Paul Ryan's Medicare voucher plan is back!

You need to know this. House Republicans won't give up on their efforts to voucher-ize Medicare – and now Representative Paul Ryan wants even more people approaching retirement, to be forced into his voucher scam. In a change from Ryan's prior budgets, which set the Medicare cutoff to age 55, the GOP's newest budget proposal will only allow those 56 and older, to stay in the current Medicare system.
Republicans want to provide seniors with a healthcare voucher, which could be used to purchase a private insurance plan, or Medicare. But that so-called choice is a sly attempt to destroy senior's guaranteed health coverage. For many seniors, private insurance plans would be far too expensive, and vouchers would not cover the entire cost of traditional Medicare – leaving seniors to foot the rest of the bill.
Healthier, wealthier seniors who could afford the additional costs would have insurance, but many wouldn't be able to afford health care at all. The voucher plan destroys senior's right to guaranteed healthcare coverage, and that's exactly what Paul Ryan and House Republicans want. Last time Ryan proposed this voucher plan, poll-after-poll showed Americans didn't approve, but that isn't stopping him from pushing his privatization efforts again.
We must make sure he doesn't succeed. Call Congress now and tell them to stop Paul Ryan from destroying Medicare.
Comments


When Congress leads with changes to their 'retirement' and healthcare benefits I'll begin to believe they are serious.
At this time I see little beyond a need to get re-elevted.

How is it that Hartmann is surprised that the Republicans will never stop pushing their agenda to dismantle the Social Security and Medicare programs! I guess his comments about Sequestration (the worst bill the President and Washington has ever written) have become repetitive and he needs fresh red meat for his blog. I guess being over 55 yrs. of age has some marginal benefits! Ha! (Only a few as far as I can see!) The last thing the Insurance Companies will do is provide a healthcare plan for older Americans that is affordable. The older one becomes the more costly health care becomes; it is just part of the nature of being a human and our bodies. Once the Republicans get Medicare converted into a voucher program the healthcare for older and retired Americans, you will see the life expectancy of Americans plummet into a downward spiral. As it stands we are presently close to the bottom of the list as far as our health and life expectancy is compared to the rest of the Industrialized World! The voucher program is just another way for the Wealthy in America to cut the costs in our budget, so their profits from the Stock Market will go up, as it has since the Sequestration Bill or Austerity has been implemented starting in March. The voucher scheme is just another way to shift the cost of doing business in America to the backs and wallets of the poor and middleclass. Nothing surprises me anymore in this country. Study what is happening in Europe, especially in Greece, Spain and Italy, because we are next in line for the ax of Austerity to fall on the necks of the poor and middleclass Americans for the next 10 years. It is time for a political and physical revolt in this Union. K.W.
As far as the Ryan budget goes, it will pass in the House and will fail in the Senate. We have all heard this B.S. for the last year and longer. The Republicans will all favor any cuts or changes to Medicare and the Democrats will all refuse to support any major changes to Medicare or social programs. The same old dance and song over and over again. The Republicans are out to destroy any and all social programs that do not make a profit for big business and big tax cuts or loop wholes to increase the profits of all the big multi-national corporations. The Democrats will fight to save all the much needed social programs that help the poor and the middleclass, as well as the youngest and oldest Americans in our society. And nothing will be done, with the exception of the Austerity (Sequestration) cuts that are now being pushed down the throats of Americans across this Nation. Hell, I am even starting to repeat the same thing over and over again!! Whether you’re a conservative or a liberal, we all know what is going to happen and the only people who will actually benefit from these actions are the wealthy and those who are heavily invested in the Stock Market and rely on the Capital Gains they will receive from it. It is not hard to see who the real winners and losers will be over the next ten years of Austerity and the chaos that will be part of the pain that will be inflicted on our society.

How would you create revolt in America!
Such is definately required... though certain people of such bent oppose in weakness
A worthy revolt requires a leader with passion, commitment, drive
A hard, very DEFINATE certainty of purpose and an emotional affinity with the crowd... other humans
None in this dialogue have the such quality and fortitude for bloody damned sure
Where are we going with this dicourse?
What has happened with OCCUPY movement???

I hope everyone noticed the pay and benefits of the Politicians in Washington and the President will not be cut by the Sequestration Bill they all have conspired to push down the throats of all Americans. It is so rewarding watching them blame each other for the cuts that will cripple our country. I have never seen a larger group of whores in one place during my life on this planet. When will the Media finally explain to the American People who the authors were and are of this Sequestration Bill? Most Americans have no idea that Obama, Democrat Politicians and the Republicans all had a hand in crafting this abomination they are forcing us to accept. We as a nation are somewhat illiterate when it comes to politics and who is responsible for what goes on in Washington!

My basic "think" is that a civilization will survive to the proportion of what it's powers that be take care of the health, education and welfare of it's people. The weakest link, the poor, young, elderly and physically/mentally impaired are the bench marks of the strength of the civilization/society. To not take care of those in need the most means that that society/civilization/nation is not going to survive.

