2014 Election Observations

The day after election day, the sun rose in the sky, as it always does. I didn't see it, as it was overcast and rainy in my area.

As I watched the election returns from around the country, I thought about citizens from around the world who live in countries which have never seen a peaceful transfer of power. While our nation's elections certainly can't be described as “peaceful,” at least our nation's usual transfers of power have not been accompanied by gunfire and deaths.

As with most elections, I like to say “I voted for a bunch of losers... Some of which won.”

I guess it's my way of saying that no candidate is perfect. I'm not perfect. My friends and family aren't perfect. In fact, the only ones I know who are “perfect” are the “church ladies,” if only in their own minds. And, I love them for it.

For me, this year's election results were mixed. I was very pleased that most of Minnesota's voters didn't punish our state's success by voting out the Democrats responsible for it. Unfortunately, some in Minnesota, and many in other states weren't so enlightened.

I was very pleased that all of Minnesota's top officers were reelected, despite the fact that Governor Mark Dayton had pushed through “a record $2.1 billion tax hike," at a time when seemingly all Republicans were calling for more tax cuts (for the wealthy) to get our economy moving. Oh, I forgot, Governor Dayton's tax hikes were targeted toward the wealthy. The top 1% of earners will pay most of the new taxes, the middle class was left unscathed. While Republicans like to call such hikes “punishing success,” Governor Dayton didn't see it that way.

During this election cycle, I did hear one or two Republicans repeat the phrase they've used for as long as I can remember "He raised our taxes." The fact is, most Minnesotans did not see a tax hike. The very wealthy did. And, the wealthy are still doing just fine.

Governor Dayton's predecessor, Tim Pawlenty, had carefully groomed himself for a Presidential bid. He cut taxes (for the wealthy). He cut spending on damn near everything, including Minnesota's schools (although the cuts were sometimes called “slowing the rate of growth” of spending). Every year was full of drama, as Governor Pawlenty cut spending (and programs) to balance the budget, rather than raising taxes. Sometimes, “creative accounting” methods had to be used. These included delaying payments, and “borrowing” (stealing) funds designated for schools.

In contrast, Governor Dayton promptly “spent” the money raised by the new taxes. Some was used to balance the state's budget, without the need to cut valuable programs (and without the drama of previous years). The rest was used to repay the money “borrowed” (stolen) from the state's school districts, and to invest in Minnesota's future. In addition to investing in some public-private development projects, Minnesota invested in K-12 education, including state funded all-day kindergarten. The state also invested in higher education, to help ensure Minnesota's future success.

By contrast, Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin took the opposite tact. Like former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Governor Walker aspires to be President. He has chosen to cut state programs, rather than even considering raising taxes. He added another nail to the coffin for Wisconsin's middle class by abolishing Civil Service collective bargaining rights for most of Wisconsin's (middle class) public employees. He cut state funding for K-12 education by more than 15% . While Minnesota embraced “Obamacare,” and expanded its Medicaid coverage, Governor Walker rejected both ideas. Minnesota had some of the lowest premiums in the nation for insurance policies purchased on its state exchange, Wisconsin's premiums were much higher.

Minnesota's already low uninsured rate improved under Governor Dayton, and Minnesota is, once again, investing in its future.

Wisconsin's economic growth has lagged Minnesota's economic growth.

While two, four, or even ten years, may not be enough time to properly evaluate the long term consequences of the “invest” versus the “cut” strategies of Minnesota and Wisconsin (or the strategies of our nation's other states), I like Minnesota's prospects much more than I do those of Wisconsin.

Minnesota and Wisconsin have elected two very different Governors. I know that a policy of cuts, as championed by former Presidential hopeful, Governor Tim Pawlenty, was not beneficial for Minnesota. But, perhaps, Governor Walker can make it work in Wisconsin.

I doubt it. But, it is an interesting experiment to test an unproven economic theory. And, no matter what the outcome, I'm confident Governor Walker will declare it to be a success during his Presidential campaign.

I prefer to see my state, and our nation, move forward.

Successful businesses are constantly investing in their futures. Businesses which are constantly “cutting” may see some temporary “success,” but typically they're in a fatal downward spiral.

I believe that the same holds true for our states, and our nation. Minnesota is growing. Wisconsin's downward spiral has yet to be stemmed.

Time will tell.

Disgraceful Abuse of Power (Equal Rights In Peril)

My compliments to those Democrats (and one Republican) who stood on the floor of the Minnesota House and spoke so eloquently in support of Equal Rights for all Minnesota citizens.

 

The proposed Constitutional Amendment under "debate" on the House floor - the first ever proposed Constitutional Amendment in Minnesota to deny Equal Rights, rather than expand those rights - perfectly reflects modern-day Republican views and values. They believe that they were elected into office to cut - no matter what the consequences. Throughout this session, they've voted to cut all sorts of programs in this once proud state. They've voted to throw the poor and senior citizens under the bus, so why not vote against Equal Rights for everyone too?

 

The only arguments heard on the House floor by proponents in support of the proposed Constitutional Amendment centered on letting the people vote. The House author of the proposed amendment refused to answer repeated questions about the merits of the amendment or his thinking in authoring it. Instead he kept repeating only his prepared words - that the amendment gives Minnesota voters the opportunity to vote on an existing law. 

 

What a crock of "Bull Whoee." The original law was wrong, and now he wants to enshrine it in Minnesota's Constitution. 

