything right in the Middle East? In a word: no. He is demanding that Israel create a terrorist Palestinian state on its borders. He has given the two sides nine months to reach an agreement. At that point, and absent an agreement, I suspect he will have the US formally recognize "Palestine" as a state; with Jerusalem as its capital. While I have predicted similar actions by Obama in the past, this time he does not have to face re-election. This time, he need not worry about either the "Jewish vote" nor the fund raising provided by many Jewish supporters.
* A word on the home front about the politically correct stupidity of "zero-tolerance" policies. A 17 year old high school student in Massachusetts went to a party where there was underage drinking. Realizing she could not safely drive herself home, she called a friend, another 17 year old. The friend went to pick up her drinking friend, and went into the house where the party was in order to find her. That is when the police arrived and arrests were made. However, the nondrinker was released without charges. That was not good enough for her high school, which has a zero-tolerance policy on the use of alcohol. As an honor student and volleyball player on the school team, she was suspended for 5 games. The school's attorney said this: "the school is really trying to take a very serious and principled stand regarding alcohol." Incredibly, MADD agreed with the school's position.
* Now, one could argue that this falls under the category of "no good deed goes unpunished." One could also argue these situations should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, just as courts do in any civil or criminal matter. What if we instituted a zero-tolerance policy against killing. Isn't killing bad? "Oh, you killed someone in self-defense? That's a shame because under our zero-tolerance policy you will spend the rest of your life in prison. You should have let yourself been killed." Far fetched? Not at all; because that's exactly the message this high school is sending to students. Better to drive home drunk and risk getting yourself killed and killing others, than to get your good friend in trouble. And the non-drinking friend - better to not go and get in trouble with the school.
* As I have said before, zero-tolerance policies substitute a predetermined outcome in place of judgment. Zero tolerance is an admission by school administrators that "we are just too stupid to be able to determine right and wrong by ourselves. Therefore, we will create a 'one size fits all' policy." More seriously, it means that students cannot trust those in authority to do what's right - and that alone outweighs any perceived benefits of "zero-tolerance."
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Guns, Jihadists and Starbucks
* It's certainly difficult keeping up with the religion of peace. On September 21, radical Islamists shot up a mall in Nairobi, Kenya. At least 68 people were killed with 205 injured (not the final count). Apparently, the al Shahaab terrorists were upset over the Kenyan government providing aid to the Somali government. The answer, of course, was to kill as many innocent people as possible. Actually, the goal was to kill innocent non-Muslims, as Muslims were allowed to leave. Just maybe the outcome would have been different if every adult shopping in that mall was armed. Let me repeat: the way to stop bad guys with guns is to have good guys with guns.
* The radical Islamists were busy that week. In Pakistan, they shot up a church as the parishioners were leaving. There, at least 85 died, with over 120 wounded. Christians have not been doing well in Muslim countries. I would love to see a piece in one of the mainstream papers that discusses the lot of Christians in the Muslim world: from Pakistan to Iraq to Lebanon to Gaza to Sudan to Nigeria. But I guess that is not too likely as long as the mainstream media keeps treating Muslims as if they are the victims (of what, I'll never know).
* But the New York Times knows. In their 9/9/13 editorial they complain about the NYPD's designation of mosques as terrorist organizations allowing open-ended investigations. Complained the Times: "Plainclothes police officers were sent to restaurants, cafes and other spots where groups of Muslims get together." Hmmm. Radical Muslims carry out tens of thousands of terrorists attacks around the world. The worst terrorist attack on US soil was in the City of New York by radical Muslims. So the NYPD tries to gather intelligence that can be used to prevent further attacks in their city, and that's no good? How many morons does it take to write a New York Times editorial?
* Just this morning, I awoke to read that Islamic militants murdered dozens of students at a college in Nigeria. They were rather easy targets as the students were asleep in their dorms. According to Fox News, the victims were almost all Muslims. It is believed that the attack was carried out by Boko Haram, which seeks to establish an Islamic state in Northern Nigeria, but their efforts have been thwarted by the Nigerian military. The answer - attack innocent, sleeping students.