There are many people waiting in the wings of this nation, waiting to see what the mood of the nation will tolerate before it explodes into a violent revolt. The Occupy movement failed due to a large order of confusion and because most people were not willing to pay the price that violence demands if it is to be used. We have to be careful what we say and imply in this nation, because the laws have been written and bent to such a point that if we encourage violent revolt in word, we can now be seen as a terrorist against the government of the United States and can be locked away without representation. But I have read articles and talked to others who are waiting for the time to arrive that any such movement will be invigorated and upheld by the masses of disgruntled and abused citizens. They come in all age, gender and economic levels. Be patient, the bells of revolt and freedom are ringing; it will just take time for all those who are willing to engage this government hears them. Once the suffering of the people hits an unacceptable level by the majority, things will begin to happen in the offices, homes and streets across this nation. There is a reason why the Dept. of Homeland Security ordered over 300 million rounds of ammunition and that reason is they hear the bells of revolt beginning to ring as well. The D.H.S. did not purchase this enormous amount of fire power because they are afraid of Canada or Mexico, the only two countries that are capable of a land invasion; they fear the people of this nation. The violence of the 1960's will look like a minor uprising compared to what the armed citizens of this nation are capable of doing in a violent revolt to bring a new order into being for this nation. Any politician, political group or nation is within the reach of the people who are willing to pay the price that such change requires of them. People are tired and are beginning to feel hopeless about their future and the future of their children all across this nation. We have seen that the only answer we receive from our political leaders is we need to continue to give up more and more so the wealthy and powerful can continue to rule our nation. When the realization that only revolt by the people will bring the kind of change needed to replace despair with hope for the future, people will then be willing to contribute to whatever is necessary for change. K.W. The answer is that we, all of us will have to band together and do whatever is needed to bring change to our country. I personally believe that it will take the inspiration and work of those who have already tasted war and are not afraid of what is necessary to bring change to our nation. We will need to politically and physically do whatever is demanded of us, so the powerful and wealthy feel the sting and pain they are willing to inflict upon us. Enough has been said at this point, without being arrested for sedition by the State.

Ken Ware ~ I know your upset! We all are. Please try to relax and focus. You have a great idea! Send comments to the President. Everyone here is the link:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments
Fill out the form and copy and paste this:
Dear Mr. President. I am writing because I am very concerned about the current attempts to cut funds for social security and medicare. I feel that these are the most vital services our Government provides the people. Please resist any attempts to reduce their effectiveness. We the People will support you all the way. May God Bless. Thank You!
You can write your own letter but keep it non threatening and short. The instructions on the site say that the shorter the message the more likely it will get read. Good luck everyone!

Why hasn't Palindromedary weighed in on this issue? Surely he has something to say? I hope he's not still in the tub!
Here Kitykitykitykity!! Come and get your Medicare!

It's still our government, not Paulie Ryan's. He represents at best only a handful of billionaires, and among these a few are banksters who want to steal from the Social Security Fund. So I say we the people push to privatize all House Teabagger pensions. Give Ryan and the rest of his monkeys a lump sum and force them to either hide it under their beds or invest it with the unregulated Wall Street firms they legislate for. Then watch what happens to that damn self serving grin on Ryan's face.
Citizens of Wisconsins 1st Congressional District, wake up and fire this idiot!

DAnneMarc: Rub a dub dub...see how fast I can respond?
ken ware: Most excellent posts, Mr. Ware! Thank you! I very emphatically agree with everything you have said!
Problem is that we couldn't even convince people to vote against Obama this second time in order to vote for a third party candidate. I believe that you are quite right...that now..our only hope is for a massive action on the part of citizens. If we could only have upset the apple cart (ie: the stranglehold that the two party system has on our country) and had voted in an overwhelming Green party majority...including for a Green party President....or even any other party except Republican or Democrat. Although there are still a few Democrats that seem to be working for the majority of Americans..many have been bought off by the rich and powerful. Either that, or they just don't have the nerve to stand up to the Republicans...either way...they are not fit to represent us. They are not really much different than the Republicans.
Americans have to have the nerve to break out of their rut of voting for one or the other of the two party system. Once we show them that we will not be stuck in that rut anymore...maybe, just maybe, things will turn around for us. You, and I, and several others had warned others about Obama prior to the election...and now many of those who chose to vote for him hoping he would change are now regretting it.
We were right and they were fooled once again but we are still all together in suffering under this corrupt system....some, more so than others right now...and many more of us, yet to suffer.

I think we should hound Congress in removing their own socialized medicine. Make them pay for their own privatized health insurance.

Palindromedary ~ I can't see fluffy. I hope it didn't drown?

Palindromedary: I agree, but make them do it without a socialized pension check. Make them worry like the rest of us. Let them share the experience of having their retirement savings get ripped off by the very banksters they enabled.

DAnneMarc: The Daemon trolls scared him away! I guess you could call him a scaredy cat. He got word that there are people trying to make money by suing other people for copyright infringement and Fluffy didn't want to risk being one of them. What's this world coming to?

2950-10k: Right on! I like it!

DAnneMarc: I don't know if you got my clarification on Dr Feelgood....I'm referring to the English band, not the Crew!

DAnneMarc: Cancel that last Reply, I just checked the former blog and see you in fact got to experience Wilco.....How's that for some pretty intense rockin my friend?

Palindromedary ~ Very sorry to hear that. I hope everything turns out fine. Could this somehow have something to do with one of those links you shared. I have noticed some strange things happening on my computer ever since clicking on those links. I cant click on any links anymore without it affecting the way this blog works. Everything slows down to a crawl. Sometimes my typing stops and I get messages that "requests" and "responses" are being sent and received before my cursor becomes active again. The Browser however, seems stable as long as I don't click on links. Could this have something to do with your dilemma?