 

Equal Rights are granted by the US Constitution. Revoking them should not be subject to pandering wrong-minded politicians and the bigoted special interest groups who support them. No politician, no special interest group, no group of voters, and no wrong-minded judge should ever be allowed to deny Equal Rights to American citizens.

 

In 2012, Minnesota's voters will, for the first time ever, vote on a Constitutional Amendment to deny Equal Rights to Minnesota citizens.

 

Between now and then, Minnesotans will be bombarded with messages and commercials, both pro and con.

 

I have heard nothing from the Republican majority to indicate why denying Equal Rights to all should be enshrined in Minnesota's Constitution. I've heard nothing to support a legitimate state interest in denying same-sex marriage - in fact, all legitimate evidence supports the benefits of a loving relationship, including relationships between same-sex couples.

 

Shame on Minnesota Republicans. Shame on those equally wrong-minded citizens who elected them.

 

The fight for Equal Rights continues, despite this appalling setback. And, as with all past Equal Rights struggles, this setback will (eventually) be corrected. History shows that Equal Rights will eventually prevail. But, it's unfortunate that the once proud Republican Party has turned its back on Equal Rights, and all this country is supposed to stand for.

 

Shame on you Republican Majority.

Toddler Meltdowns & Today's Politics

Raising children, as most parents - especially those with toddlers - will attest, can be very challenging. Toddlers tend to have very short attention spans. Toddlers lack the reasoning capability to analyze conflicting thoughts. They typically can't determine what's best for them now, and certainly not into the future. When a toddler wants something, they want it NOW.

Even those who never experienced it with their children, have certainly seen it - A young child visits a store with his or her parent. The child spots something they want. When their parent says "no," or otherwise doesn't provide what they want immediately, the child quickly enters "meltdown mode." Some adults - usually parents - look on sympathetically. Other adults shoot judgmental looks at the parent whose child is flailing about on the floor, crying and shouting, "I want it. I want it. Pleaaasseee. I want it," as if to say "Why can't you control your child?"

There's a reason toddlers - and older children - are not allowed to vote. We want them to develop their reasoning powers, before allowing them to vote in our nation's elections.

According to the "talking head" pundits and pollsters today, the American public - and likely voters - are signaling that they're content to behave as if they are toddlers.

Collectively, we're mad as hell. And, like a toddler in the midst of a meltdown, there's no reasoning with us. We intend to take out our anger and frustration over lost jobs, lower wages, lost savings, and failure to deliver on "our" special interest demands, on everyone we can, even if they're not the real problem.

This election year, our choices are very clear. Do we vote based on our "inner toddler" or our "inner adult?" Do we vote out of frustration, anger, and fear? Or, do we vote for our future, the future of our children, and the future of our nation?

There's still time to decide.

To prove the pundits wrong, we need to seek out unbiased sources of information (as best we can in today's angry, highly polarized, nation). We need to carefully listen to opposing viewpoints. We need to research all the issues, not just the issues involving "our" special interests, but also those issues supported by others. Which, if any, of these issues will allow our nation to move forward?

As adults, what we do will affect generations of toddlers to come. We need to demand of ourselves, what most of us demand of our children as they grow older - Don't yell or fight. Study hard. Seek out answers. Think before you act.

Analyze the real issues (usually not found in vicious attack ads) thoughtfully and carefully.

Then, VOTE.

Job Killing - Tax Cuts?

Republican candidates continue to run ads accusing their Democratic opponents of advocating "Job Killing Taxes." They preach that our nation's problems can only be solved through lower taxes and less regulation. It's the same message they've continued to preach for decades. And, after Enron, Arthur Anderson, AIG, millions of jobs lost, and the near total collapse of our economy, I don't believe it anymore.

I know that economic theory advises that lower taxes "should" help the private sector to provide good jobs. But, one thing the theory apparently didn't factor in is Greed. If we didn't know it before, we do now: "Greed Trumps Theory."

Sure, Republicans were successful in implementing historically low taxes for businesses (some of which reportedly make use of provisions in our bloated tax code to pay no Federal taxes) and the wealthy. But, their "Trickle Down Economics," as it was originally called, failed to produce any of the promised benefits to the nation as a whole. Greed took over. Big Business and the wealthiest 5% of our population have done quite nicely under Republican policies. The remaining 95% of our population lost ground.

Over the last few decades, millions of good jobs were shipped overseas. Millions of additional jobs were lost as Big Business and Wall Street greed nearly caused a total collapse of our economy, resulting in a severe recession which we're still looking to recover from. One can only wonder just how much farther our decline might have been if Republicans had been as successful in destroying good government jobs as their Big Business benefactors were in destroying good private sector jobs. Somebody needs to buy the goods and services businesses provide, and the rich can't (or won't) buy enough to help our economy recover.

Until Big Business starts hiring again, and average Americans begin to have enough confidence to resume spending, our economy will remain weak. Big Business can't have it both ways. As long as the only economic security they provide is to their top executives, consumer confidence, and our economy, will continue to falter.

If the events of the last few decades are a guide, keeping low taxes for Big Business and the wealthiest 5% of our population will not provide the jobs our country needs. And, with the possible exception of greedy CEOs, it will not guarantee good paying jobs into the future. It will only help to increase our country's debt.

Think about it. What has "Trickle Down Economics" done for our nation? Are you more financially secure than you were 10 years ago, or 20 years, or 30 years ago? For the majority of our nation, the answer is "NO." If you answered yes, you may be lying to yourself; Or, you may be extremely wealthy; Or, you somehow managed to sidestep the housing melt-down, the financial fraud, the sharp losses in the market, and unemployment. Most in our country weren't nearly as lucky.

