Reid is offering doctors a deal. If they'll support killing their future, hurting their patients, cutting seniors' health benefits, then he, Reid, will freeze cuts in Medicare payments.
Hmmm, let's think about how this is going to work.
The doctors are getting shafted now when it comes to Medicare, they are paying extra staff just to take care of the paperwork involved, many have stopped taking Medicare already, budget cuts across the country are delaying whatever paltry payments they receive... but Reid is going to ensure it doesn't get worse.
Oh, wait, he's not going to ensure it doesn't get worse, he's just going to freeze cuts. For now.
He can only promise to put something in the bill, he can't guarantee that 1) it'll make it through the entire process and 2) if it does, that next year they won't vote in a change.
If Reid and friends are attempting this kind of fraudulent wheelin' and dealin' with doctors, can you imagine the deals that are going on behind closed doors?
Saw the bill from the Senate this morning on Fox & Friends. 1502 pages and they haven't even begun to start adding their wish lists and "tweaking" the thing.
The "public option" is back on the table again. Ya know, now that they got Olympia Snow to sell her soul to get it onto the floor 'cause it didn't have the pubic option??? Trust ain't a commodity that goes for much in Congress.
From The Hill:
Reid offers doctors a deal
By Alexander Bolton
The White House and Democratic leaders are offering doctors a deal: They'll freeze cuts in Medicare payments to doctors in exchange for doctors' support of healthcare reform.
Read more: http://www.thehill.com/homenews/senate/63811-reid-offers-docs-a-deal
Showing posts with label senator. Show all posts
Showing posts with label senator. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
From RedState on Daschle
Well now we know why the Democrats don't mind raising taxes - they don't pay them.
Barack Obama has nominated another tax cheat.
With Tim Geithner we were told he was the indispensable man during the economic crisis. What about Tom Daschle? What makes him special?
In truth - nothing makes Daschle special other than he's one of Barack Obama's friends.
One tax cheat is enough.
Call 202-224-3121. Tell your Senator to vote no on Tom Daschle.
Barack Obama has nominated another tax cheat.
With Tim Geithner we were told he was the indispensable man during the economic crisis. What about Tom Daschle? What makes him special?
In truth - nothing makes Daschle special other than he's one of Barack Obama's friends.
One tax cheat is enough.
Call 202-224-3121. Tell your Senator to vote no on Tom Daschle.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Georgia's Isakson Questions BHO's Sec Labor on Union's Secret Ballot
If the Unions have their way with taking away worker's rights to vote via secret ballot, we may as well throw in the towel. We will ultimately be a unionized nation of workers, unable to compete on any reasonable level with other countries. The Unions will be another arm of government without any of the meager restrictions that currently hamper our politicians.
I see the new regime chipping away at the foundation of our country from so many angles it's virtually impossible decide where to focus. It's death by inches. We focus on trying to fight the un-"Fairness Doctrine" and they inch forward on the "Employee Free Choice Act" (how much time went into choosing the names of that misleading moniker?). We focus on the monumental problems with the economy while they inch forward with unqualified or far-far-left cabinet appointments. While we focus on national issues our local governments stick out their hands for money, happily agreeing to comply with all the Federal strings attached.
I'm not one to get discouraged, but I can already tell that the next few years are going to test every positive bone in my body.
Our Georgia elected representatives seem to be, for the most part, conservative. I don't agree with everything they've signed onto or supported. In fact, if we had good viable, conservative choices in a few cases, I'd cast my vote in that direction. However, overall the Republican's seem to have the right views.
U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) sent this release out Friday. Although many of you aren't in Georgia, I think you'll find it interesting reading.
Isakson Pushes Labor Nominee to Oppose Eliminating Workers’ Rights to Secret Ballot in Choosing Whether to Unionize
Isakson Notes Nominee’s Previous Support of Secret Ballot for Workers in Negotiating Flex Time
1/9/09 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today questioned why President-elect Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Labor supports legislation to strip workers of their right to a secret ballot when deciding whether to unionize, but previously insisted on a secret ballot for workers during negotiations with management on flex time.
The nominee, U.S. Rep. Hilda Solis of California, voted for legislation to strip workers of the secret ballot when deciding whether to unionize in 2007, but pushed legislation in the California Legislature in the late 1990s in which she insisted that workers have the secret ballot when negotiating with management on flex time and overtime pay.
“You insisted that there be a vote by all employees and that it be by secret ballot. Why would we want to change the law of the United States now with regard to how unions are organized and eliminate the secret ballot?” Isakson said to Solis during her hearing this morning in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
Solis responded to Isakson this morning that she was not prepared to make a statement about her position on the secret ballot at this time.
Isakson strongly opposes the so-called Employee Free Choice Act, also known as Card Check, which would eliminate the rights of workers to participate in a secret-ballot election in order to certify the creation of a union. The legislation would force employees to make a public declaration of their preference by allowing union organizers to bypass elections if a majority of employees sign cards authorizing a union.
The legislation passed the U.S. House in 2007 and is expected to be brought forth by Democratic leaders for a vote in the Senate this year.
Isakson believes the current system, which allows employees to use a secret ballot in choosing whether they want a union to become their exclusive representative in the workplace, has worked well because it neither advocates nor discourages unionization.
Isakson blamed declining union membership as the motive behind the legislation, which did not receive committee consideration. Union membership among private sector employees is at its lowest level in decades.
Isakson also used the nomination hearing for Solis to stress the importance of writing regulations that both protect workers and allow businesses to operate efficiently.
“In my four years on this committee as the Republican leader on the Employment and Workplace Safety Subcommittee, I have worked with Senators Murray, Kennedy, Enzi and others to try and strike this delicate balance,” Isakson said. “We have a strong record of working together on critical issues to American workers such as mine safety reform, banning asbestos, and pension protection.”
I see the new regime chipping away at the foundation of our country from so many angles it's virtually impossible decide where to focus. It's death by inches. We focus on trying to fight the un-"Fairness Doctrine" and they inch forward on the "Employee Free Choice Act" (how much time went into choosing the names of that misleading moniker?). We focus on the monumental problems with the economy while they inch forward with unqualified or far-far-left cabinet appointments. While we focus on national issues our local governments stick out their hands for money, happily agreeing to comply with all the Federal strings attached.
I'm not one to get discouraged, but I can already tell that the next few years are going to test every positive bone in my body.
Our Georgia elected representatives seem to be, for the most part, conservative. I don't agree with everything they've signed onto or supported. In fact, if we had good viable, conservative choices in a few cases, I'd cast my vote in that direction. However, overall the Republican's seem to have the right views.
U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) sent this release out Friday. Although many of you aren't in Georgia, I think you'll find it interesting reading.
Isakson Pushes Labor Nominee to Oppose Eliminating Workers’ Rights to Secret Ballot in Choosing Whether to Unionize
Isakson Notes Nominee’s Previous Support of Secret Ballot for Workers in Negotiating Flex Time
1/9/09 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today questioned why President-elect Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Labor supports legislation to strip workers of their right to a secret ballot when deciding whether to unionize, but previously insisted on a secret ballot for workers during negotiations with management on flex time.
