The Respectfully Republican Conversation

LuAnn - I have to agree - McCain does not explain his health insurance plan well. Depending on how much you make you get the $2,500 plus some more (there is a chart somewhere - the less you make the more you get). If you have a pre-existing condition you would be put in a high-risk pool that would be subsidized by the government to make it more affordable. I have a neighbor right now who lost her job two years ago. She would not take a job that did not pay at least what she was making before (she is single and lives with her elderly mother). She had just bought a car and decided that the car was worth paying for - health insurance was not. Fast foward to this summer and she starts experiencing bad back pain - goes to the doc - told she has arthritis - keeps getting worse - finally another neighbor takes her to the ER and she is diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She is in the hospital - this is the 6th week (on dialysis, cannot walk to the bathroom by herself). She was able to get affordable high risk insurance through the state - so it can be done.

Where I live there have been plenty of negative ads put out by the Obama campaign. I can't wait for the election to be over just so I do not have to listen to another campaign ad by anyone!

LuAnn--I am not voting for McCain and I don't believe either health plan will get implemented in the next four years but you keep focusing on that as though Obama's plan is offering something to people like you (without your husband's insurance), and he's not.  You really must read outside the Democratic talking points to know what each candidate is actually offering.  I just posted a website on the Health Care thread that gives a comprehensive review of each plan. The conclusion is that neither candidate gives sufficient detail to make any reasonable judgment on which is better for which person.  It's true.   They are deliberately kept vague so that the candidates have wiggle room.  In neither case, though, will either be implemented.  Perhaps Obama, who will be our next president, will make some changes to insurance regulations, the main one being the requirement that pre-existing and high-risk diseases be covered at the same premium cost as those in the low-risk category.  If he even does that, I will feel something got accomplished.  

You again associate John McCain with his age, and then jump from there to "old" ideas. I may be the oldest woman posting on these threads, but I am also the most progressive in my ideas for policy change.  I am, you should note, the only Nader supporter in the crowd. Women, 60 and older, are the heart of the Democratic Party and, as a number of recent studies have shown, older women are far less likely to move to conservative positions as they age. Yet, look at the way Hillary was treated when she was running.  I can just imagine what would happen to a woman of 72 if she ran!  I honestly think you have to rethink some of your ideas about age.  You did so about race, so you're well on your way.

Anneshirley, you always make so much sense.  You've just got it wrong politically. 

You know I was kidding! (no I wasn't...shhhhh).

Pat--I believe Felicia has answered the post you addressed to me.   I agree with her post, but I  want to add that I don't believe Sharpton need apologize for anything he said in the past--I don't know everything he's said, obviously.  This mania for forcing people to apologize has gotten out of hand. I usually wind up disliking the people who apologize at the media's bidding. "Have the courage of your convictions" is my usual thought. Those who are passionate about right and wrong often say things in heat that might have been toned down, but it's the sentiment behind the words that I hear. We have had many, many racial problems in New York, as pointed out earlier, that needed someone to get our blood boiling and Sharpton has been that person.  I'm glad we have him.  Tawana Brawley lied, and he believed her.  I did too, at first. 

And speaking of state troopers.  My husband, a Latino, had his own experience with bigoted state troopers in New Jersey.  I remember shouting at them, both with Irish last names, that they made me ashamed to be Irish. There is a problem between the police and minorities, and we won't fix it until we stop denying it.

Pat,

You said, Lots of people in a variety of settings have expressed their concerns about Palin and no one seems to question if they have a bias against women just because they express that concern. 

That's not true, at least with respect to me. I wrote a number of posts wondering if women on the Obama thread had a bias against Palin and by extension, against women in general, but that was only when they used sexist terms to denigrate her, or questioned her role as a mother, wife, etc.

I understand that you don't like Al Sharpton--he's not to everyone's taste, but there is no possibility that Obama would ever use him as an adviser.  Obama is far too politically astute.  Remember this is a man who voted "present" 130 times when he was in the Illinois legislature.  He does not take stands that are unpopular.  To my regret anyway.

Felicia you couldn't have stated my feelings about Palin in better terms!

Shirley and someone else (I think Anne) I am having a hard time with age and some people age better than others. He does not look or act 72 but I hate to say it this job ages even the youngest of people.  It amazes me to see a picture of someone just elected and to see how much they have aged from the stress of 4 years on the job.  It's a tough job with alot of tough decisions that I sure don't want to be put it.