Do you really want to vote out the Democrats who, despite obstructionist Republicans who refused to help, actually passed some laws which will ultimately be good for our nation? Why, after allowing Democrats only two years to fix the mess they inherited, and when our economy has started to show signs of improvement, would you want to return to power Republicans whose policies did so much to help destroy jobs and the economy?

Job Killing Taxes? Like the politicians who claim that they will create jobs (private sector jobs, not the government jobs they despise), I suspect the phrase is just another in a long series of political lies.

I just find it very offensive when it's used to pander for votes when so many are without jobs, and our country is drowning in debt.

Our Nation Depends on Us - Vote Wisely

Less than three weeks from now, this year's Political Silly Season will be over - except for the inevitable analysis of why we voted the way we did.

According to the "experts," my fellow independents and I hold the key to this year's election. It's predicated that our anger and frustration about the poor state of the economy and lack of jobs will cause us to vote to "throw the bums out." Unfortunately, in doing so we may sweep some "good players" out of office, replacing them with extremists who will continue to obstruct positive moves to improve our country.

I intend to do as I've always have done, and examine each candidate individually and attempt to determine which ones would be best for our country. It's a tough task with so much disinformation being produced.

One thing we've seen over the last few decades is that, in politics, half truths, misrepresentations, and outright lies seem to rule the day. This has been fuelled by self aggrandizing bloggers and supposed news organizations more interested in promoting controversy to drive ratings than in encouraging reasoned debate and accurate reporting. Every day during the Political Silly Season, most of the political ads seem to consist of misleading statements, if not blatant lies. After a grueling political season, it's no wonder that so many politicians are ultimately believed to be dishonest. To get elected, most have started with "misleading" ads. It's maddening. We deserve better.

I continue to watch and read as many differing opinions as I can, even the ones with which I strongly disagree. Ironically, some of my subscriptions once resulted in a major political party attempting to recruit me to be a poll watcher for them (I declined, while keeping to myself that I found most of their views hateful and wrong).

Unfortunately, many of us don't bother to listen to different opinions. Instead, we tend to listen only to those we most agree with. Anyone who disagrees with our opinion is an irrational zealot (or whatever derogatory term we choose to label them). I wonder if the majority of us would still believe that the earth is flat, if the Internet or Fox Newz ("It's like the news, only different") existed at the time that that belief was widely held. I long ago learned that the notion that the "collective wisdom of the public is always correct" is usually flat out wrong. Wall Street continues to make big money from those who follow the "collective wisdom" of others. Typically, those who follow the herd - without thinking - end up buying high and selling low, a recipe for losing significant sums of money, while further enriching Wall Street brokers.

I fear for the future of our country. Collectively, we seem to have become a nation of lazy idiots. If we read something in a blog, or hear it repeated (over and over and over) on an alleged news channel, we automatically believe it to be true. If we receive a "chain" email with a message which seems to bolster what we've seen on the Internet or an alleged news channel, we believe it - we even pass it on to our extended circle of friends. We don't analyze anything. We accept as true anything we hear from our "news channel" of choice. Because we're "true believers" we never fact check most of the opinions we see or hear.

Ignoring the truth was not a lesson I learned as a child. And, it's not a lesson I'd teach children today. Instead, my children were encouraged to not only learn the facts, but also learn how to verify and interpret those facts. Unfortunately, many choose to teach their children only what they believe to be true - even if it isn't - then blame the public school system when their child fails to learn.

It's been reported that the nation as a whole believes that the Health Care Reform Act is "bad" for the country. Starting with the angry shouting matches about "death squads" and other such lies, and continuing through the lies surrounding attempts to use abortion politics to defeat it, there was little reasoned debate before it became law. One side absolutely refused to offer any meaningful solutions, instead labeling (incorrectly) the legislation as a "Government Takeover of Health Care" (it isn't). Many continue to mislead the American public. They don't give a rat's ass about what's best for the country, only that private-sector businesses can make huge profits, while we continue to overpay for our healthcare.

Some politicians have actually produced ads exploiting the public's misconceptions (which they had helped to promote) about the Health Care Reform Act. One ad supporting a Wisconsin Republican candidate for Senate even attempts to use rising health insurance costs to show that the law isn't working (even before fully implemented) - His Democratic opponent, who voted for the law, should be thrown out of office, to be replaced by the Republican candidate, just because insurance costs went up again this year. This, of course, is ludicrous.

Health care premiums have been rising at a rate far exceeding the inflation rate for years. When the Republicans were in power they did absolutely nothing to help reform the system. Unless, of course, one counts enacting an unfunded Medicare drug benefit while refusing to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, as an example of reform. It's also important to note that businesses have a habit of raising rates/fees right before laws looking to curb their excesses take effect (have we already forgotten what the credit card companies did before the law to reform that industry took affect?).

Our founding fathers designed our government to have three co-equal branches - the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. For at least the last three decades, one major political party has done its best to destroy what the founding fathers created - all while waving the flag and declaring that they support the Constitution.

They've attempted to starve government, lowering taxes for the wealthy, while giving a blank check to big business to do whatever they want with zero accountability. They've tended to ignore any law or constitutional dictate they didn't like (Warrantless phone taps? Equal protection? Torture? Seriously?). They've attempted to undermine our country's faith in its government and in the nation's judiciary. They've done this by labeling any law which which aims to directly improve the life of its citizens as socialism, any law which attempts reasonable regulation of business as "job killing," and any court decision they do not like as being the work of an "activist judge." Hogwash.

