First thoughts: On the road again

Posted: Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:25 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** On the road again: So far in his young presidency, every time President Obama has wanted to sell a legislative priority to the public (and to Congress) he has hit the road. In February, when campaigning for his stimulus, he held town halls in Indiana and Florida. In March, when pushing for his budget, he traveled to California. And now, as health care has become the administration’s top priority for the rest of the year, Obama is hitting the road again by holding a town hall in Green Bay, WI at 1:10 pm ET. Political writer Matt Bai recently observed that Team Obama learned from its experience with the stimulus that it had to take a more active role in the legislative process -- even by holding town halls and giving speeches. ”The lesson Obama’s team took from this experience, and one that will no doubt inform its approach to health care, is that it’s fine for a president to stand back from the process -- but not so far back that Congress thinks he’s trying to duck the consequences… If Obama is going to sign a transformative health care law this year, it will, at some point soon, have to become his plan, no matter how much autonomy he wants to confer on his allies in Congress.” And why is Obama in Green Bay? The Washington Post says the president wants to highlight the city’s “strategy for squeezing out waste without hurting quality."

*** Straddling the fence: Yet also note this: The White House wants the president to be the face of health care reform, but it doesn’t want him involved in the congressional back-and-forth. It's a tough fence to straddle. But yesterday, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs somewhat stunningly said he wouldn't be addressing the details of the president's position on various pieces of the health-care reform debate. We'll see if the White House can truly keep that up.

*** Doctor(s) No? Obama also will hit the road on Monday, when he heads to Chicago to speak about health care to the American Medical Association. But that audience might not be a welcoming one. Per the New York Times, the AMA now formally opposes any public/government insurance plan that would compete with private ones. “[I]n comments submitted to the Senate Finance Committee, the American Medical Association said: ‘The A.M.A. does not believe that creating a public health insurance option for non-disabled individuals under age 65 is the best way to expand health insurance coverage and lower costs. The introduction of a new public plan threatens to restrict patient choice by driving out private insurers, which currently provide coverage for nearly 70 percent of Americans.’” Meanwhile, Sen. Kent Conrad (D) has been trying to find a compromise on the public insurance option. His idea of creating non-profit co-ops (a la utilities) seems to be gathering media momentum. And for what it’s worth, we're hearing positive things about it inside the White House. Also today, House Republicans will hold a press conference on health care at 11:45 am ET, and Mitch McConnell will address the topic on the Senate floor at 10:00 am.

*** Questions about bipartisanship: Sticking with the health-care debate, the president yesterday hosted key congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle to talk about health reform. The suggestion, of course, is that the White House wants to show it’s searching for a bipartisan compromise. But the question many observers on this issue have: How long will the White House pursue bipartisanship here? Do they NEED it, or do they need to do it publicly so they can keep more conservative Dems (like Ben Nelson and Mary Landrieu) in the fold? Or is the attempt at bipartisanship is enough to keep those folks happy? Also, what is bipartisanship these days when it comes to this issue -- the White House finding two GOP votes in the Senate (Collins and Snowe) or about 10 GOPers in the House? That's probably the most realistic bipartisan result.

*** Was the Department of Homeland Security right?

Video: Northeastern University criminologist Jack Levin discusses the warning of right-wing extremist violence issued by the Homeland Security Department in April, and what the government needs to do to prevent it from continuing.

Yesterday’s tragic shootings at the Holocaust Musuem, as well as the recent murder of abortion doctor George Tiller, have raised this question in the political community: Was the much-criticized Department of Homeland Security report correct when it warned that the current economic and political climate in the U.S. might increase the activities and recruitment of right-wing extremists? The Washington Times has quotes from experts saying that these groups pose a threat. Said Maria Haberfeld, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice: "I am more concerned with the threat from the Christian-identity groups than the homegrown Islamic terrorists." Added Ken Piernick, a retired FBI agent who worked on terrorism cases: "I would expect based on their sentiments that [President] Obama's election would probably contribute to a bit of that," he said. "These people are not rational; they don't think of the consequences of what they do. They're not particularly smart people." Whether they’re right or not, it's clear that there’s going to be a discussion about what appears to be a rise in domestic political violence in this country and whether political demagoguery is playing a role.

*** Conservatives vs. FOX? By the way, don’t miss that some conservatives (like WorldNetDaily) are now going after FOX’s Shepard Smith, after he criticized the emails he’s receiving from conservatives, including those who believe that Obama doesn’t have a birth certificate and isn’t a natural-born citizen -- an opinion that yesterday’s gunman at the Holocaust Museum shared.

*** Iran’s election: It’s one day until tomorrow’s presidential election in Iran. According to the BBC, “Iranians will head to the polls on Friday to choose between the incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and three rivals. They are Mohsen Razai, Mehdi Karroubi and the man seen by most observers as main challenger, Mir Hossein Mousavi… If one candidate fails to win a 50% majority in Friday's vote there will be a run-off between the two front-runners a week later.” The Boston Globe also previews tomorrow's election.

Video: In Iran's watershed presidential election campaign, tens of thousands of students, intellectuals and business owners have openly protested against hardline incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in favor of his reformist challenger.

*** Biden Touting The Stimulus: The president isn’t the only one hitting the road today. Vice President Biden has events in Carlisle, PA (with Gov. Ed Rendell and Sen. Arlen Specter) and Overland Park, KS (with Gov. Mark Parkinson) to tout new road/construction projects that are being funded by the stimulus. Biden heads to another groundbreaking event in Michigan on Friday.

*** 2012 watch: Guess who was in Iowa yesterday...

Countdown to Election Day 2009: 145 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 509 days

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Comments

The Usual Suspects: Compliments of Chris Matthews last night for those who missed it…

R = Rush
N = Newt
C = Cheney

Looking at these three I’m hard pressed as to which one is more competent to be the leader of the GEENOPEE! So let’s see…

Rush is a drug addicted blowhard bigot so called entertainer. If hate & racism turns you on then this is the guy for you! You can’t tell me this guys still not ‘using’!