* Just a few days ago, the Indian government warned Jewish groups in that country, and especially in Mumbai, to tighten their security. We remember the brutal attack in Mumbai several years ago when Islamic terrorists killed over 160 people, including the rabbi and rebbetzin at the small Chabad House. Apparently, the Indian government has information that Islamic groups have been monitoring Jewish establishments, possibly in preparation for further attacks. One of the ways to tighten security, of course, is to have armed guards. You know - good guys with guns.
* Following the shooting at the Naval shipyard, a liberal friend and reader said he had three words for me: "guns, guns, guns." Never mind that the perpetrator had three run-ins with law enforcement. Never mind that one of those incidents caused the local police to report him to Naval authorities. No, the Navy went ahead and renewed his security clearance anyway. Here's a thought: if someone discharges a gun in public under questionable circumstances (as this man did), then even if the local prosecutor decides not to bring charges, maybe they should be allowed to order a mental health evaluation. Maybe that would have stopped this guy. Of course, the other thing that would have helped would be allowing the military to defend themselves on their own bases. (But in 1993, then President Bill Clinton issued an executive order barring military and civilian personnel on bases from being armed.) How many more shootings on bases do we need before people on bases can protect themselves?
* What's Starbucks got to do with this? On 9/18/13, the CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, issued an open letter to all Starbucks customers. While not banning guns from Starbucks, he said he was "respectfully requesting" that customers not bring their guns into any Starbucks stores. Starbucks has over 11,000 stores in the US, and 29 states have no prohibition on openly carrying firearms, with another 15 allowing it with permits. Even California allows it in rural areas. The trend, in fact, has been to allow the "open carry" of guns. Mr. Schultz felt the need to take some action when gun rights advocates started holding "Starbucks Appreciation Days" across the country.
* When one such group decided to hold such a rally in Newtown, Connecticut (scene of the December, 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings) it may have proven too much for Mr. Schultz to ignore. Frankly, I would have preferred that the group chose a different city for their pro-gun rally. It is not political correctness to acknowledge the feelings of those parents who lost their children at Newtown. It is common decency.
* In any event, Mr. Schultz was walking a fine line between the pro- and anti-gun advocates. Clearly, as a businessman, he does not wish to offend either side of his customer base. So, while not banning guns, he asked people to not carry them into Starbucks. An understandable, if misguided, position. If bad guys with guns enter a Starbucks, I'd feel a lot better knowing that the good guys are armed as well. It's ironic that people will feel safe and secure at a coffee shop or restaurant when armed police officers are there also. So why not armed civilians as well?
* Still, the Starbucks position did not satisfy everyone. One liberal indicated that if Schultz's request was not successful, they would seek to boycott Starbucks in order to force them to issue an outright ban on guns. That woman should have a sign on her front lawn that reads: "Come on in, no one here is armed." How do we stop bad buys with guns? Good guys with guns.
* The radical Islamists were busy that week. In Pakistan, they shot up a church as the parishioners were leaving. There, at least 85 died, with over 120 wounded. Christians have not been doing well in Muslim countries. I would love to see a piece in one of the mainstream papers that discusses the lot of Christians in the Muslim world: from Pakistan to Iraq to Lebanon to Gaza to Sudan to Nigeria. But I guess that is not too likely as long as the mainstream media keeps treating Muslims as if they are the victims (of what, I'll never know).
* But the New York Times knows. In their 9/9/13 editorial they complain about the NYPD's designation of mosques as terrorist organizations allowing open-ended investigations. Complained the Times: "Plainclothes police officers were sent to restaurants, cafes and other spots where groups of Muslims get together." Hmmm. Radical Muslims carry out tens of thousands of terrorists attacks around the world. The worst terrorist attack on US soil was in the City of New York by radical Muslims. So the NYPD tries to gather intelligence that can be used to prevent further attacks in their city, and that's no good? How many morons does it take to write a New York Times editorial?