For the last three decades or so, the Republicans have preached "Trickle Down Economics" (whether or not they've called it that). They've enacted laws to reduce taxes for the wealthy, while attempting to eliminate reasonable regulation and oversight of business. If nothing else, the last decade should have clearly demonstrated that "Trickle Down Economics" DOES NOT work. Greed trumps theory. While Republican policies have helped to further enrich the wealthy, every one else lost ground.

The Republicans have nearly destroyed the middle class. Poverty has increased. The Republicans turned their backs on the working class while companies shipped millions of good jobs overseas. They turned their backs as company after company cut or eliminated defined benefit retirement programs in favor of 401(k) plans (which were never intended to be a primary vehicle for retirement savings). The net result has been a loss of economic security for the typical worker. Corporate executives, however, fared quite well. Their economic security increased. Executive salaries surged, as did stock options, and executive retirement funding. Quite a few walked away with multi-million dollar severance payments after they destroyed the companies they worked for - with more jobs lost by people who lacked such "golden parachutes."

Sure, some executives were forced to take pay cuts as the economy soured. And yes, their net worth may have declined a bit. But, their salaries still exceeded the salaries of their workers, making it easier for them to survive the temporary setback than it was for lower paid workers. Besides, many companies offered extra stock options to their executives, allowing them to reap huge rewards when their company's stock price rebounded.

As our country's economy declined, and millions of jobs were lost, and our deficit soared, the Republican message has never wavered: "Lower Taxes." They would even further increase the Country's deficit and debt, so that the wealthiest 5% of our population can continue to enjoy their historically low taxes.

This election (as with most) is vitally important. The Republicans, and especially their Tea Party fringe, would have us return to the failed policies of the last decade. They would further erode the middle class, while preaching that they'll lower taxes to create jobs. In fact, no politician can create private sector jobs. As the last decade showed us, historically low taxes did not create private sector jobs - they were shipped overseas in droves. A further continuation of the failed policies will surely result in more people reaching the Republican Nirvana of "No taxes" - When one can't find a job, and is living in poverty, their Federal income tax liability does tend to be zero. But, I don't see the unemployed rejoicing in the fact that that they don't owe Federal taxes. I can't imagine many would want to live in poverty, to avoid paying Federal taxes.

I pray that my fellow Independents will look beyond their anger, frustration, and fear and vote for the candidates who will best represent all the people of this great nation - not just narrow special interest groups preaching greed, fear, and intolerance.

Please think carefully. Attempt to learn the facts. Attempt to analyze them correctly. Vote wisely. Vote for hope, not fear. Vote for the future, not the past.

Our nation depends on us.

Michele Bachmann Again

Jim "the Election Guy" in Michele Bachmann's TV commercials appears to have an unnaturally wide stance that Larry Craig would have been proud of. It looks strange. But, at least he's haunting our TV's rather than airport restrooms.

While the visual stance is weird, the commercials seem to be vintage Republican. One even features the old Republican campaign phrase of "Tax and Spend."

There's no mention of the fact that cutting taxes for the wealthy, while starting two unfunded wars nearly caused the total collapse of our nation's economy. And, there's no mention of the fact that Republicans are the party of "Borrow and Spend."

Sadly, voters continue to respond to false Republican claims about the economy.

Under Republicans, the wealthy can expect to receive lower taxes and preferential treatment. What's left of the middle class can only expect higher taxes and "fees" along with fewer services.

As was the case over the last 10 years, tax cuts for the wealthy will be paid for by our children and grandchildren.

This time, however, the stakes are higher. If Republicans are successful in returning to the policies of the past, a double dip recession will most likely become a reality. The suffering of the middle class will far exceed anything we've seen since the Great Depression.

But, at least companies like BP will thrive, as Michele absolves them of any responsibility for their spills.

Another Day Without Health Care Reform

Another day.

Another day without health care reform. Another day of ever higher costs for my friends and family.

A friend just got a notice that her health insurance rates are going up 9%. She doesn't know how she'll afford it. Her wages have been cut.

Still, the Republicans continue to mislead the public and block efforts to reform the system.

I find in hard to believe that each and every Republican agrees with the party line propaganda. But, like a good cult, the Republicans keep their members in line.

Even the former Maverick, John McCain, has been forced to tow the Republican party line.

During the Presidential campaign, Senator McCain corrected a supporter in a town hall meeting who claimed Barack Obama was an "Arab." More recently, he declined to disavow Sarah Palin's claim that the Health Care Reform bill included a provision for "Death Panels." (Note to Fox Newz - not to be confused with any real news organization - viewers, there's no such provision. There never was.)

It's a shame when a once honorable politician must ignore the truth in order to satisfy the most extreme members of his party.

Health Care Reform Opposition

I see that the US Chamber of Commerce, is again running ads against health care reform. They want citizens to call the targeted legislator to encourage him or her to "stand up for jobs" and vote against health care reform as it's "a health care bill we can't afford."

The US Chamber of Commerce is the lobbying arm for Big Business. They're anti-government, anti-regulation, anti-consumer, and anti-employee. While claiming to represent businesses of all sizes, and now, apparently, legions of the unemployed, they only really represent large business interests.

