Timeline of Major Provisions in the Obamacare Package

Taken from the Ways and Means Committee

2009

 •2‐year tax credit (total cap of $1B) for new chronic disease therapy investments
•Medicare cuts to hospitals begin (long‐term care (7/1/09) and inpatient and
2009 rehabilitation facilities (FY10))

2010

•States and Federal officials review premium increases
•FDA authorized to approve "follow‐on" biologics
•Increase brand name pharmaceutical Medicaid rebate (from 15.1% to 23.1%)
•Medicare payments to physicians in  primarily rural areas increase (2 years)
•Deny "black liquor" eligibility for cellulosic biofuel producers credit
•Tax credits provided to certain small employers  for health care‐related expenses
•Increase adoption tax incentives for 2 years
•Codify economic substance doctrine and impose penalties for underpayments
(transactions on/after 3/23/10)
•Provide income exclusion for specified Indian tribe health benefits provided after
3/23/10
•Temporary high‐risk pool and high‐cost union retiree reinsurance ($5 B each for 3.5
years) (6/23/10)
•Impose 10% tax on indoor UV tanning (7/1/10)
•Medicare cuts to inpatient psych hospitals (7/1/10)
•Prohibits lifetime and annual benefit spending limits (plan years beginning 9/23/10)
•Prohibits non‐group plans from canceling coverage (rescissions) (plan years
beginning 9/23/10)
•Requires plans to cover, at no charge, most preventive care (plan years beginning
9/23/10)
•Allows dependents to stay on parents’ policies through age 26 (plan years
beginning 9/23/10)
•Provides limited protections to children with pre‐existing conditions (plan years
beginning 9/23/10)
•Hospitals  in "Frontier States" (ND, MT, WY, SD, UT ) receive higher Medicare
payments (FY11)
•Hospitals in “low‐cost” areas receive higher Medicare payments for 2 yrs ($400
million, FY11)

2011

•Medicare Advantage cuts begin
•No longer allowed to use FSA, HSA, HRA, Archer MSA distributions for over‐the‐
counter medicines
•Medicare cuts to home health begin
•Wealthier seniors  ($85k/$170k) begin paying higher Part D premiums (not indexed
for inflation in Parts B/D)
•Medicare reimbursement cuts when seniors use diagnostic imaging like MRIs, CT
scans, etc.
•Medicare cuts begin to  ambulance services, ASCs, diagnostic labs, and durable
medical equipment
•Impose new annual  tax on brand name pharmaceutical companies
•Americans begin paying premiums for federal long‐term care insurance (CLASS Act)
•Health plans required to spend a minimum of 80% of premiums on medical claims
•Physicians in "Frontier States" (ND, MT, WY, SD, UT ) receive higher Medicare
payments
•Prohibition on Medicare payments to new physician‐owned hospitals
•Penalties for non‐qualified HSA and Archer MSA distributions double (to 20%)
•Seniors prohibited from purchasing power wheelchairs unless they first rent for 13
months
•Brand name drug companies begin providing 50% discount in the Part D “donut
hole”
•10% Medicare bonus payment for primary care and general surgery (5 years)
•Employers required to report value of health benefits on W‐2
•Steps towards health insurance administrative simplification (reduced paperwork,
etc) begins (5 yr process)
•Additional funding for community health centers (5 years)
•Seniors who hit Part D “donut hole "in 2010 receive $250 check (3/15/11)
•New Medicare cuts  to  long‐term care hospitals begin (7/1/11)
•Additional Medicare cuts to hospitals and cuts to nursing homes and inpatient
rehab facilities begin (FY12)
•New tax on all private health insurance policies to pay for comp. eff. research (plan
years  beginning FY12)

2012

•Medicare cuts to dialysis treatment begins
•Require information reporting on payments to corporations
•Medicare to reduce  spending by using an HMO‐like coordinated care  model
(Accountable Care Organizations)
•Medicare Advantage plans with a 4 or 5 star rating receive a quality bonus payment
•New Medicare cuts to inpatient psych hospitals (7/1/12)
•Hospital pay‐for‐quality program begins  (FY13)
•Medicare cuts to hospitals with high readmission rates begin (FY13)
•Medicare cuts to hospice begin (FY13)