2950-10K ~ Nice technique! It has been my experience that such handwork isn't so much learned as it is a gift.

Palindromedary ~ Seriously though. You really agree with everything Ken said. You of all people. You've been to third world countries as have I. Of course you may not have mingled with the people as I have. Let me enlighten you. Point in question, Mexico.
The people in Mexico aren't thinking about Revolution. Things down there are much worse than they are here. My latest trip there left me longing to return to the United States.
Sure they have universal Medical coverage; but that's about it. They have a horrible transportation system, an abhorrent crime problem, no air quality management, no environmental or business regulation whatsoever, and no social security. They burden their kids for support in old age. If they can eat the doctors take care of the rest. Yet, dispite no social security, air that stinks, and ineffective high ways that have tolls as high as $14.00 for 50 miles (3 times the cost of the gas) the people are basically content.
Only twice here in the recent Century in the US was a Revolution possible. The Great Depression, and the end of the Vietnam War. The people blew it both times because they are too complacent and cowardly. Simple fact! It would take so much to inspire a successful Revolution in this Country that I doubt the powers that be will let it happen. They are just too smart. Only Political pressure is effective at this point. I suggest we forget about banging out chests and talking S(grits) on this forum because it is counter productive and may invite unnecessary scrutiny from the institutions who's duty it is to scrutinize such nonsense.
Why put yourselves through that process when its not going to help you or the situation anyway. Until We the People, the vast multitude of the subjects, are motivated enough, that course of action is a dead end street. I suggest we all avoid it altogether! When the opportunity for a real Revolution presents itself we will all know it! If it happens, let's not blow it!

DAnneMarc: I'll check with you later...gotta watch Bill Maher!

Palindromedary ~ If Fuffy's off the table, put up the Lost in Space Robot flaying his arms and yelling, "Danger, Danger, Will Robinson." LOL That would so fit you! There's about a Billion images of it available on Google Images too. LOL Please, something!

Palindromedary ~ Here you go. The perfect Avatar:
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSDn_HRj_0_T11a_cb9...
BTW You'd rather watch Bill Maher than talk to me. That's just fine! I'll just eat my box of chocolates and call my mother. Have fun!

This shit is making me tired.

"Dear President Obama, we didn't start all these unnecessary unpaid-for wars or crash the economy, yet you people keep placing more and more of the burden on us to pay the piper. I would consider Medicare vouchers to be something of a joke if the consequences weren't so dire. How many people's lives are you willing to sacrifice for the excesses of Power and Privilege? As always, what's conspicuously missing are proposed cuts to the salaries & benefits enjoyed by you and members of Congress. I wish I had never voted for you."
Thanks DAnneMarc, for the link. It's been sent. - Aliceinwonderland

DAnnemarc: If you are really having problems like you described then maybe you should just do a Darik's Boot & Nuke and start over with a fresh OS. I've never had those particular problems...maybe because Rootkits have gotten even stealthier than before. Fluffy tells me I should probably just do a DB&N maybe at least once a month. Just don't think those commercial virus checkers are much good. Actually, it is probably good advice not to click on links but to just type them in to your URL bar. And even then how does one know that he/she isn't going to be visiting a dangerous web server?
We'll probably be nuked (by Kim Jong Un?) before anyone in America takes to the streets. Of course, it is a given that the US would wipe N. Korea off them map..or would they? What a better way to take people's minds off of revolution if a common enemy is threatening to nuke us? Our government wouldn't even need to create a 9/11 false flag operation to make people very afraid and start wearing little American flags again. Maybe we'll get smashed by one of those giant asteroids that have, so far, been just near misses.
I agree that a political solution would be for the best. What chance do you give of that happening? Really?
One thing I certainly agree with you on is that the air down in Mexico is often very polluted and just plain miserable. I found that the air in Shanghai was pretty miserable oftentimes as well. But there are those crapitalists in the US that wouldn't mind a bit if they turned the US into a pollution cesspool...as long as they can make more money doing it.
Didn't mean to upset you about my watching Bill Maher...it wasn't that good this time anyway. What? you want ME to click on a link? ROTFLMAO! That's a good one! Nice try though.

DAnnemarc: Oh, yeah, I forgot...and the cost of phoning the US from Mexico is very, very expensive. Maybe that's part of the way old Carlos Slim Helu got so wealthy (the richest man in the world).
Aside from the bad things...Guadalajara was quite an experience and I do have some good memories...as in glad they are over but it's nice to have the experience. But now that we have Google Earth...I don't need to breathe the air in those places to visit them.

