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Who's Dithering?
Author: BobR
Date: 11/18/2009 12:15:29
Former vice-president Dick Cheney recently criticized President Obama for "dithering" in the Middle East, instead of being decisive and bold. Obama's critics think he shouldn't waste any more time weighing the evidence, and should just make a decision and go for it. People's lives are hanging in the balance, and all this "dithering" is just going to cause more people to die.
Yet - when he brings that "decisive and bold" leadership which they claim to be clamoring for to the health care debate, suddenly they accuse him of moving too fast, of trying to rush things through. Why the hurry? It's not like people's lives are in danger, right?
Well... yes, people's lives ARE in danger. The National Association of Free Health Clinics recently held a massive free clinic at the Superdome in NoLa. Here is first-person account of what happened:
Four people were taken immediately to a hospital by ambulance. I highly recommend reading the entire article.
So if so many people are living on the edge because they are uninsured or under-insured, why isn't this a slam-dunk? Could it be the propaganda campaign being waged by the insurance companies, championed by right-wing and neo-libertarian ideologues and trumpeted through the streets by loud crass sheeple using it as an excuse to criticize a president they hate? How many commercials have you seen spreading lies about higher taxes, jobs lost, fear Fear FEAR!
Sadly, Congress is not helping. First, we have Rep. Stupak claiming he can kill the bill if his amendment is tampered with. On the other hand, we have reports that some of the Dems that originally supported the amendment are backing off, and would be willing to vote for the bill if the Stupak language was watered down. Congress dithers over minutia that is only important to them, while Americans die because they can't go to the doctor.
... And then there's the media which seems to be dithering over what the facts actually are and what they mean. It's hard to believe that these two articles are talking about the same AP poll. The first link reports that the majority of Americans are in favor of raising taxes on the richest Americans to pay for health care reform. The second article says that Americans are souring on the whole idea of health care reform (FWIW - the focus in the 2nd article was more like the 1st one when it originally came out, and then they changed the focus). Can these really be the same poll results? The media can't seem to decide on what to report as true, so they spin one way and then the other, and then claim to be even-handed.
No wonder everyone is unsure of what they feel about health care reform. While everyone that should be providing leadership dithers for political reasons, and the media dithers for financial reasons, the president gets criticized for NOT dithering. How is any of this helping?
Yet - when he brings that "decisive and bold" leadership which they claim to be clamoring for to the health care debate, suddenly they accuse him of moving too fast, of trying to rush things through. Why the hurry? It's not like people's lives are in danger, right?
Well... yes, people's lives ARE in danger. The National Association of Free Health Clinics recently held a massive free clinic at the Superdome in NoLa. Here is first-person account of what happened:
After watching for hours as the patients moved through the clinic, it was hard to believe that I was in America.
Eighty-three percent of the patients they see are employed, they are not accepting other government help on a large scale, not "welfare queens" as some would like to have us believe. They are tax-paying, good, upstanding citizens who are trying to make it and give their kids a better life just like you and me.
Ninety percent of the patients who came through Saturday's clinic had two or more diagnoses.
Eighty-two percent had a life-threatening condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hypertension. They are victims of a system built with corporate profits at its center, which long ago forgot the moral imperative that should drive us to show compassion to our fellow men and women.
Four people were taken immediately to a hospital by ambulance. I highly recommend reading the entire article.
So if so many people are living on the edge because they are uninsured or under-insured, why isn't this a slam-dunk? Could it be the propaganda campaign being waged by the insurance companies, championed by right-wing and neo-libertarian ideologues and trumpeted through the streets by loud crass sheeple using it as an excuse to criticize a president they hate? How many commercials have you seen spreading lies about higher taxes, jobs lost, fear Fear FEAR!
Sadly, Congress is not helping. First, we have Rep. Stupak claiming he can kill the bill if his amendment is tampered with. On the other hand, we have reports that some of the Dems that originally supported the amendment are backing off, and would be willing to vote for the bill if the Stupak language was watered down. Congress dithers over minutia that is only important to them, while Americans die because they can't go to the doctor.
... And then there's the media which seems to be dithering over what the facts actually are and what they mean. It's hard to believe that these two articles are talking about the same AP poll. The first link reports that the majority of Americans are in favor of raising taxes on the richest Americans to pay for health care reform. The second article says that Americans are souring on the whole idea of health care reform (FWIW - the focus in the 2nd article was more like the 1st one when it originally came out, and then they changed the focus). Can these really be the same poll results? The media can't seem to decide on what to report as true, so they spin one way and then the other, and then claim to be even-handed.