So, why would large companies (Big Business) want to continue with the current costly and unsustainable health care system? After all, Big Business was quick to abandon traditional pension plans when they were deemed to be too costly. They were quick to cut wages, and lay off millions of employees when the employees were deemed to be too costly.

Yet, for some reason, Big Business doesn't want Health Care Reform. They, have fought hard to prevent any reform from passing. They, and their Republican allies, have used every lie and distortion imaginable to deceive and frighten the American public. Some of these have included:

- It's a Government take-over of Health Care. We can't allow Government to take-over 1/6th of our economy.
- The Government will appoint "death squads" to deny critical care to dying people.
- The Government won't allow you to see the doctor of your choice.
- Health Care will be rationed.
- A bureaucrat will stand between you and your doctor.
- They're going to cut Medicare. Too bad, old folks.
- The reform bill is too big. There are too many pages to read. Stop, then take smaller steps toward reform.

Distortion. Lies. Lies, upon lies, followed by more lies. It's been a full force Marketing blitz, complete with the obligatory political sound bites. It's been designed to confuse the American people, while scaring them into believing that health care reform is a bad thing. Meanwhile, big business goes on as usual while health care costs continue to rise, and more and more people become uninsured.

A Big Business marketing campaign is a powerful thing. Most are designed to convince millions of otherwise smart people that they can't possibly do without the product being advertised, no matter what it is ("Doctor, I need that new drug, "Snake Oil," which I saw on TV. Tell me what it does.").

Advertising convinced millions of people to smoke. For years the tobacco companies swore smoking was safe and they made billions of dollars selling their harmful products to unsuspecting consumers.

Effective marketing, and the 24/7 cheer-leading by Fox Newz (not to be confused with any real news organization), stoked public opinion to support starting two costly, and unnecessary, wars. In fact, the marketing was so successful that about 25% of the population still believes that weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq.

Today, due to another effective marketing misinformation campaign, a similar percentage of the population believes that the entire national debt was caused by the Democrats. They seemingly have forgotten that it was Republicans that started two costly wars while refusing to pay for them. It was the first time in history that taxes were not raised to pay for a war. They also forget that it was (Big Business) corporate greed along with lax oversight by a Republican administration which nearly toppled the World's economy. Yet the Republicans continue to call for more tax cuts as the nation falls deeper into debt.

But, I digress.

Why does Big Business want to keep the country's health care system as it is today?

One might make a good argument that providing health care insurance to their employees is a valuable Profit Center for large companies (Big Business).

Let me explain.

According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, 89% of workers employed in firms of 5,000 or more employees (read Big Business) were covered by a self-insured health care plan offered by their employer. And, overall, 55% of all workers with health insurance are covered by a self-insured plan offered by their employer. The data is from 2008.

In a self-insured plan, the employer in effect becomes the insurance company. The employer decides what benefits to offer, how much those benefits are worth, and how much to charge their employees. In turn, they typically hire another company (often an insurance company) to administer their plan. In many cases, their employees don't even know that they're covered by a self-insured plan, believing instead that the plan administrator is the insurer.

To limit their risk, many self-insured companies have put caps on annual, or lifetime, benefits. Once an employee reaches one of the limits, they are no longer covered under the plan. Other companies buy blanket insurance policies which kick-in to cover any expenses which exceeded a given amount. Either way, the self-insured employer's risk is limited. Making a profit is almost guaranteed.

Offering self-insured health-care provides a number of advantages to large companies. The plans typically are exempt from state insurance regulations and mandates. The companies can offer different plans to different groups of employees (for example, offering the best coverage to the executive group). And, as the insurer, the employer is entitled to review the medical records of their employees.

Insurance companies have tended to be quite profitable. Is it unreasonable to think that self-insured plans have also been quite profitable for large (Big Business) employers?

It's also quite possible that self-insured companies attempt to tilt the odds in their favor, just like traditional insurance companies do, by eliminating high risk or high cost patients from their plans.

In fact, it's much easier for self-insured employers to eliminate high risk patients from their plans. An insurance company must figure out how to drop coverage for a patient without causing regulators to become suspicious. All the employer has to do is fire the employee, with no reference made to the cost of providing health care. It's simple. When an employee is diagnosed with an expensive chronic illness, or any condition which is predicted to require significant expenditures in the future, the company can quietly fire the employee in the midst of a "strategic corporate realignment" combined with a few "targeted layoffs."

So, I guess can understand why Big Business, the US Chamber of Commerce, and their Republican allies want to fight health care reform. The current system is profitable for Big Business, while providing extraordinary control over their employees. The fact that it stinks for everyone else is irrelevant. If it's good for Big Business it's good for the country. So sayeth the US Chamber of Commerce and the Republicans.

God Help Us.

Norm Coleman on the Radio

Norm Coleman resurfaced today hosting a program on WCCO AM 830 radio.

He was in rare form.

He criticized the partisanship and lack of civility in Washington. Both were traits which eluded him when he was in office - but he seemed happy to criticize his failings in others.

He also criticized the Democrats for "ignoring" the public rage expressed in last summer's town hall meetings.

After all, populist anger must be listened to. The "public" is happy with their current health insurance. They don't want any government mandated changes.

Norm followed this up by criticizing President Obama for listening to the public anger and attacking the banks.

Populist anger must not be listened to. At least not when it would lead to punishment of Big Business.

Political "Norm Speak" in action. Hogwash.

At least Norm still reads and adheres to the Republican "Talking Points." Ordinary middle class citizens must not be listened to. Big Business, the wealthy, and their supportive Republican drones are the only ones who count.