DeAnneMarc - With all due respect to you please Do Not attempt to guide me on the way I should respond when addressing the soda jerk in the Whitehouse. The remarks I made to the President were non-threatening if you would take the time to discern who I was addressing in my comments. The comments about the current state of mind concerning the citizens of our country and whether we should and how we should address any type of revolt (politically and physically) was made within the constraints one should follow concerning whether one is within their rights of free speech. That is why I stated I should stop my comments before I am found to be outside of my freedom of speech and could be sited for sedition by the powers of the government. I bow to no man or government when I have something to say. It is sad when you have to worry about how one addresses the people in power such as the politicians in Washington. There are people out there that are ready for any type of conflict with Washington. The only threats I made to the President is the petition that I will be sending to the leaders of the Republicans in the House and Senate. I find this President to be a liar and a coward for a multitude of reasons. If the powers to be do not like what I and others have to say so be it. You have obviously confused my remarks to an individual who has asked questions on this blog and the e-mail I have sent to the Whitehouse. Please refrain from telling what to say on this blog or concerning any information I might share with other Americans concerning the politicians in Washington, regardless who they might be. I am a "big boy" and can handle myself concerning these issues. But, thank you for your concern. It is obvious most people on this blog are all talk and are afraid to say what they think because they fear our government. I do not fear our government and no how far to go in my statements and the way I believe our country will react if things do not change. You have a habit of thinking you know what is best and are blessed with a higher level of knowledge or intelligence then the rest of us, much like Palindromedary. And, I take offense to this when reading your remarks. Also, the reason for the change in my avatar was it looked like a nice place to be have my ashes placed upon my death in the future. The reason I stopped using my large collection of war aircraft is that we are conversing about non-combat or non-military subjects. I plan on using the aircraft in future blogs or comments. Could you explain to me what the avatar you use represents. I find the avatar Alice uses to be very disturbing since it looks like an older female that has given up hope. At 60 years of age, I find myself as forceful and willing to fight or standup up for my rights to comment on what I choose too, as I did at 30! My philosophy in life is that those of us who are warriors should retain our attitude and abilities as if we were at war with a political enemy or a physical enemy. I have no desire to ever mellow out and become just one of hopeless masses that have given up or believe the best way to get along is to get along at any cost. Simply not my mantra for life as long as I am breathing and capable of standing my ground. I do not expect you to understand my thinking nor do I need anyone’s approval, just their understanding if they push they will most certainly be pushed backed in multiples. I could never understand people like Hartmann and their way of addressing the evils of our society. It takes all kinds to make the World go around. My attitude towards Washington is they are the enemy of the common people and should never be trusted to do what is right for the American people. Have a good evening my friend. P.S., I am not angry, this is my normal state of mind. You would not like me when I am really angry and willing to show it.

DeAnneMarc - One last statement; Do you really believe the B.S. you have written about supporting and wanting your God to bless this miserable example of a president. Sorry, but I almost up-chucked dinner after reading your babble! My hopes are this bastard will be impeached in the coming years. You really have the balls to tell me and others what we should write to this loser! I just finished reading all your comments after I had responded to a comment of yours that I had read before reading this one. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM TELLING ME WHATTO SAY IN MY COMMENTS FROM THIS POINT ON! Thank you. K.W. My first comment on this blog was the e-mail I sent to this jerk earlier in the day. Talk about brass balls, you must have a pants full. I will post this tomorrow as well so you do not make this mistake again when addressing me on how I should structure my comments! Now I am mad...

Ken Ware ~ I apologize for offending you in any way. You are my hero and I am a bit defensive about my hero's. I have many hero's. As far as my Avatar is concerned it is called a "Blade Master". It is from a MMORPG (Massive, Multiplayer, Online, Role, Playing, Game) The name of the game is "Perfect World." It is Chinese and perhaps the best RPG in existence. You can play with people from all over the world in this game and its addictive. It is a free online game. You make Avatars in the game tailored to your specifications. In this respect, I have made a human character, called a "BladeMaster" that resembles myself.
As far as my "Handle" , DAnneMarc is concerned, I would recommend you research the Anagrams of a rather famous French Prophet by the name of Nostradamus. You might want to begin with Century 9, Quatrain 33.. You might gain insight in why I consider my opinion superior to others. Again, I apologize if I offend anyone. It's just that I feel I have a Mandate.
When I was a much younger dude and had a couple of young boys to raise I struggled to explain to them why things went down as they do in our society. The greed. The injustice. Finally I conjured up an analogy:
"Imagine", I told them, "that there were only twenty people in the world. That they lived in a cave, and that the cave was very important to all of these people because, if nothing else, the fire they kept burning at the entrance at night kept the tigers at bay. Now within that small group of people, one would stand out as the guy who called the shots. He wasn't necessarily the smartest, or the best looking, or the caveman with the sunniest personality. He was the bruiser; the M.F. who swung the heaviest club"! At this point I would digress and explain to my two young boys that "M.F." was an acronym for "malefactor" (take note of this, Alice).
"Now the "Bruiser" got first helping and the best cut of the beast of the day. He also had his choice of the best women, and, if you crossed the Bruiser, you got to spend the night outside of the cave. He wasn't necessarily the sharpest marble in the bag, so he had a couple of lieutenants that kept him informed as to who should be fed to the tigers on a given night. These people eventually evolved into the the clan that today wear the three piece suit and whisper their wisdom into the ear of the powerful. They were, and remain the true villains."
"And then, there were the rest of the cave dwellers. Some of them understood what was going on but were afraid to say anything for fear of being cast out of the cave. And many were so dumb that they didn't care, as long as they were fairly warm at night, had a full belly, and could stay protected inside the cave". "And nothing has changed, nor will it for, oh, let's say another hundred thousand years...." (Except the identity of the guy with the club and his staff)
I don't know that this satisfied my sons' questions about man's inhumanity to man, but I do know one thing: As long as people are "fat, dumb and happy with Sunday Night Football, Celebrity Apprentice and Dancing With the Stars", ain't nothing gonna change. And when things go TOO far south, things will change as certainly as the tide comes in, as several have suggested here....
It's never failed to happen.