The nominee, U.S. Rep. Hilda Solis of California, voted for legislation to strip workers of the secret ballot when deciding whether to unionize in 2007, but pushed legislation in the California Legislature in the late 1990s in which she insisted that workers have the secret ballot when negotiating with management on flex time and overtime pay.
“You insisted that there be a vote by all employees and that it be by secret ballot. Why would we want to change the law of the United States now with regard to how unions are organized and eliminate the secret ballot?” Isakson said to Solis during her hearing this morning in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
Solis responded to Isakson this morning that she was not prepared to make a statement about her position on the secret ballot at this time.
Isakson strongly opposes the so-called Employee Free Choice Act, also known as Card Check, which would eliminate the rights of workers to participate in a secret-ballot election in order to certify the creation of a union. The legislation would force employees to make a public declaration of their preference by allowing union organizers to bypass elections if a majority of employees sign cards authorizing a union.
The legislation passed the U.S. House in 2007 and is expected to be brought forth by Democratic leaders for a vote in the Senate this year.
Isakson believes the current system, which allows employees to use a secret ballot in choosing whether they want a union to become their exclusive representative in the workplace, has worked well because it neither advocates nor discourages unionization.
Isakson blamed declining union membership as the motive behind the legislation, which did not receive committee consideration. Union membership among private sector employees is at its lowest level in decades.
Isakson also used the nomination hearing for Solis to stress the importance of writing regulations that both protect workers and allow businesses to operate efficiently.
“In my four years on this committee as the Republican leader on the Employment and Workplace Safety Subcommittee, I have worked with Senators Murray, Kennedy, Enzi and others to try and strike this delicate balance,” Isakson said. “We have a strong record of working together on critical issues to American workers such as mine safety reform, banning asbestos, and pension protection.”
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
McConnell Says No "Wednesday" Auto Bailout Vote
Don't you get the feeling it's a done deal and all we're hearing is the politicians trying to cya when you read the articles and hear the words?
Let's see if I remember correctly... the LAST bailout it was 'gee we have to do it now now now now...' can't wait... rush... rush... including Mitch McConnell. Glad he's slowing this one down, but methinks that's all he be doin' and it's simply to look strong so the bite isn't too bad when it hits at the ballot box (assuming it does, we voters suffer mightily from short memoryitis).
Now we have the benefit of hindsight to know how badly the last bailout was handled and is being handled. Now we know where we're heading as we hand over capitalism, free market and our future monies to the government.
Don't want this bailout. Didn't want the last one. Don't you feel powerless when you see the end of the world and no one is able to stop it?
McConnell: Bailout votes aren't there
The auto industry bailout politics are a mess this morning. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday that Republicans are not prepared to back the massive auto-bailout package being negotiated by the White House and congressional Democrats. McConnell would not allow Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to expedite consideration of the bill, setting up a key procedural vote Friday morning.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/1208/McConnell_Bailout_votes_arent_there.html
Talks press ahead in Congress for auto industry bailout
WASHINGTON (AFP) – Lawmakers Wednesday battled over a 15-billion-dollar bailout for the stalled US auto industry amid lingering Republican doubts that the jumpstart is more than a quick fix. A possible vote on the package in the House of Representatives could come as soon as Wednesday afternoon. Senator Carl Levin from Michigan, the base for the auto industry, said he understands that an "agreement has been reached," and that it was only a matter of time before a bill was ready for a vote...
.... Yet Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said there would be no vote Wednesday.
"Let me be clear: there will be no vote on this legislation today. On a bill this critical, with so much taxpayer money at stake, we cannot rush this through without adequate review," he said in a statement, adding: "We will address this issue before the end of the week."...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081210/bs_afp/usautoeconomypolitics_081210164803
Let's see if I remember correctly... the LAST bailout it was 'gee we have to do it now now now now...' can't wait... rush... rush... including Mitch McConnell. Glad he's slowing this one down, but methinks that's all he be doin' and it's simply to look strong so the bite isn't too bad when it hits at the ballot box (assuming it does, we voters suffer mightily from short memoryitis).
Now we have the benefit of hindsight to know how badly the last bailout was handled and is being handled. Now we know where we're heading as we hand over capitalism, free market and our future monies to the government.
Don't want this bailout. Didn't want the last one. Don't you feel powerless when you see the end of the world and no one is able to stop it?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
What They're Saying About John McCain Debate
"McCain Has Best Debate Yet In Final Face-Off," With "Aggressive, Assertive" Performance
Time's Mark Halperin: "McCain has best debate yet in final face-off. ... McCain: A- ..." (Mark Halperin, "Enough (!)(?)" TIME's "The Page" Blog, thepage.time.com, 10/15/08)
· Halperin: "During the first half of the debate, showed off the best of himself -- dedicated, sincere, patriotic, cheery, earnest, commanding--all without seeming old or anxious. Even scored some points in the 'change' category, against the candidate who has owned the theme. Clear, upbeat, and totally on message." (Mark Halperin, "Mark Halperin's Grades For The Final Presidential Debate," TIME's "The Page" Blog, thepage.time.com, 10/15/08)
· Halperin: "[I]f a majority of persuadable voters watched the debate, they saw why McCain's advisers have faith in him and still believe he can win this race." (Mark Halperin, "Mark Halperin's Grades For The Final Presidential Debate," TIME's "The Page" Blog, thepage.time.com, 10/15/08)
CNN's John King: "It was by far McCain's best performance of the three debates. ... It was by far McCain's most aggressive, assertive." (CNN, 10/15/08)
The Associated Press' Liz Sidoti: "John McCain Kept Barack Obama On The Defensive ... By That Measure, McCain Won The Last Debate Of The 2008 Campaign." "This time, John McCain kept Barack Obama on the defensive. The feisty Republican tried hard to find a lifeline Wednesday night, challenging his Democratic rival at every turn over his truthfulness, associations and record. By that measure, McCain won the last debate of the 2008 campaign." (Liz Sidoti, "McCain Puts Obama On The Defensive," The Associated Press, 10/15/08)
MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell: "I thought John McCain had a very strong night. I thought it was his best debate, clearly." (MSNBC's "Post Debate Analysis," 10/15/08)
Former Clinton White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers: "I thought it was a stronger night for McCain, though, than the last debate, and he got in some licks, like the one that Dan was talking about where he said you know, if you wanted to run against George Bush you should have run four years ago. I think he brought up Joe The Plumber and used that quite effectively for most of the times he brought it up, which was a lot of times. So a stronger performance from McCain." (CBS's "Presidential Debate," 10/15/08)
CNN's Candy Crowley: "I would agree this was not Obama's best debate." (CNN, 10/15/08)
CNN's Gloria Borger: "John McCain finally got to say tonight I am not George W. Bush. ... That was his best line. That's the line he has been waiting to say." (CNN, 10/15/08)
CNN's David Gergen: "I thought that McCain had the best start than he's had in any debate. The first 30 minutes I thought he excelled, I thought he played very well to his base. Obama started to look, I thought, flat." (CNN, 10/15/08)
"McCain Has Done Much Of What He Needed To Do Tonight" "he Was Aggressive. He Was Strong. He Was On Offense."
