CIFA

CIFA(CounterIntelligence Field Activity) could soon be transformed according to a presidential commission. The office now coordinates Pentagon security efforts including protecting military facilities from attack. The transformation would allow it to investigate crimes within the U.S. such as treason, foreign or terrorist sabotage or even economic espionage. Does anyone see a hole big enough to drive a tank through? Obviously, the sons-of-a-bitch haven't got enough to do with their time. Not a problem that they can't fulfill their goddam mission. Like say...providing the troops with battle armor...or, armored vehicles to assist in thwarting IED's. No, let's waste a little more of the tax payer's money by trying to do the FBI's job. Now hear this you low life, scum suckin', mother fucker's. Their are a lot of us who have done our duty for this nation. And, we are not interested in your low life, pathetic, as usual lowest possible standard interest in our lives. Try, if you can, to protect our children and grandchildren from your wretched and assinine intrusion into Iraq.

From a war veteran, to the sorry excuse for a secretary of defense...you, are a useless piece of humanity. You have no right to be connected with the military in any way. You have no qualification whatsoever. You have done everything you can to denegrate it. So, just do the right thing and resign. Of course, we know that you would never do the right thing, so how about if, just because you are a chicken-shit at heart, you have a heart attack and leave the office quietly?

Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it.
Mark Twain

Thanks,
A Real Patriot

Death Penalty

and one of the reasons I am against it.

In 1984, Ruben Cantu was charged with murder. He was 17 years old. He professed his innocense up to the time of his execution at age 24. His co-defendant, David Garza, recently signed a sworn affadavit stating that Cantu wasn't with him the night of the killing. Juan Moreno, the lone living eyewitness, has said that he fingered Cantu because he was afraid of the police and believed that is what they wanted him to do.

This is another example of the law getting it wrong. And, one of the reasons I believe that the death penalty should be abolished. Not to save those who are guilty, but to protect those who are not. No innocent person should have to face dying at the hands of the state.

We have long known that errors are made at court. Yet we persist in killing innocents who are convicted in those courts, knowing that we could be making the ultimate error. And, in a society such as ours, which professes it's religion so loudly, one would think that such a barbarous act as executing a person would have ended long ago. Unfortunately, for Reuben Cantu, and others, what we say and what we do are polar opposites.

Abramoff Update

I spoke of this mess in an earlier post. The grind toward a conclusion will take another step tomorrow when Michael Scanlon (a former Abramoff partner) will plead guilty to one felony count of conspiracy. Scanlon has agreed to testify against one-time partner Abramoff in any future criminal case involving the ex-lobbying superstar. Redundancy is something I will try and avoid on this site. However, in this case, I believe it is worth repeating that this case is bigger than all of the other problems facing Bushco. Essentially because Abramoff and his partners are connected to so many Republicans, and some Democrats, in high places, when the testifying begins, there are going to be a lot of political openings in the halls of Congress. And, very possibly, some jail time for some of those involved. It matters not which party they come from, if they were involved with Abramoff they are going to pay dearly.

When all is said and done, and some of the people who need to be gone are, we will have, in my mind, a chance to repopulate the place with those who will, at least short term, have the country's best interest at heart. Do I think it will last forever? Of course not. But, after the long decline during the latter part of the Democratic Party rule, and all of the Republican Party rule, the nation's agenda has been set aside for short term political gain. Hopefully, we will see the nation's business, at last, put back on the front burner.

Tomorrow we should get perhaps an idea of what is to come. Whether that actually happens or not, will depend upon the Prosecutor's in the case. But, with Scanlon ready to testify, there will, or probably already is, a hell'uva lot of maneuvering over the next few weeks. It will be interesting to see who all starts to lawyer up. Of course, DeLay and Frist already have their separate crew's on-board. But, the implosion of the Republican Party will a spectacle to behold. Since a goodly number of people in leadership positions are expected to be touched by the time the play is over.