2013

•Impose $2,500 annual cap on FSA contributions (indexed to CPI)
•Increase Medicare wage tax by 0.9% and impose a new 3.8% tax on unearned , non‐
active business income for those earning over $200k/$250k (not indexed to inflation)
•Generally increases (7.5% to 10%) threshold at which medical expenses, as a % of
income, can be deductible
•Eliminate deduction for Part D retiree drug subsidy employers receive
•Impose 2.3% excise tax on medical devices
•Medicare cuts to hospitals who treat low‐income seniors begin
•Post‐acute pay for quality reporting begins
•CO‐OP Program: Secretary awards loans and grants for establishing nonprofit health
insurers
•$500,000 deduction cap on compensation paid to insurance company employees and
officers
•Part D “donut hole” reduction begins, reaching a 25% reduction by 2020

2014

•Individuals without gov't‐approved coverage are subject to a tax of the greater of
$695 or 2.5% of income
•Employers who fail to offer "affordable" coverage would pay a $3,000 penalty for
every employee that receives a subsidy through the Exchange
•Employers who do not offer insurance must pay a tax penalty of $2,000 for every full‐
time employee
•More Medicare cuts to home health begin
•States must have established Exchanges
•Employers with more than 200 employees can auto‐enroll employees in health
coverage, with opt‐out
•All non‐grandfathered and Exchange health plans required to meet federally‐
mandated levels of coverage
•States must cover parents /childless adults up to 138% of poverty on Medicaid,
receive increased FMAP
•Tax credits available for Exchange‐based coverage, amount varies by income up to
400% of poverty
•Insurers cannot impose any  coverage restrictions on pre‐existing conditions
(guaranteed issue/renewability)
•Modified community rating: individual or family coverage; geography; 3:1 ratio for
age; 1.5 :1 for smoking
•Insurers must offer coverage to anyone wanting a policy and every policy has to be
renewed
•Limits out‐of‐pocket cost‐sharing (tied to limits in HSAs, currently $5,950/$11,900
indexed to COLA)
•Insurance plans must include  government‐defined "essential benefits " and coverage
levels
•OPM must offer at least two multi‐state plans in every state
•Employers can offer some employees free choice vouchers for health insurance in the
Exchange
•Government board (IPAB) begins submitting proposals to cut Medicare
•Impose tax on nearly all private health insurance plans
•Medicare payment cuts for hospital‐acquired infections begin (FY15)
2014

2015

2015 •More Medicare cuts to home health begin

2016

2016 •States can form interstate insurance compacts if the coverage with HHS approval (2016)

2017

•Physician pay‐for‐quality program begins for all physicians
•States may allow large employers and multi‐employer health plans to purchase coverage
in the Exchange.
•States may apply to the Secretary for a limited waiver from certain federal requirements
2017

2018

•Impose "Cadillac tax on “high cost” plans, 40% tax on the benefit value above a certain
threshold: ($10,200 individual coverage, $27,500 family or  self‐only union multi‐
employer coverage)

Let the Wind Production Tax Credit Expire

The Wayne County Taxpayers Association has been asked to join a coalition to support the expiration of the wind production tax credit and our board has decided to participate.

First established by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, the federal production tax credit (PTC) was intended to be a temporary measure to jump start renewable energy. Since its establishment nearly 20 years ago, the PTC has expired three times and been extended on five occasions – most recently in 2009 as part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Most extensions have been for a period of one or two years, and several extensions have amended the list of qualifying facilities. Under current law, the credit will expire on Dec. 31, 2012.

Taxpayers have paid $20 billion so far . . .

In the past 20 years, taxpayers have paid more than $20 billion in tax subsidies to support the wind industry.

Even if Congress allows the wind production tax credit (PTC) to expire this year, American taxpayers remain on the hook to pay nearly $10 billion for existing wind projects.