Newt is a morally bankrupt has been. He has been hard at work perfecting his art of ‘double speak’ lately. And he’s still stuck on STUPID!

Cheney NOW this is the guy that I find MOST offensive. Don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a politician MORE CALCULATING than this piece of cr@p! If it’s possible for the devil incarnate to walk among us… THIS IS THE GUY!

Also of note, 33% of Republicans said they held an unfavorable impression of their own party. By comparison, just 4% of Democrats felt that way about their party.

THAT sure says a lot now doesn’t it? Out of these 3 clowns which one do you find to be the most distasteful??

G = Grumpy
O = Old
M = Men
E = Electing
R = Republiklan
S = Sociopaths

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:36 AM)

The data for April and May prove that Obama’s plan to rescue those facing mortgage foreclosure is a dismal failure. Since this issue was the cornerstone of his economic program during the campaign, its abject failure is a significant setback for the Administration’s economic plan.

In the month ending on May 26th, 464,983 foreclosures of subprime and Alt-A mortgages (out of a universe of 3.2 million studied). So 15% of all subprime mortgages were foreclosed in May! Only 19,041 — a paltry 6% — were modified during this period. And of those modified, only 11,200 involved any reduction in the monthly payments! Only 12% involved any write-off of interest, fees, or principal and 27% of the loan modifications actually increased the monthly payments due.

Alan M. White of the Valparaiso Law School, who conducted the study, noted that the data showed that “the Administration’s plan to stimulate mortgage modifications does not seen to have had much effect yet, at least in this market segment” [i.e. subprimes].

And the trend lines are all bad:

• The number of loan modifications dropped 11% from April to May.

• The ratio of foreclosure losses to modification write downs (the amount lost in foreclosure: the amount rescued by write-downs) doubled in the past month. For every dollar saved in modifications, $150 was lost in foreclosure.

When Obama launched his mortgage rescue plan, he promised that it would help five million households. So far, he is about 4,969,000 short of his goal!!

When will the subprime foreclosures stop? In about a year when all of these unfortunate people have lost their homes!

Why is Obama’s plan falling so far short of the mark? The fault is its own restrictions. You cannot get a loan modification if:

• You have lost your job

• You owe more than 5% above what your house is worth

• You are already in default

• You have not yet missed at least one payment

• Your lender does not want to participate

• Your mortgage is not one of the half of all mortgages insured or owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac

• The reworked mortgage payment would come to more than 31% of your income

• Your mortgage is over $759,000

• The home is not your primary residence

The number of beleaguered homeowners who can slip through the eye of this particular needle and qualify for a mortgage modification is tiny.

(We discuss failure of Obama’s mortgage relief program at length in our new book Catastrophe, due out on June 23rd. Pre-orders of signed books are available at DickMorris.com)

And yet there is an easy remedy at hand. Obama should simply say, as they did in Sweden, that the government will simply buy the distressed mortgages from the banks and adjust the payments to make them possible for the homeowners. Then, when the economy comes back, the homeowners could either pay back the government what they owe for the postponed payments or sell the house and repay the feds from the proceeds. If they won’t do either, the feds could then seize the house and get their money back. Cost to the taxpayers: zero. In f act, they would likely make a profit.

Why won’t Obama do this? It’s because a Democratic administration cannot throw people out of their homes. Better to let them default and make the big, bad bank do the dirty work.

All these facts underscore how cynical was Obama’s campaign in predicating so much of its economic message on an appeal to help those facing foreclosure. You don’t hear Obama talk about foreclosures any more do you? That’s because he knows he has no solution and that he won’t offer any.

America Economy in Forclosure (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:39 AM)

First Read: 'So far in his young presidency' . . . Obama has destroyed a few million jobs, run a trillion dollar deficit with a lot more to follow, apologized to every Arab and Muslim he can find, nationalized the banks, car makers and insurance companies, and is now trying to do the same wtih health care and energy.

Didn't take long to destroy all of the American dreams now does it?

Lynn Wheatly (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:39 AM)

It’s increasingly looking like President Obama may be sunk by his own deficit.

Yes, the recession started under George W. Bush — and voters will still blame him for unemployment and related woes. But rising interest rates and inflation are the coming fears — and Americans will increasingly see Obama’s big-spending ways as the cause.

Deficit spending has always been Americans’ bete noir; the gospel of balanced budgets is deeply ingrained in our political and economic psyche. Through all the Keynesian experiments of the ’60s and ’70s, voters remained committed to a balanced budget. They worried as deficits rose in the Reagan years — then calmed as the economy turned up.

But when the news turned bad under the first President George Bush, they blamed the deficit — the issue was a major source of Ross Perot’s appeal in the 1992 election. And when President Bill Clinton (and a Republican Congress) finally balanced the budget, the economy bloomed — reinforcing public beliefs about the dangers of deficits.

Still in shock over the financial collapse, voters tolerated the massive government stimulus package in January. But now they’re starting to turn on the deficit-makers.

In the latest Gallup Poll, Obama’s favorability remains high (67 percent), as does his job-approval rating (61 percent). But only 55 percent approve of his handling of the economy, just 45 percent approve of his handling of federal spending and only 46 percent approve of his treatment of the budget deficit.

Meanwhile, the Rasmussen poll finds that the public now trusts Republicans over Democrats in managing the economy (for the first time in two years) by 42 percent to 36 percent.

There lies the president’s vulnerability. As the consensus among economists and journalists grows that the deficit is pushing up interest rates and weakening the dollar, Obama’s weakest link will come under strain. If, say, the falling dollar pushes up gasoline prices and rising interest rates kill off any revival in the construction industry, the deficit will cause a perfect economic storm for the president.

