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Wanted: true representative government
Can someone explain to me why members of Congress, including the President, cabinet members, czars and everyone else on a Federal Payroll should not be required to accept the federal mandate of the health care plan which Mr. Obama is attempting to place on all Americans?
These people in Congress act like kings and queens after becoming elected. Their sole purpose after their election is to start their next campaign, either for another office or for their upcoming re-election, just as Mr. Obama had been doing ever since first setting foot in the Senate.
Just look at the huge amounts of money that our Tennessee congressmen, (Republicans and Democrats) have in their re-election booty. They go into Washington and get entrenched in the system of doing favors for whomever they can and their campaign coffers are filled to the brim.
This is the single most reason why only 60 percent of the American public voted in the last presidential election. The other 40 percent simply have given up or don't care what happens or who gets elected to office just so long as federal entitlements keep coming.
There is only one answer to correct all of this and that is term limits. My simple proposal would be that Representatives and Senators be elected to two terms of four years each. After they serve their terms, they must sit out re-election to that office for four years. No one can convince me that congressional work cannot be carried out in eight years, and if they can't do so, then they don't belong there in the first place.
This is what I call true representative government. Go do your work and come home and find out exactly what the public thinks. The House of Representatives contains members who have been there well over 50 years.
Now, I know some will say the Supreme Court has previously ruled term limits as unconstitutional. However, I believe it was in 1994 that Congress came close to passing a constitutional amendment for term limits, however, those who were entrenched in Washington would not vote for it and the vote was close.
Lastly, and notwithstanding that the Democrats medical plan will bankrupt this great country, why can't members of Congress simply work on getting industry back into America and not have it scattered all over the world? When this country’s industrial wheels were turning at 100 percent, it seems to me that companies were able to afford to purchase medical plans for their employees at an affordable cost. For those who are retired, Medicare seems to work well and for those who are unable to work the various State Medicaid plans could be made available.
While this letter may sound as if I am cynical about Washington politicians, I will continue to work and support for representative government, be it Republican or Democrat.
Ray Sharer, 37214
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"Only 60% voted in the last Presidential election"? ONLY? And I think Obama's Inaguration brought in more people than if the Rolling Stones and the remaining Beatles gave a concert.
"When the country's wheels were turning at 100%...there was affordable heath care".
Really? GM's wheels, as well as Chysler's, flew off due to the health care costs associated with each new car, as compared to the Japanese equvilent.
And the usual talking point that those rampant, out of control Democrats will bankrupt America. I've got news for you; the USA was "bankrupt" on paper when Obama knocked on the White House front door.
The problem with term limits is that the bureaucracy ends up more entrenched and has more power. Anyone remember the sitcom Yes Minister?
GM and Chrysler wheels flew off because managment became focused on short term profit and not in making quality products.
gd: FINALS...this is the question even Steven Hawkin got wrong...
What was the inspiration for Lennon's opening melody/ notes for (I Am) The Walrus?
D7: a police siren
I thought I took the finals a few days ago?
This is not a letter but rather a nine paragraph rant by a lunatic. As usual.
Is that your final answer?
gd: You are correct, sir...I think it was an ambulance, but, close enough.
You know that grafitti in the 70's, "Clapton is God"? Well, due to your 100% accuracy on The Beatles, I'm going around Nashville painting on bridges and overpasses, "GD is God".
I knew you'd like the idea.
When Obama gets his health plan maybe you can get the psychiatric help that you so badly need Sharer.
I hope this "Dooley" isn't a practicing psychiatrist. If he was, 9 out of 10 patients would hang themselves.
Clapton bless you, d7.
d'pain: I'm still working on my porno name. But, what do you call yourself when you're hung like an elevator button?
Ray posed a good question, though he failed to expound on it.
If the Health Care Plan before Congress is so great, why are they exempting themselves and the unions?
One of the reasons the auto companies had so much trouble was the cost of the health plans negotiated by the unions. That and the pensions, almost full pay when laid off and not making cars the public wanted.
Mini Me?
Off-topic(big surprise): Does Jimmy Carl's Lunch Box serve yellow snow cones?
Got an email from a friend about the upcoming Universal Health Care Program this morning, I think we have found the solution!
I am sure you have heard the ideas that if you're a senior you need to suck it up and give up the idea that you need any health care. A new hip? Unheard of. We simply can't afford to take care of you anymore.
You don't need any medications for your high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, etc. Let's take care of the young people. After all, they will be ruling the world very soon.
So here is the solution. When you turn 70, you get a gun and four bullets.
You are allowed to shoot two senators and two representatives.
Of course, you will be sent to prison where you will get three meals a day, a roof over your head and all the health care you need! New teeth, great! Need glasses, no problem. New hip, knee, kidney, lung, heart?
Well bring it on. And who will be paying for all of this. The same government that just told you that you are too old for health care.
And, since you are a prisoner, you don't have to pay any income tax.
I really think we have a Perfect Solution!
And just think, by the time 100 of us get into the prison, there will be new faces in both Houses of Congress and we can get a pardon for what we did to allow them to gain the office.
CAH, your best argument against the plan is "why don't they have to use it"? seriously, that's the best you've got?
btw.....TGIF everyone! Listened to Nashville Jumps on the way in. Awesome as usual.
Good morning to everyone!
darge, I'm surprised you were the first one to jump off topic this morning. Way to get with the program there!
blanket, I remembered to tune in this morning and heard about 3 songs. I did enjoy listening to it.
By: CAH on 7/31/09 at 8:17
Ray posed a good question, though he failed to expound on it.
If the Health Care Plan before Congress is so great, why are they exempting themselves and the unions?
I agree with you on that point.
I love it when a plan comes together...or not.
house, you're so flexible.