KW: "You have a habit of thinking you know what is best and are blessed with a higher level of knowledge or intelligence then the rest of us, much like Palindromedary."
Well, excuse me Mr. Ware...does that mean, then, that since I agreed with what you had just said just a few posts ago that you also believe that what you said was not cogent? It seems to me that the position you just expressed is diametrically opposed to things you had said in prior posts (months ago when you were berating me and others back then for our views)..and that you are now expressing more militant views as to what our future holds.
Before, you belittled anyone who even mentioned revolution..warning that it would be foolish to think Americans would stand a chance against the military. That may or may not be true. We don't know to what extent our government would go to put down a rebellion or even to what extent those soldiers would go in shooting, possibly, their own people...not to mention, possibly, their own kin.
Right now, it seems, that the government is using any kind of propaganda means to scare people out of opposing them in any way.
I certainly hope that violence doesn't break out. I certainly would not, myself, be part of that in any way. But then, I'm not starving yet...lots of people are..or soon will be. Actually, violence is already increasing across America..not in any organized way but, in the struggle to survive...or just plain greed (they have bankster and crooked politician role models to thank for that)... people are doing very dire things.
The fakery being played out in Wall Street...the record highs caused by pumping fake money into the system will only cause the next bubble to pop and it will do even more so what the 2008 bubble burst did make a few people extremely wealthy and make the majority of people pay what they can't afford to pay.

Thanks Palindromedary; but I'm not quite ready yet to "FDisk". This is a rather new unit and I have an arsenal of options I'm going to exhaust before I 'Nuke' the HD. I'm sure it's simpler than that; otherwise, the problem would be consistant. Thanks for the advice either way! Bring on the Robinson Robot if you will, please! "That does not compute!" I'm dying to say that!

Palindromedary - I still believe that the U.S. Military is and will be the ultimate power in the event of uprisings or riots across the country. However the disruption and violence that I think is going to show its head in our major cities will still be a threat and an awakening for the powers that be. If my words portrayed an uprising by the citizens of our country to be an all-out war, where the government is over thrown, that is not what I meant to portray. Armed groups of citizens rioting in the streets over several weeks in several major hubs of commerce, i.e. Los Angeles, Long Beach Harbor, San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, New Orleans, Chicago just to mention a few, would be so disruptive to this government and to the profits made on the Stock Market that the political powers and the wealthy would have to change their behavior towards the citizens and workers, and this would bring about major changes in our society. It would have to be an arranged logistical event using violent and non-violent means to accomplish the intended goals. At some point in our future, change will have to occur or we will become a nation with a two tier class system. And I personally believe many people have already considered these options and when the moment is ripe the masses will involve themselves and take matters into their own hands. If people can form groups of individuals to form such movements as the Occupy Wall St. marches, they can just as easily form militias and riotous demonstrators to engage the government across this nation. Those of us who are old enough to remember the bombings and mass riots in the mid-sixties (Chicago riots in 68') and the bombing of government buildings by several militant groups during this time period based on the Vietnam War Movements, the Austerity or Sequestration cuts for the next ten years will provoke even more people to engage the government via violent forms of protest and destruction corporate assets. With the current ability to communicate and set up talks among multiple groups using the internet and smart phone systems with encrypted software, makes this idea even more plausible than ever before. When the time is right and hardship and pain increase for the people of our country because of the government cuts that will grow over the next several years, as well as stagnant wages and people will ultimately believe there is no other recourse but to engage in violence as a means for change. But, I still believe these confrontations will be limited because the U.S. Military will ultimately be able to crush any long term engagements by the populous. We will not have to over throw the government to bring about change; we can cause enough chaos and loss of profits that the U.S. Government and the Corporations will be ready to re-evaluate their positions on the financial cuts to social programs and the wages being paid to workers for their own benefit. The government knows there are 300,000,000 weapons in the hands of the American Public and if the people show a willingness to use them to bring about change, the fore mentioned changes will happen. I hope this clarifies my comments that I have posted on this blog today. I still hold to my comment about you and DeAnneMarc and your pious statements and attitudes, but I would also like to state that I am also guilty of such behavior at times as well. And, yes people will die in the coming years due to the government’s Austerity or Sequestration policies and perhaps this will be the very acts that bring the people of our country together and they will proceed with the earlier mentioned acts of violence. This is not the first time I have wrinkled others feathers with my comments and I doubt that it will be the last. Deal with it. K.W.

PLEASE EXCUSE THE PRINTING OF MY COMMENT TWICE, I AM NOT SURE HOW THIS HAPPENED!

Outback: That sounds a little like Plato's Allegory of the Cave except the people in the cave were prisoners chained facing a wall and could only see shadows cast upon the wall from objects behind them. They could only see the shadows but really didn't have a clue as to what caused them. I wonder who is casting shadows on the walls of our caves? Those who really control our government...the 'shadow government'. ☥

Ken Ware ~ Who know's how things happen. I just hope you aren't mad at me any more. I have no enemies. I only want everyone to be happy. I can't keep my eyes open any more and I hope you forgive me. I hope I've provided enough information to satisfy. Good Night All! I'll check back on this blog tomorrow to see if there are any serious inquiries. Nighty Night! Remember, the present is good, the future will take care of itself, and the past is gone. Good Night All!

DAnnemarc: That was a good TV show...although I didn't see all episodes.
Yeah, I know what you mean...nuking your HD would be rather radical...but, I've done it before and I just look at it as a fresh start and a worth-while learning experience. Obviously, before one were to do such a thing...backing up vital files is definitely recommended...but, obviously, I'm preaching to the choir.