Rep. John Murtha (D-PA)

Those of us who were against the disaster in Iraq from the beginning are starting to see larger and larger gains in the number of people coming over to our side. Today, Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) called for the immediate removal of our troops from Iraq. The Republicans who still back the operation immediately began to pump the same tired shit down the same line. "Surrendering to terrorists" and "not supporting our troops." So, for those who may be interested, this is how John answered Cheney's (one of the prime architect's of this war) complaint. "I like guy's who've never been there that criticize us who've been there. I like that. I like guy's who got five deferements and never been there and send people to war, and then don't like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done." That slapping sound you hear is John putting one upside Dick's head.

We are beginning now to see the press come back to life, our Federal Representatives reappear, and the people of the country taking stock of what has happened in their name while they weren't paying attention. We are seeing the subject beinning to roll over and the awful truth that the thing is covered with maggots, eating at the decaying flesh of our society and destroying our world. It is now that people must take hold of this mess and clean it up. Fumigate the premesis and put things aright in our nation. The Theocracy must be put back in it's place on the fringe of politics. Those who would take a few millions in a year from the poor and needy, while pumping billions per month into the black hole that is Iraq must be sent back to their low places. And, business must be put in it's place. If they cannot operate in this world without doing damage to the environment, and that means the people who populate the environment, then they need to fold and let someone else take their places.

So, I welcome those for whom the light is beginning to dawn, back to the world of reason. Hopefully, we can now begin to rebuild our nation. Where Human Rights and Civil Rights aren't just something we pay lip service to, but something we as a nation have as a priority. Rather than dismantling our world in the name profits for the few, a world where we become, in the truest sense of the word, our brothers keeper.

Yellow Ribbons

As I travel around I see a lot of those Yellow Ribbons with the Support Our Troops lettering. That's a kind gesture. We should all support our troops. The poor bastards are underpaid on any scale and used for the worst possible invention by man...war. So, I'm just wondering...has every one of those people who have one of those Yellow Ribbons on the back of their car called, written, e-mailed his/her Federal Representatives and demanded that they return the money that has been cut from the VA budget? I'm guessing they probably haven't. Those folks are not leaders, but followers. They respond to the squeaky wheel. So, for all of those who have had contact with their rep's, thanks. For those who haven't, why the hell not? Could it be that the words on those Yellow Ribbons are no more than Bushit to impress other people? Hmmmm!! I would hope not. However, it's hard to figure why Congress would cut the budget for VA more, after they were told that there would be a significant shortfall in the current budget, if all of those Yellow Ribbons had spoken.

Dear Sheeple of the Right

You may not have noticed, but there are some changes afoot that you might like to know about. First, John Edwards, on the Washington Post.com site wrote in part: "I was wrong...it was a mistake to vote for this war in 2002"... That may not seem significant, but he is the first Democrat to make that statement. There will be others. You may want to get onboard this train now. There are many of us who have been saying this since 2002, but we welcome one and all.

Second, when VP Cheney says Enhanced Interrogation Techniques, he means TORTURE. Changing the words does not change the facts.

Third, tonight a new compromise bill concerning Guantanamo has been agreed to. The bill will grant Gitmo detainees automatic access to the courts where they are sentenced to 10 years or more. And the courts could have discretion to hear lesser sentences.

Thought I'd just put this in, Senator Harry Reid (NV), with several of his colleagues, have issued a short preamble to an upcoming Plan to get out of Iraq. Since Bushco got us into that mess, it would be appropriate for him to come up with an actual plan to get the hell out. I'm sure they were just waiting around for the right time. But, just in case, the Democrats will give him some assistance. 'Cuz you know, it's like...hard work. No more BUSHIT!! Let's start arranging for those young folks to come home.

Sincerely,
tsilaicos

Cuba

There was a vote in the UN the other day concerning Cuba. The resolution was a demand for the US to stop it's embargo of Cuba and allow it to begin to take care of it's people. The issue isn't new to the UN. In fact, this is the 14th year in a row that this has come up, with similar results. This year, the vote was 182-4. Three nations voted with the US, with one abstention. Four nations didn't vote.