The United States has to borrow a net $3 trillion to $4 trillion over the next two years — far more than the $1 trillion a year average of the last three years. Obama may well face a tough choice: Print more money (monetizing the debt), triggering a run on the dollar — or let interest rates skyrocket, killing off the recovery.

Alternately, he could raise taxes to try to fund his programs (particularly his health-care proposals). But even tax hikes confined to the upper brackets will undermine his popularity — and slow the economy.

Plus, voters will fear that the added government spending will just grow the deficit further. They won’t believe Obama’s claims that he can save by spending, worrying instead that he’s just on another big spending spree.

Indeed, deficit fears — rather than concerns about whether the program will work, or even opposition to the needed tax hikes — may prove to be the telling argument against Obama’s health-care plans.

The one thing Obama should do is the one thing he won’t do: cut spending.

The public has begun to realize that the stimulus package is doing little to help the economy. Obama’s answer is to ramp up spending — but voters in the Rasmussen poll believe, 45-36, that he should cancel the rest of the stimulus outlays.

Stoked by ongoing bad economic news, the firm public conviction that new deficit spending will do more harm than good will increasingly wear on Obama’s popularity — and may bring him down.

Mo Money for BoBo the Clown (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:39 AM)

I Just Wonder ….. Could Ahmadinejad Lose?

MSNBC: “In this year’s campaign, Mr. Moussavi, a former prime minister with a reputation for honesty and competence, has emerged as Mr. Ahmadinejad’s strongest challenger. In recent weeks his campaign has gained tremendous energy, and huge rallies by his supporters have packed the streets of the capital day and night…
“We have 50,000 observers in these elections,” Mehdi Rafsanjani said. “If anyone is barred from a ballot box, we will find out.”

Everywhere around the world we are seeing people tired of the hatred, tired of the threats, tired of the scare tactics, tired of the lies. We have been hearing about this especially in Iran for the past few years. We are all watching this election very closely.
____________
As we have seen from Iran’s election and our own this past November, community organizing can do wonders. It wouldn’t hurt to see some organizing of our own in this country, with members of the right wing reaching out to the far right wing extremists. They are dangerous. They need to be told to mind their own business. That people have a right and the freedom to live their lives according to their own personal choices. What a much better country this would be if people just minded their own business. Shooting people in churches and now museums, with children in attendance. Shouldn’t the right wing be alarmed about this? They need to mind their own house and stop with the racial and religious hatred that continues everywhere, including in the media, towards liberals. They need to look at their own message. People are dying.

It would only take a few to send the right message. Is there anyone out there willing to step up?

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:40 AM)

Good Morning!

We started the day off with the carry over from the Cantor cantering about doing a better job than the Democrats. Mark’s article was so good that the Times channeled it but added an economist to theirs. Mark, they can copy all they want, but there’s nothing like the original and yours was “the original” without spin.

Tzalaran was out for a minute to strighten a few smart asses out. You rock! We were kept kind of busy. I knew we would be behind the e-mail to Mark and the posting. I loved it! I really do enjoy driving them crazy with facts. Feisty, Clara, Pat, Beverly, Cindy and Nashville, get ready. You too fellows! It’s gonna be another good one.
---------------------------------------------------
Get this… From NBC's Katelin Schartz
More than half of the nation’s adults (53%) cannot specify the main person who speaks for the Republican Party today, according to a USA Today/Gallup poll.
A plurality (13%) viewed Rush Limbaugh as the party's leader. Former Vice President Dick Cheney was second (10%) and Sen. John McCain -- the party's nominee in the fall -- and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich rounded out (6% each) the other top picks as the leader of the party. Of those four, three do not hold an elected public office.

This is a scream. Haven’t we been telling them that their leadership appeal is to their lowest base voter (the extreme racist and hate mongers) those misguided souls that Rush and Newt feed on. Then you’ve got Darth Vader--old Def Jam Cheney hovering around looking like Homer Simpson’s boss. What the hell do we expect from some of the fruit cakes that come out here.

Sarah Palin – Family Values Drama.. I must put this to rest. I do not hate Sarah Palin. I don’t like what she represents as a woman and a mother. There are some strong beautiful well educated intelligent women on this blog daily. We are mothers, grandmothers, sisters and aunts. We’ve worked very hard to “earn” the respect of males in the work place and corporations.

We own businesses and are C.E.O’s; didn’t President Obama just sign the Lilly Leadbetter Act into law? If that doesn’t tell you something then you’re more misguided than I suspect.

What Sarah Palin represents ito us females that have conquered and balanced our professional lives with raising our families and educating our children sets us back to the dark ages. We are teaching our young ladies to be responsible adults by first educating themselves and practicing adstience to safe sex and family planning.

She nor her husband have been role models to their family, they’ve been too self absorbed. The roles they now represent once belonged to “single mothers” but even single mothers have done better jobs raising their children than that married couple has.

She is lacking in education and vaules. No one has drawn comedy skits of her except herself. Winking into cameras before the nation is not cute. Being a “dumb” female, is not cute.

Hillary Clinton put 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling and Nancy Pelosi made history by becoming the first female Speaker of the House. Then along comes “Polly”, dumb ass Polly. She is not a representation of me or any of the women I’ve come to know on this blog. She can’t compete with us, let alone a world stage.

I hope that this sets the record stright, because I am proud of my accomphishments. I didn’t earn them because I was just cute; hell I have a brain that functions quite well too.

The notion that sex sells you stupid ass republicans once worked, but not any more. If she want’s my respect, she needs to earn it and so far she hasn’t, because she doesn’t respect herself.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:40 AM)

Shep Smith had the balls to admit out loud what no one else at Fox News ever would: Many of the ultra right-wing extremists/racists that would try to hurt our President... yeah, they watch Fox.

But is anyone really surprised? All they (Fox News) do all day is foment hatred towards this administration.

