As much as I like President Obama, I am not in favor of his public option healthcare reform. If it is funded by dollars which are taken from taxing wealthy Americans (mostly hard working people), then I am absolutely opposed to it.
If we are to have a public option, I believe it must have four important parts:
1. Funded by participant premiums.
2. Administered by an independent group, not by politicians.
3. This entity should be tax exempt.
4. It should be run as a non-profit organization.
Let me explain my reasoning for these:
Funded by participant premiums: This would make certain that people take an active role in their health, and their healthcare. You could have incentives for people to lead healthier lives. For example, an overweight person would pay a higher premium than a healthy weight person, as would a smoker. It would also ensure that this public option does not drive insurance companies out of business.
Administered by an independent group, not by politicians: The reasoning for this is obvious. I would add one more qualification to serve in this group: Insurance companies are not allowed.
This entity should be tax exempt: This plan will be taking on millions of Americans who are rejected by traditional insurance companies. To offset this increase, it should not have to pay any taxes.
It should be run as a non-profit organization: It should be run and managed very conservatively. Meaning, it should be stashing away cash during good times as a cushion for bad times. Those who are fiscally conservative (like me) know that the party doesn't last forever so you had better save money while you can. This would stabilize the system.
In closing, despite my opposition I won't be screaming lies at townhall meetings. That is just trashy, not to mention unproductive. I hate to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but I am suspicious of these people. I wonder if they are being paid to disrupt the Democratic process....
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
8 signs of hope for the economy
8 signs of hope for the economy
CNN today reported the following POTENTIALLY favorable signs of recovery in the economy:
The stock market is volatile, but I would hate to have missed the recent gains. Some bank stocks have doubled in value in recent months (i.e. ZION has gone up 112% since March). Buy low, sell high.
Consumer confidence is important. The fact that this number is increasing is probably the most stable indication of economic recovery.
Home prices seem to have found the bottom. A few more months of data will tell us if this is a temporary anomaly, or if this is the beginning of a stabilizing trend.
Corporate earnings are important for the portfolio, and for the economy as a whole. When companies post profits, their stock prices jump. After posting profits, many companies start hiring and buying again. This has a strong impact on the overall economy.
Initial unemployment claims dropped by 14,000. That is not a significant drop, but it is much better than increasing initial unemployment claims. We must be careful not to over-react to this number. As the economy recovers this number will fluctuate, which is absolutely natural. Only sharp increases should concern us.
Manufacturing numbers are important, but I believe manufacturing will be almost as slow to recover as the housing industry.
The credit market is getting better. Banks are starting to lend to each other more easily. I think the Troubled Asset Relief Program has had a great deal to do with this. It will be a few months before the banks feel confident enough to lend to consumers more. This is all good news.
I believe the economy will show significant improvement over the next few months. Perhaps by late October we will see consumer confidence improve enough to have a good holiday shopping season. If that happens, in March we will look back and realize that the recession ended in December 2009.
I am keeping my fingers crossed, and holding on to my job. :)
CNN today reported the following POTENTIALLY favorable signs of recovery in the economy:
- Housing starts (new construction) were flat from the previous month
- S&P 500 was up 9.4% in April (the DOW is up 15% since April 1)
- Consumer confidence is climbing, up 12 points in April
- Home prices seem to be finding the bottom (but a few more months of data are needed)
- Corporate Earnings seem to be stabilizing, as opposed to hemorrhaging cash
- Initial unemployment claims dropped slightly (but this could reverse quickly)
- Manufacturing shows some signs of life
- Credit Market is thawing, meaning more credit available to the economy
The stock market is volatile, but I would hate to have missed the recent gains. Some bank stocks have doubled in value in recent months (i.e. ZION has gone up 112% since March). Buy low, sell high.
Consumer confidence is important. The fact that this number is increasing is probably the most stable indication of economic recovery.
Home prices seem to have found the bottom. A few more months of data will tell us if this is a temporary anomaly, or if this is the beginning of a stabilizing trend.
Corporate earnings are important for the portfolio, and for the economy as a whole. When companies post profits, their stock prices jump. After posting profits, many companies start hiring and buying again. This has a strong impact on the overall economy.
Initial unemployment claims dropped by 14,000. That is not a significant drop, but it is much better than increasing initial unemployment claims. We must be careful not to over-react to this number. As the economy recovers this number will fluctuate, which is absolutely natural. Only sharp increases should concern us.
Manufacturing numbers are important, but I believe manufacturing will be almost as slow to recover as the housing industry.
The credit market is getting better. Banks are starting to lend to each other more easily. I think the Troubled Asset Relief Program has had a great deal to do with this. It will be a few months before the banks feel confident enough to lend to consumers more. This is all good news.
I believe the economy will show significant improvement over the next few months. Perhaps by late October we will see consumer confidence improve enough to have a good holiday shopping season. If that happens, in March we will look back and realize that the recession ended in December 2009.