The PTC’s costs are increasing, but wind jobs are not.

The subsidy cost continues to increase. According to EIA, as recently as FY2007, the PTC cost the government $426 million compared to $1.5 billion in 2010.  In FY 2010 alone, wind producers received $4.9 billion in subsidies from the federal government.  

Even with the PTC and wind generation additions, the wind industry lost 10,000 jobs between 2009 and 2010 – a 12% drop – and employment stagnated between 2010 and 2011. The wind PTC is not creating more jobs, but it is costing taxpayers more money each year. 

American taxpayers will pay billions more if the PTC is extended.

Extending the PTC just one year would cost taxpayers an additional   $12.1 billion. Subsidizing non-market driven wind jobs eliminates jobs elsewhere in the economy.

What does the American taxpayer get for those billions?

In 2010, wind companies received 42% of all government energy subsidies, but provided only 2.3% of the electricity generated.

The PTC rewards wind projects for every kilowatt-hour of electricity they generate, not for providing electricity inexpensively or when needed or devising cheaper ways to operate.

Since 1995, shortly after the PTC was first established, wind power has grown from 0.09% to 2.9% in 2011 of total U.S. electricity production; EIA projects it will only grow to 11% by 2035.

How much does wind really cost?

Electricity from wind by itself is more costly to produce (offshore more so than onshore) than, for

example, electricity from nuclear energy. The additional costs are passed on to households through electricity rates.

The levelized costs of energy for wind, reflecting the absence of the PTC after 2012, are close to competitive with combined-cycle natural gas in areas with good wind resources, and become more competitive by 2014 with only modest improvements

The Production Tax Credit Distorts Markets and Hinders the Operation and Development of Other Forms of Generation.

The maintenance of perpetual subsidies is not a sustainable solution to the new challenges facing the US clean tech industry. In the worst cases, maintaining lucrative, blunt subsidies over prolonged periods can even create a dis-incentive for firms to innovate or can support ‘dead end’ technologies that have no viable path to long-term competitiveness.

S O S (Save Our State)

It is getting close. The first of the two most important elections of the century are coming. It is our responsibility to save our state and our country. Please join us on Saturday, October 16, from 4-6 pm at the Schoolcraft Community College gym in Livonia to show your support of candidates that will help us make a difference. Electing the right candidate may effect apportionment, control in the house and senate and the intention to go back to the principles of the founding fathers.

Controlling spending and reducing the deficit are imperative to the future of this country and the future of our children. We are happy that conservatives are now allowed to come out of the closet and into the light. Creeping socialism is destroying the opportunity of our country to compete. The uncertainty in our economy is reducing the opportunity for our children to succeed and, for the the first time, a life that is better than their parents.

There will also be to conservative candidates running for the Michigan Supreme Court, Justice Young and Judge Kelly. If elected we can count on them to interpret the Constitution and not legislate from the bench.

Come and say hello at our table.

Go get 'em

We have sent out petitions for Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom with our May newsletter. Now it is time to get the signatures and return them. You can drop off or pick up more petitions at our May 26, Wayne County Taxpayers Association meeting at 7:00PM. at Leon's Family Dining on Michigan Ave. just east of Telegraph.

Even if you just want to come in and sign a petition or just have one or two signatures on yours, every signature is important.

Now that what we suspected right along is true, that Obamacare is going to cost much more than originally indicated, we should find it even easier to collect signatures to get this constitutional amendment on the November ballot. It is too important to leave it to someone else to do. It is important to the economy, job creation, our individual access to treatment and the cost to each and every one of us.