No wonder everyone is unsure of what they feel about health care reform. While everyone that should be providing leadership dithers for political reasons, and the media dithers for financial reasons, the president gets criticized for NOT dithering. How is any of this helping?
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
BobR on 11/18/2009 12:19:54
BobR on 11/18/2009 12:19:54
BLOG ALERT!! 
Since Raine and I are moving on Friday, and will be without internets until Wed afternoon, we need coverage for:
Friday
Monday
Wednesday
Can we please get some volunteers?...
THANKS!
Since Raine and I are moving on Friday, and will be without internets until Wed afternoon, we need coverage for:
Friday
Monday
Wednesday
Can we please get some volunteers?...
THANKS!
Comment by BobR on 11/18/2009 12:25:11
BobR on 11/18/2009 12:25:11
Also interesting to note: Healthiest and unhealthiest states...
The blues states asking for health care reform are already the healthiest, and the red states full of teabaggers and neo-libertarians against health care are the unhealthiest.
Ironic, huh?
The blues states asking for health care reform are already the healthiest, and the red states full of teabaggers and neo-libertarians against health care are the unhealthiest.
Ironic, huh?
Comment by 
Raine on 11/18/2009 12:43:23
on my way to take Brewser to get her jaw wire removed. 
Raine on 11/18/2009 12:43:23
on my way to take Brewser to get her jaw wire removed.
Comment by BobR on 11/18/2009 13:21:26
BobR on 11/18/2009 13:21:26
Quote by Raine:
Comment by 
clintster on 11/18/2009 13:41:22
I'll take Fridee. I wish we could have gotten together one last time before the big move (maybe we still can?), but I know this is gonna be exciting for you all!
clintster on 11/18/2009 13:41:22
Quote by BobR:
BLOG ALERT!!
Since Raine and I are moving on Friday, and will be without internets until Wed afternoon, we need coverage for:
Friday
Monday
Wednesday
Can we please get some volunteers?...
THANKS!
I'll take Fridee. I wish we could have gotten together one last time before the big move (maybe we still can?), but I know this is gonna be exciting for you all!
Comment by 
wickedpam on 11/18/2009 13:52:00
I'll takeFriday Mondee and do something pop culture-y 
wickedpam on 11/18/2009 13:52:00
Quote by BobR:
BLOG ALERT!!
Since Raine and I are moving on Friday, and will be without internets until Wed afternoon, we need coverage for:
Friday
Monday
Wednesday
Can we please get some volunteers?...
THANKS!
I'll take
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 13:52:18
Thank You!
We will be back down around Christmas time -- Let's think about getting together for a dinner?
Raine on 11/18/2009 13:52:18
Quote by clintster:
I'll take Fridee. I wish we could have gotten together one last time before the big move (maybe we still can?), but I know this is gonna be exciting for you all!
We will be back down around Christmas time -- Let's think about getting together for a dinner?
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 13:53:02
Raine on 11/18/2009 13:53:02
OOps -- clint and Mala will have to work something out.. 
Comment by wickedpam on 11/18/2009 13:53:14
Hey Clint Amtrak goes straight from the ATL to the DC
wickedpam on 11/18/2009 13:53:14
Quote by clintster:Quote by BobR:
BLOG ALERT!!
Since Raine and I are moving on Friday, and will be without internets until Wed afternoon, we need coverage for:
Friday
Monday
Wednesday
Can we please get some volunteers?...
THANKS!
I'll take Fridee. I wish we could have gotten together one last time before the big move (maybe we still can?), but I know this is gonna be exciting for you all!
Hey Clint
Amtrak goes straight from the ATL to the DC
Comment by wickedpam on 11/18/2009 13:54:16
Already moved it to Mondee no fist-a-cuffs involved - he called shotgun first
wickedpam on 11/18/2009 13:54:16
Quote by Raine:
OOps -- clint and Mala will have to work something out..
Already moved it to Mondee no fist-a-cuffs involved - he called shotgun first
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 13:57:44
She's right you know -- I am sure Ian would love to see all the fun things in DC!
Raine on 11/18/2009 13:57:44
Quote by wickedpam:
Hey Clint
She's right you know -- I am sure Ian would love to see all the fun things in DC!