ABC News' Rick Klein: "My sense is that McCain has done much of what he needed to do tonight..." (Rick Klein, "Live Debate Blog," ABC News' "Live Debate" Blog, blogs.abcnews.com, 10/15/08)
· Klein: "The 'long line of McCains' remark a slightly emotional, and probably effective, close." (Rick Klein, "Live Debate Blog," ABC News' "Live Debate" Blog, blogs.abcnews.com, 10/15/08)
Fox News' Charles Krauthammer: "I thought McCain was feisty and tough." (Fox News' "On The Record," 10/15/08)
ABC News' Charlie Gibson: "It was interesting -- my only thought, when he said that, first of all, very good line." (ABC News' "Vote 08: The Final Debate," 10/15/08)
The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "McCain's best line of attack in this debate: Obama talks about bipartisanship but doesn't get it done." (Chris Cillizza, "The Fix Twitters The Final Debate!" The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, www.washingtonpost.com, 10/15/08)
CNN's Bill Bennett: "Well remember last time I said I didn't think that McCain broke through. I think he did this time. He had a very strong debate." (CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360," 10/15/08)
· Bennett: "Here is what I saw in John McCain -- he was aggressive. He was strong. He was on offense. I thought Obama was flat, professorial -- didn't rise to the occasion. ... McCain was just hammering and I think he scored a lot of points. The most interesting thing about it to me -- thematically - was you saw a real contrast between a conservative and a liberal. You saw a consistent, conservative refrain ... and a liberal refrain mantra from Barack Obama." (CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360," 10/15/08)
MSNBC's Pat Buchanan: "I think it goes to McCain on the issues..." (Pat Buchanan, "Buchanan And Maddow: Live Debate Commentary," MSNBC's "First Read" Blog, firstread.msnbc.com, 10/15/08)
Fox News' Greta Van Susteren: "We certainly saw a different side of John McCain tonight. He came out swinging a little bit more, a little more aggressive." (Fox News' "On The Record," 10/15/08)
Townhall's Amanda Carpenter: "If there is any winner in tonight's debate it's Joe the Plumber and that certainly puts McCain closer to the 'W' column than Barack Obama. By speaking directly to Plumber Joe McCain was able to explain why 'Senator Government,' a welcome Freudian slip, is wrong for the economy during these turbulent economic times." (Amanda Carpenter, "The Wrap Up," Townhall's "Amanda Carpenter" Blog, www.townhall.com, 10/15/08)
· Carpenter: "McCain finally showed he was not afraid to bring up Obama's relationship to the radical William Ayers and hit him for associating so closely with a fraudulent non-profit engaging in rampant voter registration fraud this election." (Amanda Carpenter, "The Wrap Up," Townhall's "Amanda Carpenter" Blog, www.townhall.com, 10/15/08)
Time's Mark Halperin: "McCain has best debate yet in final face-off. ... McCain: A- ..." (Mark Halperin, "Enough (!)(?)" TIME's "The Page" Blog, thepage.time.com, 10/15/08)
· Halperin: "During the first half of the debate, showed off the best of himself -- dedicated, sincere, patriotic, cheery, earnest, commanding--all without seeming old or anxious. Even scored some points in the 'change' category, against the candidate who has owned the theme. Clear, upbeat, and totally on message." (Mark Halperin, "Mark Halperin's Grades For The Final Presidential Debate," TIME's "The Page" Blog, thepage.time.com, 10/15/08)
· Halperin: "[I]f a majority of persuadable voters watched the debate, they saw why McCain's advisers have faith in him and still believe he can win this race." (Mark Halperin, "Mark Halperin's Grades For The Final Presidential Debate," TIME's "The Page" Blog, thepage.time.com, 10/15/08)
CNN's John King: "It was by far McCain's best performance of the three debates. ... It was by far McCain's most aggressive, assertive." (CNN, 10/15/08)
The Associated Press' Liz Sidoti: "John McCain Kept Barack Obama On The Defensive ... By That Measure, McCain Won The Last Debate Of The 2008 Campaign." "This time, John McCain kept Barack Obama on the defensive. The feisty Republican tried hard to find a lifeline Wednesday night, challenging his Democratic rival at every turn over his truthfulness, associations and record. By that measure, McCain won the last debate of the 2008 campaign." (Liz Sidoti, "McCain Puts Obama On The Defensive," The Associated Press, 10/15/08)
MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell: "I thought John McCain had a very strong night. I thought it was his best debate, clearly." (MSNBC's "Post Debate Analysis," 10/15/08)
Former Clinton White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers: "I thought it was a stronger night for McCain, though, than the last debate, and he got in some licks, like the one that Dan was talking about where he said you know, if you wanted to run against George Bush you should have run four years ago. I think he brought up Joe The Plumber and used that quite effectively for most of the times he brought it up, which was a lot of times. So a stronger performance from McCain." (CBS's "Presidential Debate," 10/15/08)
CNN's Candy Crowley: "I would agree this was not Obama's best debate." (CNN, 10/15/08)
CNN's Gloria Borger: "John McCain finally got to say tonight I am not George W. Bush. ... That was his best line. That's the line he has been waiting to say." (CNN, 10/15/08)
CNN's David Gergen: "I thought that McCain had the best start than he's had in any debate. The first 30 minutes I thought he excelled, I thought he played very well to his base. Obama started to look, I thought, flat." (CNN, 10/15/08)
"McCain Has Done Much Of What He Needed To Do Tonight" "he Was Aggressive. He Was Strong. He Was On Offense."
ABC News' Rick Klein: "My sense is that McCain has done much of what he needed to do tonight..." (Rick Klein, "Live Debate Blog," ABC News' "Live Debate" Blog, blogs.abcnews.com, 10/15/08)
· Klein: "The 'long line of McCains' remark a slightly emotional, and probably effective, close." (Rick Klein, "Live Debate Blog," ABC News' "Live Debate" Blog, blogs.abcnews.com, 10/15/08)
Fox News' Charles Krauthammer: "I thought McCain was feisty and tough." (Fox News' "On The Record," 10/15/08)
ABC News' Charlie Gibson: "It was interesting -- my only thought, when he said that, first of all, very good line." (ABC News' "Vote 08: The Final Debate," 10/15/08)
The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "McCain's best line of attack in this debate: Obama talks about bipartisanship but doesn't get it done." (Chris Cillizza, "The Fix Twitters The Final Debate!" The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, www.washingtonpost.com, 10/15/08)
CNN's Bill Bennett: "Well remember last time I said I didn't think that McCain broke through. I think he did this time. He had a very strong debate." (CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360," 10/15/08)
· Bennett: "Here is what I saw in John McCain -- he was aggressive. He was strong. He was on offense. I thought Obama was flat, professorial -- didn't rise to the occasion. ... McCain was just hammering and I think he scored a lot of points. The most interesting thing about it to me -- thematically - was you saw a real contrast between a conservative and a liberal. You saw a consistent, conservative refrain ... and a liberal refrain mantra from Barack Obama." (CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360," 10/15/08)
MSNBC's Pat Buchanan: "I think it goes to McCain on the issues..." (Pat Buchanan, "Buchanan And Maddow: Live Debate Commentary," MSNBC's "First Read" Blog, firstread.msnbc.com, 10/15/08)
Fox News' Greta Van Susteren: "We certainly saw a different side of John McCain tonight. He came out swinging a little bit more, a little more aggressive." (Fox News' "On The Record," 10/15/08)
Townhall's Amanda Carpenter: "If there is any winner in tonight's debate it's Joe the Plumber and that certainly puts McCain closer to the 'W' column than Barack Obama. By speaking directly to Plumber Joe McCain was able to explain why 'Senator Government,' a welcome Freudian slip, is wrong for the economy during these turbulent economic times." (Amanda Carpenter, "The Wrap Up," Townhall's "Amanda Carpenter" Blog, www.townhall.com, 10/15/08)
· Carpenter: "McCain finally showed he was not afraid to bring up Obama's relationship to the radical William Ayers and hit him for associating so closely with a fraudulent non-profit engaging in rampant voter registration fraud this election." (Amanda Carpenter, "The Wrap Up," Townhall's "Amanda Carpenter" Blog, www.townhall.com, 10/15/08)
Saturday, October 4, 2008
McCain-Palin Campaign Conference Call On Barack Obama's Health Care Lies
"Barack Obama says that Washington is broken, but he's running his health care system through it. It doesn't make sense." -- Doug Holtz-Eakin, Senior Policy Adviser
Today, the McCain-Palin campaign held a press conference call with Doug Holtz-Eakin, McCain-Palin senior policy adviser, to discuss Barack Obama's lies concerning John McCain's proposed health care reforms:
Doug Holtz-Eakin: "At the moment, the Obama campaign has several ads up on radio and television attacking the McCain health plan and quite frankly these ads can only be described as cynical and deceitful. Despite the fact that Barack Obama has not shown the judgment to choose well in other policy areas, on this one it cannot possibly be a lack of knowledge or judgment. His adviser, Jason Furman, advocated for what is essentially the McCain health tax reform in the journal Democracy, in the summer of 2006, and so he could easily be informed as to how wrong these ads are. So it cannot be a lack of knowledge. It has to be a lack of honor.