Here is a summary of the amendment language:
• DECLARES THE RIGHT OF PERSONS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR OWN HEALTH CARE WITHOUT BEING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY COMPELLED BY GOVERNMENT ACTION TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.
• PROHIBITS THE GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING PROHIBITIONS ON THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF HEALTH INSURANCE OR HEALTH COVERAGE IN PRIVATE HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS.
• PROHIBITS GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING PENALTIES OR FINES AGAINST PERSON, EMPLOYERS, AND HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS FOR PARTICIPATING IN DIRECT PAY ACTIVITIES FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
• PROHIBITS GOVERNMENT FROM CREATING ANY DISADVANTAGE AGAINST A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOR PERMITTING A PERSON OR EMPLOYER TO PAY DIRECTLY FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES OR FOR PERMITTING A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO ACCEPT DIRECT PAYMENT FROM A PERSON OR EMPLOYER FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES
If you want more Information or locations where you may pick up or sign a petition, please contact me at 313-278-8383 or email me at wctaxpayers@comcast.net or, you may also contact Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom at www.MICHIGANHCF.COM .

Please don't just sit back and do nothing. If we all work toward the goal it should be easy.

Action at All Levels

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 is scheduled for the Grosse Pointe Shores Recall at thier City Municipal Building. We wish then good luck in their efforts.

SPECIAL ELECTION
TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2010
POLLS OPEN 7:00 AM TO 8:00 PM
GROSSE POINTE SHORES MUNICIPAL BUILDING
795 LAKE SHORE ROAD

According to the Shores Recall Website, if you are a Shores taxpayer and are not outraged by the current fiscal crisis, then you are not paying paying attention to the facts! From what we have read of the situation they have every reason to be upset.

I will be there for another reason. I will be circulating petitions for the Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom. From 1-8:00 PM you can sign, drop off or get petitions. We are attempting to get the amendment on the November ballot and the amendment will do the following if approved:

• DECLARES THE RIGHT OF PERSONS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR OWN HEALTH CARE WITHOUT BEING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY COMPELLED BY GOVERNMENT ACTION TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.
• PROHIBITS THE GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING PROHIBITIONS ON THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF HEALTH INSURANCE OR HEALTH COVERAGE IN PRIVATE HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS.
• PROHIBITS GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING PENALTIES OR FINES AGAINST PERSON, EMPLOYERS, AND HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS FOR PARTICIPATING IN DIRECT PAY ACTIVITIES FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
• PROHIBITS GOVERNMENT FROM CREATING ANY DISADVANTAGE AGAINST A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOR PERMITTING A PERSON OR EMPLOYER TO PAY DIRECTLY FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES OR FOR PERMITTING A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO ACCEPT DIRECT PAYMENT FROM A PERSON OR EMPLOYER FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES

If you want more Information or locations where you may pick up or sign a petition, please contact me at 313-278-8383 or email me at wctaxpayers@comcast.net or, you may also contact Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom at www.MICHIGANHCF.COM .

Come Join Us

The Wayne County Taxpayers Association will be one of the county coordinators for Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom. Our kickoff will be at:

Canfield Community Center
1801 N. Beech Daly
Dearborn Heights, MI
Friday, April 9, 8:00 to 9:00 PM

COME AND GET YOUR PETITIONS!

The objective is to place on the November ballot a referendum to amend the State Constitution to fight back against the Washington health care takeover.

If you want more Information or locations where you may pick up or sign a petitions in the future, please contact me at 313-278-8383 or email me at wctaxpayers@comcast.net or, you may also contact Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom at http://www.michiganhcf.com/ .
If you wish to distribute petitions or know of a location that might allow us to distribute them, please let us know. In the future, information will be available on our website http://www.wctaxpayers.org/ .

Inaction Is Not An Option

I have volunteered to be one of the county coordinators for Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom.The objective is to place on the November ballot a referendum to amend the State Constitution to fight back against the Washington health care takeover.

