So, the House is almost certain to pass this monstrosity of a health-care bill tonight after making an utter travesty of legislative process and representative democracy. But, as the great Yogi Berra once said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” Power Line lists some reasons for optimism. Here’s one:
The health care bill’s taxes will go into effect promptly, but its substantive provisions are, for the most part, deferred for four years. This means that we have plenty of time to repeal the legislation. Sure, it will take a new Congress and new President. But repealing this disaster of a bill will by a rallying cry for the American people for years to come. Moreover, even if the Republicans only take over the House in November, and not the Senate, won’t it be possible to throw roadblocks in the way of the bill’s implementation? Won’t budget appropriations be necessary to sustain the various federal tentacles the bill seeks to establish? What will happen if the House simply refuses to fund them?
Go read the rest, and take heart. Even now, attorney generals in several states are preparing legal challenges to push back against Leviathan. The odds aren’t good, but one or more may hit a bulls-eye and gut the bill or have it thrown out altogether.
One thing we can be sure of is that in the system of capitalism everything has a price. Though everybody would probably agree on the need to eradicate poverty, and seeing the effects of poverty should make us act on that poverty, to remove its devastating effect on human life. However this is capitalism so instead of working on the problem we have to run it through the calculator. Which tells us, surprise, surprise, we can’t afford to do it. Health care, hospitals threatened with closure, staff being under paid and facing redundancy, don’t look at the need, reach for the calculator, yeap, that’s right, we can’t afford it.
There are exceptions of course, war, at the start of the illegal invasion of Iraq, Chancellor Brown stated that it would receive what was needed, and £1 billion was set aside for the war, no such statement or provisions on poverty and health. By the end of 2010 the Afghan and Iraq slaughter will have cost the British tax payer £18 billion and rising. If we take into account for the social cost of looking after the wound etc it will be over £20 billion.. A lot of money to destroy a couple of countries and kill thousands of civilians.
Our military budget is over a staggering £33 billion annually. A small fraction of this fund for slaughter would solve all the funding problems of the national health service. That won’t happen, this is capitalism and war is good for corporate business and the state will see that its partner in crime, the corporate greed machine, gets all the help it wants. British businesses have already made app. £3 billion from this misery and carnage.
This country has the resources to see to the needs of everyone living here and sustain them at a decent standard of living but as long as we tolerate the state and the corporate greed machine to run the calculator over everything, they will set the priorities and human care and welfare will be well down the list. The profit motive will decide where the money and resources go, not the needs of the people.
We have a choice, we can carry on asking them to be kind to us and not be so eager for profit, which is what we do at the moment, or we can take control of society, forget the calculator and see to the needs of our people in a society based on mutual aid and sustainability. Another world is possible, but we can’t leave it to the shareholders, we have to do it. We won’t change the world by going to work and watching the TV and leaving the politics in the marble halls. Politics belong in the community and on the street, we the people should be the politics. What we have at the moment is a power structure to suit the corporate greed machine a society based on the shareholders priorities. A system that by its structure will deliver exploitation, deprivation and wars. Is this the legacy we wish to leave to our grandchildren?
I, the Democratic Party, have thought about this alot in the last 9 months. It has been hard, at first I felt so thrilled by the election of Barack Obama to the Presidency. I literally ran into the streets, screaming “They Love us, they really love us!”. To me, the dawn of a new day had come, and I was the head of it. Regrettably, this feeling was short lived.
It all started when the President decided to promote a great and wonderful program that would provide healthcare for all, and at no cost to anyone. I believed what he said, after all he was the chosen one, he who would provide the solution to all the naysayers from the other side, a messiah of the people. I worked hard to make it all work, but then it happened–all these awful people opposed me, not even giving me a chance to make them understand how I could make their dreams come true, even in ways not envisioned by the greats such as Marx, Lenin, or Mao. Why wouldn’t they listen?!
At first it was just anger. I was angry because they wouldn’t listen. But then my anger became deeper, they were getting in the way of “Change”. If nothing else, I would make them listen. I would treat them like a wife who refused to listen to their husband, and perhaps a few good “corrections” would get them to come around.
So I tried to sweep them out of the way. I did everything I could, bludgeoning them about the head and shoulders, calling them names such as “Tea bagger” “racists” and “homophobes”. Nothing worked, and even some of the members of these groups who were Gay, black, asian, or Latino, sort of objected to my characterization. I got even more upset, who were they to talk? They were nothing more than frauds! Everyone knows you can’t have an individual personality under the tutelage of “The one who must be named, and often”!
It went on like this for months, and I kept going from rage to deep depression. It seemed that these people would not give up. They kept talking about this strange belief system called “Liberty” and referring to outdated documents such as the Constitution.
I sit here now at the edge of my seat in the US Congress, and have decided that it will end soon. I will pull the trigger, and make it happen once and for all. I don’t care what happens afterward, because I never had much time for God or such silly concepts. Oh well, here goes….
Bang! (and here is how the story ends, and the American people allowed the Democratic party to commit suicide)
They could have taken a different route, and I wish it was sad to see them go, but at the same time they did it of their own volition.