Linda, Boston MA (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:41 AM)

The President's health-care is not socialism. It will give you an option. If you are so afraid of the government you don't have to accept it.

Karl Rove is a purveyor of distortions and not qualified to give anything other that scarce tactics. Perhaps he should explain in his five points of view it was the greedy lobbyist, whom he genuflects, to is more of the reason for the disparity.

When will the Right Wing Dings understand that a democratic government does take care of it its own people?

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:44 AM)

God Help US - Obama Won't! (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:44 AM)

If anyone still believes that President Obama doesn't have a birth certificate and/or isn't a natural born citizen, they are either insane or stupid.

The conspiracy theory is just beyond belief. Would John McCain have rolled over if Obama didn't have a valid birth certificate? Would any of the Democrats have just let it go?

The only way this could possibly be true would be if both the republican and Democratic party were in on the conspiracy, as was the House, Senate, and election officials. And if you believe a conspiracy of this magnitude could happen, well, then I guess you could also believe the world is flat, we didn't really go to the moon, and our own government launched the 911 attacks!

Chris - IL (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:45 AM)

"These people are not rational; they don't think of the consequences of what they do. They're not particularly smart people."

Or as "W" would say, "My base!"
^^^^^^^^^
Of course the members of the AMA don't want a public option, as it is now - they can refuse to accept Medicaid patients. We had fostered some children a few years ago and it was an extreme challenge finding participating doctors who were 'accepting' new patients. The system is designed for the Haves and completely fails those who Have Not. It took six months to get a dental appt. Realizing that you could only schedule during a two week window once a quarter. You people who have medical/dental coverage don't consider yourselves 'blessed' - just that you've EARNED your benefits. If anyone in this day and age is receiving 100% employer sponsored healthcare, you are in the minority. But good for you. The rest of our fellow Americans are simply not that lucky.

My solution to working with Medicaid for the Foster children? I paid out of pocket. I was lucky that my dentist reduced his fees to help; but not everyone has that good fortune.

We need to get serious about this.
^^^^^^^^
Pat Boston, I have thoroughly enjoyed your posts for a long time now - In my mind you are the FR Doris Kearns Goodwin. We are lucky to have your input.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:48 AM)

'...the AMA now formally opposes any public/government insurance plan that would compete with private ones...'

This is transparent
If the Public option plan forces down costs
Doctors will get less money
Everyone will get squeezed

But, if there is no government-public, what will hold down health care costs ?
Only COMPETITION will HOLD DOWN COSTS

Private Health insurance companies DON'T WANT TO COMPETE
They're inefficient and bumbling, much like the Wall Street Giants and the auto industry
A Government Insurance option will make private insurance companies STRONGER because they will have to compete or see their share of the market shrink

For all you single payer fans, this is almost the same thing
Even under single payer there would always be private insurance
It's just that under Single payer, the Government insurance option would probably enroll 90% of the people and under this option the Government option might enroll 10% - 15%

I'll probably keep my coverage under Kaiser
I love it
But, people will have a CHOICE

GO OBAMA

NO BI-PARTISANSHIP

You can't compromise with a mule

MSierra, SF (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:49 AM)

Currently we have a HUGE unserved and underserved market of people who need access to affordable healthcare.

The private insurance industry has been unable or unwilling to develop a product to provide access to affordable healthcare to this segment of the population.

Nobody is stopping private insurance companies from developing products to serve those who are currently priced out of the health insurance market. For whatever reason (maybe not enough profit potential?), the private health insurance industry has not been able to help the millions of Americans who cannot afford their current offerings.

So what is wrong with the government stepping in to bridge this gap?

If the private insurance industry can’t/won’t address this need, then who will?

The government is not competing with private insurers in this case, because the fact is, they are creating a NEW PRODUCT to address a need that is NOT BEING MET.

And the government can do this at a more affordable rate than private insurers because they do not have to make a profit, they just have to cover the actual cost of patient care and administration of the program.

The PARTICIPANTS in the program will pay for it out of their income, just like most people do anyway. The difference is, they will actually be able to AFFORD to participate.

For those who can’t afford to pay or who are without income, this safety net will lift a HUGE BURDEN off of doctors and hospitals, because they will no longer be absorbing ALL OF THE COSTS of those who can’t pay and passing it along to their paying customers.

ALL AMERICANS will benefit because physicians will save A LOT OF MONEY by eliminating many of the expenses they currently have to pay trying to discern what is and isn’t covered under the hodge podge of plans we have currently, and trying to collect medical debts from people who are simply unable to pay, and this savings will be passed on to EVERYONE.

So again I ask, what is wrong with the government providing a service that is NOT CURRENTLY BEING PROVIDED?

P.S. Thanks for the kind words yesterday from Lucious Kees, Chicago, IL.

Nashville_fan (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:50 AM)

DRUDGE HEADLINE:

AMA, NO WAY: --- Doctors' Group Opposes Obama's Government-Run Health Plan...

SUPPORT THE AMA --- OPPOSE OBAMA-CARE --- SAY NO WAY!

OBAMA WANTS TO RAISE OUR TAXES --- TO PAY FOR FREE HEALTHCARE FOR ILLEGAL-IMMIGRANTS ... AND FOR ABLE-BODIED MEN & WOMEN TOO LAZY TO WORK!

SAY 'NO WAY' TO OBAMA'S HEALTHCARE & TAX INCREASES.

OBAMA HEALTHCARE REFORM IS A WELFARE TAX SCAM ... (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:50 AM)

Do they NEED it, or do they need to do it publicly so they can keep more conservative Dems (like Ben Nelson and Mary Landrieu) in the fold? Or is the attempt at bipartisanship is enough to keep those folks happy? <><><<><><><><><>><>><><><><><><><><><><>><>><><
Being happy and healthy is a huge disparity. I'll take that back. Sometimes you cannot be happy if you are sick. The insurance companies will be happy I know that is for sure; as long as they can save money by denying quality service and slamming the public with their outrageous duplicate tests, consultant referrals, and decisions of curbing quality care in order to pocket their money.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:52 AM)

*** Doctor(s) No? Obama also will hit the road on Monday, when he heads to Chicago to speak about health care to the American Medical Association. But that audience might not be a welcoming one. Per the New York Times, the AMA now formally opposes any public/government insurance plan that would compete with private ones.