Ken Ware: Yeah, well, whether you like it or not....I still agree with everything you just said.

Paul Ryan and the Republican Party poker game of surety financing, or what many may call subrogation, legal theft. Yes, from my view to suggest a very sophistic terminology using that notion of vouching. This is so funny when many of us witness a continuous nonstop law legislation projected by the Republican Wahhabi party is another form of bating and hating.
The Republicans vouch every day about something, or about some person displaying and critiquing snotty, snicker, snidely and smearing like a psychotic Picasso on crack, similarly like the filibuster by Ron Paul. Here America is getting a shiv in the back leadership while blind siding American elderly. The new voucher should be printed about the size of a dollar bill with Paul Ryan on one side, turn it over to Ron Paul picture signature on the other side, for the perfect Paul/Paul Paradox of Pandora’s Pithos in money mongering Canary Island tax dodge ball.
Fine tuning the unjust enrichment where the insurance plan is formed to flood wealth unjustly to the enriched percenters at the expense of a breach due then terminating health obligations by age statistics philanthropy, then really stick the obligation to terminate and weasel out of restitution arising by age, regardless of liability for wrongdoing, totally flipping off the right to life by age discrimination in this sense shows the sewer of reasoning in the Republican Party.

PD sez: "Our government wouldn't even need to create a 9/11 false flag operation to make people very afraid and start wearing little American flags again..." Hah-HAH! Beautiful.

Ken Ware's on the rampage again. To DAnneMarc: "You have a habit of thinking you know what is best and are blessed with a higher level of knowledge or intelligence than the rest of us..." So Ken, what makes you such an authority on what's inside another person's mind?
"Sorry, but I almost up-chucked dinner after reading your babble!" Gee how nice.
"I take offense to this when reading your remarks." First of all Mister Ware, you get offended way too easily. And second: NOBODY has a God-given right to not be offended. However the rest of us have a right to express ourselves freely without walking on eggshells. Anger of this sort is a just a device used as a means to control others; it's a common bully tactic and reflects poorly on those who use it.
"The reason I stopped using my large collection of war aircraft is that we are conversing about non-combat or non-military subjects. I plan on using the aircraft in future blogs or comments." Well WHUP-ti-do! Gee, maybe we oughta rave about how exciting and intriguing they are... then with luck, you'll stop defiling Thom's blog with those ugly-ass instruments of death.
"My philosophy in life is that those of us who are warriors should retain our attitude and abilities as if we were at war with a political enemy or a physical enemy." Yeah right... angry bullies like you, who get some kinda sick pleasure out of dumping on other people.
"I have no desire to ever mellow out..." GOOD. Then maybe you'll have a heart attack and croak, so we won't be subjected to these hateful diatribes anymore. "I am not angry, this is my normal state of mind." Really? "You would not like me when I am really angry and willing to show it." Oooh... look out folks! Be VERY afraid.
"I could never understand people like Hartmann and their way of addressing the evils of our society." It figures. I hate to break it to you Tough Guy, but Thom's so far beyond reach of your angrt little mind it isn't funny. you don't possess one tenth that man's character, or so much as a hundredth the intellect he possesses.
And now, for the crown jewel: "I find the avatar Alice uses to be very disturbing since it looks like an older female that has given up hope." Go hump a turd you hateful, disgusting pig. - Alice I.W.

DAnneMarc, Palin, Nachos- all my friends- I think the time has come for me to say: S'long for now. It's been fun, it really has; even inspiring at times. But there are certain intrapersonal dynamics going on here that I'm finding more than a little crazy-making, and increasingly difficult to tolerate. It's just too frustrating and painful to have to witness DAnneMarc take reams of verbal abuse from that venom-spewing douchebag, only to respond with apologies and lame-ass shit like: "I just hope you're not mad at me anymore..." and "You're my hero..." Pl-EEEEZE! Meanwhile PD wastes considerable time and energy trying to explain himself to Mr. Ware as if that man was interested in carrying on anything like a rational discussion. PD keeps demanding some sort of intelligible, coherent explanation for Mr. Ware's hostile attitude as if it actually warranted the effort.
DAnneMarc, you're a wonderful, intelligent, spiritual man with a big generous heart, who sees what's good in everyone and wants to be everyone's friend. As your friend, I strongly urge that you get over it; not the whole enchilada, just the part about being friends with every tom, dick an' harry who comes your way. Because not everyone is interested in being your pal or engaging in meaningful dialogue with you. Toxic people are everywhere. They thrive on one-upmanship, on tearing others down like it's some kind of sport. It's fine to keep a positive attitude toward people in general, and a love for humanity and all that, and even to forgive those who have trespassed against you... BUT you needn't be a doormat for bullies like Ken Ware, nor should you tolerate verbal abuse from anyone, and I don't care if it's Jesus Christ rising up from the tomb. Nobody deserves that crap and nobody has to take it either. Gotta love yourself too.
Anyway comrades, I guess that's all for now. Happy blogging. I reckon I'll be back sometime down ze road... but for now, tah-tah! - Aliceinwonderland

