Health care...and how it will affect my dear class of 2005.

I am sick of seeing this moaning and groaning about WHO ranking and the US....

Stats for the US rank in the world is from 2000. One could argue a lot has improved over 10 years. But I will make a better argument.

http://www.cato.org/pubs/bp/bp101.pdf

I encourage EVERYONE to read that short publication from the CATO thinktank. It goes into great depth about how the WHO system of ranking is flawed. A few flaws of the system are the index by which they calculate rank, the OA and OP differences (very interesting), and also the fact that 25% of the index is calculated on a basis of "Health Distribution". the WHO is set up to punish free market health care systems.

If everyone will simply go look at page 14 (http://democrats.senate.go

v/reform/patient-protection-affordable-care-act-as-p

assed.pdf)! This will give you a summary of the "REVENUE PROVISIONS"..... I will list a few of these awesome changes, brought to you by Dems and Obama.

Sec. 9001. Excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage.
Sec. 9002. Inclusion of cost of employer-sponsored health coverage on W–2.
Sec. 9003. Distributions for medicine qualified only if for prescribed drug or insulin.
Sec. 9004. Increase in additional tax on distributions from HSAs and Archer
MSAs not used for qualified medical expenses.
Sec. 9005. Limitation on health flexible spending arrangements under cafeteria
plans.
Sec. 9006. Expansion of information reporting requirements.
Sec. 9007. Additional requirements for charitable hospitals.
Sec. 9008. Imposition of annual fee on branded prescription pharmaceutical
manufacturers and importers.
Sec. 9009. Imposition of annual fee on medical device manufacturers and importers.
Sec. 9010. Imposition of annual fee on health insurance providers.
Sec. 9011. Study and report of effect on veterans health care.
Sec. 9012. Elimination of deduction for expenses allocable to Medicare Part D
subsidy.
Sec. 9013. Modification of itemized deduction for medical expenses.
Sec. 9014. Limitation on excessive remuneration paid by certain health insurance
providers.
Sec. 9015. Additional hospital insurance tax on high-income taxpayers.
Sec. 9016. Modification of section 833 treatment of certain health organizations.
Sec. 9017. Excise tax on elective cosmetic medical procedures.

Also, to be implemented, a higher tax on "indoor tanning" sorry ladies, luxuries have a price... (how about that change?) ... and no matter how you cut this cake, the ultimate burden lies upon my generation. I want to help those who want to help themselves, but the problem is, we have too many freeloaders. Once this sinks in, it will become an entitlement...not a policy...and we may never undo it. Please, let this be the direction our founding fathers intended....

Pork Anyone?

AMERICA ARE YOU AS OUTRAGED AS I AM?

This Pork-ulus bill is getting really out of hand. Here are some quick facts for you to chow down on while you catch a true glimpse of Obama...

• up to $18 billion to crush brand new cars (yes, literally crush them - SUVs and trucks)
• $5 billion for Democrat political action groups like ACORN
• $500,000 for dog parks
• $4.5 million for butterfly gardens
• $6 million for water slides
• $1 million for a frisbee golf course
• $20 million "for the removal of small- to medium-sized fish passage barriers"
• $25 million to rehabilitate off-roading (ATV) trails
• $34 million to remodel the Department of Commerce headquarters
• $70 million to "Support Supercomputing Activities" for climate research
• $2 billion to re-start FutureGen, a near-zero emissions coal power plant in Illinois that the Dept. of Energy defunded last year because the project was inefficient
• $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film
• $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaker (arctic ship)
• $448 million for constructing the Dept. of Homeland Security headquarters
• $248 million for furniture at the new Dept. of Homeland Security headquarters
• $600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees
• $400 million for the CDC to screen and prevent STD's
• $1.4 billion for a rural waste disposal programs
• $125 million for the Washington, D.C. sewer system
• $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities
• $1 billion for the 2010 Census, which has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion
• $75 million for "smoking cessation activities"
• $200 million for public computer centers at community colleges
• $75 million for salaries of employees at the FBI
• $25 million for tribal alcohol and substance abuse reduction
• $500 million for flood reduction projects on the Mississippi River
• $10 million to inspect canals in urban areas
• $6 billion to turn federal buildings into "green" buildings
• $500 million for state and local fire stations
• $650 million for wildland fire management on Forest Service lands
• $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities
• $1.2 billion for "youth activities"
• $88 million for renovating the headquarters of the Public Health Service
• $412 million for CDC buildings and property
• $500 million for building and repairing NIH facilities in Bethesda, MD
• $160 million for "paid volunteers" at the Corporation for National and Community Service
• $5.5 million for "energy efficiency initiatives" at the VA "National Cemetery Administration"
• $850 million for Amtrak
• $100 million for reducing the hazard of lead-based paint
• $75M to construct a new "security training" facility for State Dept Security officers when they can be trained at existing facilities of other agencies
• $110 million to the Farm Service Agency to upgrade computer systems
• $200 million in funding for the lease of alternative energy vehicles for use on military installations
• unspecified millions to illegal immigrants (in the form of 'rebate' checks)"