The AMA would oppose a government insurance that would compete with private insurers because private insures pay more that government. What would be wonderful is to have competition for private insurers, restructure procedural charges that are set by physicians offices.

Doctor's set their own charges on their "superbills". Insurance companies send reps into facilities whenever new procedures are introduced and we (facilities) set the standards for charges. Insurance companies then set up CPT's and ICD9's. AMA needs to work with the administration or there will be a serious shortage of doctors.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:53 AM)

Americans Killed in America by Radical Muslims:

Since 9/11 Under Bush = 0

Since Obama (BoBo) was crowned = 2

BoBo the Prez (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:54 AM)

When will the Right Wing Dings understand that a democratic government does take care of it its own people
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The problem, Beverly, is people on the right don't feel that the government should be there to take care of our every need, including healthcare.

Right Wing Ding (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:55 AM)

The best thing that could happen to our country would be to take the A.M.A. out of America! The AMA does nothing but follow the hypocritic oath of profits before patients. Conrad's compromise is a sell out to big medical and will do nothing but ensure we all get ripped off by greedy corporations bent on making as much money as possible while denying as many benefit claims possible.

What a shame that we saw a shooting at the Holocaust Museum yesterday by some ultraconservative freak white supremacist. President Obama had better crack down on these ultraconservative hate groups like the Freemen, the National Socialist Movement and the Army of God. How despicable that they tout signs that say that god sent the killer. I wonder when the repugnant ones who blasted Janet Napolitano for releasing the report on domestic terrorism will start blasting the person who requested the report in the first place - Clueless George. Yeah the report was requested by the bushwhacker administration and Janet got caught holding the bag of releasing it publicly. As always the repugnant ones are more interested in shooting the messenger than comprehending the message or understanding the truth. These conservative hate groups are nothing but domestic terror organizations and we need to declare war on them and exterminate them to ensure our domestic safety.

It's nice to see that there are still a few honest repugnant ones who will take on fox and freaks for continuing the lie that Obama does not have a birth certificate. Don't you idiots understand that Clueless George and Marquis de Sade Cheney were in power when Obama ran and that if he didn't have a real birth certificate they would have stopped his candidacy? You think they would have allowed Obama to win had he not been 100% legitimate? Time to accept the truth deniers of reality!

In Obama We Trust!
In White Supremacist Hate Groups We Bust!
Go Lakers!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:56 AM)

Just remember the "AMA" will be that board of official-ship that'll over see everything from toe nail clippers to abortions ...they can be trusted to give all doctors more medical dollars (bang for the bucks)...
We need the AMA as a driving force to secure the future of all sick people involved whether that's good or bad?
While doctor's and HMO's rake in $$$$$zillions$$$$$..

BJ, CA (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:56 AM)

Conservatives vs. FOX? By the way, don’t miss that some conservatives (like WorldNetDaily) are now going after FOX’s Shepard Smith, after he criticized the emails he’s receiving from conservatives, including those who believe that Obama doesn’t have a birth certificate and isn’t a natural-born citizen -- an opinion that yesterday’s gunman at the Holocaust Museum shared.
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I don't know what Smith is doing on Fox. He's much too rational. He even made fun of Glen Beck.

I also don't know why the DHS secretary apologized for their report on rightwing extremists. It was obviously correct, as has been born out by events. There've been FOUR rightwing extremist murders since Obama took office: two seperate incidents in which gun nuts convinced Obama would take their guns away expressed their anger by killing cops. Then there was the murder of Dr. Tiller, and now this attack on the Holocaust Museum. So far, there has been one fatal attack by an Islamic extremist. Both rightwing nuts and Islamic nuts are a threat, but so far the problem with rightwing terrorists has been worse.

Houston (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:57 AM)

This morning I went thru and read all the post regarding the shoting by the crazy man, and I do mean crazy. I was shocked how many people want to blame a political party for this horrible act of violence. Granted, certain parties are NRA avocates, that doesn't mean they promote violence. We don't own a gun, that's our choice.
Here's some history for people. I came into the world in the 50's. I remember as a child a man named Richard Speck who killed 8 nurses. I remember Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King, John Kennedy being shot. I had a friend who's brother was killed by the Freeway Strangler in Calif. I remember Richard Rameriz the night stalker. Charles Manson. This list could go on and on. What my point is, there has always been crazy people, deranged people alive and well here. Can we do anything about it, anyone have suggestions?
History has shown me these senseless acts of violence occur, and then die down. These domestic terrorist acts are so unfortunate and sad and I pray for the family of the security guard.
What I cannot justify is blaming a political party. I do believe very strongly that their are people in the media who need to watch what they are saying and not fuel into this mindset some people have. Most of you know who I'm talking about.
I am all for people feeling strongly about their political affiliation. I don't agree with blaming a party for this horrible act of violence, and that's what I read from yesterdays posts.
Having grown up during the Watts riots in Cali, I am so proud of how far we have come. Our President and all Presidents deserve our respect and support. I never once thought I wanted Bush to fail. I kept having hope he would do something right, never once wanted him to fail.
I will admit to being snarky at times, down right mean, and I have to live with that, take responsibility for my actions. I do try to keep an open mind to my republican family members. They are appalled at what the GOP is doing to their party. But are not giving up hope!

cindy, las vegas, nv (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:58 AM)

What a sad day when the media goes overboard on the horror of a white guy shooting a museum guard, but barely glosses over a black Muslim killing American soldiers.

