Regardless of one’s political views, rational people must question how the Nobel Peace Prize could be awarded to President Barack Obama.  According to Alfred Nobel’s Will, “the Peace Prize should be awarded to the person who, during the preceding year, shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding an promotion of peace congresses.”  Nobel died in 1896 and the Nobel prizes were first awarded in 1901.  The deadline for nominations is February 1st of each year.  Therefore, Obama, who had been in the office of President of the United States for eleven days, presumably, must have been the most worthy person in the entire world to have met the criteria for the preceding year.  How could that be?  President Obama had been on the campaign trail for most of that time??  However, Obama is in good company with other winners such as Yassir Arafat and Le duc Tho.  One must wonder why none of those who, historically,  met the critiria in most critical times, e.g  President Franklin Roosevelt, President Truman,President Eisenhower, Winston Churchill, General MaArthur, President Reagan, Charles DeGaulle and Margaret Thatcher were overlooked for this award.  Unfortunately, since this award is oftentimes presented for political reasons, it is forever tarnished.  Alfred Nobel must be rolling over in his grave.  Polecat 46

HEALTHCARE: THE END OF THE REPUBLIC?

Polecat 46

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.  That statement should say it all concerning the Obama/Pelosi Healthcare proposal.  If the plan is so good for the American public, then it should be good for the politicians and bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.    

But, they do the Washington “shuffle” (not to be confused with the Congressional “two step”) when it comes to them being a part of such a plan.  No, they are happy with their present plan, thank you.  How can anyone take the President and members of Congress seriously concerning this issue?  They are so disingenuous, it is sickening.   

To put it kindly, as some analysts have stated, they (Obama/Pelosi, et al) have misstated the facts, or as Congressman John Boehner stated about the President, some of his statements don’t pass the “straight face” test.  White House Officials have stated that Obama’s “rhetoric should not be taken literally”.  Where I come from, that means that they lie or they are incompetent.  Take your choice.  It is not very comforting, in either case.

Recently, when asked about the right to keep ones present insurance contrary to Section 102 of the Healthcare Bill, Obama stated “…I am not familiar with the provision…”.  Huh?  Senator Arlen Specter admitted that he has not read the bill.  Yet as uninformed as he is, he held town hall meetings.  Many members of Congress have clearly stated that they have not read the Healthcare Bill.  As Congressmen Conyers and Rangel stated, it is too long and difficult to understand. Huh?  If they do not feeel it necessary to read and understand, how can they possibly believe that it is good for the American Public?  Very few Senators and Representatives have signed pledges to read the bill before voting.  We all know that the vast majority have not read the bill in its entirety, yet they will vote based on what?  Party loyalty?  Presidential or Congressional leadership pressure?  You make the call.  It is not in our best interest!

Do you feel comfortable with a President who does not remember important provisions of the Bill, if in fact, he has read it in its entirety with a complete understanding?  Do you feel comfortable with members of Congress who have not read the bill yet are trying to “ram” it down our throats?  But why?  Once in place, the President and Congress will have much more control over us, for sure.  And, that will be just the beginning.

The healthcare issue is life changing for all Americans and our National government form.   Once established, it is irrevocable.  Yet, Obama and Pelosi want the bill passed by September.  It should be called Castor Oil for Americans…take it whether you want it or not…it will be good for you.  I did not like castor oil as a child and I do not want the government determining what medical care I will receive and whether I shall live or die based upon the decision of some bureaucrat in Washington.

If in fact 45million citizens do not have health insurance, it means that over 260million citizens do have health insurance and are, seemingly, happy with their coverage.  Of the 45million uninsured, nearly 15million earn enough to purchase health insurance but choose to spend their money in other ways.  Approximately, 6 million are college students, 12million are eligible for Medicaid, when they choose and the remainder, including illegal aliens, would receive medical treatment in hospital emergency rooms across the country upon demand.  Even with these considerations, 85% of Americans will be expected to make life changing medical decisions to accommodate 15% who in some cases are illegal, irresponsible and/or non-productive.  This continues with the dumbing down concept that is rapidly growing in our Nation under Government mandates.