What in the hell is it with the US that we cannot get over Cuba? Just how are they going to do any damage at all to this country? They have no military to speak of. A significant portion of the island nation's people live in abject poverty. There hasn't been an economy of any note for decades. Why is it that we persist in punishing those people? The argument that the government is corrupt is simply a red herring. We have a corrupt government. Just in case anyone was wondering, I. Lewis Libby was indicted. Congressman Tom DeLay, was indicted. Senate Majority Leader Frist is under scrutiny by the SEC. A whole raft of people are under investigation by the Abramoff Grand Jury. Seems pretty hypocritical, doesn't it?

We have gotten past Germany, Japan, Italy, even Viet Nam. Perhaps it is time for the folks in this nation to apply a little pressure to Congress to remedy this affair and put Cuba back into the league of nations.

Shut-Up and Sign-Up

Now hear this. All young Republicans. Two years from now, we'll still need troops in Iraq. The National Guard will essentially be out of the fight. You see, the National Guard cannot be made to return under4 current rules that limit to 24 months guardsmen's active duty obligation. You have made it known that you support the Bush Administration's War in Iraq. You now have the opportunity to show the world what you're made of...truely. If you start your military career now, you will be fully trained and ready to take your place inside of two years. That will give us a seamless transition from National Guard, who make up a significant portion of the people assigned to that theatre, and active duty personnel.

You have been given three years now to finish up at school and get your affairs in order. The time for action is now. Oh, and don't worry about the lack of vehicle and body armor, I'm quite sure your family will be able to furnish it for you. And, if you're wounded, there are the medals. Don't be concerned about the lack of hospital care when upon your return you find them closed or unsuitable. Private care is much better anyway. And, arms and legs can be purchased on the open market. After all, this is a Capitalist country isn't it? One should expect to take care of these things themselves.

Forgot one other small item. Congress is trying desperately to manage the national debt...what with the war and all. So, the Food Stamp Program will be cut. Your family will be grateful enough just to see you serving your country and will provide food and shelter for your wive's/husband's and children. Quite sure you're aware that beginning wages in the military will leave you a little short.

So, here is your opportunity you fucking little twits. Shut-Up and Sign-Up.

Cheney and Torture

We know how VP Cheney feels about torture. After Senator McCain's amendment specifically demanding that there to be no torture of detainees was passed in the Senate, VP Cheney went to the Senate and tried mightly to have it rescinded.

So, where do others who appeared on Sunday talk shows stand? Lets have a little looksee. Why don't we start with who might back VP Cheney? Senator Orrin Hatch (R) Utah, on CBS's "Face the Nation" said he supports the VP's efforts to gain a CIA exemption. He stated that the administration opposes torture, yet stated further, "They're going to do everything in their power to make sure that our citizens in the United States of America are protected."

Someone against? Senator Chuck Hagel (R) Nebraska on "This Week) on ABC gave us this. "I think the administration is making a terrible mistake in opposing John McCain's amendment on detainees and torture. Why in the world they're doing that, I don't know."

Now that we have the for and against, let us have a word from the person who submitted the amendment in the first place. Senator John McCain, (R) Arizona, on "Fox News Sunday" gives us this quote. "Our image in the world is suffering very badly, and one of the reasons for it is the perception that we abuse people that we take captive."

We would rather expect Hatch to spew the administration line. His ethics have, for many years been suspect partly because of his direct participation in the supplement world, hosted in large part in his home state of Utah. So, ethics isn't really his big issue anyway. It is interesting how he contends that the administration opposes torture, but VP Cheney is doing everything in his power to allow it. And, lest any should forget, this administration gave us the Gonzalez opinion telling us that torture was ok in some cases. Written by Mr. Addington, VP Cheney's replacement for I. Lewis Libby. That they had to rescind it after they had their asses handed to them by the nation at large, does not make me comfortable that these folks are here to protect my rights in any way.