"They are saying several things about the McCain tax plan that are just flat out wrong. The first thing was Senator Obama himself, in the first debate, said that John McCain would tax employers on the insurance they provide their employees, that is false. Nothing changes for the employer under the McCain healthcare reform. Nothing. They have the same incentives to provide health care insurance. They can still deduct all compensation cost, health insurance, wages, and others. They still want to attract high quality employees and providing a rich benefits package, pensions, health insurance, is a way to do that. Their incentives will be unchanged.
"They are saying that it is a big tax increase, and that, my friends, is also false. This is a plan where if you are receiving from your employer the health insurance that Barack Obama has decided that every American should have, whether they decide that or not, Barack Obama has decided everybody should have health insurance like a Congressman. That would be a $12,000 family plan. If you are receiving that from your employer you will have more money for healthcare left over after this tax reform than you do right now. If you are in the very bottom tax bracket, the 10% bracket, a $12,000 health insurance plan would yield a tax liability of $1,200. A $5,000 family refundable credit would more than offset that tax liability, leaving you with $3,800 to put in a HSA. If you are fortunate enough to be in that top bracket, the liability would be $4,200, more than offset by the $5,000 credit, $800 in your HSA. Now, it is the case that there may be some people at the very top who have a liability greater than their health tax credit. Now, under the current system as a result, the one that Barack Obama wants to defend which is attacking John McCain's system, we are having the middle class pay taxes and subsidize the gold plated coverage of the most affluent in America. And it perplexes me, even given his flexible policy principles, how he could walk around saying the things he says about the middle class and defend the status quo which rewards to greatest subsidy to the most affluent of Americans.
"He's called this a middle class tax increase. As I've pointed out, you've had to be getting an enormous amount of health insurance, one the middle class can only dream of, in order to have a net tax liability. For some Americans, they are actually paying out-of-pocket and getting no help whatsoever. This would give them the same help, $2,500 for an individual, $5,000 for a family, that those receiving from an employer get. Simple matter of fairness. And, there are many Americans who are uninsured, 47 million, roughly. This would give them money toward a health insurance policy, and it basically is nearly the cost, in the individual market, for a family policy of an individual policy, nationwide.
"Now, they're also saying that John McCain's health care plan would mean they never saw the money -- it would go straight to insurance companies. Well, that's just a ridiculous charge. Individuals control the insurance they choose under the John McCain plan. They decide the insurance company. It's essentially the same, I think, as the Associated Press pointed out, it's like saying money for a car loan will go straight to the car dealer. This is money in control of the individuals -- in control of families. John McCain trusts the judgment of the American people. He's willing to put the money in their hands because they know what's best. They can then shop, across state lines as the Senator has pointed out, to find a policy that fits their family's needs and, by producing greater competition among the 12,000-odd insurers, nationwide, generates some genuine policies at a reasonable cost, and a high quality of service, holding some insurance company's feet to the fire -- have them work for the American people, not the other way around.
"Senator Obama has leveled two charges on that particular approach: Number one, that that the most vulnerable -- those with previous conditions or high costs will be left exposed. He knows that's false. John McCain has proposed a Guaranteed Access Plan at every state in this country. It would provide federal and state assistance to make sure that individuals could buy a policy, at no more than 150% of the comparable policy in that state. Any denial would be immediately referred to a board which would adjudicate whether it was acceptable or not, and if it was not, that company, that had denied the claim, would be fined. He's going to take care of the most vulnerable population.
"He's also made the assertion that John McCain wants to deregulate health care like you would want to deregulate banking. This is the situation where it's the equivalent of having a consumer deregulation of banking to allow you to get off a plane and get money out of the ATM, in any state in the country. That's the kind of deregulation that allowed Americans to travel and not have to open a bank account in every state. They should equally be able to get a financial service for their health insurance across state lines.
"They also suggest that, somehow, that there will be no consumer protections. That's an insult to the 50 state insurance commissioners that are working very hard to ensure that in those states, insurance policies are well documented, that there is suitable coverage, there is safety and soundness regulations for every company that's headquartered in the state. None of that goes away under the John McCain plan. There's also the assertion that somehow the John McCain plan is going to shred employer coverage. The McCain plan is meant to build on the foundation of employer coverage which is the largest source of health insurance in the United States. There is no incentive for a young, healthy worker to walk out of an employer plan as the assertion goes. Suppose you're a 25-year old who has got about $5,000 in health insurance from your company. Under the McCain plan you're in the bottom bracket, you'll have a $500 tax liability, a $2500 c redit, a $2000 net addition to your HSA. Why would you trade that $5,000 policy with nothing out of your pocket for an inferior $2,500 policy bought in the individual market? No individual is going to walk out. Even someone in the 25% bracket comes out $1250 ahead. The assertions don't match the numbers in the McCain plan. It's simply an attempt to scare individuals.