These facts are courtesy of the smart bloggers over at Ireport. Be sure to stay tuned as the pork continues to flow. One has to wonder, is PETA for or against this bill? But I can assume that if ACORN is on the payroll of this desperately needed "bailout" then I'm sure we are throwing PETA more money for tasteless (though seductive) adds for television.

“Thirty five seconds? I’ve seen better…”

As fond as Ted Kennedy is of sending people to their deaths via water (or suffocation), you would think liberals might be more open to the idea of using water to achieve a goal every now and then. It is an interrogation tactic exalted by the CIA and feared by terrorists. Water-boarding is the name of the game and the method is fairly straightforward. According to how-to site waterboarding.org, the suspect is strapped down and has water poured into the breathing passages to simulate drowning. It is a maneuver that broke Abu Zubaydah, a prominent leader of al Qaeda, in just thirty five seconds. Former CIA agent John Kiriakou was there when the technique was administered and made considerable observations. “I'm involved in this internal, intellectual battle with myself weighing the idea that water-boarding may be torture versus the quality of information that we often get after using the water-boarding technique…. What happens if we don't water-board a person and we don't get that nugget of information and there's an attack. I would have trouble forgiving myself... At the time, I felt that water-boarding was something that we needed to do."

The quality of information that was attained by the CIA was key to keeping American lives safe. “From that day on, he answered every question. The threat information he provided disrupted a number of attacks, maybe dozens of attacks,” Kiriakou said. Don’t lose any sleep at night when you realize we are getting terrorists a little wet. Allah knows that they need a bath anyways. This method of questioning should never be used on an American Citizen. American citizens are afforded the protections of the Constitution. Non-citizens (Yes, Illegal Aliens too) are not sheltered by the Constitution.

It is a heartbreaking day when we have politicians willing to fight harder for the rights of a homicidal psycho-terrorist than for the rights of an unborn child. Constitutional protections were extended to “ourselves and to our posterity…” Therefore, there is no problem with us detaining, torturing, and even killing someone who is a threat to the U.S. and is not a U.S. citizen. American citizens are protected, by the Constitution, from cruel and unusual punishment and techniques. Water-boarding might be cruel, but who cares? They sure as hell don’t care. Maybe when the CIA begins beheading people, innocents, then we can begin hating our country like liberals do.

In May of 2006, according to The Smoking Gun website, U.S. soldiers in Iraq exposed a room overflowing with torture equipment including hammers, whips, meat cleavers and wire cutters as well as a rudimentary torture manual, displaying various methods of inflicting excruciating pain. These included using a blowtorch on the skin, gouging out eyes, using an electric drill to slice through a hand, and countless more. Why are Democrats so concerned with shielding the rights of barbarians such as these? The answer is nowhere to be found. It may be within reach in some far off realm of a distant world, but not back here in common-sense land, where Democrats currently do not have residency. There is no coherent answer for it.

There may be insufficient evidence to prop up this claim, but it’s a safe bet to assert that al Qaeda is no titleholder of human rights. They are not signatories on the Geneva Convention, which is about the only intelligent thing they’ve ever done. When Americans are captured by terrorist organizations, and most times the only thing that person has to look forward to will be death. For terrorists finding themselves blessed in the company of CIA interrogators, they quickly find themselves very comfortable.

The barbarians are habitually given better treatment then a great deal of the American lower class. Richard Miniter, who took a trip to Guantanamo Bay in September of last year, had some disquieting observations to make. “The politically correct regulations are unbelievable. Detainees are entitled to a full eight hours sleep and can't be woken up for interrogations. They enjoy three meals and five prayers per day, without interruption. They are entitled to a minimum of two hours of outdoor recreation per day. Interrogations are limited to four hours, usually running two - and (of course) are interrupted for prayers. One interrogator actually bakes cookies for detainees, while another serves them Subway or McDonald's sandwiches. Both are available on base. (Filet o' Fish is an al Qaeda favorite,” Miniter recalled.

Maybe the terrorists are tired of existing in caves, and just want a cozy cell with a prayer mat, Koran, and a fish fillet. After all, Imperialistic America must set an example for the world with our good spirits. Shortly after 9/11 the chairman of the Syrian Arab Writers Association wrote that, upon finding out about the twin towers, “My lungs filled with air and I breathed in relief, as I have never breathed before.” WAKE UP America! It is a dog-eat-dog world. Foreign enemies offer no condolences to any form of captives of ours, and to pay them back, we give them McDonalds.