Let me ask you this question.  I am a pro life person, always have been being brought up a nice catholic girl, but I also believe women have a right to make their own decisions.  Don't like their choices and I know people who have had abortions and live to regret it all their life.  But that is not my question.  You Tube is just full of all kinds of stuff that can crack you up and make you mad.  But as I was watching a video another one came up that I watched and it said that in McCain's health care plan he wanted to stop funding for birth control.  Is that true or is that just hype?  I would hate to repeat something like that if it were untrue.  But if it is true I find that appauling!  Why stop a woman from using birth control that does not wish to have a baby or doesn't have the means to care for a baby?

sorry if I am thick but he does think birth control should be covered on rx plans?

That kill him, didn't happen.  They can't find anyone who heard it at Sarah's rally.  It only came from one reporter, and it's now very suspicious that he/she was embellishing.  Anyway, I do look at Obama's past history, the little of it, and I don't like it one bit.  I pay more attention to the elections, so I do know a lot more.  But we're finding out that Frank Marshall Davis, the communist, was Obama's mentor.   Who's that?  William Ayers, a lot of people didn't hear about him till Sarah brought it up, that forced the press who are in the tank for Obama to speak of him, otherwise...Who's that?  Tony Rezko, the same.

If the press did their jobs then the V.P. wouldn't have to go and do it for them.  So she has to take the hit for it, but I see her as a very strong lady who can handle the barbs and arrows.  It's a thankless job, but it had to be done.  For the first time, my sister asked me, so who's Bill Ayers? She never heard the name before, now people are asking and finding out.  What a history coming from just one young man. 

Rosemary, Bill Ayers was brought up by Hillary long ago in the primaries it isn't something that sarah just came up with.  My problem with her is she says lots of things but really has nothing to say.  They will not let her interview with the press which makes you wonder what her experience is and how much she really knows.  The only thing we really know about her is what the press is reporting and doesn't sound appealing.  We have abuse of power by trying to have her BIL fired.  He may have been a bad trooper and a bad man but it wasn't her job to oversee his firing.  The person that wouldn't fire him for her lost his job.  Now there is controversy over who paid to build the nice home she lives in.  The permits are all of sudden lost and the contractor did that house in conjunction with some other building for the state.  so it is controversial that the state of alaska may have paid for her house.  Is it true? who knows?  But you can't say one is hiding stuff when you have even more hiding on the other side.

It is my understanding that when 9/11 happened, Ayers comments were not directed at the 9/11 terrorists. Ayers was referring to the Vietnam war, and that he felt he should have done more protesting. That was reported on several news stations and in the newspapers.

And, "that's all I'm going to say about that." (Forrest Gump)

I just want to say that I watched the debate very carefully last night, and avoided listening to the media pundits afterwards on any TV station--just turned it off and wanted to ponder what I saw and heard. I hope I don't get "hung" for my comments, but I really, really tried to sit on both sides of the fence--truly trying to give McCain a fair shot. I will try to comment only on the issues, and not on personalities.

As I watched the debate, I was struck by the "coolness" of Obama's responses. He seemed to try to stick with the issues, and seriously wanted to talk about the economy and health care. McCain didn't give me enough substance on the issues. He appeared to have some negative "talking points" (as his supporters asked for) he kept repeating several times and attempting to insert them within his answers. For me, that was a distraction in trying to glean his ideas and solutions out of his answers. I was somewhat frustrated by this. I would have liked him to respond to the issues.

What I came away with, is that in all reality it really doesn't matter who I vote for. Politics is politics, and I don't see much changing in this country with either candidate. However, what solidifies my voting for Obama rather than McCain, is that no matter who the President is, something might happen to either one of them, and my vote comes down to who each one chose for VP. I can see Biden stepping in immediately as President, just as LBJ did when Kennedy died. I cannot see Palin as the President of this great nation. She doesn't strike me as someone who would work to bring all sides together, her foreign policy is not strong enough, and she does not have a good handle on the issues. In my personal opinion, McCain did not make a good choice. I think if he had chosen someone else there would not be this question in the minds' of some voters like myself.

I don't know how to say this in a way that does not offend those on this thread, but last night I felt such a sympathy for McCain. He has given so much to his country and has worked so hard, and to watch him wave without being able to raise his arms above his head makes me feel badly for some of the undeserved comments the media has responded with. I'm sure it sells advertising and newspapers, but it has divided this country more than united it. And I also feel some sympathy for Palin, who I feel has been placed in a position she may not have known would be this brutal, and I don't believe she has really been supported by the advisors she has. I believe that when I hear her answer questions and realize that many times the questions are asked in a way that puts her on the defense.