* Just this morning, I awoke to read that Islamic militants murdered dozens of students at a college in Nigeria. They were rather easy targets as the students were asleep in their dorms. According to Fox News, the victims were almost all Muslims. It is believed that the attack was carried out by Boko Haram, which seeks to establish an Islamic state in Northern Nigeria, but their efforts have been thwarted by the Nigerian military. The answer - attack innocent, sleeping students.
* Just a few days ago, the Indian government warned Jewish groups in that country, and especially in Mumbai, to tighten their security. We remember the brutal attack in Mumbai several years ago when Islamic terrorists killed over 160 people, including the rabbi and rebbetzin at the small Chabad House. Apparently, the Indian government has information that Islamic groups have been monitoring Jewish establishments, possibly in preparation for further attacks. One of the ways to tighten security, of course, is to have armed guards. You know - good guys with guns.
* Following the shooting at the Naval shipyard, a liberal friend and reader said he had three words for me: "guns, guns, guns." Never mind that the perpetrator had three run-ins with law enforcement. Never mind that one of those incidents caused the local police to report him to Naval authorities. No, the Navy went ahead and renewed his security clearance anyway. Here's a thought: if someone discharges a gun in public under questionable circumstances (as this man did), then even if the local prosecutor decides not to bring charges, maybe they should be allowed to order a mental health evaluation. Maybe that would have stopped this guy. Of course, the other thing that would have helped would be allowing the military to defend themselves on their own bases. (But in 1993, then President Bill Clinton issued an executive order barring military and civilian personnel on bases from being armed.) How many more shootings on bases do we need before people on bases can protect themselves?
* What's Starbucks got to do with this? On 9/18/13, the CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, issued an open letter to all Starbucks customers. While not banning guns from Starbucks, he said he was "respectfully requesting" that customers not bring their guns into any Starbucks stores. Starbucks has over 11,000 stores in the US, and 29 states have no prohibition on openly carrying firearms, with another 15 allowing it with permits. Even California allows it in rural areas. The trend, in fact, has been to allow the "open carry" of guns. Mr. Schultz felt the need to take some action when gun rights advocates started holding "Starbucks Appreciation Days" across the country.
* When one such group decided to hold such a rally in Newtown, Connecticut (scene of the December, 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings) it may have proven too much for Mr. Schultz to ignore. Frankly, I would have preferred that the group chose a different city for their pro-gun rally. It is not political correctness to acknowledge the feelings of those parents who lost their children at Newtown. It is common decency.
* In any event, Mr. Schultz was walking a fine line between the pro- and anti-gun advocates. Clearly, as a businessman, he does not wish to offend either side of his customer base. So, while not banning guns, he asked people to not carry them into Starbucks. An understandable, if misguided, position. If bad guys with guns enter a Starbucks, I'd feel a lot better knowing that the good guys are armed as well. It's ironic that people will feel safe and secure at a coffee shop or restaurant when armed police officers are there also. So why not armed civilians as well?
* Still, the Starbucks position did not satisfy everyone. One liberal indicated that if Schultz's request was not successful, they would seek to boycott Starbucks in order to force them to issue an outright ban on guns. That woman should have a sign on her front lawn that reads: "Come on in, no one here is armed." How do we stop bad buys with guns? Good guys with guns.
The Pros and Cons of Obamacare
* Con: According to Republicans, the Affordable Care Act threatens to "destroy the foundation of the 40 hour workweek." Well, maybe. But that quote is actually from a letter written by the United Food and Commercial Workers union, with two other unions joining in, to none other than Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. The unions have come to recognize what the Dems will not: employers are protecting themselves from Obamacare. Trader Joe's, among others, announced they will drop coverage for employees working under 30 hours. And numerous employers have announced they will cut employees' hours in order to keep them under the 30 hour threshold.