According to the New York Times, states are increasingly pushing to limit the federal government’s authority over them. The feds have been overstepping constitutional limits imposed in the 10th Amendment and elsewhere for many years, and once in a while we see states attempt to push back on a particular issue. What’s different this time is that many states are now pushing back on many issues. Guns, drugs, control of the National Guard are just some of the stakes that states are beginning to throw their full legislative weight into.
“Whether it’s a correctly called a movement, a backlash or political theater, state declarations of their rights — or in some cases denunciations of federal authority, amounting to the same thing — are on a roll.”
Moreover, the effort seems to be bipartisan, with both red and blue states joining in fray. The ones with teeth are those which are signed into law, rather than simple resolutions which are essentially meaningless. Some of the actions currently under way in the states include:
South Dakota: Gov. Rounds (R) signed a bill into law declaring the regulation of firearms made and used in South Dakota to be outside the purview of the Federal Government.
Wyoming: On Thursday, Gov. Freudenthal (D) signed a bill into law declaring the regulation of firearms made and used in Wyoming to be outside the purview of the Federal Government.
Oklahoma: the House of Representatives passed a resolution declaring that the people of Oklahoma should be able to vote on a state constitutional amendment opting out of any federally mandated health care programs.
Utah: the legislature declared that any federally mandated health insurance to be null and void in Utah, without the approval of the legislature.
Utah: the legislature declared Utah has the right to claim federal lands in that state under eminent domain.
Utah: the legislature resolved the “inviolable sovereignty of the State of Utah under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution.”
Utah: the legislature declared that federal law enforcement authority can be limited by the state, even on federal land in the state.
Utah: (last month) Gov. Herbert (R) signed a bill into law declaring the regulation of firearms made and used in South Dakota to be outside the purview of the Federal Government.
Alabama: considering a bill that would assert local police authority to supersede federal law enforcement.
Tennessee: considering a bill that would assert local police authority to supersede federal law enforcement.
Washington: considering a bill that would assert local police authority to supersede federal law enforcement.
Montana: (last year) signed a bill into law declaring the regulation of firearms made and used in Montana to be outside the purview of the Federal Government.
Rhode Island: considering a bill that would authorize the governor to take control of its National Guard troops, arguing that the federal government’s deployment orders have exceeded their authority.
Vermont: considering a bill that would authorize the governor to take control of its National Guard troops, arguing that the federal government’s deployment orders have exceeded their authority.
Wisconsin: considering a bill that would authorize the governor to take control of its National Guard troops, arguing that the federal government’s deployment orders have exceeded their authority.
Some of the issues the states have raised, such as control of federal land would seem to stand little chance in the courts. However, there are several issues that demonstrate legitimate examples of the federal government operating completely outside constitutional limitations. Control of the National Guard (a proxy for the militia), intrastate commerce involving guns, and other issues, I believe, stand a chance of rolling back some of the (il)legal precedents set by FDR’s court.
Initially, I could not decide whether to post my response to this enigmatic event on this blog or on our more supportive Ninja Nannies blog. In the end, I have decided that it would be most polite to place my comments here, since I am really responding to a comment left after my posting, Retire Already!
I suspect I have confused you, and so I am honor-bound to clear that up. You see, I received my first dissenting comment today. Hence, I have arrived. The bad news is I blocked the comment for two reasons. First, the comment came under the auspices of AARP as an insurance quote. I will neither advertise, purchase, nor promote that organization. And second, it is not nice to lobby for your huge corporation without giving your name. So…I do appreciate the disention but ask that you come back when your primary personality shows up.
Now then, the reason I thought this post might be perfectly tailored for Ninja Nannies, is that the affect sounded like a petulant child. And, even more interesting, is that this person sounded really mad at me. Any of you who have followed me for any length of time know that this type of response is just hilarious and intriguing. Therefore, I’m going to present this comment as factually as I am able and then pray to the heavens that Mr. AARP comes back, ‘cuz I love ya’.
Here goes: Apparently, it is the fault of the “old conservatives” that there is any debate at all on this whole health care thing. To be fair, I think this person was defending the very presidency of B.O. (His initials are not my fault) and not just my old timey reasoning about health care and government employees. It is his supposition that the first round of stimulus money is what resuscitated our current economy and saved us from the precipice of disaster. And, oh yes, this person thinks I am a real meanie because I do not understand how badly the poor folks need this help with their health care and such. I think the comment even begs the question; “What are you doing to help all those poor, unemployed, uninsured, and downtrodden fellow citizens?” I hope I have presented that fairly.
Well..here’s what I’m doing. I’m going to work every day, while investing extra time in creative ways to increase my income. In short, I am taking responsibility for my own existence. I am contributing to the public good by paying taxes and providing needed service. I am the OLD CONSERVATIVE that is buying the groceries, paying the rent, and keeping the lights on for those who are reveling in the extension of unemployment benefits.
I do not have 37 million members like AARP, because I am not a huge, engorged, corporate body like the AARP. And, oh yeah, I do not have the privilege of lobbying the left-wing members of Congress and tossing quid pro quo around the room like the AARP.
