Brad Wardell's views about technology, politics, religion, world affairs, and all sorts of politically incorrect topics.
Published on March 22, 2010 By Draginol In Politics

People tend to project their hopes and dreams onto things based on their name.

They hear “health care reform” and they see their ideological allies supporting it and they assume it does all kinds of magical things.

For those of you glad that the bill passed, be aware that what was passed resembles nothing like what is in Europe or Canada. 

Here’s what it does (you can read the details at CBS News):

1. It “provides” insurance to 30 million Americans. How does it do this? They made it illegal not to buy insurance. Voila.  Seriously. That’s how they did it. If you don’t, you’re fined $695 annually.

2. They make it illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions. So the person with basic math skills who figures out that $695 annually is a lot less than $6,000 annually ($500 X 12 months) can wait until they get pregnant, diagnosed with diabetes or gets into an accident and THEN buy insurance.  Thus the cost will go far up.

3. They provide subsidies to make insurance cheaper. In theory.  Since the insurance companies are barely regulated monopolies per state who now know they everyone has to buy insurance, they can raise rates (this is what happened with car insurance when it became mandatory).

The right-wingers are going crazy about it because it socializes health-care.  The left-wingers are currently happy because they don’t realize just how much they got screwed. If/when this program starts to get implemented, I think they’ll start to realize how badly they got screwed.

People on the Internet who are from overseas tend to have no real understanding of America’s healthcare system. They don’t realize that the poor already get medical coverage for free (Medicaid) and that the elderly already get medical coverage (Medicare). 

So in effect, all this bill really does is make it illegal to not have insurance. 

Maybe they should use the same system to eliminate poverty. Just make it illegal to be poor.


Comments (Page 11)
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on Apr 02, 2010

The superior are not required to justify themselves to the inferior, Dr. Guy.  Just ask the superior.

I would if I ever found one.  But alas all I find are people too stupid to know they are ignorant.

Mumblefratz
Because that's the only question you ask me.
Look at your reply #142 and every word you said could easily apply to yourself.

The only difference between us is that my feelings of self worth are not all tied into a forum presence of the "great and all-powerful Oz" whereas that's *all* you are is a puffed up buffoon of a caricature of a person.

But I tire of you and since I know how insistent you are about having the last word feel free to rant on unopposed for as long as you wish. It is the only argument you can win (i.e. the unopposed argument), and we all know how important winning on the internet is to you.

You talking to me?  Shock!  And it would behoove you to learn the difference between rhetorical and loaded.  As clearly my questions where rhetorical (since the the evidence is even within these comments, so no searching is necessary).  Let's start simple in defference to your learning abitilty.  R-h-e-t-o-r-i-c-a-l starts with an R.  L-o-a-d-e-d starts with an L (el).  Once you get that part, we can proceed to the next step.

As far as who I am, there goes the omniescience MF again!  So do we need to google your claimed omniscience?  Or are you going to just go back to ignoring me (while reading and seething at the truth)?  Hmm, good test.  now is the previous question loaded or rhetorical?  Oh, I am sorry, we have not gotten that far in your lesson yet.

Ok, go back to being your same conceited omniscience, ignorant self.  I will try not to trip you up with any more tough questions like "How do you spell C-A-T?".

on Apr 02, 2010

See what I mean?

Undoubtably.  How about we ask him what you are thinking as well?  I love a good fortune teller.  Unfortunately, he is not good at anything except being wrong (and insulting - he does have the school yard taunts down pat).

on Apr 03, 2010

Getting back to Mumble, if you can refer me to posts on our forums where users are referring to other people as scrotum suckers (tea baggers) feel free to let me know.
If you put it like that I suppose it is a bit more extreme than calling someone stupid. However my use of the term was not directed at any specific person (unlike idiot and stupid which are constantly being directed at individuals *personally* on this site). Also I was unaware that the act involved actual sucking of the scrotum, not that it probably matters all that much.