...like that "rubber" man in Fantastic Four
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/5922789/Recession-hit-brothels-offer-novel-promotions.html
I don't get it. Once is fine but twice or thrice is immoral? It sounds like a good deal for the business, most clients, esp. older ones are spent after one, two at most but the notion of unlimited stuff is a great way to lure clients into the business.
Kosh, thanks for the tip. Sounds like ''noslackerinthesacker'' might be going to Europe.
Under my stage name of course.
No Blanket, but it is a good question that you should even be asking yourself.
Yeah, panda, just call me Mr. Fantastic.
CAH, i don't really think it's relevant.
what IS relevant is fixing the problem and we obviously have a big problem when everyone, including the folks who have insurance, are really only one bad illness away from disaster. whether or not the people in congress are on the plan or not isn't going to fix the problem or change anything.
Meanwhile, I see Titan's rookie in his yard warming up for what I hope will be something worth watching.
Funditto, does he have a rope?
It's extremely relevant. If there plan is so good, why aren't they working to provide the same to us? If it isn't as good, why are they exempting themselves? Is it do as I say and not as I do?
When you reach your dotage, if you ever do, wouldn't you want to have the best care available? Something that's available to the President, Senators and Representatives?
Surely you don't think they are better than you so they are entitled to better care than you are.
i rented "The Wrestler" last night. you know, it's the first movie i ever couldn't finish because it was too painful to watch.
CAH, that is ridiculous. so, you're willing to pay red carpet coverage for everyone? you guys are already complaining about the "cost" yet now you complain that it's not going to be adequate enough. pick a side, will you?
i suppose congress shouldn't be paid either and have to be on food stamps. yet you expect the food stamps to buy caviar.
That bad, Blanket? I guess I won't bother watching it.
The write says,
"Now, I know some will say the Supreme Court has previously ruled term limits as unconstitutional. However, I believe it was in 1994 that Congress came close to passing a constitutional amendment for term limits, however, those who were entrenched in Washington would not vote for it and the vote was close."
You know, I've never understood all this terms limits stuff. The fact is that we have term limits... they're called elections. If you don't like the way a politician represents you, then don't vote for him. Seems easy enough. To punish someone just because they have experience seems stupid to me. After all, if you were having surgery done would you go to the guy fresh out of school, or the guy who has been doing that procedure for years? The problem is not terms limits... it's the effect of money in our political system. The solution is campaign reform. First thing I would do is do away with all contributions that come from organizations that do not directly represent PEOPLE... meaning no more corporate contributions. Also impose strict limits on campaign contributions... none of this bundling BS. Hell, let's save all of us a bunch of money and go to public financing. That way every politician in a race, regardless of the amount of time that they've been in office, starts at the same place. And then let the electorate do their job... hopefully with a lick of common sense.
By: house_of_pain on 7/31/09 at 10:46
That bad, Blanket? I guess I won't bother watching it.
I don't know....maybe I'm getting more sensitive in my old age - lol! it just reminded me too much of people i've encountered over time who had lost a lot (pretty much everything including his health) and left lonely and decrepid. it's very sad. i can see why it won a lot of awards because the acting is so good - almost too good.
So it's a comedy. Okay, maybe I will check it out.
Is it anything like 'Barfly'?
The Multi-Multi millionaires in Congress don't NEED health insurance. They have the cash to pay their own medical bills. How many in Congress have opted out? I would guess zero, since it's free money for them.
BigMama: I believe my 1st post was "ON" topic. But after 8:00am and a few scotch and sodas, who knows what we were talking about anyway?
Guess who gives the most to Kiva?
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/religion/post/2009/07/68495858/1
In first place, with $761,975 loaned -- Atheists, Agnostics, Skeptics, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists and the Non-Religious "committed to caring about suffering."
Dragon, that is so incredibly silly. They should have to pay out of pocket for their medical bills? WHY?
House, it's better than "Barfly"
No rope, but lots of oil. He's really shiny today. Yum!
Fun, have you ever tried to catch a greased pig?
We watched The Haunting in Connecticut. So bad, it was funny!
Dragon said
"The Multi-Multi millionaires in Congress don't NEED health insurance. They have the cash to pay their own medical bills. How many in Congress have opted out? I would guess zero, since it's free money for them."
Actually there are some that pay for their own insurance.... but the names escape me at the moment.
Answering the lies about healthcare:
http://baldwinparkdemocrat.blogspot.com/2009/07/answering-lies-about-health-care-page.html
btw....sorry to post links. i've been enjoying "NCP Unlinked" this week.
Blanketnazi2 said on 7/31/09 at 10:54
"Guess who gives the most to Kiva?
In first place, with $761,975 loaned -- Atheists, Agnostics, Skeptics, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists and the Non-Religious "committed to caring about suffering.""
You know, I've also seen studies that have shown that conservatives give more to charitable organizations. But my question concerning those studies was whether or not they included tithing as a charitable donation. As far as I'm concerned I see no difference between tithing and taxes and therefore tithing should not be considered as a charitable donation. Tithing is nothing more than a "salvation tax"
"Red Carpet". What makes you think that Congress Critters are better than you or I? If they are proposing sub-standard care, why should they get anything better? If the care they are proposing is "standard", why, again, should they be entitled to something better?
Why do you place your health at an inferior level to those in Congress? And then pay for their care on top of that insult.
nazi, you need to lobby the movie industry, to label movies for sensitive liberals.
I suggest: BHH for boo hoo hoo or SS for sniff sniff
By: Blanketnazi2 on 7/31/09 at 10:25
i rented "The Wrestler" last night. you know, it's the first movie i ever couldn't finish because it was too painful to watch.
_________________________________________________________________
See what I mean.
blanket, is it too painful because it's a bad movie, or too painful because Mickey Rourke looks so bad now? Or because it's violently painful?