Senator Hagel is using something called "Common Sense" when he wonders why the administration opposes the McCain amendment. Torture has been shown to be entirely ineffective in gathering information from detainees. Not just once, or just recently, but for many years by a host of nations and entities. Hopefully, he will continue to press on this subject and keep it before the public eye.

Senator McCain is the only one who could have given the weight necessary to make this amendment happen. Having been a POW for five years during the Vietnam debacle, he has the moral authority to carry the flag and state the case.

Remembering as I do the speeches, articles, television and radio pouring vile upon those who would torture, it seems to me that Bushco is trying its damndest to drag this country down the path taken by ocracy's and ism's since time immemorial. They do not seem to understand that the reasons for resisting torture of detainees is not for them as much as it is for us. When we see human rights as ok for me but not you, regardless of the reason, we have taken a step towards destroying the vary things that this country has stood for since it's inception.

That some of the above has already happened with the Patriot Act, the decision to take Food Stamps from 300,000 of the worst off among us, while funneling billions into the useless endeavor that is Iraq, makes me for one, very sad and concerned.

Bushco: Spreading Democracy Through Torture.

Add On

There are a couple of issues I would like to add too in this article.

First there is a recent medical study commissioned by the Commonwealth Fund, a private nonpartisan, nonprofit foundation in NY. They're survey of 7000 sick adults in US, Australia, Canada, NZ, Britain and Germany, found the following among these countries: (1)the US is highest in cost; (2)the US has the highest error rate; (3)the US has the highest disorganized care. If you read my previous blog about David and his unfortunate venture into the medical world, you will recognize the "highest disorganized care" finding. For those who may be wondering, the view of these folks as to the health of medicine in this country is that "healthcare in the US is quietly imploding." For those of us fortunate enough to have good healthcare and good insurance, it really doesn't appear that bad. But, if you happen to be among the working poor in this nation, you are only to aware. I have seen this close up and personal. Members in my extended family who have working class jobs (Mom & Dad both work), but who have to ration healthcare because they can't afford the co-pays that go with it. Do I advocate universal health care (UHC)? If you haven't read my previous blogs on the matter, let me help you. YES!!

NEXT

As President Bush's poll numbers drop down there with Nixon's Watergate numbers, let us just remind ourselves of the promises that came with him into the WH. "...uniter not a divider", "higher standards for those working in the WH", "The way you earn credibility with the American people is to set a clear agenda that everybody can understand"... Well let's see here. He still has three years to make good on any one, let alone all, of these and the rest of the political promises that spilled from Rove's mind. At this moment, he still has a divided nation. "Scooter" Libby stands indicted. Rove is still under investigation. There is now indication that the Italian's told Bush pre-Iraq that the fake letter which linked Saddam to Niger was produced by a rogue intel guy in Italy. Cheney just led a charge to dismantle the McCain bill that strictly forbids torture by US troops. Secret bases on foriegn soil used by the CIA to hold prisoners, so that they don't have to adhere to US, UN or any other law. And, the clear agenda that Mr. Bush spoke of seems to be more and more apparent. Do everything that can be done to enhance life for corporations, start a war, make the public debt so high that it forces the dismantling of the Welfare State. (Welfare State means those less fortunate).

NEXT

Read an article today that was of the generic "How to prevent cold/flu" variety. Found the usual wash your hands (cool), avoid large crowds if you can, cough into your shoulder, get plenty of rest, items. Then there was, take aged garlic to prevent. That one got my attention. So, I went looking for verification of the statement. There is no recommendation by any National Health Agency for taking garlic to prevent a cold or the flu. So, just in case you have heard this from some other source, it's bullshit.

NEXT

A retired Bexar (San Antonio,TX) County judge has been selected to oversee the proceedings in the trail of Tom DeLay. It turns out that Pat Priest, the retired judge, is a Democrat. Wonder what the DeLay camp is saying about that? Priest is described as a judge with a Social Conscience, which puts him at odds with DeLay and company right off the bat. Since Tom & company already had their shot, and the original judge stepped aside, this is the end of that ploy. No more complaints will be heard in the matter...at least, inside the judicial system. Hopefully, this will drag out well into next year when DeLay has to stand for re-election.