Both are tragic incidents, but I am sick of the double standards. Obama promotes coddling of Muslim terrorists and goes overboard with punishing Americans. They should be equally punished and have equal condemnation in the media.
- God Help US - Obama Won't!
====================================================
Your post reflects extremely flawed thinking.

Why all the emphasis on the race of the shooters and victims in your post?

What difference does it make?

Crazy people shooting other people, regardless of WHO the shooter is, is WRONG.

There can be no "but".

It is this type of non-rational thinking and grievance comparison that creates the environment where people feel justified in doing horrible things to address perceived "wrongs" that they have actually created in their own warped minds.

Stop fueling the ridiculousness.

Nashville_fan (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:59 AM)

Chris - IL (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:45 AM)

I am so naive I was completely unaware that they were calling these nimrods "birthers'. I had heard the term "flat earthers" for those who refute science; but yeah, I believe the CIA/FBI would also be complicit in this 'conspiracy'.

For all those who would curl up in the fetal position post January 20th, 2009 - GET A GRIP!

As my husband said last night, "Why is it when the Republicans are in charge Dems discredit them with petitions, scandals - yet when the Dems are in charge - Hate groups start killing off people"? We have some fundamental issues about education in our society that the Repubs don't want to fix. They love having a 'fired up base' that just parrots talking points. I continue to be shocked and dismayed by this mindset.

Johnny, get your gun. The domestic terrorists NEED YOU!

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:59 AM)

Conservatives can duck the issues all they want, but there are connections and thru-lines between conservative pundits like Limbaugh, Beck, and Hannity (with all their vitriol against Obama) and this resurgence of homegrown right wing terrorists. How far does free speech go if it helps to incite violence and murder?

Steve Graff, Woodbury, NJ (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:02 AM)

Please stop defining Dr. George Tiller, who was ASSASINATED by a domestic terrorist, as an "abortion doctor". He was an obstetrician/gynecologist who's services supported ALL women, including those who needed late-term abortions for VALID reasons.

Thank you!

Julie in VT (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:03 AM)

Does anyone remember a few years back when there were massive shortages of flu vaccines and they had to be rationed out to only the seniors and young children?

That happened because of government involvement. The government dictated what the medical industry could charge for the vaccine. The allowance proved to be a loss for the medical industry. So they stopped making the vaccine since it wasn't profitable. Soon, the government had to buy the vaccine overseas and the vaccine had to be rationed.

Give it Some Thought (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:03 AM)

*** Was the Department of Homeland Security right?

Yes they wer and the republicans that stomped their feet and cried like cry babies should feel responsible for the death of that Officer that lost his life and Dr. Tiller as well. Violence at abortion clinics have increased.

I place the blame on them simply because that have sat silently by while Judge Sotomayor wss being trashed by Newt and Rush, they apologized to Rush whenever they said or did anything that he didn't like abd they are still in line with his leadership because that are attempting to delay the nomination of the "so called racist" Hispanic Judge.

Their words and actions have and are the driving force behind this violence that keeps happening. They are no better than the people that are doing it...hell they are inciting it, they should be shipped to GITMO.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:04 AM)

I have yet to hear how a public option will not destroy employer based benefits. It stands to reason that if there is a cheaper insurance option (and how low must it be to be truly afforable) that employers will drop coverage and tell their employees to sign-up for the public option. They may offer some supplemental options if the coverage of the public system is bare.

1) This means that Obama's statement that you can keep you current insurance is meaningless. (and he knows it - he's very smart)

2) The medical profession's income will drop (not all the cost in the system are insurance profits). Will they stay in the system? In the UK doctors are employed by NHS, in the US will Doctors go private and you have to pay the difference?

Alan, NJ (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:05 AM)

It's about time that Mainstream America realizes that the Fifth Column of Quislings known as white supremacist, and anti- government hate groups are the real enemy that we must eradicate if we are to keep our country safe. Ex-Felons like Von Brunn should never be allowed to own guns, this is why we need stricter gun control so these nutjobs can't get ahold of guns when they're not supposed to. I hope that President Obama has the FBI investigate all of the groups like the Freemen, the National Socialist Movement and the Army of God. They need to be prosecuted and put in prison where they won't be killing any more good people.

It's bitter white freaks like Von Brunn and Soeter that are giving us other older white guys a bad name. If they're not careful police will soon add old white men as profile subjects. A true irony that yesterday a brave black man working as a guard is the true American hero and a bitter old white guy is the true villain.

President OPbama shouldn't straddle the fence as far as the Congressional deliberations go on health care, if he does he won't like the results. Time for Barack to rock the country by taking this fight to the people so we can pressure the repugnant ones into giving us what we want, the public health care option that will save us from the private ripoff conartists who have driven health care costs through the roof.

Prosecute Hate Groups Now!
Go Lakers!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:05 AM)

Pres obama is on the road to sell to sell his legislative priorities; But he should conceintrate a little more on keeping his campaaign promises. He is on tape clearly saying he was going to do away with 'don't ask - don't tell, but now he seems to be backing off- what is he afraid of- the repubs? All the gay soldiers and supporters of the gay soldiers should walk OUT. They should say we are gay, if you don't want us FINE. They would be so short on solders on the ground & higher ups & specially trained soldiers like the arab language specalits, the would have to start up the draft again, & the soldiers who are left will have to do double duty. 'Something has to be done to stop this hypocrisy.

gepa (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:06 AM)

"These people are not rational; they don't think of the consequences of what they do. They're not particularly smart people."

those on the right pander to fear, ignorance and prejudice; the gop to continue their power in support of the wealthy and the talk show hosts to further their own self-aggrandizement, ratings, power and money. the only consequences they consider are their own self-benefit with no regard to the hatred and violence they engender.