"The McCain plan does stand in stark contrast to Barack Obama's plan. Obama has said that he would prefer to have a single payer system if that's where the United States had started and he is certainly making a strong push for much more centralized, government run health insurance. He has a mandate that parents must cover their children. Parents want to cover their children but they can't afford to. He will have to enforce this mandate somehow -- presumably with a fine -- for a mandate on parents who are unable to cover their children. It's a play-or-pay mandate on employers. Employers are going to take one look at that mandate, cover the $12,000 for workers or pay a fine, and they'll pay a fine. Where will those individuals end up? Well, either uninsured or in the new government-run insurance plan that Barack Obama is proposing. At a time when Medicare is already broken, he is going to have a new government insurance progr am for Americans, and it'll be run through a large new health bureaucracy, the Health Exchange, which all leads you to have mandates on employers, mandates on kids, a big push for new bureaucracies and new government programs. It's been estimated that his program will cost $240 billion a year. Now, that's not a way to improve prior coverage. That's not a way to improve the functioning of health insurance markets. That's enlarging government bureaucracies. That's like having your health insurance run by the DMV. Barack Obama says that Washington is broken, but he's running his health care system through it. It doesn't make sense. So it's time to set the record straight. John McCain's health care plan should be presented to the American people. They should compare it to Barack Obama's plan and make their choice. We trust the people that if they're given the fair information they'll make the right choice."
Listen To The Conference Call
Today, the McCain-Palin campaign held a press conference call with Doug Holtz-Eakin, McCain-Palin senior policy adviser, to discuss Barack Obama's lies concerning John McCain's proposed health care reforms:
Doug Holtz-Eakin: "At the moment, the Obama campaign has several ads up on radio and television attacking the McCain health plan and quite frankly these ads can only be described as cynical and deceitful. Despite the fact that Barack Obama has not shown the judgment to choose well in other policy areas, on this one it cannot possibly be a lack of knowledge or judgment. His adviser, Jason Furman, advocated for what is essentially the McCain health tax reform in the journal Democracy, in the summer of 2006, and so he could easily be informed as to how wrong these ads are. So it cannot be a lack of knowledge. It has to be a lack of honor.
"They are saying several things about the McCain tax plan that are just flat out wrong. The first thing was Senator Obama himself, in the first debate, said that John McCain would tax employers on the insurance they provide their employees, that is false. Nothing changes for the employer under the McCain healthcare reform. Nothing. They have the same incentives to provide health care insurance. They can still deduct all compensation cost, health insurance, wages, and others. They still want to attract high quality employees and providing a rich benefits package, pensions, health insurance, is a way to do that. Their incentives will be unchanged.
"They are saying that it is a big tax increase, and that, my friends, is also false. This is a plan where if you are receiving from your employer the health insurance that Barack Obama has decided that every American should have, whether they decide that or not, Barack Obama has decided everybody should have health insurance like a Congressman. That would be a $12,000 family plan. If you are receiving that from your employer you will have more money for healthcare left over after this tax reform than you do right now. If you are in the very bottom tax bracket, the 10% bracket, a $12,000 health insurance plan would yield a tax liability of $1,200. A $5,000 family refundable credit would more than offset that tax liability, leaving you with $3,800 to put in a HSA. If you are fortunate enough to be in that top bracket, the liability would be $4,200, more than offset by the $5,000 credit, $800 in your HSA. Now, it is the case that there may be some people at the very top who have a liability greater than their health tax credit. Now, under the current system as a result, the one that Barack Obama wants to defend which is attacking John McCain's system, we are having the middle class pay taxes and subsidize the gold plated coverage of the most affluent in America. And it perplexes me, even given his flexible policy principles, how he could walk around saying the things he says about the middle class and defend the status quo which rewards to greatest subsidy to the most affluent of Americans.
"He's called this a middle class tax increase. As I've pointed out, you've had to be getting an enormous amount of health insurance, one the middle class can only dream of, in order to have a net tax liability. For some Americans, they are actually paying out-of-pocket and getting no help whatsoever. This would give them the same help, $2,500 for an individual, $5,000 for a family, that those receiving from an employer get. Simple matter of fairness. And, there are many Americans who are uninsured, 47 million, roughly. This would give them money toward a health insurance policy, and it basically is nearly the cost, in the individual market, for a family policy of an individual policy, nationwide.
"Now, they're also saying that John McCain's health care plan would mean they never saw the money -- it would go straight to insurance companies. Well, that's just a ridiculous charge. Individuals control the insurance they choose under the John McCain plan. They decide the insurance company. It's essentially the same, I think, as the Associated Press pointed out, it's like saying money for a car loan will go straight to the car dealer. This is money in control of the individuals -- in control of families. John McCain trusts the judgment of the American people. He's willing to put the money in their hands because they know what's best. They can then shop, across state lines as the Senator has pointed out, to find a policy that fits their family's needs and, by producing greater competition among the 12,000-odd insurers, nationwide, generates some genuine policies at a reasonable cost, and a high quality of service, holding some insurance company's feet to the fire -- have them work for the American people, not the other way around.
"Senator Obama has leveled two charges on that particular approach: Number one, that that the most vulnerable -- those with previous conditions or high costs will be left exposed. He knows that's false. John McCain has proposed a Guaranteed Access Plan at every state in this country. It would provide federal and state assistance to make sure that individuals could buy a policy, at no more than 150% of the comparable policy in that state. Any denial would be immediately referred to a board which would adjudicate whether it was acceptable or not, and if it was not, that company, that had denied the claim, would be fined. He's going to take care of the most vulnerable population.
"He's also made the assertion that John McCain wants to deregulate health care like you would want to deregulate banking. This is the situation where it's the equivalent of having a consumer deregulation of banking to allow you to get off a plane and get money out of the ATM, in any state in the country. That's the kind of deregulation that allowed Americans to travel and not have to open a bank account in every state. They should equally be able to get a financial service for their health insurance across state lines.
"They also suggest that, somehow, that there will be no consumer protections. That's an insult to the 50 state insurance commissioners that are working very hard to ensure that in those states, insurance policies are well documented, that there is suitable coverage, there is safety and soundness regulations for every company that's headquartered in the state. None of that goes away under the John McCain plan. There's also the assertion that somehow the John McCain plan is going to shred employer coverage. The McCain plan is meant to build on the foundation of employer coverage which is the largest source of health insurance in the United States. There is no incentive for a young, healthy worker to walk out of an employer plan as the assertion goes. Suppose you're a 25-year old who has got about $5,000 in health insurance from your company. Under the McCain plan you're in the bottom bracket, you'll have a $500 tax liability, a $2500 c redit, a $2000 net addition to your HSA. Why would you trade that $5,000 policy with nothing out of your pocket for an inferior $2,500 policy bought in the individual market? No individual is going to walk out. Even someone in the 25% bracket comes out $1250 ahead. The assertions don't match the numbers in the McCain plan. It's simply an attempt to scare individuals.
"The McCain plan does stand in stark contrast to Barack Obama's plan. Obama has said that he would prefer to have a single payer system if that's where the United States had started and he is certainly making a strong push for much more centralized, government run health insurance. He has a mandate that parents must cover their children. Parents want to cover their children but they can't afford to. He will have to enforce this mandate somehow -- presumably with a fine -- for a mandate on parents who are unable to cover their children. It's a play-or-pay mandate on employers. Employers are going to take one look at that mandate, cover the $12,000 for workers or pay a fine, and they'll pay a fine. Where will those individuals end up? Well, either uninsured or in the new government-run insurance plan that Barack Obama is proposing. At a time when Medicare is already broken, he is going to have a new government insurance progr am for Americans, and it'll be run through a large new health bureaucracy, the Health Exchange, which all leads you to have mandates on employers, mandates on kids, a big push for new bureaucracies and new government programs. It's been estimated that his program will cost $240 billion a year. Now, that's not a way to improve prior coverage. That's not a way to improve the functioning of health insurance markets. That's enlarging government bureaucracies. That's like having your health insurance run by the DMV. Barack Obama says that Washington is broken, but he's running his health care system through it. It doesn't make sense. So it's time to set the record straight. John McCain's health care plan should be presented to the American people. They should compare it to Barack Obama's plan and make their choice. We trust the people that if they're given the fair information they'll make the right choice."