So OK the bagger term is verboten on the site. Good to know. How about Teahadist? As in Hannity calls Teahadists 'Tim McVeigh wannabes': and the audience cheers!

The point is that I am not personally making up these terms, they're scattered all over the internet and the MSM. The same internet and MSM that is at least equally full of derogatory terms for liberals, terms which are freely repeated on this forum without question or concern and terms that are freely applied *personally* as opposed to just generically. That is only a fraction of the double standard that exists on the site, assuming your bias allows you to see it.

on Apr 03, 2010

The same internet and MSM that is at least equally full of derogatory terms for liberals, terms which are freely repeated on this forum without question or concern and terms that are freely applied *personally* as opposed to just generically.

I make up my own funny terms for liberals, thank you very much.

What derogatory terms for liberals are used by the MSM?

 

on Apr 03, 2010

You're close with the 'sucking of the scrotum' understanding, Mumble - expand your imagination just a bit more & you'll divine the full meaning.  An elite Massachussetts intellectual like you should be able to accomplish the necessary mental gymnastics.

Oh, wait.  'Elite Massachussetts intellectual' may be one of 'those terms' scattered all over the internet, so I apologize.

Five minutes on Daily Kus and you realize this site is as tame as kindergarten by comparison.  Since not a single derogatory term referring to the left & used here routinely has been identified for us, I've been trying to come up with a short list from memory - socialist, Communist, Nazi (apparently an 'equal opportunity' epithet), statist, idiot & fascist have come to mind so far.  I'm sure I missed a couple.

on Apr 03, 2010

Since not a single derogatory term referring to the left & used here routinely has been identified for us, I've been trying to come up with a short list from memory - socialist, Communist, Nazi (apparently an 'equal opportunity' epithet), statist, idiot & fascist have come to mind so far.  I'm sure I missed a couple.

I called a subset of them "NASPAs" ("non-anti-Semitic peace activists").

 

on Apr 03, 2010

I called a subset of them "NASPAs" ("non-anti-Semitic peace activists").

OT Leauki, I think you would have found the guest spot with former NYC Mayor Ed Koch on Neil Cavuto's show the other day telling. As you probably well know Koch is a Jew and prominent Democrat. I was pretty surprise at the change of heart he has had for Obama. He's definitely having "buyers remorse" with the current administration. Ed is a likable guy, and I was a bit surprised by his comments, mainly dealing with this administrations treatment of Israel. Of course I never could understand why so many Jewish folks vote democrat to begin with, anti-business (large and small) and marginally pro-Israel.

Also Happy Easter to all, if not your faith, have a good weekend.

 

on Apr 03, 2010

Leauki, I think you would have found the guest spot with former NYC Mayor Ed Koch on Neil Cavuto's show the other day telling. As you probably well know Koch is a Jew and prominent Democrat. I was pretty surprise at the change of heart he has had for Obama. He's definitely having "buyers remorse" with the current administration. Ed is a likable guy, and I was a bit surprised by his comments, mainly dealing with this administrations treatment of Israel. Of course I never could understand why so many Jewish folks vote democrat to begin with, anti-business (large and small) and marginally pro-Israel.

I like Ed Koch. I bet that doesn't surprise you.

I think American Jews vote Democrat for five reasons:

1. Jewish secular culture is very left-wing. Israel was founded by socialists. Zionism is a secular left-wing ideology that grew out of German socialist movements.

2. Jews always fight assimilation into other religions and in the US Democrats are seen as the more secular party.

3. In the past Democrats (and other left-wingers) have been very pro-Israel. It's only in recent years that American conservatives are beginning to see the common enemy (and that American Christianity has grown so strong as a motor for that). And it's only in recent years that racists have begun to defend traditionally left-wing agendas.

4. Jews are all about tradition. We have always voted for social-democratic parties (because of point 1) and we tend to stick to what we do as a group (because of point 2) and that has worked for a while (because of point 3).