"he's going to take away your guns, he palls around with terrorist, he is a secret muslim not born in the united states, he is a socialist, fascist, communist, he is going to control our youth and states;" the list goes on and on these people have made up to foment their own agenda.

i would say they have no shame but i am convinced they have no conscience other than their own machiavellian power and people die, people doing their jobs, people with families who now grieve, young men and women who believed their lies and went off to fight a ginned up war.

sbvpav, creswell, oregon (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:06 AM)

Your post reflects extremely flawed thinking.

Why all the emphasis on the race of the shooters and victims in your post?

What difference does it make?

Crazy people shooting other people, regardless of WHO the shooter is, is WRONG.

There can be no "but".

It is this type of non-rational thinking and grievance comparison that creates the environment where people feel justified in doing horrible things to address perceived "wrongs" that they have actually created in their own warped minds.

Stop fueling the ridiculousness.

Nashville_fan (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:59 AM)

===================================
That's exactly what I said, Nashville. That it shouldn't matter the race or religion or color and they should be punished equally. Yet the media and the Obama administration continue to fuel the ridiculousness by treating Americans way worse than foreign terrorists.

God Help US - Obama Won't! (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:07 AM)

Clara, I've been very influenced in my life by reading about segregation, the Holocaust, McCarthyism, etc. Hate is a very very dangerous thing.

When the Third Reich came to power, there were a few hundred German citizens who worked underground to try and get the German people to understand just what the Third Reich's intentions were. They sent fliers out all around the country to get people to pay attention and do something. They were caught by the Gestapo and of course killed.

Well, we have no Gestapo here. Can you imagine the difference here in our own country if just a handful of right wingers would reach out to these extremists?

These people are very very angry and their hatred has become extreme.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:07 AM)

Obama will go to Wisconsin and surrund himself with syncophants chanting 'yes we can', but polls show that the majority of Americans DO NOT WANT this at this time-it costs too much, and is coming at the wrong time.

Also, we have become immune to his EMRGENCY!EMERGENCY! warnings; most peple think that the rest of his 'stimulus' should be cancelled.

While a majority still blame Bush for the economy, they are not stupid about who is responsible for the record deficits-they know that it is OBAMA who has inflated the deficit, and no amount of media cheerleading can convince them otherwise.

If you think that his health care takeover is unpopular, wait for the response to cap and trade.

I've said all along that Obama is the opposite of Clinton. People persnally disliked Clinton, but loved his policies. People personally like Obama, but despise his policies. Which one do you think is a recipe for re-election?

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:07 AM)

ASSESSING OBAMA.

1.) At last, there is convincing evidence that Obama’s poll numbers may be descending to earth. Even as he stands on his pedestal, the numbers under his feet are crumbling.

According to a Rasmussen poll, more voters now trust Republicans more than Democrats to handle the economy, by a margin of 45-39. (the first time in over two years that the GOP has held the advantage on this issue.)

2.) The data for April and May prove that Obama’s plan to rescue those facing mortgage foreclosure is a dismal failure. Since this issue was the cornerstone of his economic program during the campaign, its abject failure is a significant setback for the Administration’s economic plan.

3.) It’s increasingly looking like President Obama may be sunk by his own deficit.

Yes, the recession started under George W. Bush — But rising interest rates and inflation are the coming fears — and Americans will increasingly see Obama’s big-spending ways as the cause.

PREDICTION - OBAMA RATINGS WILL NOT FALL ... THEY WILL CRASH!

OBAMA'S SECOND 100 DAYS WILL BE LIKE THE 'TITANIC' (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:08 AM)

I knew the DHS was right about extremists and it was shameful of FoxNews and talk radio to demagogue the report. It's an essential fact..Obama's presidency has triggered racial, religous, and anti-government groups in this country..all who ascribe to far right extremism. And the irresponsibility of the Glenn Beck's and Hannity's of the world become apparent when you find out these killers adhere to FoxNews and talk radio. It's fine to oppose elected officials, but the manufactured anger and zeal of these media conservatives feed a fanatacism that is absolutely dangerous. And also I wouldn't exactly call WorldNetDaily conservative...they are the far right who have peddled the trashiest falsehoods about Obama. The internet equivalent of a Palin rally.

Cjake (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:08 AM)

First things first, thoughts and prayers to the family of that brave security guard at the Holocaust Museum.

Now, several on the left are saying that this tragedy proves DHS was right about the rise of extremist groups and that Fox News and Rush Limbaugh are responsible for yesterday's tragedy. First of all, there were 21 murders related to extremist groups in 2007 and 11 in 2008. So far this year there have been very few, but the thing is that there have been 3 high profile ones (Sorry, despite everyone wanting to deny the military recruiter, I'm lumping it in here). The numbers are on pace to be in line with prior years.

Second of all, explain to me how Rush Limbaugh and Fox News influenced an 88 year old who has belonged to these groups since long before either media was available. This guy's views were cemented long ago.

Kudos to Shep Smith of Fox. As I said the other day, we conservatives need to differentiate ourselves on policy, not on foolish things like this birth certificate story.

Frank "Grimey" Grimes (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:09 AM)

And we have many more qualified Republicans than Democrats. Chris, Hawthorne, NJ (Sent Wednesday, June 10, 2009 10:44 PM)

Care to name a couple? Or is this another ‘blanket’ statement with nothing to back it up?
Come on… inquiring minds want to know??
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here’s one rule to usually live by -- never pick a fight with a comedian, because it’s rarely a fight you’re going to win.