But, I do keep my promises, unlike the AARP, who, like many big insurance titans, often denies coverage to little, old ladies like myself. I care about you, silly boy (or girl-no offense intended). I just need you to know that I have a family of my own who needs me to take care of them. I think we can do better in America. I think we have the wit and the will to solve all of our problems. I just think we can do it without pulling the plug on my respirator, murdering any more babies, or leaving a gigantic debt to my grandchildren.
You and I agree that health care reform and welfare reform and education reform are desperately necessary. I thought that up decades ago when you were, most likely, resting comfortably in your mother’s womb. I’m on board to help.
Incidentally, I am happy to see that you ended your comment with the words, “God Bless America”. Though, I am not too sure you meant it. It seemed a tiny, bit sarcastic. Forgive me if I am wrong about that. I hope to hear from you again. Sorry though because I have to go now. I need to get up for WORK tomorrow, and this Daylight Saving Time is a real pain!
OSU Young Americans For Liberty Host “Freedom Watch With Judge Napolitano” and Panel of Distinguished Speakers COLUMBUS, OH, March 12, 2010. A near-capacity crowd gathered in historic Newport Music Hall to view a live taping of “Freedom Watch with Judge Napolitano” on Monday night. Congressman Ron Paul headlined a slate of panelists on the popular Fox News program, along with Ohio Liberty Council Leaders Chris Littleton, Maurice Thompson, and Jason Rink. The panel, which also featured Ohio State Senator Tim Grendell and Sheriff Richard Mack, covered America’s incremental loss of liberty and state sovereignty. The Ohio State University Young Americans for Liberty hosted the appearance by Texas Congressman Ron Paul (R) and Fox News Judicial Analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano.
At the conclusion of “Freedom Watch,” Congressman Paul spoke for 45 minutes about his plan for restoring a tradition of liberty to both government and individuals. He also urged the young people in the hall to effect change within the political system. Congressman Ron Paul, who received significant support on the Ohio State campus in the 2008 Presidential primary, was asked what advice he could give to the young people in attendance. Encouraging the audience he said, “The responsibility falls on each and every one of us to be self-educated. If you can find a job, find a job to take care of yourself and your family, but you also have to have a job in this defense of our country and in defense of liberty.”
Texas Congressman Dr. Ron Paul has served in Congress in the 1970s, then again in the 1980s. His most recent tenure began in 1996. He has enjoyed greater media exposure over the last year and is in demand as a featured speaker around the country. Dr. Paul’s timely message resonates with young Americans, as well as many conservative Republicans.
Judge Andrew Napolitano served on the New Jersey Bench and taught at the Seton Hall School of Law before retiring to pursue his television career, joining Fox News in 1998. Napolitano addressed a crowd of over 10,000 Ohioans in Columbus on August 1, 2009. He now hosts “Freedom Watch with Judge Napolitano” on FoxNews.com’s Strategy Room and often substitutes for Glenn Beck on the Glenn Beck Show.
About the Ohio Liberty Council
The Ohio Liberty Council is a coalition of several non-partisan groups in Ohio including Buckeye Firearms Association, Central Ohio 9/12 Project, Cincinnati 9/12 Project, Cincinnati Tea Party, Young Americans for Liberty-OSU, Dayton Tea Party, and the Ohio Freedom Alliance. The council began in June 2009, and was conceived as a way to connect liberty-minded Ohioans. The group communicates on issues, but more importantly seeks to create concerted action among the groups. By working together, the council intends to achieve real results to protect and promote liberty in Ohio.
About the Young Americans for Liberty
The Young Americans for Liberty is a nonpartisan, issue advocacy group dedicated to training, educating, and mobilizing youth activists on the principal of limited, constitutional government organized on over 150 universities and high schools across the country. More information is available at
Additional Information
The Ohio Liberty Council http://www.ohiolibertycouncil.org
Young Americans for Liberty http://www.yaliberty.org
I have grown to love the courage of Judge Napolitano and of Rep. Ron Paul. They are two men who have stood up as champions of liberty and put their dedication to constitutional principles above their own comfort and popularity.
I love the comment that Judge Napolitano makes about the significance of Ron Paul’s dedication to liberty. He identifies that because Ron Paul has stood for what is right with integrity, the ice has been broken for other liberty lovers, and while true libertarian principles are not yet mainstream, they are being talked about in “mainstream” environments.
This is a lesson we should all take to heart. Stand up for liberty and true principles in your life. Do your part, whatever that may be, to defend our constitutional rights and freedoms – whether it is popular or not. Be an example. If we do this, others will follow, and the principles understood and embraced by our founding fathers will return to this great country.
One thing we can be sure of is that in the system of capitalism everything has a price. Though everybody would probably agree on the need to eradicate poverty, and seeing the effects of poverty should make us act on that poverty, to remove its devastating effect on human life. However this is capitalism so instead of working on the problem we have to run it through the calculator. Which tells us, surprise, surprise, we can’t afford to do it. Health care, hospitals threatened with closure, staff being under paid and facing redundancy, don’t look at the need, reach for the calculator, yeap, that’s right, we can’t afford it.