5. American Jews are safe and therefor often don't see a need for a strong military and a strong Israel. In Europe Jews are usually more right-wing. That's the sad part. It's good that they are safe, it is sad that most Jews are not, especially if one counts those who died in Europe or the Middle-East in the last century.

Don't forget that Ed Koch originally supported Hillary Clinton. She was the preferred choice for Jews all over the world. (Of course, as we found out in another discussion here, that was when everybody thought she was a female Bill Clinton rather than a female Barrack Obama.)

 

on Apr 03, 2010

Also Happy Easter to all, if not your faith, have a good weekend.

It's Passover. That means no bread products for me.

For one week.

Just because the Jews left Egypt for Sinai and Israel.

Those damn Zionists!

http://www.jewfaq.org/holidaya.htm

on Apr 05, 2010

Mumblefratz
If you put it like that I suppose it is a bit more extreme than calling someone stupid. However my use of the term was not directed at any specific person (unlike idiot and stupid which are constantly being directed at individuals *personally* on this site). Also I was unaware that the act involved actual sucking of the scrotum, not that it probably matters all that much.

Ok, so you want to provide proof that anyone sucks scrotums that posts on this site?  That is the analogy you are trying to make.  Providing proof for calling an INDIVIDUAL stupid or an idiot is easy.  Just quote their own words (as I just did).  However those terms are being directed at IN-DUH-VIDUALS, not a group of folks, as you freely admit.  And if the worst thing you have been called in your life is stupid or an idiot, count yourself lucky.  You have called others on this site far worse for merely pointing out your stupidity.

Now back to your ignoring what you cannot respond to.

on Apr 05, 2010

Leauki
I think American Jews vote Democrat for five reasons:

I would like to comment on your points.  Not saying as I disagree, as the reason for this anomoly is curious at best.

1. Jewish secular culture is very left-wing. Israel was founded by socialists. Zionism is a secular left-wing ideology that grew out of German socialist movements.

Very telling.  I guess you could label American Democrats as "When Socialists go bad"

2. Jews always fight assimilation into other religions and in the US Democrats are seen as the more secular party.

A common misconception as "republicans" are basically the same.  They do have a strong conservative Christian faction, but then Eric Cantor has not converted and neither have I.  But I guess with the rhetoric (by the democrats and their Mouthpieces in the MSM) here, it is one not likely to go away soon.

3. In the past Democrats (and other left-wingers) have been very pro-Israel. It's only in recent years that American conservatives are beginning to see the common enemy (and that American Christianity has grown so strong as a motor for that). And it's only in recent years that racists have begun to defend traditionally left-wing agendas.

I must confess to not studying the history of support for the Jewish state among the parties, just what has occurred in my lifetime.  And in my life time, we have had 5 democrat and 6 republican presidents.  I was too young to remember, first hand, the polices of one republican and 2 democrats in regards to Jewish issues, but since then have seen 100% support from the republicans for Israel, but (at best and in defference to you), only 33% support from Democrats.  Now I have been around over 50 years.  perhaps it is time they re-evaluated the current reality and archived pre mid 20th century realities to the history books.

4. Jews are all about tradition. We have always voted for social-democratic parties (because of point 1) and we tend to stick to what we do as a group (because of point 2) and that has worked for a while (because of point 3).

Yes, Tradition!  I can see that, but would think reality would at least make people think about a modification.  After all, the KKK was not only after blacks (or any race other than Caucasians), but non-Christians as well.  And it was always associated with the democrats. (at one time the democrats were no more socialist than republicans - until FDR).

5. American Jews are safe and therefor often don't see a need for a strong military and a strong Israel. In Europe Jews are usually more right-wing. That's the sad part. It's good that they are safe, it is sad that most Jews are not, especially if one counts those who died in Europe or the Middle-East in the last century.