Listen To The Conference Call
Friday, September 26, 2008
McCain did great!
I thought John McCain did great tonight. I was a bit concerned given the events of the past few days. I thought the running back and forth, the stress of the situation and the loss of preparation time might adversely impact his performance. He rose to the challenge fantastically.
I thought Obama's facial contortions were very UN-Presidential. His smirks and the continual interruptions were NOT Presidential. It was rude. While McCain is talking Obama's off to the side going, "me, me, me, let me talk" like a child who just can't wait his turn.
I didn't see any major flubs by Obama, definitely none by Senator McCain.
I did NOT like the lack of respect Obama showed by calling Senator McCain "John" while Senator McCain was respectful of Obama in using his title.
I thought Senator McCain did a very good job of driving home the fact that Senator Obama does not have the experience to lead. After tonight's debate it was clear that Obama does not have the temperament and maturity to be President.
Overall I thought the debate was very good. I enjoyed the lack of formality and the way the debate was conducted (despite the fact that I wanted to put a curtain over Obama's side while he was jumping up and down trying to get attention while McCain was talking).
McCain got the last shot in and I liked his zinger ending.
I thought Obama's facial contortions were very UN-Presidential. His smirks and the continual interruptions were NOT Presidential. It was rude. While McCain is talking Obama's off to the side going, "me, me, me, let me talk" like a child who just can't wait his turn.
I didn't see any major flubs by Obama, definitely none by Senator McCain.
I did NOT like the lack of respect Obama showed by calling Senator McCain "John" while Senator McCain was respectful of Obama in using his title.
I thought Senator McCain did a very good job of driving home the fact that Senator Obama does not have the experience to lead. After tonight's debate it was clear that Obama does not have the temperament and maturity to be President.
Overall I thought the debate was very good. I enjoyed the lack of formality and the way the debate was conducted (despite the fact that I wanted to put a curtain over Obama's side while he was jumping up and down trying to get attention while McCain was talking).
McCain got the last shot in and I liked his zinger ending.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Nightly southeast update
Tuesday, 9/9/08
56 Days to the Election of John McCain
McCain Nightly Memo
From: SE Regional Offices, Tallahassee
To: McCain Team Member
Topic: Paying Tribute to 9/11 Anniversary
Countdown to Victory Rally
Please join Senator Saxby Chambliss and Julianne Chambliss, along with Governor Sonny Perdue, Senator Johnny Isakson, Secretary of State Karen Handel, School Superintendent Kathy Cox, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, Congressman Tom Price, Congressman Phil Gingrey, GA GOP Chairwoman Sue Everhart and Special Guest U.S. Senator Richard Burr, and other elected officials to kick off and begin the countdown to Victory in November!
When: Saturday, September 13 at 11:00 AM
Where:
Renaissance Waverly Hotel
Habersham Ballroom
2450 Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30339
RSVP: georgia@johnmccain.com and put "Countdown to Victory" in the subject line.
* There will be McCain-Palin yard signs and bumper stickers available
John McCain and Barack Obama Release Joint Statement to Commemorate 9/11
This Thursday, September 11th, John McCain and Senator Barack Obama will remember the victims of 9/11 by making a joint appearance at Ground Zero to mark the seventh anniversary of 9/11.
The statement, released on Saturday, is posted below:
Arlington, VA- Today, John McCain and Barack Obama issued the following statement on coming together to mark the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks:
"On September 11, 2008, we will join together to mark the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at Ground Zero.
"All of us came together on 9/11-- not as Democrats or Republicans-- but as Americans. In smoke-filled corridors and on the steps of the Capitol; at blood banks and at vigils-- we were united as one American family. On Thursday, we will put aside politics and come together to renew that unity, to honor the memory of each and every American who died, and to grieve with the families and friends who lost loved ones. We will also give thanks for the firefighters, police, and emergency responders who set a heroic example of selfless service, and for the men and women who serve today in defense of the freedom and security that came under attack in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania."
Must Clicks
Senator Barack Obama was on the campaign trail today touting his record on education. In fact, Barack Obama has only one legisative accomplishment on education, and its not necessarily an accomplishment he should be proud of.
Watch this advertisement to learn more: Education
Senator John McCain's presidential campaign released a new advertisement on Monday entitled "Original Mavericks"
In Case You Didn't Know
Entrepreneurs are at the heart of American innovation, growth and prosperity. John McCain believes that entrepreneurs should not be taxed into submission.
He will preserve low taxes for small business and create more jobs. On the other hand, Senator Obama's proposal i s to lift the payroll tax income cap, which would result in the largest Tax increase in American history. Senator Obama will raise taxes on 3 million small business owners.
John McCain's economic plan will help small businesses grow by providing investment incentives. His proposal would allow businesses to immediately deduct the cost of equipment investment, providing a valuable pro-growth investment incentive. Meanwhile, Senator Obama will impose across the board tax increases which will leave small business owners with fewer resources to invest in their businesses.
The bottom line is that across this country, millions of American families are hurting. They are concerned about the prospect of losing a job or a home and need help from our nation's leaders. As president, John McCain will act quickly and decisively to meet today's economy challenges. He will implement the reforms needed to promote the country's economic growth. Senator Obama's plan for the economy is about raising taxes, increasing government spending and isolating America from the benefits of the global economy.
Must Reads
We'll Protect Taxpayers From More Bailouts
By John McCain & Sarah Palin
The Wall Street Journal
September 9, 2008
The bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is another outrageous, but sadly necessary, step for these two institutions. Given the long-term mismanagement and flawed structure of these two companies, this was the only short-term alternative for ensuring that hard-working Americans have access to affordable mortgages during this difficult economic period.
We are strong advocates for the permanent reform of Fannie and Freddie. For years, C ongress failed to act and it is deeply troubling that what we are now seeing is an exercise in crisis management rather than sound planning, and at great cost to taxpayers.
To read more, click here: We'll Protect Taxpayers From More Bailouts
Independents Flocking to McCain
By S.A. Miller
Washington Times
September 9, 2008
Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain has gotten a jolt of support right where he wanted it - from the independent voters whom he courted so aggressively at last week's convention - and now holds a healthy lead over his Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama, in the chase for that key constituency.
To read more, click here: Independents Flocking to McCain
Obama Tax 3.0
The Wall Street Journal
September 9, 2008
The good news is that Barack Obama said on ABC Sunday that he might not go through with his plans to increase taxes.
The bad news is that the economy has to be mired in recession to avoid the largest tax increase in the nation's history.
To read more, click here: Obama Tax 3.0
Finally This Evening...
Would you like to share your excitement about John McCain and Governor Palin with your community? If so, John McCain and Governor Palin are calling you to action. We need people to write Letters to the Editor and submit them to their local newspaper.