Comment by clintster on 11/18/2009 14:06:22
Definitely. I'll call y'all this evening.
clintster on 11/18/2009 14:06:22
Quote by Raine:Thank You!Quote by clintster:
I'll take Fridee. I wish we could have gotten together one last time before the big move (maybe we still can?), but I know this is gonna be exciting for you all!
We will be back down around Christmas time -- Let's think about getting together for a dinner?
Definitely. I'll call y'all this evening.
Comment by clintster on 11/18/2009 14:07:27
That is if we could get him offa the train long enough to see 'em.
clintster on 11/18/2009 14:07:27
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
Hey Clint
She's right you know -- I am sure Ian would love to see all the fun things in DC!
That is if we could get him offa the train long enough to see 'em.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 11/18/2009 14:14:08
Scoopster on 11/18/2009 14:14:08
Morning all! Oh my it's been busy already in here huh?
Here's a little diddy I found in my morning rounds...
Here's a little diddy I found in my morning rounds...
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 14:28:39
Raine on 11/18/2009 14:28:39
Someone needs to give the caller a little cheese with his Whine... 
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 14:43:25
Raine on 11/18/2009 14:43:25
I love Congressman Ellison!
Comment by Scoopster on 11/18/2009 14:53:40
Scoopster on 11/18/2009 14:53:40
Ow!! wtf I think I chipped a tooth on my coffee cup..
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 15:00:06
Raine on 11/18/2009 15:00:06
Ouch -- scoop that stinks!
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 15:18:00
Honest?? Palin?? 
Raine on 11/18/2009 15:18:00
Honest?? Palin??
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 15:21:00
Raine on 11/18/2009 15:21:00
From Huffpo ( and People magazine ) Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin answered questions from People magazine readers this week as part of her book tour. Asked if she could "have one job in the White House tomorrow, what would it be," Palin responded that she would like to take over from Rahm Emanuel.
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 15:46:32
Raine on 11/18/2009 15:46:32
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 16:09:21
Hal Sparks is just way too funny!
Raine on 11/18/2009 16:09:21
Hal Sparks is just way too funny!
Comment by 
livingonli on 11/18/2009 16:33:30
livingonli on 11/18/2009 16:33:30
Good morning everyone..
I miss the fun I have around here. I finally need to get the high-speed connection in my room once I get my desktop out of storage.
I miss the fun I have around here. I finally need to get the high-speed connection in my room once I get my desktop out of storage.
Comment by livingonli on 11/18/2009 16:35:59
Between the way people in red states look.and how well fried food plays there and the study which showed that divorce rates were higher in red states and lower in blue states (especially ones that have gay marriage), it doesn't surprise me.
livingonli on 11/18/2009 16:35:59
Quote by BobR:
Also interesting to note: Healthiest and unhealthiest states...
The blues states asking for health care reform are already the healthiest, and the red states full of teabaggers and neo-libertarians against health care are the unhealthiest.
Ironic, huh?
Between the way people in red states look.and how well fried food plays there and the study which showed that divorce rates were higher in red states and lower in blue states (especially ones that have gay marriage), it doesn't surprise me.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/18/2009 16:49:39
wickedpam on 11/18/2009 16:49:39
stupid cold my heads all stupped up 
Comment by livingonli on 11/18/2009 16:57:22
Healing vibes.
fixxity
livingonli on 11/18/2009 16:57:22
Quote by wickedpam:
stupid cold my heads all stupped up
Healing vibes.
fixxity
Comment by livingonli on 11/18/2009 16:59:00
livingonli on 11/18/2009 16:59:00
Damn, bloggie won't give me the extra space to make it an emoticon.
Where's Random been lately, he's disappeared again.
Where's Random been lately, he's disappeared again.
Comment by BobR on 11/18/2009 17:00:36
THANKS!!
Now if we can just get someone for Wed, we'll have complete coverage...
BobR on 11/18/2009 17:00:36
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by BobR:
BLOG ALERT!!
Since Raine and I are moving on Friday, and will be without internets until Wed afternoon, we need coverage for:
Friday
Monday
Wednesday
Can we please get some volunteers?...
THANKS!
I'll takeFridayMondee and do something pop culture-y
THANKS!!
Now if we can just get someone for Wed, we'll have complete coverage...