This one is unfortunately the reason Obama got a majority as well (among all Americans).  Before 1990, no democrat could come within a stone's throw of the whitehouse unless they were very hawkish (Carter being the exception and that was due to Watergate).  Now, there are no hawks left in the democrat party (they tossed out Lieberman).  Why?  Americans feel safe (it is one thing to blow up a plane - it is another to blow up a city or state).

Don't forget that Ed Koch originally supported Hillary Clinton. She was the preferred choice for Jews all over the world. (Of course, as we found out in another discussion here, that was when everybody thought she was a female Bill Clinton rather than a female Barrack Obama.)

Also, do not forget that Koch was a supporter of Bush after 9-11.  Koch is a Lieberman Democrat in that regard.

Just because the Jews left Egypt for Sinai and Israel.

It is said that tradition caused the Jews not to ask for directions or ask the women which way to turn, and that is the real reason they wandered 40 years in the desert!

on Apr 05, 2010

Very telling.  I guess you could label American Democrats as "When Socialists go bad"

That's exactly the right description!

Anyway, Jewish secular society was traditionally socialist (but not communist). Jewish religious society was apolitical. That's why it took religious Jews so long to become Republicans.

 

A common misconception as "republicans" are basically the same.  They do have a strong conservative Christian faction, but then Eric Cantor has not converted and neither have I.  But I guess with the rhetoric (by the democrats and their Mouthpieces in the MSM) here, it is one not likely to go away soon.

Democrats simply don't have a wing that supports (Christian) Creationism. This is a major issue for most Jews, secular and religious.

One reason I supported George W. Bush was that, after the 2000 elections where I supported Al Gore (again because of his association with Bill Clinton), it became clear to me that he was not a fundamentalist Christian and not a Creationist either. (For some reason liberals insisted he was both, but Bush never said or did anything to confirm that theory.)

 

I must confess to not studying the history of support for the Jewish state among the parties, just what has occurred in my lifetime.  And in my life time, we have had 5 democrat and 6 republican presidents.  I was too young to remember, first hand, the polices of one republican and 2 democrats in regards to Jewish issues, but since then have seen 100% support from the republicans for Israel, but (at best and in defference to you), only 33% support from Democrats.  Now I have been around over 50 years.  perhaps it is time they re-evaluated the current reality and archived pre mid 20th century realities to the history books.

This article points out a few things about George Bush Senior which explain how Jews viewed American conservatives before Reagan (and, in Bush's case, after Reagan): http://www.slate.com/id/2064424/

The Kennedys were understood to be good friends of Israel and you can find old newspaper articles written by Kennedys about Israel that are really most interesting.

Generally Reagan was a friend of Israel but only a pragmatic friend. George Bush 41 was downright hostile. Bill Clinton was the great friend of Israel and so Bush 43 turned out to be.

But the liberal media have made it so difficult even to admit that there was something good about George W. Bush, how do you expect a population group to consider him in a decision for a party?

 

Yes, Tradition!  I can see that, but would think reality would at least make people think about a modification.  After all, the KKK was not only after blacks (or any race other than Caucasians), but non-Christians as well.  And it was always associated with the democrats. (at one time the democrats were no more socialist than republicans - until FDR).

Northern Democrats and Southern Democrats were very different before the 1960s. In the north, Democrats became left-wingers, in the south, they remained racists. There was non constituency for a racist Democratic party in the north, where everyone was either an immigrant, a member of a minority, or already Republican.

 

This one is unfortunately the reason Obama got a majority as well (among all Americans).  Before 1990, no democrat could come within a stone's throw of the whitehouse unless they were very hawkish (Carter being the exception and that was due to Watergate).  Now, there are no hawks left in the democrat party (they tossed out Lieberman).  Why?  Americans feel safe (it is one thing to blow up a plane - it is another to blow up a city or state).

Carter recently apologised for his life work. But apart from that I find few redeeming features. His work made Reagan the first Republican to get a majority of tje Jewish vote, which perhaps shocked those Republicans who believed in a Jewish conspiracy. Carter was the great Jewish experiment with voting for a Christian fundamentalist. It didn't pay off.