Writing a Letter to the Editor on behalf of John McCain is a great way to make an important contribution to our grassroots campaign. A consistent stream of Letters to the Edt ior across Georgia that are supportive of John McCain will demonstrate to your neighbors and undecided voters that momentum and enthusiasm are building for our campaign.
This is a small, but crucial effort that you can undertake for the campaign. It will only require an hour of your time each week to write a Letter to the Editor, but it will make a difference in your community.
We strongly encourage you to write a Letter to the Editor. Click here to find the Email Address for Your Local Newspaper.
Reform, Prosperity and Peace
56 Days to the Election of John McCain
McCain Nightly Memo
From: SE Regional Offices, Tallahassee
To: McCain Team Member
Topic: Paying Tribute to 9/11 Anniversary
Countdown to Victory Rally
Please join Senator Saxby Chambliss and Julianne Chambliss, along with Governor Sonny Perdue, Senator Johnny Isakson, Secretary of State Karen Handel, School Superintendent Kathy Cox, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, Congressman Tom Price, Congressman Phil Gingrey, GA GOP Chairwoman Sue Everhart and Special Guest U.S. Senator Richard Burr, and other elected officials to kick off and begin the countdown to Victory in November!
When: Saturday, September 13 at 11:00 AM
Where:
Renaissance Waverly Hotel
Habersham Ballroom
2450 Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30339
RSVP: georgia@johnmccain.com and put "Countdown to Victory" in the subject line.
* There will be McCain-Palin yard signs and bumper stickers available
John McCain and Barack Obama Release Joint Statement to Commemorate 9/11
This Thursday, September 11th, John McCain and Senator Barack Obama will remember the victims of 9/11 by making a joint appearance at Ground Zero to mark the seventh anniversary of 9/11.
The statement, released on Saturday, is posted below:
Arlington, VA- Today, John McCain and Barack Obama issued the following statement on coming together to mark the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks:
"On September 11, 2008, we will join together to mark the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at Ground Zero.
"All of us came together on 9/11-- not as Democrats or Republicans-- but as Americans. In smoke-filled corridors and on the steps of the Capitol; at blood banks and at vigils-- we were united as one American family. On Thursday, we will put aside politics and come together to renew that unity, to honor the memory of each and every American who died, and to grieve with the families and friends who lost loved ones. We will also give thanks for the firefighters, police, and emergency responders who set a heroic example of selfless service, and for the men and women who serve today in defense of the freedom and security that came under attack in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania."
Must Clicks
Senator Barack Obama was on the campaign trail today touting his record on education. In fact, Barack Obama has only one legisative accomplishment on education, and its not necessarily an accomplishment he should be proud of.
Watch this advertisement to learn more: Education
Senator John McCain's presidential campaign released a new advertisement on Monday entitled "Original Mavericks"
In Case You Didn't Know
Entrepreneurs are at the heart of American innovation, growth and prosperity. John McCain believes that entrepreneurs should not be taxed into submission.
He will preserve low taxes for small business and create more jobs. On the other hand, Senator Obama's proposal i s to lift the payroll tax income cap, which would result in the largest Tax increase in American history. Senator Obama will raise taxes on 3 million small business owners.
John McCain's economic plan will help small businesses grow by providing investment incentives. His proposal would allow businesses to immediately deduct the cost of equipment investment, providing a valuable pro-growth investment incentive. Meanwhile, Senator Obama will impose across the board tax increases which will leave small business owners with fewer resources to invest in their businesses.
The bottom line is that across this country, millions of American families are hurting. They are concerned about the prospect of losing a job or a home and need help from our nation's leaders. As president, John McCain will act quickly and decisively to meet today's economy challenges. He will implement the reforms needed to promote the country's economic growth. Senator Obama's plan for the economy is about raising taxes, increasing government spending and isolating America from the benefits of the global economy.
Must Reads
We'll Protect Taxpayers From More Bailouts
By John McCain & Sarah Palin
The Wall Street Journal
September 9, 2008
The bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is another outrageous, but sadly necessary, step for these two institutions. Given the long-term mismanagement and flawed structure of these two companies, this was the only short-term alternative for ensuring that hard-working Americans have access to affordable mortgages during this difficult economic period.
We are strong advocates for the permanent reform of Fannie and Freddie. For years, C ongress failed to act and it is deeply troubling that what we are now seeing is an exercise in crisis management rather than sound planning, and at great cost to taxpayers.
To read more, click here: We'll Protect Taxpayers From More Bailouts
Independents Flocking to McCain
By S.A. Miller
Washington Times
September 9, 2008
Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain has gotten a jolt of support right where he wanted it - from the independent voters whom he courted so aggressively at last week's convention - and now holds a healthy lead over his Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama, in the chase for that key constituency.
To read more, click here: Independents Flocking to McCain
Obama Tax 3.0
The Wall Street Journal
September 9, 2008
The good news is that Barack Obama said on ABC Sunday that he might not go through with his plans to increase taxes.
The bad news is that the economy has to be mired in recession to avoid the largest tax increase in the nation's history.
To read more, click here: Obama Tax 3.0
Finally This Evening...
Would you like to share your excitement about John McCain and Governor Palin with your community? If so, John McCain and Governor Palin are calling you to action. We need people to write Letters to the Editor and submit them to their local newspaper.
Writing a Letter to the Editor on behalf of John McCain is a great way to make an important contribution to our grassroots campaign. A consistent stream of Letters to the Edt ior across Georgia that are supportive of John McCain will demonstrate to your neighbors and undecided voters that momentum and enthusiasm are building for our campaign.
This is a small, but crucial effort that you can undertake for the campaign. It will only require an hour of your time each week to write a Letter to the Editor, but it will make a difference in your community.
We strongly encourage you to write a Letter to the Editor. Click here to find the Email Address for Your Local Newspaper.
Reform, Prosperity and Peace
Monday, September 8, 2008
"Post Endorses John McCain"
The Post today enthusiastically urges the election of Sen. John S. McCain as the 44th president of the United States. McCain's lifelong record of service to America, his battle-tested courage, unshakeable devotion to principle and clear grasp of the dangers and opportunities now facing the nation stand in dramatic contrast to the tissue-paper-thin rsum of his Democratic opponent, freshman Sen. Barack Obama." -- New York Post
"Post Endorses John McCain"
Editorial
New York Post
September 8, 2008
The Post today enthusiastically urges the election of Sen. John S. McCain as the 44th president of the United States.
McCain's lifelong record of service to America, his battle-tested courage, unshakeable devotion to principle and clear grasp of the dangers and opportunities now facing the nation stand in dramatic contrast to the tissue-paper-thin resume of his Democratic opponent, freshman Sen. Barack Obama.
McCain has been in Washington for many years now, but he is not of Washington. He knows where the levers of power are located - and how to manipulate them - but he is not controlled by them.
McCain's selection of the charming, but rock-solid, outsider Sarah Palin as his running mate underscores the point.
Neither plays well with others.
And this is an unalloyed asset at a time when special interests - lobbyists, lawyers and organized labor chief among them - wield enormous influence in the nation's capital.
McCain's Democratic opponents, Obama and Sen. Joseph Biden, lead a party constructed of special interests - public-employee unionists in particular.