The Wasilla Hillbilly and her dysfunctional band of misfits are nothing much a bunch of publicity whores! Her and her klan make Paris Hilton looks respectable!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:09 AM)

Time to shut down the Rushsters.The very people that stoke the flames of there racist base.The right wing supremacist,hard core is how he is described.Just who the right wing target as there base listeners,the wackos that hear the wingers spew there hate,and go out and act on the racist rants, that Rush and the others preach everyday.Of coarse they will act today like they had nothing to do with there bases listener behavior.Like "All I did was give him the gas,the matches,and the clinic address,but I never told them to burn it"Today I have anger to deal with,I'm pissed that the right seems to talk this stuff and is proud of stuff like this.Just like they where when they took out Martin,there hate is driven by race,they hate anyone that doesn't have a white face,and for there whole lives they have heard it, from everyone from Great grand dad to there current daddy,and mother.terrorist is what they are,and the right has,and will continue to stoke these sicko's.A question that eats at the core of this story is if this guy was so well known as a racist,and had wrote a book about hard core supremacist,had acted out before,had been in the slammer for it,and was left to walk our streets,something is wrong with this pitcher.And to think the bushies where taping our phones,stealing your e-mails,trashing our rights,while they should have been monitoring this nut case.My guess is he was a supporter of the last bunch of Wingers.

jesse St Paul MN (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:10 AM)

*** Conservatives vs. FOX? By the way, don’t miss that some conservatives (like WorldNetDaily) are now going after FOX’s Shepard Smith, after he criticized the emails he’s receiving from conservatives, including those who believe that Obama doesn’t have a birth certificate and isn’t a natural-born citizen -- an opinion that yesterday’s gunman at the Holocaust Museum shared.

Rush Limbaugh talked this up on yesterday's show. Keith Olbermann's Countdown aired it on last night. Alright you irresponsible Senators behind the scenes that are tanting this violence. You people are staring a fire that you will not be able to put out.

If they do not put a stop to the flame fanning, I am affraid that there will be more violence and there are some fractions that won't sit back and tolerate it. They are waking a sleeping lion...this is not good.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:12 AM)

I am posting about "news" from another FIRST READ thread:

Anyone who thinks that Letterman's "jokes" about Sarah Palin's daughters are funny, is a very sick individual who needs psychological counseling.

I wonder what the reaction would be if the Obama girls went to a Wasshington Wizards basketball game, and afterwards someone "joked" about them being impregnated by Antawn Jamison. (?)

I've watched Letterman for years. But, this one is beyond the pale, and I think maybe CBS needs to address it by firing him.

I know if it was my daughter he talked about, I would want to punch him in the mouth.

This is far more serious than it is being treated-as, and it needs to be appropriately addressed.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:12 AM)

Flash from Iran Election Central:

Mir Hossein Mousavi count = 5,280,000 votes
The other guy,
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad count = 5,280,001 votes

It was close but no cigar...A clear majority!!!

BJ, CA (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:13 AM)

BoBo the Prez - No that would be 4000+ since 9/11 under Bush. Don't our soldiers count?

Try the truth (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:13 AM)

Rightwingding "The problem, Beverly, is people on the right don't feel that the government should be there to take care of our every need, including healthcare."
---------------------------------------------------

You people are SO self-sufficient it's unbelievable. I just to understand how you're able to ensure the safety of the foods and drugs you consume or regulate the air traffic around the passenger planes you fly in, or build your own interstate highways.

Lazy "libs" are put to shame by your rugged individualism.

Houston (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:14 AM)

I sure hope that Mousavi can beat that deadbeat Ahmadinejad tomorrow in the Iranian elections. Isn't it interesting how the white supremacist hate groups have the same thing in common with Ahmadinejad in that they are both holocaust deniers? I'm not saying that they're all in cahoots, just isn't it interesting that they both deny the holocaust? After all Ahmadinejad is a conservative in his country.

I'm glad that Joe Biden is getting out and about hitting the raod to tout health care reform. So different from the coward before him who kept hiding behind his wife's skirt in his basement undisclosed location.

I so love how Jon Stewart is making fun of the Mourning Jerk on the Daily Show. Doesn't Clueless Joe get it that arguing with Jon Stewart is a losing proposition? Besides it's really disgusting that Starbucks is sponsoring this loser in the morning, but then I bet he needed to get a financial sponsor before MSNBC tv pulled the plug on his worthless show. MSNBC tv would be far better off if they got rid of Jerky Joe and replaced him with David Shuster and Tamron Hall who are a great duo in the afternoon.

As always Ed Schultz does a great show. I sure hope that he brings his great townhall show to Salinas, CA soon. He should do so during the dog days of summer when it's all hot and muggy back east and enjoy our natural air conditioning.

In Biden We Trust!
Exterminate Hate Groups Now!
Go Lakers!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:15 AM)

AMA has to realize that it would not have become necessary for a sort of public health provider if it hadn't been for the private health provider becoming extremely greedy.

I understand private companies want to make profit, but when they become too big and start to consume smaller companies, and they eventually start to dictate their prices - not on reasonable cost but at the highest mark possible – just so their shareholders and executives can get their larger and larger paydays – then it becomes necessary for government intervention.

Private sector companies become "too big for their breeches" and need to be brought back down to size.

Capitalism - is not meant to create monopolies. Because monopolies then become dictators - dictators don’t care about the populous – only about what’s good for them..

So - to all you big corporations that think you can monopolize our products, goods, and services.

You must understand – that when you threaten our way of life – it becomes a national emergency and we just can’t let that happen.

Oil companies - you are next.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:15 AM)

Since the presidential campaign began, the republicans have supported, touted hate, anger, fear, racism and division within our country. They have created and contributed to spoon feed the extremists.
What is the definition of a terrorist? Is it not someone who tries to destroy a country?
Cannot the GOP be considered as domestic terrorists?

katiec (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:16 AM)

America Economy in Forclosure:

You have got to be kidding me...right? does America have enough money to pay the irresponsible banks that caused the shit to happen to "pay them more money for their mistakes"? I would think not. Good thing you were too cowardly to put your name on this rag.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:17 AM)

Americans Killed in America by Radical Muslims:

Since 9/11 Under Bush = 0

Since Obama (BoBo) was crowned = 2

BoBo the Prez (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:54 AM)

===================================================

And you didn't know this was going to happen.

Wow !

Where are my Blinders (Sent Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:17 AM)

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