Here is a summary of the amendment language:
• DECLARES THE RIGHT OF PERSONS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR OWN HEALTH CARE WITHOUT BEING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY COMPELLED BY GOVERNMENT ACTION TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.
• PROHIBITS THE GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING PROHIBITIONS ON THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF HEALTH INSURANCE OR HEALTH COVERAGE IN PRIVATE HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS.
• PROHIBITS GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING PENALTIES OR FINES AGAINST PERSON, EMPLOYERS, AND HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS FOR PARTICIPATING IN DIRECT PAY ACTIVITIES FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
• PROHIBITS GOVERNMENT FROM CREATING ANY DISADVANTAGE AGAINST A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOR PERMITTING A PERSON OR EMPLOYER TO PAY DIRECTLY FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES OR FOR PERMITTING A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO ACCEPT DIRECT PAYMENT FROM A PERSON OR EMPLOYER FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES
If you want more Information or locations where you may pick up or sign a petition, please contact me at 313-278-8383 or email me at wctaxpayers@comcast.net or, you may also contact Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom at www.MICHIGANHCF.COM .

If you wish to distribute petitions or know of a location that might allow us to distribute them, please let us know. In the future, information will be available on our website www.wctaxpayers.org . You can also access our blog from that site.

There Is No More Integrity

I can not believe that all that posturing that Stupak did was just for show. He lied like a man who had no quams about it. He spoke like a man of priciple and caved like a man without integrity. This video was made last year without his knowledge. He knew all along that he would vote for health care reform. Now it is our duty to teach him that he should not lie to the American people and pretend he is something he is not.

He must now be voted out of office along with all the others who are trying to transform our country into a socialized nation. The blatent disregard for the will of the people makes them all targets in the next election.

We should be embarassed that we have let things get this far before doing something. This great country has provided us with many advantages that others could only dream of and admire. We have the ability to correct our errors in a non violent way because others have fought and died for our system of government, which provides for that means.

Our duty to be vigilant and to do the work necessary to maintain our way of life does not allow us to lay back and do nothing while our freedom slips away. It is all of our responsibility. We must, while hoping to keep the fruits of our labor, not take them from others.

For too long we have allowed government to control our lives and surendered for perceived comforts which can only lead to lack of choice and a restiction of our freedom. It is not to late to take back what "the God of nature has placed in our power" - the right to life, liberty and the persuit of happiness.

If we are to give up our lives, it should not be because some bureaucrat makes the decision but for the sake of liberty.

Is Life So Dear or Peace So Sweet ...

Is the MHBCCC Defunded? from Mackinac Center on Vimeo.

It seems that government at all levels has gotten completely out of control. My city is early retiring police and firemen. They then receive their hospitalization and pension from PA 345 funds which are funded by a separate millage which is regulated by disbursements. They are then subcontracted back by the city who now no longer has to pay their benefits from the city budget.

At the State level there is so many things going on that the list is prohibitive for this space. But, the video above gives you a taste of the disregard they have for taxpayers, the corruption taking place, and the lack of respect for the State Constitution.

You can not help but be aware of the indifference toward their constituents of the majority of our elected officials in Washington. Everyday on the news you can see them trying to get around the law and attempts to implement their will over the will of the people.

If we do not wake up the rest of our neighbors and friends and encourage them into action, we may soon find we have waited too long to take our country back in a peaceful manner. It is important that we keep respect for ourselves and our government and insist that those we elect do the same. The great experiment proved to be more than theory. We can not allow ourselves to slip back to a form of government that historically and repeatedly failed.

"These principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation. The wisdom of our sages and blood of our heroes have been devoted to their attainment. They should be the creed of our political faith, the text of civil instruction, the touchstone by which we try the services of those we trust; and should we wander from them in a moment of error or alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and to regain the road which alone leads to peace, liberty, and safety."

Thomas Jefferson

Here's the Beef

If they were meeting in private to get it right without distraction, they failed. I can not believe that they could come up with a bill that is 1992 pages long and not explained away any faults in three bill. Hold on to your hats. It is going to be a very bumpy and dangerous ride. Maybe it will be deadly for some.

If you value your health, contact your senators now that the bill has passed the House. In fact, write them, email them and fax them. Contact other senators as well.
The phone is a great invention as well. In fact, I suggest you use it early and often just like some people vote.

Maybe if we make a real nuisance their staff will quit and they won't be able to do anything.