It was once opined by a bright mind long ago that, “He who desires peace, should prepare for war.” It is time for this great country to buck up, and retain our position as rightful super-power of the world. It is kill or be killed. China, the champion of human rights, is always looking for room for their citizens to have two male children. One might object that it’s atrocious or that we may cause them physical harm. All this brouhaha aside—they, the terrorists, deserve every last bit of suffering they undergo. It is just to bad we can’t use power tools like them.

What I would do with $555 Billion....

…I would spend the money again to prove this same point. Democrats in Washington have once again run up the white flag in regards to their stance on Iraq and Afghanistan. The party that was elected to “end this war” has failed you again my liberal counter-parts. Attributed largely to the dose of good news coming from the media that Maj. Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is still having a hard time digesting.

It just doesn’t make sense to liberals that America is actually winning the war on terrorism. Tuesday, Democrats gave up on attaching a timetable for withdrawal to the massive spending bill that will pay the tab through next year. The bill allocates $70 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with no strings attached. That is how it should always be.

Sen. Russell D. Feingold (D-Wis.), backed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) attempted to hoist the white flag for all Americans by proposing all troops return home within nine months. In a brilliant display of common sense however, the bill could only muster 24 votes.

Harry Reid said in April: “I believe myself that the secretary of state, secretary of defense and — you have to make your own decisions as to what the president knows — (know) this war is lost and the surge is not accomplishing anything as indicated by the extreme violence in Iraq.”

On Jan. 5, Dick Durbin said: “The proposed surge in troops ‘is a sad, ominous echo of something we’ve lived through in this country.”

On Jan. 24, Barack Obama said: “What was striking to me in listening to all the testimony that was provided, was the almost near unanimity that the president’s strategy will not work.”

Also on Jan. 24, John Kerry said: “I tell you what: I’m confident it will not work.” (Kerry’s confidence is in part due to his most recent Botox injection—which has him looking fabulous!)

Now it’s time for that five-letter word that most democrats can’t stand, truth. A poll conducted by Opinion Research Business, concluded that by a majority of two to one, Iraqis believe military operations now under way will disarm all militias. More than half say security will improve after a withdrawal of international fighting forces. I don’t believe that any of us have a better perspective than the Iraqi people on this issue. The same poll found that only 27% of Iraqis believe they are entrenched in a civil war. That number stands in sharp contrast with 100% of whimp-o-crats who believe that the war is lost.

In light of recent developments, and a steady diet of common sense, the Democrats finally cave in on their hollow election platform. We all want to see the troops come home. I want to see them home as soon as we can make a stable withdrawal. Democrats want to see them home whenever it will be politically best for them. If Reid truly believed the war was lost and stood by his promises to end this “disastrous” war, then he would have stood his ground on this spending bill. He made a promise that this whole country knew he could not keep. Don’t be surprised if I am the only one to scream about this though. God knows the liberal media will never hold him accountable.

The beginning, the dawn of a new age, the revelation and realization that with the sunrise rose a new-found hope that this land we call “America” may one day be free from the chains of Tyranny. The constitution has taken a backseat to convenience and political ransacking. The founding fathers are turning in their graves over the sheer disregard for the ideals that make this country great. One man is on a mission to bring America back to the basics of Democracy. That man’s name is Ron Paul.

The Ron Paul revolution is beginning to take stance as the esteemed congressman from Texas wages war against the corporate lap-dogs that seek to make the White House their new power tool. Dr. Paul has been creating waves that may be the cause of those flattering wrinkles making their political debut on Senator Clinton’s forehead. As Obama basks in his new endorsement by the one and only Oprah, it has forced other candidates to pull out all stops to keep up in the race. Clinton responded by sending Billy out on the trail to speak of his undying love for his wife (and husky Jewish secretaries).

The alienation of Dr. Paul from the Iowa Tax debate also did more good than damage to the Congressman. Dr. Paul is making a hellacious attempt at a potential under-dog candidacy.

The American people may have a voice to represent them after all. Dr. Paul will most likely have my vote for his willingness to stand up for the little people in a big corporate world. I am a server on the side, as I am still in college, it helps me pay some bills and live just a little better. One thing that really bakes my cookies, is when money that I work hard to earn; my tips (la propina para mi amigos) are taxed by the federal government. They already tax the measly $3.25 an hour I make, but that’s not enough.