I am keeping my fingers crossed, and holding on to my job. :)
Monday, May 18, 2009
Democrat Socialist Party
Democrat Socialist Party
I am a Democrat only because the GOP has sold it's soul to the devil (neocons and loons like rush limbaugh).
If they were serious about the ideas they promote, I would probably be a liberal Republican (not to be confused with a fascist Republican).
I actually wrote a post listing and discussing the things I admire about Republicans. Needless to say, from my perspective they flunk every category. That is why I have moved to the left. Similar "say one thing, do another" issues have caused me to reject organized religion.
Let me end this rant with my idea to rename the Republican Party: Fascist American Theocratic Party. FAT for short. If you add Republican, you can even change it to FART. However, I think we should keep the "Republican" open for a group who speak and act on Republican principles (low taxes, small effective government, self sufficiency, respect for life).
I am a Democrat only because the GOP has sold it's soul to the devil (neocons and loons like rush limbaugh).
If they were serious about the ideas they promote, I would probably be a liberal Republican (not to be confused with a fascist Republican).
I actually wrote a post listing and discussing the things I admire about Republicans. Needless to say, from my perspective they flunk every category. That is why I have moved to the left. Similar "say one thing, do another" issues have caused me to reject organized religion.
Let me end this rant with my idea to rename the Republican Party: Fascist American Theocratic Party. FAT for short. If you add Republican, you can even change it to FART. However, I think we should keep the "Republican" open for a group who speak and act on Republican principles (low taxes, small effective government, self sufficiency, respect for life).
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Patented Genes
Patented Genes
Did you know that 20 percent of all distinctly human genes have been patented?
Yeah, it surprised me too.
I understand that patents allow for a company to profit from the research and development that go into the patented item. I have no problem with that.
However, the idea of patenting human DNA bothers me.
I think the fact that human DNA is inherent to all human life, it should be used for the benefit of ALL MAN KIND, not only those who can afford to pay a royalty fee.
I think this could also open the door to companies patenting human beings which have been genetically altered. For example, DNA could be manipulated in such a way that the child would have increased aggression, better reflexes, reduced empathy, and a mindset to follow orders without question. The DNA could be patented and sold on a "per unit" basis. The result would be a human being (a "unit") who's DNA is owned by the military.
Since DNA is the basis of life, we would basically revert to servitude and slavery. Afterall, what else do you call it when a person is "owned"?
I have a message for these companies that want to patent my DNA:
**While holding a plastic spiral DNA model, and giving a stern look like Charlton Heston at an NRA meeting***
FROM MY COLD, DEAD HANDS!
Did you know that 20 percent of all distinctly human genes have been patented?
Yeah, it surprised me too.
I understand that patents allow for a company to profit from the research and development that go into the patented item. I have no problem with that.
However, the idea of patenting human DNA bothers me.
I think the fact that human DNA is inherent to all human life, it should be used for the benefit of ALL MAN KIND, not only those who can afford to pay a royalty fee.
I think this could also open the door to companies patenting human beings which have been genetically altered. For example, DNA could be manipulated in such a way that the child would have increased aggression, better reflexes, reduced empathy, and a mindset to follow orders without question. The DNA could be patented and sold on a "per unit" basis. The result would be a human being (a "unit") who's DNA is owned by the military.
Since DNA is the basis of life, we would basically revert to servitude and slavery. Afterall, what else do you call it when a person is "owned"?
I have a message for these companies that want to patent my DNA:
**While holding a plastic spiral DNA model, and giving a stern look like Charlton Heston at an NRA meeting***
FROM MY COLD, DEAD HANDS!
Slumdog Millionaire Star's Home Demolished
Authorities tear down 'Slumdog Millionaire' child star's illegal shanty home
I feel horrible that this happened to this poor child. But if we look at the parents, we will see the cause of this poverty.
I have been unable to find a reliable source to tell me the number of siblings he has. So, I will look at the family of his co-star Rubina Ali.
Rubina Ali, is a neighbor, who co-starred in slumdog, has 6 siblings. That means her parents have 7 children. SEVEN CHILDREN!
I cannot understand how two adults could ever expect to support 7 children on the salary of a carpenter.
If they had stopped with one or two children, they would have been able to provide adequately for their children. Their children deserve to have 3 meals a day, a roof over their heads, and an effective education.
I am sad to say, these parents have failed their children. That is, unless their goal was to perpetuate poverty in their children.
The parents work, and I'll bet they work hard. But no amount of work will allow them to overcome the crippling poverty caused by their unwillingness to slip on a condom.
I certainly feel bad for the kids, but not for their parents. I absolutely refuse to feel bad for someone who is living the life they built for themselves.
If they want to do right by their kids, they should adopt them to families who have the common sense not to breed themselves into poverty.
I feel horrible that this happened to this poor child. But if we look at the parents, we will see the cause of this poverty.