This is not a Laughing Matter

They may think this is funny, but I don't. As we speak the intent of Congress is to vote on the health care bill this coming Saturday (tomorrow). How many times can the American people be lied to before they fire these incompetent, self righteous, self serving, destroyers of the American way.

Neither the Democratic Bill nor the Republican bill is good for the American people. Both bills take away your freedoms and give power to the government. They are destroying our system of government and the legacy for our children. They have put forth nothing to solve our problems but have only done things to exacerbate them.

How can a $460 billion dollar tax increase be expected to save people who are already unemployed. Increased taxes to small businesses will not create more jobs. The fact that you can not believe a thing they say does not help. You never know what your getting. We have compromised our liberties to long. We should make them listen or throw them out if they will not.

Call Congress November 5

November 5, is Congressional House Call Day. The object is to tell congress at least one more time to keep their hands off your health care. The almost 2000 page bill as it stands today will ultimately lead to government control of your health care.

If you are interested in reading all 1990 pages of the bill, you can click here. If your interested in the breakdown of the important parts, then click here. It is important that we don't give up. We have to keep hounding them until they listen.

This represents 1/6 of our economy and the government makes a mess out of everything they control. Medicare is bankrupt. Medicaid is bankrupt. Social Security is bankrupt. The country's unfunded liability is astronomical. The debt we are leaving to our children is outrageous. More than that, the government should not be making decisions reserved to be between you and your doctor.

The Defense of the American Dream Continues

The morning of the first day was great. It started out with specialized grassroots training sessions on internet activism, grassroots activism and training on methods. It wasn't in anyway as subversive as it sounds. It was just good clean suggestions on methods.

In the afternoon, most people prepared for the rally and after that meetings with their legislators, which mostly turned out to be their aids. The above video was taken by AFP. Their cameras are so much better than mine.

That evening was the "Tribute to Ronald Reagan Dinner". We had some great speakers. Laura Ingram, radio host and best selling author was the keynote speaker. She was funny and thought provoking. She was followed by Congressman Mike Pence, who not only gave a very engaging speech but did great imitations of George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. They were followed by Dr. Jim Miller, former Reagan Budget Director and Art Pope who is AFPs Chairman.

More tomorrow.

The American Dream Begins Again

I am writing to you from the third annual American Dream Summit in Washington DC sponsored by Americans For Prosperity. This year they have over 2000 people registered for the conference. This morning we had seminars on blogging and Grass Root training. In reality they are lessons in communication - ways to attract people to your organization and how to communicate your ideas.

In the picture above you see the attendees loading on to buses to go to a Capitol Hill town hall and news conference. After the rally they will go to meetings, organized by state delegations, to talk with legislators. Most likely they will be talking to aids or bureaucrats, as the legislators are not in session. I hope that you will get involved by calling or emailing your legislators and telling them to leave our health care alone. More later.

Not All Tea Parties Need To Be Huge

I recently read a Post by "Parcbench" indicating that it was time to stop marching and do something. While I agree it can be overdone, I do not think we should stop. Over and over again we see movements develop. Leaders emerge. They are taken over by more powerful and financially developed organizations and the people who were involved are left to feel disenfranchised.

I will grant you that the large groups get access to the media and are effective in lobbing for taxpayers through our contributions and support. We definitely need to continue to support them. But, we need to maintain our own protests and our own groups to not only remind ourselves how important we are, but also, to remind those lobbyist and politicians that we are the force that makes them possible.

It is easy for us (well maybe not these days) to write a check and let someone else do our work for us. That is how we got into this mess to begin with. We have to continue to keep ourselves informed, question what our elected officials tell us and think about the consequences of what is being done. All to often, we are sucked into party politics before we know it and who gets elected becomes more important than what they stand for.

I say, keep these tea party groups going for all levels of government. One of the things that makes them most effective is recognizing that there are others out there that feel just like you. It keeps your spirit and your enthusiasm charged. It keeps you from being lethargic and just plain lazy. It keeps you informed and allows you to know what questions to ask. Don't slip back to the way it was because we have only made a dent. We still do not have the respect of those who are elected by us and who have usurped power that is not theirs to take.