Oh Alice, so soon after I discovered this place; so soon after we've come to the necessity of open rebellion and revolution in the streets; so soon after finding folks who really understand, and aren't afraid to offend others they agree with.. . . .
Take a walk, as they say in the Oz Outback; re-locate the cosmos we share; and when the time is right or another circuit complete, wander home. it's time for breakfast. Later Dudes.
Palendromedary, I'm not acquainted with Plato's allegory (my knowledge of the classics sucks) but it sounds like a much more accurate description of conditions that prevail today than my little simple minded parable. As you point out in the part about the prisoners: "They could only see the shadows but really didn't have a clue as to what caused them.", this is where we are. The Paul Ryans of the world are just the "front men". I'm certain there are players far bigger and nastier than the Koch Brothers pulling the strings today, which is where my analogy breaks down. But it was intended to depict the "character" of the various players more than anything else.
Lest anyone (including the NSA) conclude that I'm an advocate of violent overthrow of the government, I'm not! What I see as a much more likely scenario is that "the powers that be" continue to tease the last of the wealth and quality of life out of a once great middle class until finally the system breaks. The food chain collapses, literally. When Safeway can't get the bread and butter we need for survival, chaos will ensue. It's in that context that I have advocated for private ownership of guns as a means of defending myself and family against the anarchy that will result. That's just prudent. And I don't think I'm being a "doomsayer" here as the signs of inevitable economic collapse are everywhere. So no, "the people" won't have to go out of their way to topple a corrupt government; it's doing that quite handily all by itself. And hopefully from the ashes a better society will arise (maybe with its capitol in Phoenix, PD?).
Allice In Wonderland, I for one will miss your frequent and unique commentary. I'd presume to give you a small bit of advice, young lady, and encourage you to try to say what you REALLY feel more frequently ;-D .... Adios.

I wonder why Obama doesn't start every speech about the budget with the line 'Social Security is solvent, why would we mess with a program that works!' 'Social Security is off the table, let's start with programs that don't work like no-bid contracts and auditing the two wars'. BTW Chained CPI will cause untold hardship on many Americans, from what I understand...the printing of money given to banks at 0 interest will cause inflation and Social Security in essence will be drastically cut with the Chained CPI. Any comment on that?

AIW ~ I hate to be responsible for you're departure--especially since KW will probably claim it a victory and gloat. Don't think my attitude toward KW's abuse is a weakness. I have a thick skin. His words bounce of it like gentle flakes of snow. I refuse to give him the pleasure of like response because I know that is what he wants. Any such engagement would be pointless and nonproductive. So I ignore it. I'm less likely to apologize for anything I say anymore unless I think a correction is in order. If I apologize for offending someone its just a polite way of saying, "TOUGH S(Grits). I've always liked your Avatar. I think it looks like a thoughtful woman who had to turn her back on what she saw. Don't we all? The Barret makes her look like an artist and a rebel. Nice touch! You will be sorely missed! I hope you return soon!
KW ~ Don't think I'm trying to put words into your mouth. From what I understood you already wrote your letter to the President. Your funeral! I'm just saying their is a better way to get your point across and make a difference in this approach than copy and pasting your psycho-babble. Quite frankly, whatever kind of a solder you may have once been you make a piss poor leader. I'm trying to offer other members of this forum a constructive approach to your idea--one that won't get them tossed into Gitmo. As far as trying to incite a revolution over cuts in Medicare. Go ahead! I can't wait to see your troops all lined up with canes in one hand and AK-47's in the other. Oh wait, here comes the walker brigade, followed by the wheelchair battalion. Where's General Ware? Oh, he had to go back and look for his teeth. It's a shame you weren't here during the war in Vietnam. Then you would have seen what a real pre-revolution looks like. Oh, but where were you? That's right, you were doing what you were told by tricky Dick Nixon. Very good! What perfect experience to lead the revolutionary forces, Sir! You sure are a funny man!

DeAnneMarc - Do not confuse age with inability. At 60 I am in better shape than most 40 year olds. Cheney had no problem destroying Iraq and Afghanistan at his age, even if it was a stupid thing to do. Most senior officers in the Pentagon are over 50 years of age. The wise direct the inexperienced in this country. But, I am sure your flower waiving and pats on the back of your fellow commenters will go far in changing our society. It is a shame people like yourself with the capacity to think would actually support the Fascist in the Whitehouse. Do you really think the politicians in Washington stand around and encourage those with an opposite point of view to sit down and have a drink or a beer as we commoners generally consume. Yeah, they are political enemies who try on a daily basis to assasinate each other politically. The idea that everything will be okay if we just hold our breath long enough and click our heels together is why we are in this mess we have to deal with today. I find it odd that those who have never had to experience war are so fast to hug their teddy bears and dream of better days, while condemning those who have put it on the line. The biggest mistake this country has made in modern times is doing away with the draft and breeding young people who have no idea what the reality of life is actually about. For those of you who cannot deal with the realities of life today and want to run and hide in an illusional state of mind, good bye and good luck. Those of us who see the reality around us will try to change the state of affairs that inflicts the fangs of pain into our people and nation. At least outback see's what is happening and has prepared himself for the events that will come about in the near future. I find it sad that our younger people have this habit of hiding from the reality of life and believe the people in power will make the right decisions for them. So my younger friend besides breathing the air around you and having a free ride on the backs of those who have sacrificed for this nation, what have your contributed and sacrificed for this nation? I think I have the answer by reading your comments. As far as the President goes I have made so threats against him or his regime in Washington. But I have made it clear that he has been a worthless politician who has made decisions that are for the benefit of the wealthy and the corporations, like the T.P.P. agreement he refuses to share with this nations politicians and the people who elected him into office (I was smart enough not to vote for this political abscess on the backside of our nation) and believed he would be transparent and truthful with the citizens in our nation. So go spread your fairy dust and click your heels together three times and maybe you and Alice will find yourselves back home in Kansas, safe and secure. As I have said before, if you do not like my comments because you feel threatened simply contact the person in charge of Hartmann's web page and have me banned. I can understand how younger and weaker people have a problem with anything that threatens their bubble of security. Again I would like to state you should never be so foolish as a younger person to believe age has anything to do with a person’s capabilities, especially since you have a habit of kissing up to others and making excuses for yourself. I am giving you just a simple word of advice, since you feel you have the right to advise others on their conduct. Just to clue you in, WE won the war in Vietnam, the poiliticians gave it away to the North because they were tired of playing. K.W.