It's true. He heard it (constantly) on Fox Newz (not to be confused with any real news organization).

Cell Phones, Traffic Deaths, and Politics

I note that under a "Freedom of Information Act" request, the New York Times forced the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to release a copy of a 2003 report on cell phones and "Distracted Driving."

Supposedly, it was Congress (this time) which "ordered" that the report be withheld, not the science hating Bush Administration. I'd like to see some names. Who was involved, and was their "debt" to the cell phone industry so great that they "pushed" the NHTSA to suppress the scientific evidence?

Were the same forces at work over at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in their examination of the facts and their conclusions regarding the collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis? Was the lack of a public hearing to examine the facts done to avoid embarrassing Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, a Republican "star?" After all he vetoed money for road maintenance in Minnesota.

All politicians seem to lack a certain amount of candor and honesty. Republicans just seem to have taken dishonesty to entirely new levels.

I find it entirely plausible that Republicans might have "ordered" the suppression of research which might have "damaged" the cell phone industry while saving lives. Republicans have a long history of supporting big business at the expense of ordinary citizens.

I hope that news organizations continue to research the issue. The people who "ordered" the suppression of potentially life saving research to support the cell phone lobby should be named and asked to account for their actions.

And, now that the secret's out, how about publishing a clean copy of the report on the NHTSA web site, and formally submit it to Congress for review?

Palin - "I am not a Quitter"

Sarah Palin has granted limited interviews to selected press organizations.

Contrary to the evidence at hand, she claims she's not a quitter.

Like far too many politicians these days - she seems to lack a firm grasp on reality. It's unfortunate that Republican extremists insist upon treating her as if she were the new Messiah.

Yes, she can draw a crowd. But, so can any natural disaster.

The country deserves better than what the Republicans are offering.

Constructive problem solving rather than blind ideology and delusional spin would go a long way.

Norm Coleman - Unfit for Office

Norm Coleman, and his special interest allies - through lies, half truths, and innuendo - continue to hammer the message that Al Franken is somehow "unfit for office."

Many families with young children wish that Norm Coleman, and his allies, would put "Parental Disclaimers" on his adult content ads, to allow them to get the children out of the room before they run.

Meanwhile, our economy continues its long decline. The Republican social experiment in wealth redistribution called "trickle down economics" has woefully failed the country. The wealthy got wealthier - and greedier -while the middle class lost ground.

While many blame George W. Bush, the Republican party - and the special interest groups they cater to - are to blame. Republicans have consistently supported "trickle down economics" and opposed reasonable policies and regulations to protect average citizens.

I cringe every time I hear a Republican ad stating that the Democrats "will raise your taxes." If I didn't know the facts, I might conclude that the average Minnesota family was doing reasonably well - earning more than $250,000 per year.

But the fact is that the average Minnesota family doesn't earn more than $250,00 a year. The average Minnesota family is in trouble. They have lost ground in the last decade under Republican "leadership." Meanwhile, the wealthy have gotten much wealthier, and the Republicans want to cut their taxes even more.

Note to Norm Coleman - Leadership is not being a lapdog to special interests. Leadership means you have a spine and know how to use it. Leadership is not about political ideology or extremist religious beliefs. Leadership is looking beyond the next election. Leadership is putting the Country First - not as an empty John McCain campaign slogan, but in real actions which support the average citizen, not just the special interests.

Norm, I've seen great leaders. You are not a leader. Not even close. You are unfit for office.

Seven Hundred Billion Dollar Bailout

The "talking heads" on the Sunday talk shows indicate that the 700 Billion dollar bailout of Wall Street and big business is needed to avoid bigger problems later. (Actually, I believe the dollar figure is closer to one trillion dollars, if the money already spent is included. But, why argue over a few hundred billion dollars in an election year.)

Treasury Secretary, Henry M. Paulson, Jr., made the rounds of the talk shows to "sell" the notion that the massive bailout is necessary.

Given the penchant of the Bush Administration to lie to the American people, I'm not confident that we know the whole story. Mr. Paulson says that the additional 700 billion dollars will be used to buy impaired assets and we will get our money back when those assets are sold. These comforting words come from an administration which told us that Iraqi oil would pay for Bush's Three Trillion Dollar War.

I sure wish that there was an authoritative source of unbiased information to help guide us in deciding what's right.

One thing for sure. A select group of individuals got wealthy by selling loans to people who could not afford to repay them. Too many people bought this bad debt, some of whom were not aware that it was impaired. A number of CEOs were given big bonuses based on the returns "earned" on this bad debt.

The CEOs and executives will walk away from the mess with their large bonus payments. Some will also walk away with large severance payments. Some large firms will cease to exist. Many "innocent" employees will lose their jobs. And, a number of families will be forced out of homes that they couldn't afford in the first place.

As is typical in such situations, the average innocent citizen will be hurt the most.

Homeowners who have faithfully made their mortgage payments for years will suffer from a double hit - the declining value of their homes due to the number of foreclosed homes being offered at "bargain" prices, and the tax burden (whether direct, or through inflation, or both) caused by the one trillion dollar (so far) bailout.

For far too long the Republicans have indicated that free markets will solve all evils. The don't. They've also indicated that enriching the wealthy is good, as the money from the wealthy will trickle down to those of lesser means. While it may flood into political campaign coffers, it never quite makes it down to average citizens.