* Con: Republicans also claim that Obamacare will "end up forcing millions out of multi-employer plans." Sorry, that was actually another union complaint.
* Con: The IBD has been keeping track of employers who have cut jobs and/or employee hours in order to avoid the effects of Obamacare. As of 9/20/13, they report 62 private employers and a whopping 239 public sector employers have made these cuts. It appears that school districts and colleges and universities in particular are being affected. The same article notes that low wage earners are being hardest hit, with a record low 27.4 hour workweek in July.
* Con: The Republicans claim that the big insurance companies will have to limit the number (and quality) of doctors and hospitals available to patients in the new exchanges in order to keep costs down. That, in turn, may result in consumers having "long wait times, a scarcity of specialists and loss of their longtime doctor." Oops, wrong again. That information is actually from the 9/15/13 front page story in the liberal LA Times. Does this mean that the Times has actually learned how free markets operate when faced with undue government regulation? But not to worry. Peter Lee, executive director of the California exchange - Covered California - says they can deal with companies that do not sufficiently serve their customers: "...if a plan can't serve patients, we'll close it down from taking new enrollment." Well, that should help.
* Con: Apparently, Health Net will be beating the other carriers in keeping the premium costs down by limiting the size of their networks. Essentially, they are emulating HMOs like Kaiser. Says one health insurance broker: "Health Net will get a lot of business with those rates...But no one mentions you might not be able to see your doctor." (Again, from the 9/15/13 LA Times.)
* Con: If you are in the middle class like I am, no worries. Your premiums may be going up substantially, but you also get to pay higher taxes to pay for those subsidies for those who cannot afford to pay for their own insurance. Don't you feel better already?
* Con: Again, Republicans are complaining that the taxes and fees mandated by Obamacare will "drive the costs of...union administered plans, and other plans that cover unionized workers, to unsupportable levels." But isn't that the idea; to make insurance so unaffordable that we have to end up with the single payer system. (Okay, you got me. The above quote is actually from a resolution passed by the AFL-CIO.)
* Con: While some insurers (as noted above) will be limiting the number of hospitals in their offerings, hospitals themselves have been forced to lay off employees and/or cut their hours, in order to compensate for the added costs of Obamacare. According to the 9/19/13 IBD, over a dozen hospitals have already announced cutbacks, including the well known Cleveland Clinic. So, less hospitals in certain plans, and less employees to staff those hospitals. What's the problem?
* What's the problem with those Republicans? Do they really want to shut down the government over Obamacare? Actually, their latest bill, passed last night, simply delays the implementation of Obamacare for a year, and also eliminates the 2.3% tax on medical device makers. Is not reasonable to think, even if you favor Obamacare, that a piece of legislation over 2000 pages in length, with over 15,000 pages of regs, might need some tinkering? Or, as lawyers would say, come "clean up" legislation.
* Obama gave a press conference on Friday explaining why, in our Constitutional democracy, one side does not get to shut the government down because they are unhappy with legislation passed by the other side. Actually, it was not a bad argument. Of course, Obama did not actually believe one word of what he said. If he believed in our Constitutional democracy he would not have already made 19 changes to Obamacare on his own - all without Congressional approval. Perhaps the most well known change was when he announced he would not enforce the employer mandate until January 1, 1915. Was that delay written into the law? No. Is Obama legally allowed to pick and choose which portions of a law passed by Congress he will enforce, and which he will delay or amend on his own? No, because the president does not get to write legislation. But it's good to be King.
* So what if some big donors got some delays or exemptions for their businesses. Although I have to admit that my favorite exemption was that given to the members of Congress and their staff. Obama wouldn't be trying to bribe Congress with such an exemption, would he? Not at all, it's just unfair to make Congress play by the same rules as the rest of us do. Does it matter that 92% of likely voters think the Congressional exemption is unfair? Why would it, when nearly 2/3 of Americans were opposed to Obamacare in the first place.