NEXT

With the problems the Republicans are having and will continue to have into the forseeable future, it is entirely possible that we will have a complete regime change by the end of '08. I pity the poor sob who has to follow behind and clean up the mess that this administration (elephant) is making. It will take someone who can truly lead. At this juncture I am not committed to anyone in the field. But, like most folks I know, I'm looking for a radical departure from where we are today.

AND LAST

Thank You!! Rosa.

My Right Arm

We have a friend, David, who is an upstanding citizen. He has a job, pays taxes, doesn't beat his wife, or kick his dog. In other words, he is a decent, hard working citizen.

In early July, he began to notice a loss of feeling in his right arm and pain radiating down his neck and into his arm and back. Like most, he paid little attention and went to work every day hoping that it would resolve itself. It didn't. David was sent into the medical maze with the hope and belief that those in the maze would take care of him and his problem. He was sent from specialist to specialist and test after test. During that time he became unable to do his job. And, the problem became worse and worse, until he entirely lost the ability to raise his arm. In mid October, he ran into his primary physician who asked him how things were going. David told him the story of how he had been sent from test to test with no attempt at resolution. The primary doctor made some phone calls and within a week, David was on his way to the surgical suite. His neck was opened up, discs removed and cadaver bones put in their place, a plate screwed into the spine for stability and he was sent home.

Ninety days unable to work. Ninety days of pain and agony. Ninety days of testing and reports to nowhere, concluding nothing. Brought to a place where he was attempting to get appointments on his own with the Mayo clinic.

Medical malpractice is a real thing. It does real damage to real people...like David. Regardless of the bullshit spewed by physicians about how the cost of malpractice insurance is ruining their businesses, they will never admit to the fact that it just might be that many of them are just plain incompetent and have no business being there in the first place. I am not a lawyer. I have never played one on television. However, I worked inside the medical maze for many years. And, my advise to David was to make an appointment and go see an attorney specializing in medical malpractice.

The bottom line, for me, is that people who do damage to other people should be held accountable. I don't give a goddamn whether they have a gun or a scalpel. The pain, agony and suffering are just as damaging in any case.

Spine?

Jesus Christ!!! Was that some spine showing in the Dem Group? YYYYAAAAAAHHHHHOOOOOO!!!! Harry Reid has given us a few glimpses over the last year, but this is exemplary action on his part. He has been prodding the Rebub's to act on the investigation of intel info pre-Iraq. They have been dragging it out and accomplishing absolutely nothing since before the election in '04. With Bush trying like hell to keep the Talking Points moving in his direction, as per the last five years, he brought out the Avian Flu show. Harry, wanting to keep the Talking Points on "Scooter" dragged the Senate into a closed session. The Repub's were out in full, and between snivel and pule, pissed as hell because they hadn't been notified pre-action. Of course, anyone who knows anything about the system knows that if he had, they would have quashed it instantly. Excellent move Harry. That, by the way, is why they call it politics. This action today took the Alito, Avian Flu pieces and put them where they belong...on page 2.

Have been putting 1 1/2 miles per trip, Mon/Wed/Fri in the pool. Terri has decided we need to also be working out at the gym. Either I am going to be one healthy SOB, or I will soon be dead. A glass, or two, of port helps the tired old muscles.

Chris Matthews

This afternoon, Chris Matthews took a paper from a production person and proclaimed that the Democrats had defamed the Supreme Court Nominee, Mr. Alito, in a talking points paper being passed around. Being the lazy ass that he is, he started running the party line before he did any fact checking or even a quick read of the paper. Turns out, it was bullshit. The papers are on-line and available to those who would like to verify this. The whole affair has the smell of Rove. Although, it was first seen on the Drudge site and one cannot forget that this character's name should really be Sludge. It will be interesting to see how the MSM plays the whole affair tomorrow. And, it will be interesting to hear what Matthews has to say. Shill.