The wealthy can survive a downturn with a little pain ("My portfolio lost a billion dollars today. I'm so unhappy."). For those of lesser means - without a financial cushion - a downturn can quickly turn to disaster ("I'm 57 and was just laid off. I can't afford my mortgage payment. I can't afford tuition for my two kids in college. What will I do?").

We're long past the point where the Republican's failed social experiment needs to be ended.

The greedy cannot be trusted to regulate their businesses or their industries. Government must provide reasonable regulation to keep the actions of the greedy from crippling the dreams of all.

The tax breaks for the wealthy must be ended. The taxes they don't pay are a "hidden tax" on the remainder of the population.

Trickle Down Economics has failed. It's time for executive salaries to return from the stratosphere. America's workers deserve fair compensation.

And, yes, Senator McCain, starting a war then refusing to raise taxes to pay for it is unpatriotic. Future generations are being charged this stealth tax by your not paying for the war now.

It is time for a change. Vote accordingly.

Then, continue to demand change.

The Great White Hope

Courtesy of KSTP DTV-2, I was able to watch today's McCain-Palin rally at the Blaine airport live.

One overriding question remains. The McCain campaign is stressing "Country First." Just what - or who - does he think this country consists of? Rich white folks?

Other than the Secret Service Agents, just how many people of color were in attendance at today's rally? While a review of the tape would probably reveal more, I counted two (and one was placed strategically behind the candidates, so that she would always appear on camera).

Two - One. Two. Not exactly a representative demographic.

A few weeks ago, the ladies on The View were joking about the news media repeatedly interviewing the single black man or black woman they found at the Republican National Convention. The demographics of today's rally indicate little improvement has been made in selling the "Republican message" to anyone but rich white people.

On the issues, John McCain is almost sounding like a "liberal Democrat" these days. Today he's calling for more regulation of business. He even extolled the unthinkable for the Republican business lobby by suggesting that discredited executives "give back" their ill gotten gains.

No way do I believe that John McCain actually believes half the stuff he says while out on the stump. But which half does he believe? He seems to have put his campaign in the hands of the Karl Rove "win at all costs" crowd.

The wild Maverick has been broken. The "Straight Talk Express" has been silenced.

Whether John McCain becomes a good "trail horse" for the Republicans and their special interests remains to be seen. Right now, he seems to be the "good soldier" following orders from the commander managing his campaign.

Norm Coleman's Crummy Picture

After another brutal day on Wall Street, where hardworking Minnesotans have seen tens of thousands of dollars of their hard earned retirement dollars lost, what has Norm Coleman been doing?

According to his latest ad, he's obsessed that someone leaked a photo of him taken after a night of hard partying with his special interest friends. In it, he looks "crummy." At least that's what I think he was saying. Political "Norm Speak" is even harder to comprehend than normal "Norm Speak" sometimes.

Now, we know Norm's a good looking guy. And, I can see see how he would be concerned that such a "crummy" photo might harm his "clean" image (thank God the video of what he did at the party hasn't come out as yet).

So, as hardworking Minnesotans lose tens of thousands of dollars due to the failing economy caused by Republican incompetence, Norm is concerned about his image.

The fact is, Republican Trickle Down Economics have been disastrous for the average hard working Minnesotan, as well as for hard working individuals throughout the nation. Sure, the wealthiest 5% of the population has gotten much wealthier, but the other 95% have been hurting.

The stock market has remained essentially flat over the last ten years. Billions of dollars have been lost. Tens of thousands of good paying jobs have been lost. Median income for the middle class has actually declined in the last decade. Employers have eliminated defined benefit pension plans. Republicans even attempted to do the same with Social Security.

And, there's still the outstanding bill for Bush's three trillion dollar war.

Norm's response? Nothing of substance. He's concerned about his appearance.

It's a shame Norm has no conscience. It's a shame he has so little regard for hard working Minnesotans.

We deserve better.

Norm Coleman - Getting It Done

In the days following the I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis, politicians of all stripes came forward, vowing to rebuild. Then, unlike what happened in New Orleans (remember, they were poor and unworthy of Republican support), they proceeded to do so. Money was appropriated. Money was spent. The new bridge nears completion.

This morning, we're treated to another message from Norm's "bowling buddy" spokesperson who claims that Norm's "leadership" provided the money to rebuild the I-35W bridge.

To be fair, Norm Coleman, and the Republicans, did help in securing bridge replacement funds. But, "leadership" from Norm? I think not. As a country, we have always come together after a crisis or a natural disaster (New Orleans being a major exception). Securing the money to rebuild was assured from the start.

Besides, the I-35W collapse happened on the watch of a Republican governor known for vetoing transportation bills, along with others necessary for infrastructure maintenance and repair. They had to support Tim Pawlenty (unlike what happened with a Democrat as governor in Louisiana).

As long as Norm wants to take responsibility for funding the I-35W bridge replacement, perhaps he's willing to take responsibility for the country's infrastructure decline while he's been in office.

Norm has voted to spend billions of dollars in his support for Iraq (which now has a huge budget surplus). Meanwhile, in our country, governmental agencies and programs suffer from inadequate funding.

Norm, and his fellow Republicans, have their priorities wrong. They'd rather run up huge debts funding a senseless war, while allowing our country's assets to deteriorate to the point of collapse.

Norm, when will you start to take responsibility for the failures of the Republican "trickle down" economic policies and quit rushing to take credit for the work of others?

Liar. Liar. Liar.