KEN WARE: Mr. Ware, you seem so strongly against the President and the political system that I would venture most people of maturity would suggest you may need some counseling. You have every right to rant on about anything you wish to do but may I suggest you try to find some points of merit in our badly functioning system? I too have my days when I would enjoy grabbing some of these grand standers by the nap of the neck and shake hell out of them; however, when I see the political systems extant in the other 180 or so nations in this world, I often thank the founders for their hard work, flawed though it may be at times. As a 76 year old former veteran of five years service, I think the military has its proper place: Under the control of civil government and limited in budget and power commensurate with known threats to our nation. I do not think we should be prancing around the world doing Bush wars on credit cards. The congress is clearly dismally corrupt as you state; however, what is your do-able plan to fix it? Myself: I think we need a Constitutional Convention to change the money trees and the apparent ownerships of Senators and Representatives by various businesses and associations. Term limits accompanied by public financing would be nice. These two alone will end up killing our democracy unless we gain control over them. The Supreme Court is so far to the right that we must make some changes. How can a justice sit on the court for his entire term a hardly utter as sound? How can we justify equating money to personhood and giving the dollar the right to vote? President Obama was legally elected twice and was drop kicked on day one in 2009 by an enormous and grotesque financial system failure that has staggered the nation. Do you think Obama was responsible for this mess? I sincerely hope not. As a guy with 3 college degrees two of which are in business disciplines, I think it sad that this man has had to do what the mess has forced on him. I have carefully examined his major initiatives and find that he continues to effect changes to put the nation back on a sound, rock solid foundation rather than the sandy mess we have been in for the 40 years prior to 2008. My business experience, both domestic and international tells me that we have given away our manufacturing base of high paying jobs; allowed about 400 banks to become damned near criminal in their operations and at least 10 need broken up. Obama created the Consumer Financial Protection initiative that is a hopeful sign that the common man finally has some help. His Jobs Initiative was buttonholed by the rotten Teaparty right congressmen and would have allowed work on much needed infrastructure projects all over the nation: He was stopped dead by the budget cutters,most who have never read a page of Keynes. Well, these issues come to mind as comments a person with your apparent rancor might consider. Lets hope there are no civil wars or major riots that you allude to. I would encourage you to read some on the Civil War and consider whats going on in Syria as an example of the carnage that can result. Find a little pleasure in life; it comes just once.
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A letter to the Whitehouse - We need to let the President know how we see his failed Administration, especially the role he had in preparing the Sequestration bill.
Mr. President, we hold you and the politicians in Washington responsible for the pain you are inflicting on the American public through the Austerity program you helped design. The Sequestration is just a tool you and Washington have devised to push your Austerity measures down the throats of the American People. I am a Democrat who will never vote for your party again. I, my family, fellow workers and fellow church members are signing a petition to have you impeached from office (we are mostly Democrats). We will then send this petition to the Republican leaders in the Senate and the House to show the people who voted for you, no longer have any faith in your leadership. Once the public realizes you helped to design this monster bill, your popularity will fall even more and the Democrats in Washington will feel it in the 2014 elections across this country. The Republicans have outwitted you on all levels since you took office. We realize you will never read any comments sent to you, but when the overall picture shows your ratings dropping like flies on a hot day, you might get the message of how you have failed. We do not expect the Democrats to comply and vote for your impeachment, but it will go down in history that your own party see's you as a lame duck president. You have really given away any bargaining power you might have had when you agreed to raise the Capital Gains tax by a mere 5% and the Republicans got what they wanted and you again have failed in your leadership as President. You are the second worst president in U.S. history, only G. Bush has a worse record of leadership then you. You are more like a Republican then a Democrat and it is obvious the wealthy now control the Whitehouse as well as the Senate and the House. We will do everything in our power to show the American voters how you have failed them and the country you were elected to serve. It is obvious you are more concerned with your record of achievements than the needs of the poor and the middleclass Americans you were supposed to support. You have been bought and paid for by the Billionaires and Millionaires that paid for your re-election. We see you as a failed leader in the domestic and world affairs you have a hand in governing and your policies to kill Americans you perceive as the enemy, shows only Bush had a worse record in handling the Wars you have governed over and the policies you have implemented. We are truly sorry for helping you get elected the first time in 2008. Sincerely, a citizen of the United States. March 8, 2013.
You can contact the soda jerk in the Whitehouse by going to whitehouse.gov and accessing the comment section. You will be required to give info concerning your name, address, e-mail, etc. The only thing you will have to be cautious about is if he doesn't like your comments he might send one of his drones (I am not referring to his personnel in the Whitehouse) to bomb you or send the guys in the black trench coats to arrest you for questioning his policies. A small price to pay for voicing your own thoughts.