There are many reasons to support the McCain-Palin ticket. Here are but a few:
* National security: The differences between McCain and Obama are especially stark.
McCain says 9/11 represented a two-decade "failure ... to respond to ... a [growing] global terror network." He understood that Iraq is a critical front in the war on terror - and he urged perseverance even in the dark days that preceded the success of "the surge."
Obama backed policies that would have abandoned Iraq to its fate, he bitterly opposed the surge, and once insisted that US forces invade Pakistan in search of Osama bin Laden - seemingly without regard for the potential consequences of attacking a nuclear-armed nation, ally or not.
Regarding a nuclear Iran, McCain has pushed for the strongest possible international sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Obama opposes sanctions.
And, when Russia invaded the former Soviet republic of Georgia, threatening a return to the Cold War, McCain reacted with stern disapprobation: "We must remind Russia's leaders that the benefits they enjoy from being part of the civilized world require their respect for the values, stability and peace of that world."
Obama called for UN action - unaware, apparently, that Russia's Security Council veto would have prevented any.
* Taxes: McCain knows that when government absorbs ever-larger shares of national income, the economy suffers.
High tax rates diminish investment, killing jobs and stunting growth.
And while Obama promises tax cuts for "95 percent" of Americans, what he actually is proposing is some $650 billion in tax-credit-driven hikes in entitlement and other spending, to be paid for with heavier imposts across the board, but especially on investment - like a sharply higher capital-gains tax.
This is bad news for the millions of ordinary Americans who own stocks, either personally or through pension funds or who plan someday to sell their homes or other real property.
McCain, wisely, vows to keep capital-gains taxes at 15 percent and to keep the Bush-era tax cuts in place - understanding that new growth will boost revenue, and promising to make up the rest with spending restraint.
And he's called for a one-year freeze on most discretionary spending and an end to pork-barrel giveaways.
* Trade: "I object when Senator Obama and others preach the false virtues of economic isolationism," says McCain - noting that "globalization is an opportunity" for US workers. He adds that while emerging economies like those of China and India are worrisome, the answer is competition informed by education and innovation - not protectionism.
* Energy: On the economic issue most vexing Americans today - energy prices - McCain is aggressive
He is a strong convert to offshore drilling: "We have trillions of dollars' worth of oil and gas reserves in the US at a time we are exporting hundreds of billions of dollars a year overseas to buy energy."
He also strongly backs nuclear power - a carbon-free form of energy that America can produce relatively cheaply.
Obama, meanwhile, hews to the Democratic Party line on energy: no nukes, no drilling and no comprehension of the consequences of such policies.
None of this implies an iota of disrespect toward Obama. It took a formidable candidacy to defeat Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton - a candidacy, by the way, which we strongly supported earlier this year.
And the intelligence, the organizational skills and the ability to communicate that Obama demonstrated from the beginning dramatically underscore the history that is being made by the first African-American to head a major-party presidential ticket.
He should be around for a long time, and we hope that he is.
In the end, though, sound security, economic and energy policies - plus allegiance to principle - are critical to keeping America safe and strong.
On all counts, John McCain and Sarah Palin understand this - and that's why we're in their corner to the finish.
Read The Editorial
"Post Endorses John McCain"
Editorial
New York Post
September 8, 2008
The Post today enthusiastically urges the election of Sen. John S. McCain as the 44th president of the United States.
McCain's lifelong record of service to America, his battle-tested courage, unshakeable devotion to principle and clear grasp of the dangers and opportunities now facing the nation stand in dramatic contrast to the tissue-paper-thin resume of his Democratic opponent, freshman Sen. Barack Obama.
McCain has been in Washington for many years now, but he is not of Washington. He knows where the levers of power are located - and how to manipulate them - but he is not controlled by them.
McCain's selection of the charming, but rock-solid, outsider Sarah Palin as his running mate underscores the point.
Neither plays well with others.
And this is an unalloyed asset at a time when special interests - lobbyists, lawyers and organized labor chief among them - wield enormous influence in the nation's capital.
McCain's Democratic opponents, Obama and Sen. Joseph Biden, lead a party constructed of special interests - public-employee unionists in particular.
There are many reasons to support the McCain-Palin ticket. Here are but a few:
* National security: The differences between McCain and Obama are especially stark.
McCain says 9/11 represented a two-decade "failure ... to respond to ... a [growing] global terror network." He understood that Iraq is a critical front in the war on terror - and he urged perseverance even in the dark days that preceded the success of "the surge."
Obama backed policies that would have abandoned Iraq to its fate, he bitterly opposed the surge, and once insisted that US forces invade Pakistan in search of Osama bin Laden - seemingly without regard for the potential consequences of attacking a nuclear-armed nation, ally or not.
Regarding a nuclear Iran, McCain has pushed for the strongest possible international sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Obama opposes sanctions.
And, when Russia invaded the former Soviet republic of Georgia, threatening a return to the Cold War, McCain reacted with stern disapprobation: "We must remind Russia's leaders that the benefits they enjoy from being part of the civilized world require their respect for the values, stability and peace of that world."
Obama called for UN action - unaware, apparently, that Russia's Security Council veto would have prevented any.
* Taxes: McCain knows that when government absorbs ever-larger shares of national income, the economy suffers.
High tax rates diminish investment, killing jobs and stunting growth.
And while Obama promises tax cuts for "95 percent" of Americans, what he actually is proposing is some $650 billion in tax-credit-driven hikes in entitlement and other spending, to be paid for with heavier imposts across the board, but especially on investment - like a sharply higher capital-gains tax.
This is bad news for the millions of ordinary Americans who own stocks, either personally or through pension funds or who plan someday to sell their homes or other real property.
McCain, wisely, vows to keep capital-gains taxes at 15 percent and to keep the Bush-era tax cuts in place - understanding that new growth will boost revenue, and promising to make up the rest with spending restraint.
And he's called for a one-year freeze on most discretionary spending and an end to pork-barrel giveaways.
* Trade: "I object when Senator Obama and others preach the false virtues of economic isolationism," says McCain - noting that "globalization is an opportunity" for US workers. He adds that while emerging economies like those of China and India are worrisome, the answer is competition informed by education and innovation - not protectionism.
* Energy: On the economic issue most vexing Americans today - energy prices - McCain is aggressive
He is a strong convert to offshore drilling: "We have trillions of dollars' worth of oil and gas reserves in the US at a time we are exporting hundreds of billions of dollars a year overseas to buy energy."
He also strongly backs nuclear power - a carbon-free form of energy that America can produce relatively cheaply.
Obama, meanwhile, hews to the Democratic Party line on energy: no nukes, no drilling and no comprehension of the consequences of such policies.
None of this implies an iota of disrespect toward Obama. It took a formidable candidacy to defeat Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton - a candidacy, by the way, which we strongly supported earlier this year.
And the intelligence, the organizational skills and the ability to communicate that Obama demonstrated from the beginning dramatically underscore the history that is being made by the first African-American to head a major-party presidential ticket.
He should be around for a long time, and we hope that he is.
In the end, though, sound security, economic and energy policies - plus allegiance to principle - are critical to keeping America safe and strong.
On all counts, John McCain and Sarah Palin understand this - and that's why we're in their corner to the finish.
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