Under Medicare, Senior citizens are offered Plan B for a nominal fee and all are eligible for Medicare supplemental insurance immediately upon reaching the qualifying age.  The supplements are by choice with no pre-existing limits.  The new Healthcare Plan calls for $316Billion in Medicare cuts.  Possibly, no more joint replacements, cancer treatments and heart health intervention.   How will that work for you and your loved ones?

The myth that the more wealthy tax payers should pay for the health insurance of others is un-American.  What reasoning implies that successful, hard working, industrious citizens are responsible for all other citizens in a free capitalist society?  If the benchmark is that $250,000 annual income earners and above are to shoulder this burden, then approximately 5million U.S. households become required to share their wealth, further, with their fellow Americans.  That is in addition to the fact that they already pay nearly 50% of the total income taxes in this Nation.  Twenty percent of the citizens in the country already pay 80% of the taxes.   

House Speaker Pelosi believes that anyone questioning the healthcare bill is un-American.  Apparently, she is not familiar with Amendment 1 of the Constitution guaranteeing the right to assemble and freedom of speech.  Is she a demagogue? 

Some letter writers complain that those attending town hall meetings are upset and intense in their inquiries.  Is this some new phenomena?  I think not.  In my many years as a citizen, I have observed such matters under every presidential administration, albeit that it may have occurred by different groups who had a political agenda.  President Bush received a great deal of shouting and bashing during his term in office.  Oh what short memories some of us have.

For those who want to blame the pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals, be careful of what you want.  These are the people who, through research and innovation, develop the cures for many devastating diseases.  They are the ones who invent artificial joints, prosthesis, arterial stents and the many medical of the apparatus that have allowed us to live longer and with more quality of life.  They are the ones who spend years in medical schools training to treat you and me.  Take away the incentives and loose the benefits of further medical science.  Are you ready for that?

Keep in mind the Social Security/Medicare bureaucracy already employs nearly 64,000 and is underfunded by over $258Billion.  The long term underfunding is in the trillions of dollars and on an immediate basis adds $1.042Trillion to the National Debt.   Can we afford an additional trillion dollar plus plan?

There isn’t any question in this writer’s mine that there are serious flaws in the current medical care system, particularly as to cost of services, medications and treatments.   But I believe that these flaws can be fixed without the government taking over the entire medical insurance field.  As a cliché don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.  Keep in mind that doing away with the private medical insurance carriers will put thousands, if not millions of employees out of work.

Do we want to have the government become our benefactor with all the controls and intrusions in our personal lives that such will entail?  Is Socialism the future for our children and grandchildren?   As Benjamin Franklin said, “When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic”.  Is the United States no longer a Republic?  As some want the removal of the words “under god” from the Pledge of Allegiance, should the word “Republic” be removed as well?

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who are not. - Thomas Jefferson

TEMERITY OF OUR GOVERNMENT!

Forgive them for they know not what they do!  How prophetic is that statement?  Its origin was nearly 2,000 years ago but is as apt now as it was then.

This best describes what the American public is doing by allowing President Obama, the Congress of the USA and the Judicial System, including the ACLU, to systematically change our Nation from a free enterprise driven capitalistic economy to a government dependent society.  We are changing from a democratic republic to a socialistic government.  Those in our nation who long for more complete government control are leading the charge and they are succeeding.

The Roman Republic lasted nearly 500 years.  In his book, “Are We Rome”, author Cullen Murphy draws many parallels between the USA and the Roman times.  Are we Rome in the sense that our republic will fail and our status as a nation will become diminished in the world?  No one knows for certain, but the signs are all around us.