* Con: Republicans also claim that Obamacare will "end up forcing millions out of multi-employer plans." Sorry, that was actually another union complaint.
* Con: The IBD has been keeping track of employers who have cut jobs and/or employee hours in order to avoid the effects of Obamacare. As of 9/20/13, they report 62 private employers and a whopping 239 public sector employers have made these cuts. It appears that school districts and colleges and universities in particular are being affected. The same article notes that low wage earners are being hardest hit, with a record low 27.4 hour workweek in July.
* Con: The Republicans claim that the big insurance companies will have to limit the number (and quality) of doctors and hospitals available to patients in the new exchanges in order to keep costs down. That, in turn, may result in consumers having "long wait times, a scarcity of specialists and loss of their longtime doctor." Oops, wrong again. That information is actually from the 9/15/13 front page story in the liberal LA Times. Does this mean that the Times has actually learned how free markets operate when faced with undue government regulation? But not to worry. Peter Lee, executive director of the California exchange - Covered California - says they can deal with companies that do not sufficiently serve their customers: "...if a plan can't serve patients, we'll close it down from taking new enrollment." Well, that should help.
* Con: Apparently, Health Net will be beating the other carriers in keeping the premium costs down by limiting the size of their networks. Essentially, they are emulating HMOs like Kaiser. Says one health insurance broker: "Health Net will get a lot of business with those rates...But no one mentions you might not be able to see your doctor." (Again, from the 9/15/13 LA Times.)
* Con: If you are in the middle class like I am, no worries. Your premiums may be going up substantially, but you also get to pay higher taxes to pay for those subsidies for those who cannot afford to pay for their own insurance. Don't you feel better already?
* Con: Again, Republicans are complaining that the taxes and fees mandated by Obamacare will "drive the costs of...union administered plans, and other plans that cover unionized workers, to unsupportable levels." But isn't that the idea; to make insurance so unaffordable that we have to end up with the single payer system. (Okay, you got me. The above quote is actually from a resolution passed by the AFL-CIO.)
* Con: While some insurers (as noted above) will be limiting the number of hospitals in their offerings, hospitals themselves have been forced to lay off employees and/or cut their hours, in order to compensate for the added costs of Obamacare. According to the 9/19/13 IBD, over a dozen hospitals have already announced cutbacks, including the well known Cleveland Clinic. So, less hospitals in certain plans, and less employees to staff those hospitals. What's the problem?
* What's the problem with those Republicans? Do they really want to shut down the government over Obamacare? Actually, their latest bill, passed last night, simply delays the implementation of Obamacare for a year, and also eliminates the 2.3% tax on medical device makers. Is not reasonable to think, even if you favor Obamacare, that a piece of legislation over 2000 pages in length, with over 15,000 pages of regs, might need some tinkering? Or, as lawyers would say, come "clean up" legislation.
* Obama gave a press conference on Friday explaining why, in our Constitutional democracy, one side does not get to shut the government down because they are unhappy with legislation passed by the other side. Actually, it was not a bad argument. Of course, Obama did not actually believe one word of what he said. If he believed in our Constitutional democracy he would not have already made 19 changes to Obamacare on his own - all without Congressional approval. Perhaps the most well known change was when he announced he would not enforce the employer mandate until January 1, 1915. Was that delay written into the law? No. Is Obama legally allowed to pick and choose which portions of a law passed by Congress he will enforce, and which he will delay or amend on his own? No, because the president does not get to write legislation. But it's good to be King.
* So what if some big donors got some delays or exemptions for their businesses. Although I have to admit that my favorite exemption was that given to the members of Congress and their staff. Obama wouldn't be trying to bribe Congress with such an exemption, would he? Not at all, it's just unfair to make Congress play by the same rules as the rest of us do. Does it matter that 92% of likely voters think the Congressional exemption is unfair? Why would it, when nearly 2/3 of Americans were opposed to Obamacare in the first place.
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