Now, I will leave and go elsewhere on this board.

November election day can't come soon enough for me!

Hope you don't consider this post a hit and run.

LuAnn

If this site, Brestcancer.org forums was to have a heart, it would be named LuAnn.  You always express so much feelings and compasion for all the women here.  I guess that is why I am so surprised that you attack Gov Palin with so little knowledge.  She was not cited for abuse of power for firing the man because he would not fire the trooper.  The report stated she had the right to reasign him with or with out cause, And there was cause due to budget policy differences, The investigator some how placed himself in her head saying that the failure to fir bil was a part of the reason, but not the real reason.  About her house, the Palins built the house in 2002, four years before she even ran for governor.  Todd did a good bit of the work himself. 

She did reduce government in Alaska, she did double the royalties to the citizens of Alaska, she did negotiate the construction of the Gas Pipeline, (a project that had been delayed and loaded with corruption for years, before she threw out all previous agreements and started fresh.  This with getting the people of Alaska a part of the money if will make.  She is a strong religeous woman that lives her values.  She has an above 80% approval rating , making her the most popular governor in the country.  She is a woman that did this while being married to her high school sweatheart, raising 5 kids.  She does not need ill informed scorn.  Be proud for her, if you disagree with her that is your right. 

I forgot, the abuse of power was her husband had called people to say, this trooper has stated he will kill a member of the Governor's family, he tassered the Governor's newphew, drives around in the state car with beer, and had abused the Gov Sister.  He needs to go.. The report said that this happened and the Gov knew of the Husband's call.  How they know she knew, Todd admits to Sarah telling him to stop calling. 

LuAnne,

If I was the governor and my people were practicing cronyism, you can bet I would have fired him, no matter who he was.  I  can't softpeddle a cop tasering a child.   He could have killed the child.  He didn't know what damage that could do to an 11 year old. 

If McCain had a terrorist in his past, I wouldn't be here defending him against anything.  And I do not find fault with a Governor doing her job. 

Personally, I don't know how any one can defend Obama's past associations.  First of all there is a pattern,  starting with a communist, right up to a minister who hates America. 

If anyone at a rally said Kill Obama, then we'll hear all about it won't we.  The FBI must investigate all threats against a candidate.  MSNBC will be all over it if it did happen.

Anyway, I'd rather talk about Saul Alinsky radical teachings that Obama was the student of.  He even taught Alinsky in his workshops.  Saul dedicated one of his books to the first community organizer...Lucifer.   There is a pattern that has developed in Obama's life..connecting all the dots, add re-distribution of wealth...and where are we?  Russia, Cuba? 

The polls are tightening up..Gallup has Obama up by only 2.  Things are changing. 

And in order to keep it the United States of America, we need to fully understand all of Obama's relationships.  It's a window into his soul so to speak. 

More Thuggery!

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Good news: Toledo moves to shut down Joe the Plumber

posted at 6:27 pm on October 16, 2008 by Allahpundit

Look on the bright side. The media’s finally starting to vet acquaintances of Barack Obama.

Wurzelbacher registered as an apprentice with the Ohio State Apprenticeship Council in November 2003, according to Dennis Evans, spokesman with the Department of Job and Family Services. Records show his training, which was sponsored by A & W Newell Co. of Toledo, should have been wrapped last year.

“We don’t have a record of completion,” Evans said. “All we know is that he registered in the program and has gone through to the point where we should have record of completion, but we don’t.”

And that’s not the only record that’s missing from Wurzelbacher’s file. He doesn’t have a plumbing license required by the city of Toledo to practice, according to a staffer with the Toledo Division of Building Inspection. Wurzelbacher, who now works for Newell Plumbing & Heating Co., said the owner, Al Newell, has a plumbing license and that “because he works for someone else, he doesn’t need a license.”

But even that’s not true, according to the Toledo Division of Building Inspection. Wurzelbacher can’t legally do plumbing work without a license, regardless of his boss’s certification.

A staff person with the Toledo Division of Building Inspection told On Call this afternoon that her division will contact Wurzelbacher to notify him that he can’t work without a license.

“We’re trying to track him down,” she said.