“It is an outrage that waiters, waitresses, and other service-sector employees have to pay taxes on the tips they earn. The IRS makes an estimate of how much service-sector workers will make in tips, and taxes them on it even if the taxpayer did not actually earn as much as the IRS' estimate!” said Dr. Ron Paul. He continued…

“When you give someone a tip, you should not have to simultaneously tip the federal government.”

I heard those words and it gave me a reason to keep fighting. Give me liberty, or give me death (and then tax my family for it, thanks)!

First Greetings,

Greetings to Everyone,

My name is Kyle. I am a student of Political Science who currently attends Northwest Missouri State University. I am 21 years of age, and my hometown is Raymore, MO.

I am a non-denominational Christian, but If I had to choose one, I'd say I lean more Baptist I do suppose. Overall, I believe the teachings of the Bible, and most importantly, what Jesus said about Loving your neighbor as yourself. I think a shocking number of Christians overlook the major elements of God's word. I won't preach at you, but I am a man of my convictions, and I will base some of my positions off what God's word says, and you will have to deal with that.

Up until 9/11- I wanted to be a sniper. That is what I wanted to do for a living (funny, I know). After taking a look into what happened and the causes of 9/11 I was encapsulated in the politics of this nation. I see so many things that frustrate me, and the best way to change things is to be the agent for change. I won't really touch into the whole 9/11 conspiracy theory- so if it is brought up- I will probably push it aside, as it has the ability to completely take away from all other issues. I will say I do not believe it was a government staged operation, and we can leave it at that.

In the 04 Election- I did vote for GWB. I still stand behind that vote- though I do stand behind him less.

On a scale of 1-10 as far as how conservative I am, with 1 being Rudy Giuliani, and 10 being Neo-con. I would say I am a 5 or 6. That doesn't mean that's how you will see it though. I am more of a social conservative than anything else. I believe in the ideals of "conservatism"- don't spend what you don't have- balance the budget..etc. It seems most Republicans now-a-days have lost touch with that concept though, as most politicians have in general. I will just give you a brief run-down on some of my positions on issues:

I am only going to discuss a few issues, but feel free to bring up issues that you care about.

GAY MARRIAGE
I am against same-sex marriage, but I would allow civil unions that entitle them to their "partners" inheretance, and health information..etc"


Marriage is sacred in my mind, between a man and a woman. Yes, this is a decision largely based on moral grounds. There is nothing wrong with that either, because politics really is all about making "moral choices" and the best decisions for the country. I can also support my decision scientifically, Tab A goes in Slot B. Man+Man= nothing. Man+Woman= potential for child, if not aborted.

ABORTION
I am pro-life in all instances except for where it endangers the mothers life. Even in instances of rape, as painful as it may be, I believe it is inconsistent for us to say its okay to kill that Child, when that child did nothing wrong. Adoption is always a good option here if the pain of raising a kid that belongs to someone who raped you is to much.

STEM CELL RESEARCH
Opposed to it on embryonic.
For it on adult stem cell.

No currently approved treatments have been obtained using embryonic stem cells. There are no human trials—despite all the hype and all the media. After 20 years of research, embryonic stem cells haven't been used to treat people because the cells are unproven and unsafe. They tend to produce tumors, cause transplant rejection, and form the wrong kinds of cells.

Private investors aren’t funding embryonic stem cell research. They are funding adult stem cell research, which is an ethical alternative. Some of the most startling advancements using adult stem cells have come in treating Parkinson’s disease, juvenile diabetes, and spinal cord injuries.

-persay the heritage foundation.


Why spend more on something that has brought us nothing yet?

THE DEATH PENALTY

I am for it, but not the current way. It is incredibly expensive. I prefer firing squad. Death is Death. If you ask me how I can be for the DP but against Abortion. I will respond with TWO points.

A) If you throw this out there, you conceed that fetuses are people too, and lose the moral high ground.

B) It has always been the duty of our country to protect others from threats to society. Our justice system is MORE than fair. They have 13 years of appeals for crying out loud.

THE UNITED NATIONS

I say we get out. It's ineffective as it is. It is US taxpayer funded, and Anti-US. That alone is reason enough for me. Have they had success in ANYTHING they have done? Besides Somalia, and abandoning US troops to their death? Yeah, good work UN. (And Billy)

GUN CONTROL

I believe it is the right of every citizen in this country to be armed to a freakin T. If you don't think this is right, please go google search "Australia Gun Study" and see how many more women were raped/murdered/molested after they took the guns out of society. Not so safe is it?



I tend to be pretty sarcastic, so that is your warning in advance. If you are curious about my beliefs on a certain issue, just comment, and I will update it accordingly, just for you! Post away please!


Also: All posts attacking a person over an idea, will most likely be deleted. I want to keep this pretty clean and easy going. Also- keep cursing to a minimum please.