Also of interest today was the exchange between Gregory of NBC and Scottie, at the WH briefing. Jeff has been on Scottie boy's ass since Katrina hit. Today he seemed to come down to calling him a liar. Of course, he is. But, rarely does anyone confront the spinners at 1600 Penn. Maybe. Just maybe. The WHPC is going to come to life and start confronting these people every time they start lieing. It was a thing of beauty.

We went to watch "Grapes of Wrath" at a theatre in Seattle yesterday. Wonderful. The acting was not Broadway, but it did hit all of the highlights. And, it was delightful to get back to a story that I have read many times over the years. It was good to get back into a theatre, as well. We get to a few productions every year, but never enough.

Merry Fitzmas!!

Well, we didn't get all we wanted for Fitzmas this year. But wait, the season isn't over yet. We may be getting more at later dates. We got Libby. We just didn't get Rove. But Rove remains a possiblity, as does Bolton. Bolton was an Undersecretary in 2003.

If Libby goes to trial, will it matter? By the time the whole affair is over and done, it will be near the end of this Administration. And, with that would likely come a Presidential pardon. It may be that what this really represents is the start of the drip drip drip that we saw with Watergate. A three year Fitzmas season. Oh wouldn't it be luv-ely?

Picked this thought up in several places today, Rove may do more damage to the WH by remaining in place. While he remains under investigation, the Sword of Damocles hangs over the Administration's head. It will be hard for them to stay focused while Rove is busy trying to keep his sorry ass out of jail. Andrew Card is a very smart guy. But, he's not Karl Rove. And, Rove is the brain of Bush. Without him, Bush flounders. And that just may be the best thing that can happen for this country for the next three years. Besides the Democrats getting their collective shit together. If there is such a thing.

Signed the on-line petition tonight that Senator Kennedy has going. It calls for the WH to turn over all relevant documents relating to PlameGate. Not that I think for one minute that they will be turned over. If these folks could do the right thing, they wouldn't be in this mess to begin with.

Fritzmas Eve!!

Well, what we've all been waiting for is nearly here. Tomorrow is the last day that the PlameGate Grand Jury is scheduled to be empaneled. Since nothing else has been heard, we can only surmise that tomorrow is Fitzmas. Therefore, this has got to be Fitzmas Eve. It's enough to keep you wide awake all night waiting for jolly old Fitz to come down the chimney and deposit the goddamned gifts already.

Have been busy for a couple of days touristing. Did a tour of a part of the Boeing plant. They take you through the 747 assembly area. It was great to get back in there and see how manufacturing has improved since last I was there. Definitely something all should get a chance to see.

Today we went through the Museum of History and Industry. It recalls the history of Seattle and all the major players. It only takes a couple of hours to go through it, and they have done a superb job of keeping you looking around the corners. One of those places for people with a history gene.

It will be interesting to see who President Bush will nominate for the SCOTUS now that Harri has pulled the plug on her nomination. Interesting that it was the right who did her in. I find it quite satisfying to see them eating their own. What bothers me is that the replacement may turn out to be what the Fundies want. That is a scary proposition. Perhaps a stark raving lunatic in the Senator Brownback (KS), Pat Robertson mold.YIKES!!!

Now we hear that Cheney and Libby withheld documents from a House panel...against the advise of WH staff. This just gets better everyday. Is there some kind of play at work here though? It's hard to beleive that an old player like Cheney would step into that particular pile. Stranger things have happened, but it sure seems odd. There are way too many conspiracy theories for me to want to participate. So, I'll stick for now with a stupid mistake.

What the hell is with all of the stories about Shrub treating his lower level staff like shit. Had heard rumors about it for a couple of years, but they now seem to be coming from inside. With him not being able to take responsibility for his own actions, I guess it was inevitable that he would turn on those inside when things started downhill.