Also revealed: His boss’s business probably doesn’t bring in anywhere near $250,000 a year so he should stop dreaming about turning it into one that does and what that might mean for his taxes. Which should be easy enough; he’ll probably be out of work soon anyway. Should have known better than to ask a media darling a tough question before your affairs were in order, Joe. Exit question: The law’s the law and it is, after all, his own fault for not having the papers he needs. If, say, an illegal alien had asked McCain a tough question and some righty media source responded by bringing his status to light, would the left feel the same way?

I haven't even begun to read all the crap you guys are writing about.  Oh, I'll SO try to stay cool and calm.

I'm so sick and tired of crap being brought out about ANYONE who's in favor of McCain.  Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration.  The plumber didn't ask to go on the National news or have his name mentioned in the debates.  Oh, but the media pounced right on him like flies on $h!T!!  Or even nastier than that...maggots on rotten food! 

The media is so in the tank for Obama.  And people ignore everything about him because he so calm and speaks so well and doesn't get ruffled and is young.

He want people who make $250,000 a year to pay more taxes.  Why?  They have earned that money.  Why do they have to give it back to me or someone else?

Let's see just how generous Obams and Biden are with THEIR money.  Let's see just how much THEY saved.  Yes, they want the government to tell us where our money goes..,not me cuz we don't make $250,000.  Instread, most people like to give their money to the charities of their choice.

Read this EVEN IF you have already read it.  One's from a left leaning site and one from the right.  Then tell me what you think.  Please tell me!  And you want this man to tell you where your money goes.  Uh-Uh!

From the Huffington Post

Sam Stein

Obama Tax Returns:  Low on Story Lines and Charity Donations

March 25, 2008

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/25/obama-tax-returns-low-on_n_93353.html

Sen. Barack Obama released seven years of prior tax return documents on Tuesday. And a review of the records reveals several newsworthy, albeit minor, disclosures.

Up until recent years when their income increased sharply from book revenues and a Senate salary, Obama's family donated a relatively minor amount of its earnings to charity. From 2000 through 2004, the senator and his wife never gave more than $3,500 a year in charitable donations -- about 1 percent of their annual earnings. In 2005, however, that total jumped to $77,315 (4.7 percent of annual earnings), and to $60,307 in 2006 (6.1 percent).

The money went to several organizations. More than $27,000 total was given to Obama's church, Trinity United Church of Christ, whose former pastor Jeremiah Wright has dominated recent news coverage. Other charity gifts included: Muntu Dance Theater, a Chicago-based company that performs contemporary and classic African dance, which received a $5,000 donation; The Rochelle Lee Fund, a literacy organization, which received a $20,000 donation; the Illinois Reading Council, which received a $25,000 donation, and CARE, the poverty fighting organization, which received a total of $31,000 in donations.

Obama also classified a $13,107 contribution to the Congressional Black Caucus as a charity gift.

Taken as a whole, these disbursements made up a small portion of Obama's annual income. According to TaxProf Blog, the Illinois senator gave "well short of the biblical 10% tithe for all seven years."

"As new parents who were paying off their large student loans, giving $10,000 to charity [from 2000 to 2004] was as generous as they could be at the time," said Obama spokesman Bill Burton.

The release of Obama's tax returns represents another step in the campaign's effort to push the issue of transparency in the nomination battle against Sen. Hillary Clinton. The New York Democrat has not released her tax return information from the years following her departure from the White House (she has released returns corresponding to the 20 years prior). Her campaign promised to make her tax information public at least three days prior to the Pennsylvania primary on April 20.

While political observers are eager to see how former president Bill Clinton's profited off his post-White House fame, the Obama disclosures underscore the story of a relatively obscure and unknown state senator rising rapidly to national prominence.

Indeed, perhaps the only other of interesting news to be gleamed from a review of the Obama tax returns is that Michelle Obama made $12,000 more than previously known from the organization Treehouse Foods.

Why is that significant? Treehouse, an Illinois food-processing company on which Michelle Obama served as a board member, is one of the biggest suppliers of pickles and peppers to WalMart, the retail giant that is often loathed in progressive circles.

According to Obama's 2007 tax returns, Michelle earned $51,200 from the company and 7,500 Treehouse stock options. This is relatively minor stuff considering the degree of separation from WalMart itself (Sen. Hillary Clinton, for one, served on WalMart's board while she was first lady of Arkansas), but already Obama's critics have used it against him.

"The Obamas would have us believe that, when it comes to money and ethics and compassion, he is a different kind of politician," Chicago political consultant Joe Novak said in a May 2007 article in the London Telegraph. "[But] defending Treehouse while attacking Wal-Mart is a blatant example of personal hypocrisy."