I have been unable to find a reliable source to tell me the number of siblings he has. So, I will look at the family of his co-star Rubina Ali.
Rubina Ali, is a neighbor, who co-starred in slumdog, has 6 siblings. That means her parents have 7 children. SEVEN CHILDREN!
I cannot understand how two adults could ever expect to support 7 children on the salary of a carpenter.
If they had stopped with one or two children, they would have been able to provide adequately for their children. Their children deserve to have 3 meals a day, a roof over their heads, and an effective education.
I am sad to say, these parents have failed their children. That is, unless their goal was to perpetuate poverty in their children.
The parents work, and I'll bet they work hard. But no amount of work will allow them to overcome the crippling poverty caused by their unwillingness to slip on a condom.
I certainly feel bad for the kids, but not for their parents. I absolutely refuse to feel bad for someone who is living the life they built for themselves.
If they want to do right by their kids, they should adopt them to families who have the common sense not to breed themselves into poverty.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Texas police will return cash in case that prompted lawsuit
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/05/06/texas.police.seizures/index.html
Am I the only one who thinks these officers and prosecutor should be thrown in prison? It's one thing to seize drug money. It is entirely another thing to unreasonably seize cash and property in blatant violation of the fourth amendment of the United States Constitution.
I personally think the lawsuit should proceed. If the local yokels in that hick town are so backward and apathetic as to allow this type of corruption, they deserve the public humiliation that would ensue from such a trial.
Am I the only one who thinks these officers and prosecutor should be thrown in prison? It's one thing to seize drug money. It is entirely another thing to unreasonably seize cash and property in blatant violation of the fourth amendment of the United States Constitution.
I personally think the lawsuit should proceed. If the local yokels in that hick town are so backward and apathetic as to allow this type of corruption, they deserve the public humiliation that would ensue from such a trial.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Paranoia over swine flu H1N1
I must first admit that I am not a Physician, so my opinion should in no way be taken as medical advice. Now, on with the opinion.
Let us look at the facts about "regular flu", the one that comes around a few times a year to make us all miserable:
In certain instances a healthy immune system can actually be a liability, which is why some strains of flu kill more young healthy people.
Now that we have some information, what are we to do?
For myself, I am going to go about my business. I will be careful to avoid crowded places, and I will wash my hands often. I will keep myself hydrated, and eat healthy foods. In the event that I start having flu symptoms (fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, body aches) I will seek medical care immediately. Once I start feeling ill, I will quarantine myself from others. I will follow the doctors orders, without deviation.
My guess is that this first outbreak will be mild, but I think it will return in the fall. We need to study the mortality rates in "confirmed cases" to determine how deadly this virus is, and this needs to be done in the next 2 - 3 months.
If it is determined that this will have a high mortality rate, we must put in place contingency plans which will allow isolation (quarantine), social distancing, and medical treatment to minimize the human and economic cost of a pandemic in the fall / winter.
If we fail to prepare, or prepare inadequitly, we will find ourselves overwhelmed by this flu. Our already fragile economy could be pushed into deeper recession, possibly even another great depression.
Let us look at the facts about "regular flu", the one that comes around a few times a year to make us all miserable:
- The seasonal epidemic flu infects 3 to 5 million people world wide, killing nearly 500,000 every year. Even with 3 million infections and 500,000 deaths, that is a mortality rate of 0.17%. If the infection count is raised to 5 million, the mortality rate drops to 0.10%.
- Most of those who die (directly or indirectly) from the flu every year are children, elderly, and those who are immunocompromised.
- It kills people in all age groups, but seems to have a preference for individuals who are young and healthy (not children, elderly, or immunocompromised).
- The infection rate is difficult to know because of a difference in "confirmed cases" and "suspected cases". Confirmed cases are where the DNA of a virus is verified to be the same strain as the "swine flu". Suspected cases often turn out to be "regular flu", as discussed above.
In certain instances a healthy immune system can actually be a liability, which is why some strains of flu kill more young healthy people.
Now that we have some information, what are we to do?
For myself, I am going to go about my business. I will be careful to avoid crowded places, and I will wash my hands often. I will keep myself hydrated, and eat healthy foods. In the event that I start having flu symptoms (fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, body aches) I will seek medical care immediately. Once I start feeling ill, I will quarantine myself from others. I will follow the doctors orders, without deviation.
My guess is that this first outbreak will be mild, but I think it will return in the fall. We need to study the mortality rates in "confirmed cases" to determine how deadly this virus is, and this needs to be done in the next 2 - 3 months.
If it is determined that this will have a high mortality rate, we must put in place contingency plans which will allow isolation (quarantine), social distancing, and medical treatment to minimize the human and economic cost of a pandemic in the fall / winter.
If we fail to prepare, or prepare inadequitly, we will find ourselves overwhelmed by this flu. Our already fragile economy could be pushed into deeper recession, possibly even another great depression.
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