Comment by livingonli on 11/18/2009 17:06:02
livingonli on 11/18/2009 17:06:02
Pearl Jam will be on the next Austin City Limits, that doesn't sound very country to me.
Comment by livingonli on 11/18/2009 17:14:17
livingonli on 11/18/2009 17:14:17
So I guess by a week from tomorrow, BobR and Raine will be settled in the Virginia suburbs with the pets and the new Comcast hookup. I wonder if they moved MSNBC to digital there. If they did, that means no MSNBC at the Arlington Holiday Inn.
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 17:16:23
I have seen Wilco on there. It's not really a country show.
Raine on 11/18/2009 17:16:23
Quote by livingonli:
Pearl Jam will be on the next Austin City Limits, that doesn't sound very country to me.
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 17:19:27
If you ARE Typing in an emoticon, You have to put a space AFTER the second ":"
see?
Raine on 11/18/2009 17:19:27
Quote by livingonli:Quote by wickedpam:
stupid cold my heads all stupped up
Healing vibes. :hug:
see?
Comment by livingonli on 11/18/2009 17:25:30
Wilco like Son Volt and the Jayhawks have a country influence in their sound. That's not a claim Pearl Jam has.
livingonli on 11/18/2009 17:25:30
Quote by Raine:I have seen Wilco on there. It's not really a country show.Quote by livingonli:
Pearl Jam will be on the next Austin City Limits, that doesn't sound very country to me.
Wilco like Son Volt and the Jayhawks have a country influence in their sound. That's not a claim Pearl Jam has.
Comment by livingonli on 11/18/2009 17:35:46
I thought it was two spaces before the first one. My mistake.. Fixed it now.
livingonli on 11/18/2009 17:35:46
Quote by Raine:If you ARE Typing in an emoticon, You have to put a space AFTER the second ":"Quote by livingonli:Quote by wickedpam:
stupid cold my heads all stupped up
Healing vibes. :hug:
see?
I thought it was two spaces before the first one. My mistake.. Fixed it now.
Comment by BobR on 11/18/2009 17:48:12
You need one space before and one space after any emoticon. I changed this in the code to prevent things like converting a list that has A), B), C), etc. into A),
, C)
BobR on 11/18/2009 17:48:12
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:If you ARE Typing in an emoticon, You have to put a space AFTER the second ":"Quote by livingonli:Quote by wickedpam:
stupid cold my heads all stupped up
Healing vibes. :hug:
see?
I thought it was two spaces before the first one. My mistake.. Fixed it now.
You need one space before and one space after any emoticon. I changed this in the code to prevent things like converting a list that has A), B), C), etc. into A),
, C)
Comment by wickedpam on 11/18/2009 17:54:21
either way - healing vibes always welcome
wickedpam on 11/18/2009 17:54:21
Quote by BobR:Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:If you ARE Typing in an emoticon, You have to put a space AFTER the second ":"Quote by livingonli:Quote by wickedpam:
stupid cold my heads all stupped up
Healing vibes. :hug:
see?
I thought it was two spaces before the first one. My mistake.. Fixed it now.
You need one space before and one space after any emoticon. I changed this in the code to prevent things like converting a list that has A), B), C), etc. into A),
either way - healing vibes always welcome
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 18:30:01
Well there is that. I guess I just never really thought of ACL as a solely country genre show.
Raine on 11/18/2009 18:30:01
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:I have seen Wilco on there. It's not really a country show.Quote by livingonli:
Pearl Jam will be on the next Austin City Limits, that doesn't sound very country to me.
Wilco like Son Volt and the Jayhawks have a country influence in their sound. That's not a claim Pearl Jam has.
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 18:31:11
<-- is how I am feeling.
Mala -- I hope you feel better soon.
Raine on 11/18/2009 18:31:11
<-- is how I am feeling. Mala -- I hope you feel better soon.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 11/18/2009 18:36:24
Liv, ACL has never been a country show. It features all kinds of music, like Austin itself.
Mondobubba on 11/18/2009 18:36:24
Quote by Raine:Well there is that. I guess I just never really thought of ACL as a solely country genre show.Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:I have seen Wilco on there. It's not really a country show.Quote by livingonli:
Pearl Jam will be on the next Austin City Limits, that doesn't sound very country to me.
Wilco like Son Volt and the Jayhawks have a country influence in their sound. That's not a claim Pearl Jam has.
Liv, ACL has never been a country show. It features all kinds of music, like Austin itself.