The latest John McCain ad includes the catchy phrase:

"They're Ready to Tax. They're Ready to Spend. But They're Not Ready to Lead."

The ad goes on to declare that Obama "and out of touch Congressional leaders plan to implement painful tax increases on working American families." It claims the Democrats will produce "years of deficits," and "no balanced budgets."

What a despicable bunch of Lies.

Unfortunately, they're just more Lies from a once honorable man formerly known for his "straight talk." Is there any Republican capable of speaking the truth these days?

What's happened to John McCain? His moral compass appears to have been lost. He knows, or should know, that the ads he's approving are filled with Lies. I think most of us are willing to accept a little "embellishment" during a political campaign. But, repeated lying is despicable.

Shame on you, John McCain. You may be a war hero, but your current conduct reveals some very serious character flaws.

FactCheck.org, a nonpartisan "consumer advocate" for voters, has examined Barack Obama's tax plan, and determined that it would produce a tax cut for over 81.3 percent of all households, and 95.5 percent of all households with children.

Not exactly the "painful tax increases on working American families" described in John McCain's commercial.

FactCheck.org has identified a "pattern of deceit" in John McCain's ads. Straight talkers would call it a pattern of Lying.

Republicans have repeatedly used scare tactics to get elected. George W. Bush lied to start a war. Apparently, John McCain believes in doing the same to get elected.

Mr. McCain, we expected better from you.

Back to Work

With the hurricane danger past, at least for now, the Republicans can get pack to work in St. Paul.

The convention leadership did a reasonably good job of subduing the celebrations in St. Paul, while people on the Gulf coast were being evacuated.

I wonder where the compassionate Republicans were the last time around - Katrina - when George W. Bush, and the Karl Rove wing of the party, were blaming the victims for Republican incompetence.

I'm glad to hear that damage on the Gulf coast was lighter than it was during Katrina. But, it would have been great political fun to watch the networks provide a split screen of the Republicans partying while New Orleans was being destroyed.

So, let's bring on the soaring rhetoric of John McClain. Then, let's politely ask the Republicans to get the hell out of town.

Here We Go Again....

Republicans are nothing if not unlucky.

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty appointed his Lieutenant Governor, Carol Molneau, to lead the state's Department of Transportation. Under the Pawlenty "leadership" needed road maintenance and repairs were ignored. When consultants hired by the DOT suggested that money be spent on repairs and maintenance, they were directed to come back with "less costly" options.

After all, Tim Pawlenty had made a pledge to the wealthy taxpayer's lobby, promising to hold down taxes. The citizen's of Minnesota be damned. Protecting the wealthy was more important.

Then, a little over a year ago, the 35W bridge in Minneapolis collapsed into the Mississippi river. Many were injured and about a dozen killed. What unfortunate "luck."

While never stated publicly, the Republicans are "good businessmen." Such losses, while "regrettable" in a public sense, are "acceptable" as long as good Republican principles are maintained.

Now, on the eve of the Republican National Convention, a tropical storm - predicted to become a category 3 hurricane - is heading toward the gulf coast.

If the storm causes damage in New Orleans while the Republicans celebrate in St. Paul, Americans can't help to be reminded of the incompetent "leadership" the Republicans have offered over the last 8 years

That's something that even the Karl Rove attack machine will have a hard time spinning.

Trickle Down Economics Fails

The business section of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Wednesday, August 27, 2008) carried an interesting article on how the middle class has been left behind during the business cycle high of 2001 to 2007. While the wealthy did quite well during this period, the middle class didn't fare so well.

The median income in Minnesota dropped from $58,363 in 2001 to $55,802 in 2007. The poverty level rose from 7.8% in 2001 to 9.5% in 2007. And, the number of uninsured rose from 7.5% in 2001 to 8.8% in 2007. While I haven't seen any statistics as yet, corporate proxy statements would seem to indicate that corporate executives fared far better.

We've been living under the Republican version of "trickle down economics" for quite some time. It appears to be working - if you're wealthy.

This year, as in past years, there appears to be a huge difference between the two major political parties. The Republicans will seek to keep and expand the tax cuts for the wealthy which appear to be a key element of their "trickle down economics" program. The Democrats would begin rolling back the tax cuts for those making more than $250,000 per year.

I've never quite understood the base of the "modern" Republican party. At the core, there are those who are very wealthy, who seek to maintain their wealth through favorable tax treatment. Then, there are businesses, which also seek to gain through favorable tax and regulatory treatment. There's the religious (Christian) right, with some very wealthy televangelists who purport to be holier than all others. They lead flocks of people of more modest means. And, finally there are those who are anti-abortion, seeking to impose their (limited) view on others.

It all seems like an unpatriotic, unholy, alliance.

Anyone who would put special interests ahead of the country's best interests is unpatriotic. Sure, we can have an honest debate over what's best for the country. But, anyone who signs a pledge to a special interest group is putting their interests ahead of the county's. By signing such a pledge, they're saying that they don't give a damn about the country - they represent special interests only.

Anyone who pledges to represent the view of a religious special interest group, before the needs of the country, deserves a special place in Hell. This country was founded on religious freedom. Yet, a small group of right wing religious extremists would have politicians support their goals above all others.

There's a clear choice this year. Do we continue to support the failed policies and practices of the past or look forward to solving the nation's problems with open, honest, debate?

Look beyond the attack ads. Look beyond the preachings of your spiritual leader. Be patriotic. Examine the issues from all points of view. Put the needs of the country first.