This Week

Had hoped to see an indictment come down last week in the V.P. case. Didn't happen, but hopefully it was just putting off the inevitable. The Grand Jury is due to expire midnight 10/28/05. The Republican spin is something like they will need something besides perjury, since that is such a non issue. However, a very well done article by kos, over at www.dailykos.com , brings back to life words quite the opposite by a host of Republicans back in '99. Specifically, Senator Kay Hutchison from Texas. She was on Russert's show yesterday (10/23/05) and made the remark expecting no push back. Russert, quite out of character, reminded her of the 180 from '99. There was no response from Hutchison. She should have been forced to back up her words. Although, even one follow-up question by Russert of a Republican must be seen as a very large step.

Three Republicans were faced with a replay of the Hutchison remark yesterday on Hardball this afternoon. One spun himself into the ground. One said that Democrats in Seattle (where he is today) are dismissing the perjury charges as being of little import, that the real issue is Iraq and the fact that we were lied to about the reasons for going in. The third basically said that Bush has two ways to go. One bad, the other worse. The first would be to get rid of all of his staff and start again, with an apology to the citizens of the U.S. The second would be to go down with the ship. Hmmmmm.

Just a question here. Why would Fitzgerald set up a web site concerning this whole affair, and then end the Grand Jury proceedings with no indictments, or with a report?

More UHC

This is information I gathered on from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development site. The costs and comparisons I found, and use here, were for inustrialized nations only. And, are for the year 2002.

In the U.S. we pay more for pharmaceuticals, hospital stays and physican visits than in any other industrialized country. For instance, it was found that for a hospital day, in the U.S. the cost was $2,434. While in Canada a hospital day cost $870.

Per capita, the U.S. ranks near the bottom of all industrialized nation for hospital beds available, physicians and nurses, and available technology (MRI/CT). It seems possible that two of the reasons for higher health costs could be greater intensity of care (I do not know the exact meaning of this phrase) in hospitals and the higher frequency of use of MRI/CT technology.

Anytime Universal Health Care is discussed, the cost to tax payers is raised. That is certainly something to be considered. Total health spending in the U.S. in the year 2002, was $1.55 Trillion, or $5,267 per capita. Of that money spent, 46% came from government. The next highest cost per capita is roughly $2,000 dollars less. The major difference of course, is that all other industrialized nations cover the basic health coverage of all it's citizens. In the U.S. over 45 million of our citizens are without coverage of any kind. I found no statistics for costs per patient covered by the government. Nor did I find anything indicating what that money covered. It seems to me that to extend the Medicare program to all would not be that much of a stretch. Especially in light of the billions now being squandered in Iraq.

One other item of note, was this statistic found concerning malpractice. With the big push in many states to cap payments on medical malpractice suits, one would think that the cost had to be in the billions. However, malpractice payments take up .o5% of that money.

With the information available, I have to wonder if the free market is conducive to the better good in as far as medicine is concerned. And, again my question. Why do we not have Universal Health Care in this country?

Universal Health Care II

Why is it that we do not have Universal Health Care? Most agree that we need it. The question has, up until now been, how is it to be payed for. Some information avaiable to all may be of assistance.

In a Harris Poll (09/6-12/05) appearing in the WSJ it was revealed that 75% of Americans strongly/somewhat favored Universal Health Care. What this poll does not tell us is how strongly they would favor that care if they were asked to pay for it. And, how much each segment of the question is influenced by the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

On the Public Agenda web site I found the results of a Gallup poll (11/04) with 64% of Americans agreeing that we should have guaranteed health care. In a Kaiser/Harvard poll (11/04) when the above was asked along with the condition that they pay for the care, only 45% agreed.

Can one surmise that if the 64% went to 75%, that the 45% also rose to 55%? No way of knowing without further data. However, it is worth some thought. Because, that would mean that over 50% of the country feels that Universal Health Care is important enough to pay for. That would indicate a sea change is occuring in this country.

In a 2004 report, found on the National Coalition on Health Care website, we find that although 45 million Americans are uninsured, the U.S. spends more on health care than other industrialized nations, and these countries provide health insurance to all of their citizens.

Further, 50% of people who had low and mid-range- compensation jobs either had problems with medical bills in previous 12 months or were paying off accrued debt due to medical related bills. Lest we consider otherwise, fully 25% of those considered to be in the higher-compensated category were in the same situations as those previously mentioned.