Be selective but not invisible. Keep them on their toes and in their place.

My Heart In Washington Today

I am at home today sitting in my front room watching Fox News coverage of the 9 12 project and the march on Washington. My heart is with them. It is physically impossible for me to walk the distance and stand for hours - or you can bet I would be there. I want to believe that there are millions more who share my feelings. Others are financially unable to attend.

On September 9, I attended the rally in Troy, Michigan to support the Tea Party Express which traveled from California to Washington,DC to today's rally. There enthusiasm and commitment bolstered my feelings.

We can not stop here. When the events have come an gone, we must continue to press the issues. It is difficult to keep up the momentum. But, it is even more difficult to live under an oppressive system of government. Many people have fought and died to preserve our system of government. We have been the envy of the world and rightfully so. It is far to precious to give up without a fight. We are far to smart to be seduced by lies of government saying everything is free. We know nothing is free, especially freedom.

Continue to contact your legislators,both local and federal. Let them know that their jobs are in jeopardy if they continue to violate the Constitution they swore to uphold.

Plymouth Health Care Rally

On a very windy Sunday in Plymouth, Michigan people gathered. I apologize for the poor sound and video quality but I thought you should see the angry mob and the truth about those who oppose health care reform.



As you can see they are a well organized mob and their attire indicates their subversiveness. They obviously do not know how to protest properly. No fires. No broken glass. No police in riot gear. What a disgrace. Flags and signs - how unoriginal. What we need are our legislators who know how to drain the last drop of blood from people to show them how to make a real mess.

Just remember. Sticks and stones may break your bones but names will never hurt you. Personally I like walk softly and carry a big stick.

Trust Me

I have been watching every one of President Obama's meetings on health care. He has been inconsistent, his analogies have been poor and he has lied or been misinformed on what has been contained in the health care bills.

He comes off charming, friendly and down to earth, most of the time, and at others haughty and superior. The thing that troubles me the most is that he talks as if he knows what he is talking about. There are a number of bills in the House and the Senate. None have been completed and all,to the best of my understanding, have some undesirable qualities. How can you do anything but listen to concerns under those circumstances?



Those in Congress seem to know even less. They do not seem to know what is in the bill they are sponsoring. I'm not sure they have even read them.



The people of this country are right to be angry. We have turned our heads for long enough. Our attention is required to keep our great country. We can not continue to elect people without checking their credentials and values. We need to hold them accountable and demand that they keep their promises. We can not allow those we elect to call us names and denigrate us.

Get involved and, if they refuse to hear us, then we must remove them from office and replace them with someone who will. This is not a partisan problem it is a universal problem. They have awakened the giant now let's give them something to remember.

Unorganized Mob

When I arrived early it was already too late to get in. Congressman Dingell's Town Hall Meeting was packed. Large numbers of union supporters were already seated in a room that holds only 150 people. The rest in attendance I can not account for. The real story is the hundreds outside the building who could not get in.



I have to give Mrs. Dingell credit. She came outside to talk to some of those standing around. So why are people so upset? They are tired of getting form letters which don't address the subject. They are tired of the phone being taken off the hook at the legislative offices. They are really tired of being called names and being described as fronts for other organizations.

As I walked up and down the line talking to people I asked some of them why they came. Most were fed up and were tired of being thought to be stupid. Some heard about it on the radio, some on the television and some from organizations to which they belong. They do not feel misinformed because they feel that even the legislators do not know what is involved.

They can do the math and know from experience that congress and presidents make mistakes and sometimes tell bold face lies to achieve their objectives. The older people know medicare is in trouble. They are upset that their benefits and services may be cut to take care of illegal aliens. They observe the poor quality of health care delivery in one payer systems and have no desire for death counseling every 5 years as a substitution for good medical care.

This discussion is far from over. Citizens are encouraged to fight back with every non-violent measure possible. Socialism does not work, fascism does not work but capitalism does. It has provided us with the best country on earth. Take time to preserve it.