politics

So, apparently the health plans coming out of Congress include this:

Individuals under the $829 billion Senate Finance Committee plan would be required to purchase health insurance coverage or face a fine of up to $750. The House bill imposes a more stringent fine of up to 2.5 percent of an individual’s income. Both versions include a hardship exemption for poorer Americans.

CNN Health plan unveiled

Which, to me reads, “If a private plan is too expensive for you, and the government plan sucks ass, you’re fined.” Not what I would consider all that great, considering I have a catastrophic plan (that I do prefer) that keeps going up as my net annual income does not. So, when it comes down to cutting costs should I need to, it will be the first to go. And like hell I’m going to force someone else to pay my way, and I sure as hell don’t like the idea of forcing me to let someone else pay my way.

Ok, just viewed Sarah Palin’s exit speech. Where’s the confusion? Sounded like a fairly decent exit speech. She stated her reasons (yeah they were rambling) and stated that she didn’t want to try to fight the legal battles with government money or in a manner that would detract from her job as Governor. Kinda wish more politicians would follow that idea instead of putting themselves on a pedestal.

I am secretly amused at the Pelosi circus and will laugh hysterically if an inquiry shows that she lied (but I think her deflections to the blame Bush mantra is already a hint at that, but we shall see).

Since I didn’t want to block up a friend’s journal with this, particularly since I don’t like the band…

POS issued an embargo against the US, several years ago, because they didn’t like what the Bush admin put into place, in regards to Customs procedures. That protest grew into the writing of the song America (which, I’ll have more respect for them if they have the balls to play it in this country).

Now, I respect their right to free speech, and to criticize our government and what it does. I also respect their embargo – and kinda wish they’d maintained it, having suffered through a set of theirs (damned Danish cold weather and lack of alcohol). But the fact remains, they will still have to endure the customs procedures that started their whole hatred, regardless the change in political leadership and, IMO defeats the purpose of their original embargo leaving them to the level of hypocrites.

I wonder if I’d get into trouble for refusing to drive them, should I work a festival with them in the line-up? *fingers crossed I still have a minion if that ever happens*

Um yeah. I just saw a commercial for the National Clandestine Service. And I got seriously queasy. Not much scares me, but the concept of what’s coming does. If people think this will be better, please recall whether or not you couldn’t believe the Patriot Act was passed. If you were not thrilled with that, I am at a loss as to how you could justify this.

Also, friend passed this one on to me:  Israeli Navy misses their chance to save America from Cynthia McKinney

What a favour they could have done.

Just to FYI those of you who are vacationing and avoiding the news….US and UK citizens, specifically, and as a result of location, Mumbai were attacked last night by terrorists in a large coordinated attack across the city.  I understand some of my readership are going to blame this on us, because Americans are always good at blaming themselves.  But the fact is, we are now targets, period (and if there’s any doubt that I didn’t think we were before, we have been, even prior to the tower attacks).  But do not think that us pulling out of the ME is going to solve any issue with this.  It won’t.

That said, offer some prayers for those with family in the areas with your Thanksgiving today.

 montieth and I watched John Adams last night and this afternoon.  There were so many good lines in that movie, that strike so true to this day.  I highly suggest watching it on an ideological bent, but also in the fact it’s a damned good movie.  The two of us were in tears at the end, and having to skip a part or two based on what was happening.  The script does allow for one to be drawn in, kind of the same manner that Band of Brothers did, and I’m glad my Mum sent it to me.  I really think it needs to play on the regular networks, particularly at this point in time in our politics, when we really need to remember our roots and where we came from.