How this is helpful to a healthy and vibrant economy escapes me. Since most of these medical bills and accrued debts seem to be attributable to hospitalizations due to a lack of basic disease prevention, it seems to me that a good percentage of the bills and debts could be eliminated with very basic health care. It further occurs to me that if one were to prevent childhood diseases, one would also be reducing adult diseases.

So, why don't we have Universal Health Care?

Congratulations!! to Tom DeLay. For being booked in the state of Texas;>)

With Four Part Harmony

28.8 SUCKS!!!!!! Tried to get this done twice last night...got bumped both times and lost the damn thing. Hence the header.

In an earlier post I had spoken of my hope for Louis Farrakhan and his new endeavor. Have since learned that one of the co-founders is a Rev Wilson. This man is a biggot. Equal as long as you're Black...and straight. There was a scheduled speaker for Sat who was blocked from speaking because he was Gay. That there wasn't a hue and cry from all involved speaks volumes for me. With that in mind, I am pulling my support for the association.

Since the Grand Jury in the Plame case meets on Wed & Fri, there is conjecture that there may be indictments handed down today. As for me, I haven't a clue. Whenever it happens, I am of two minds. The first of course is that it will be good to start this regime down to the path to oblivion. However, it bothers me that such an outfit could be put in place with the duplicity of the press and public. And, the fact that there are no democrats, with few exceptions, screaming at the top of their lungs is very disappointing.

As much as import as the Plame case has, the Abrahmoff Grand Jury is the one with the potential to do the most harm to the Republican Party as a whole. People throughout the Party are tied by money to Abrahmoff and his co-horts. One expects the DeLay, Blount, Santorum group to be involved, but there are many, many more who will find the heavy gaze upon them when this Grand Jury finishes it's work.

T with back spasms of unknown etiology. Going to see about that this am. Hopefully, it can be figured out and something done to alleviate the spasms and the associated pain. Tough little beggar;>)

Judy!! Judy!! Judy!!

Sorry...you have to take'em where you find'em.
Have been watching the Judith Plame story unfold all day. The article that she wrote, coupled with the NYT article answered some, but certainly not all questions. Of course the obvious question was, Where, when, how did you find the notes? that you couldn't find before? An article which will appear in the WSJ in the am gives some of the answer. In it Ms. Plame says that she was asked a question, by Mr. Fitzgerald, and she said that she needed to return to her office and see if the answer was in her notes. And Lo and Behold, what should she find but her long lost notes. A question from the WSJ was, paraphrasing, was there any info about any conversations with Rove? WSJ indicates that Judy became "irritated" and said she wasn't going to answer any question like that. Scuzzy bitch didn't get sent back to jail for not having any answer to the questions when she appeared before the Grand Jury. I'll bet anything that Judy would have spilled her guts if she had been faced with a return to jail with no EASY button to push. Wonder what her upcoming book will have to say on that subject?

Spin on the Iraq election all over the MSM today. What baffles me is the Republican inability, or refusal, to see that now that the Constitution has passed, although 96% of Sunni's voted against it, there is going to be at least as much violence as before. Why? Because they now know that they are indeed outside the decision making process. They all voted against it and it had no effect whatsoever. They can now see that they will be dominated by the Kurd's and Shia. And, they are supposed to come into the fold for what? If votes don't get it...then maybe guns will.

And then there' Ms. Rice. Telling us quite frankly that al Qaeda wasn't really the issue. They were just the catalyst. That after 9/11 we could either go after al Qaeda or look at the big picture and move on that. Now they're not even bothering to try and cover up the fact that they had this in mind long before 9/11. Bushco is a den of criminals, who led the country to war on trumped up intelligence and were assisted every step of the way by the MSM (Judith Miller=NYT/WaPo/WSJ/CNN, et. al.). Every one of the journalists (in name only) who helped propagate the WMD tale (aluminum tubes) should hang with their bosses.