The fact that Carter called "friends" the same group that murdered Anwar Sadat and that he actually accepted a Nobel Peace Price for Anwar Sadat's efforts makes him a most despicable human being.

 

Also, do not forget that Koch was a supporter of Bush after 9-11.  Koch is a Lieberman Democrat in that regard.

Koch woke up, like many Jews did.

Ed Koch was a left-winger of the type Jews imagine to vote for when they vote for any left-winger. Joe Lieberman, Michael Bloomberg (although he ran as a Republican) and Ed Koch are the type of left-wing politicians that I (and probably most American Jews) support.

And I think most American Jews see those traits in other left-wing politicians too. And in the past that was often a safe assumption. Jews could vote for Bill Clinton and get a socially liberal president who wasn't an anti-Semite. The Carter shock was not enough yet. Maybe the Obama shock will be.

 

It is said that tradition caused the Jews not to ask for directions or ask the women which way to turn, and that is the real reason they wandered 40 years in the desert!

I doubt that. I have met Israeli women.

 

on Apr 05, 2010

it became clear to me that he was not a fundamentalist Christian and not a Creationist either. (For some reason liberals insisted he was both, but Bush never said or did anything to confirm that theory.)

That is because they try to equate the 2.  If you are a conservative (or fundamentalist) christian, you MUST believe in creationism.

Generally Reagan was a friend of Israel but only a pragmatic friend. George Bush 41 was downright hostile. Bill Clinton was the great friend of Israel and so Bush 43 turned out to be.

I assumed that kennedy was (and Johnson was indifferent), but I was still a tad then.  I am surprised by the evaluation of Bush 41.  But then I must confess to not really paying that close attention as that was the time of the fall of the Berlin wall, so yes my attention was elsewhere.

Northern Democrats and Southern Democrats were very different before the 1960s. In the north, Democrats became left-wingers, in the south, they remained racists. There was non constituency for a racist Democratic party in the north, where everyone was either an immigrant, a member of a minority, or already Republican.

I have to disagree.  But perhaps only in what is northern and southern.  Clearly JFK was more not a racist, but Byrd is and was.  And Stoop Jackson was not, but both Kennedy and Jackson were big hawks.  One from NE, but the other from Washington.  And all 3 are from northern states.

Now the fact that most southern democrats were just one step above the KKK I do not disagree with. But I do not think that was limited to the south pre 1960.  Still, the old saying "lay down with dogs and get up with fleas" would seem to apply.  You do not join hands and sing kumbaya if you do not want to be associated with those that do preach racism.

Carter recently apologised for his life work.

He only did that to help his son win in Nevada.  Which I understand has a large jewish Population relative to size as well.

Michael Bloomberg (although he ran as a Republican) and Ed Koch are the type of left-wing politicians that I (and probably most American Jews) support.

Actually I did not know Bloomberg was a Jew.  But support?  He is just a whack job!  His policies are just too socialistic, and very few are supportable out side of the city (his Gun Control shenanigans, TransFat, salt, etc.).  He is the reason I am glad I do not live there! (But I do get your point).

And I think most American Jews see those traits in other left-wing politicians too. And in the past that was often a safe assumption. Jews could vote for Bill Clinton and get a socially liberal president who wasn't an anti-Semite. The Carter shock was not enough yet. Maybe the Obama shock will be.

Well, one of the things that I have stated before is that if you are slavishly obedient to one party, then you have no pull with either party.  If they remain solidly democrat, the democrats will not take them seriously.  I think republicans are in sync with many of their key issues not out of trying to win them over, but because of core ideals.  But then swinging between parties is the way to make the parties sit up and take notice of YOUR issues.

I doubt that. I have met Israeli women.

Yea, they did not have GPS then (my wife can get lost driving on a straight road without it! - Literally!  She did once!)

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