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 19:22:17
Raine on 11/18/2009 19:22:17
OK I am pissed right now -- My nephew was suspended from school for 2.5 days because a kid punched him in the head and he defended himself. He has complained to teachers aids and the teacher before about this bully and no one did anything, now when he finally decides to defend himself they say they didn't know this kid was a problem.
My sister is so pissed at the school, and I don't blame her. let's get some good vibes for her so that she can get to a place where she can calmly tell the principle that she is not a happy parental unit.
My sister is so pissed at the school, and I don't blame her. let's get some good vibes for her so that she can get to a place where she can calmly tell the principle that she is not a happy parental unit.
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 19:24:35
Raine on 11/18/2009 19:24:35
Oh -- and I am not going to say anything on Facebook, because I don't think she wants my mother to know just yet... 
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 19:35:40
Raine on 11/18/2009 19:35:40
SO I am on the craigslist... the free section and I see this listing... Stunning chest of drawers dresser (Arlington) I love the description...
Comment by wickedpam on 11/18/2009 19:44:27
Wow - definatly positive vibes going her way ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~
wickedpam on 11/18/2009 19:44:27
Quote by Raine:
OK I am pissed right now -- My nephew was suspended from school for 2.5 days because a kid punched him in the head and he defended himself. He has complained to teachers aids and the teacher before about this bully and no one did anything, now when he finally decides to defend himself they say they didn't know this kid was a problem.
My sister is so pissed at the school, and I don't blame her. let's get some good vibes for her so that she can get to a place where she can calmly tell the principle that she is not a happy parental unit.
Wow - definatly positive vibes going her way ~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/18/2009 19:46:18
WTF! So much for all the anti-bullying stuff ya hear about.
Mondobubba on 11/18/2009 19:46:18
Quote by Raine:
OK I am pissed right now -- My nephew was suspended from school for 2.5 days because a kid punched him in the head and he defended himself. He has complained to teachers aids and the teacher before about this bully and no one did anything, now when he finally decides to defend himself they say they didn't know this kid was a problem.
My sister is so pissed at the school, and I don't blame her. let's get some good vibes for her so that she can get to a place where she can calmly tell the principle that she is not a happy parental unit.
WTF! So much for all the anti-bullying stuff ya hear about.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/18/2009 19:46:48
The DARE bumper sticker makes it!
Mondobubba on 11/18/2009 19:46:48
Quote by Raine:
SO I am on the craigslist... the free section and I see this listing... Stunning chest of drawers dresser (Arlington) I love the description...
The DARE bumper sticker makes it!
Comment by Raine on 11/18/2009 19:55:11
Raine on 11/18/2009 19:55:11
I feel bad for G -- He is not a kid that fights. He really reached his breaking point. And SisterLove does not suffer fools well.
We were always taught to NEVER Throw the first punch or instigate -- but we were also we have a right to defend ourselves.
The principle actually had the GALL to say to Sistah that G should have gotten a playground aid. Funny, how was he supposed to do that when he is getting punched upside the head?
We were always taught to NEVER Throw the first punch or instigate -- but we were also we have a right to defend ourselves.
The principle actually had the GALL to say to Sistah that G should have gotten a playground aid. Funny, how was he supposed to do that when he is getting punched upside the head?
Comment by livingonli on 11/18/2009 20:21:46
It seems like whenever someone finally fights back against a bully, that person is the one who gets into trouble while the bully continues to get away with pulling shit.
Sometimes I really do wonder where the justice is in this world.
livingonli on 11/18/2009 20:21:46
Quote by Raine:
I feel bad gor G -- He is not a kid that fights. He really reached his breaking point. And SisterLove does not suffer fools well.
We were always taght to NEVER Throw the first punch or instigate -- but we were also we have a right to defend ourselves.
The principle actually had the GALL to say to Sistah that G should have gotten a playground aid. Funnt, how was he supposed to do that when he is getting punched upside the head?
It seems like whenever someone finally fights back against a bully, that person is the one who gets into trouble while the bully continues to get away with pulling shit.
Sometimes I really do wonder where the justice is in this world.
Comment by velveeta jones on 11/18/2009 21:45:40
velveeta jones on 11/18/2009 21:45:40
Great post BobR! Sorry I've not been round much. Life has been way too busy.
Hope all the regulars bloggettes are all okay!
Hope all the regulars bloggettes are all okay!