One of the premier signs of an accomplished con man is to pick ones pocket while in full view.  It can be done very easily by the Elmer Gantrys of the world who so eloquently mesmerize us with carefully crafted words and charm.  And you, my fellow Americans, are having your pockets picked and many do not even realize it is happening.

The audacity of hope is not for you and me.  It is for President Obama and his entourage who plan to control this nation under their terms.  We are letting this happen while we quibble among ourselves over nonsensical issues and exchange criticism as to whether we are left or right…liberal or conservative.

Our attention has been diverted from the obvious happenings while our Nation is slipping into an abyss, from which we (our children and grandchildren) may not be able to extricate ourselves.  If this happens, the good ole USA will be at the mercy of the rising powers such as China.

This can’t happen, you say.  Well consider what is taking place with our branches of government.  National healthcare is an emotionally charged issue, yet if one looks at the facts the realization is that we, as a Nation, cannot afford such a plan.  At present Social Security and Medicare plans are underfunded by nearly $58billion and our National Debt is over $11trillion. (http://www.usdebtclock.org/)  These current plans, established obligations, are on the verge of bankruptcy.

The figures and percentages of the population without health insurance are distorted.  Much of the population listed as uninsured are temporary, or have chosen not to pay for insurance when it was offered, or are non-citizens and, in the case of low income Americans, are already offered medical treatment at facilities upon demand.  The theory that a government controlled health plan will improve our care and reduce our costs is simply a myth.  Check out the bureaucracy created for managing Social Security and Medicare.  Currently it is the largest social welfare program in the U.S., if not the world, with over 62,000 employees.  Efficient?  You be the judge…it’s your tax money.

The so called cap and trade in theory sounds interesting because it seems to improve the environment, overall.  However, some areas of the country will have increased pollution while other parts will have decreased pollution.  The price tag is huge.  Studies reviewed showed electricity prices jumping 5-15% by 2015, natural gas prices up 12-50% by 2015, and gasoline prices up 9-145% by 2015. As an illustration, gasoline would suffer a 16 cent price increase per gallon at the low end of the estimates to a $2.58 penalty at the high end (using the January 2009 reported retail price of $1.78 per gallon). (www.usnews.com Thursday, June 25, 2009)

Has the so-called stimulus package been effective?  What did you do with your $250?  Do you feel good about the government taking over the auto industry and financial institutions?  Nationalized industry!  What is next?

Do you feel that it is beneficial to give amnesty to 12 to 20 million illegal aliens and absorb them into our population, while others stand in line to follow the legal process?  That hasn’t worked to well for the State of California. They have some of the highest taxes in the Nation and still are on the verge of bankruptcy.

The second amendment to the U.S. Constitution is, seemingly, the most valuable right to our well being as citizens.  With that right we are able to protect ourselves from government tyranny.  Are you willing to give up that freedom?  The President has clearly stated his desire to remove that right either overtly or covertly.

Is it a good idea to have the government be in complete control of our lives?  There is one version of the golden rule that applies to all.  Them that have the gold make the rules.  The government has the “gold” and determines how much of your assets they are going to collect in the form of taxes.  When all taxes are added together, that rate is well in excess of 50% of our income and in the case of estate taxes, a large portion of what we have accumulated through our lifetime, will be paid in taxes and will not be passed on to our heirs.

In the eight steps, historically, leading from the rise of cultural societies to their ultimate demise, the U.S. is arguably on step seven which is “apathy to dependence”.

Down through history it has been determined that the best way to control groups of people is by making them dependent upon the core organization.  When the general population realizes that they can receive, what they perceive to be, free benefits paid for by some other class or group of people they will favor such.  Government controlled healthcare, significant increases in taxes, substantial increase in the national debt, systematic removal of Constitutional rights and significant increases in big government leads to socialism.  And, that is where we are headed.

If you believe in socialism for our Nation, you should be very happy.  If you believe in capitalism and free enterprise, you should be very concerned.  What will be our legacy to our grandchildren?