SOLON wrote on Jul 13, 2008 1:50 AM:== Combating Anti-Semitism ==

A new blogger raised the banner today, bearing the noble name of Barack HUSSEIN Obama (see July 12, 1:15 PM). This is a new name, perchance a pseudonym for Chuck, who so faithfully every day helps us in the battle against Anti-Semitism. Thank you, new blogger, for raising this opportunity to remind our readers that ‘HUSSEIN’ is a noble name of Semitic language origin, which translates as ‘GOOG’ or ‘HANDSOME’.

Remember the late and beloved king of Jordan, King HUSSEIN, a close ally of the United States who valiantly led his nation, promoting civil rights, diplomacy over aggression, education for his people. Beloved King Hussein deserved this noble name, and it is my earnest belief that President HUSSEIN Obama will also deserve this noble name.

Thanks, also, to Chuck, in his one blog yesterday at 12:34 PM raised the noble name of Senator Barack HUSSEIN Obama.

By all your efforts, you campaign to educate the readers of this blog site, people are embracing the noble names of BARACK HUSSEIN Obama, rather than recoiling negatively in ignorance.

I have only one tiny objection to Chuck’s writing: I wish you would not split your infinitives. Minor point, but important for a good writer.
Submitted July 12, 4:48pm = Re-submitted July 13, 1:45am

SOLON wrote on Jul 13, 2008 2:10 AM:== Ron in his blog of July 12, 8:21 AM) made a statement which clearly indicates his confusion about the difference between making a reasonable profit and ripping off customers. En-Ron stated that all Leftists are driven crazy by having to pay private (health) insurance companies 20-30% for profit and overhead.

Ron is absolutely right this drives us nutty. It makes us spitting angry. WHY? Because a government universal single payer system could do it for less than six percent, but we are not given this option. The French have the best health care system in the world. It is not inexpensive, but it costs about half of what the average American pays for health insurance, and everyone is covered, whereas we have the WORST health system of any industrialized nation with over 47 millions Americans with no health coverage. We have a wonderful health care for the wealthy and the few remaining corporations still paying for good coverage. But good, comprehensive health coverage for employees is becoming a thing of the past.

Now suppose you had a choice of a retirement fund with Bear Stearns which charged you management fees and overhead of 30% ... OR ... Social Security which charges less than 2 %. I would never pick Bear Stearns, because their fees are usurious and because they could declare bankruptcy. But of course private corporations like Bear Stearns don’t go bankrupt, do they? Well, they do,and Bear Stearns did go bust, but so could a government. But a private investment firm is more likely to go bankrupt than the U.S. government, which will, it appears also go belly up unless we throw some of the out-of-control administration officials in the slammer for orgiastic spending. Government, as a non-profit private provider, can operate much more economically than greedy Insurance corporations. Private corporations are very efficient at extracting outrageous profits.

Life, liberty and happiness. Health care is fundamental to all three. We have a social obligation to provide for the common defense and welfare of our people, and we can do it without paying unnecessary usurious middle men, such as health insurance companies.

Is it any wonder the people of Canada and the European countries have much better health than people of the U.S.

Take a chill pill Bill Fierce wrote on Jul 13, 2008 4:59 AM:Fierce exemplifies what is wrong with the right, and provides rationale for its decline, which will be even deeper in the next election.

A wise sage once commented, "When facism comes to America it will be carrying a cross and be wrapped in a flag."

And so it seems. In Fierce's haste to condemn Clark for his words, he is no different with the comments he makes about Clark.

Good luck, conservatives getting your house in order. But, remember the old proverb, "People in glass houses should not throw stones."

The right was quick to make Obama guilty by association with the preacher at the church he attended for 20 years. However, when a Senator that McCain claims knows more about economics than he does,and he considers an advisor on economic affairs, says something stupid, the right accepts and spreads the word, "Phil doesn't talk for McCain."

I am not a Republican or Democrat stalwart, rather I am one of those middle of the road guys who refuses to be a sheep like most of the posters from both sides of the aisle here. And, in the end, it us skeptics of party politics who elect presidents, not unwavering lunatics.

As for me, I encourage others as disgusted as I am in joining me in sitting this election out.

Leftists supporting Clinton said they would rather not vote than vote for Obama...well, put your money where your mouth is.

Right-winger, very early on, said McCain is no representative of Conservatism, and now they can't remember saying they would stay home before voting for him.

Well, rightees and leftees, you all seem to be intellectually dishonest.

And, I'm tired of being dragged down to your level. You, both the left and the right, have undermined the moral integrity of American, and both should be ashamed and held accountable for your dispicable actions.

Ralphs wrote on Jul 13, 2008 5:09 AM:To Douglas Dunn - Like most people, you have not given your ideas much thought. How much energy are you going to use to produce the panels to make electricity via solar? How much electricity are you going to use in order to charge your electric car? How do you make all of this energy? Drilling for new oil is our only solution at this time. If it were done years ago and not held up by the ecologists we would not be in this serious situation. It appears that most ecologist will not be happy until the last human dies and earth is left to the animals and plants

Ralphs wrote on Jul 13, 2008 5:20 AM:Also to Mr. Dunn - Do you have any idea of how much of ANWR would be used for drilling? 2800 acres. Do you have any idea of how much land is incoporated in ANWR? 19.5 million acres. Do you know what percentage you would be looking at? How about a postage stamp on a football field. Do you know what exists in the area in which they desire to drill? Absolutely nothing. The oil would go down the same pipeline that is already there. Did you do any research prior to writing you letter to the editor, or did you just read some info put out by lef wing liberal ecologists?

Three D wrote on Jul 13, 2008 5:29 AM:Victor Bothmann's letter shows that he doesn't quite grasp the concept here. Letters pages exist so that readers can be provided a forum in which to carry on a dialogue on topics of interest. They exist not for the purpose of espousing a specific viewpoint, but so that varying perspectives can be presented. There is not one page for liberal letters and a separate one for conservative letters. And while he seems to be discouraged by the apparent inability of religious believers to carry their own in dialogues with those who offer a healthy dose of skepticism, the answer to his problem is not to move the doubters to a separate page so that the "Faith and Values" pages becomes a platform for espousing a specific religious viewpoint instead of a discussion about the issues and questions of religion, but to rise to the same level of preparation and rational presentation of their perspective.
Or, could it be, that the doubters began as religious believers, but when they went through the process of preparation and rational examination, the evidence led them away from the comfort of myths and superstitions?

Baloney this wrote on Jul 13, 2008 5:44 AM:One would think that if William Ficere were going to criticize someone he would at least get his “facts” straight.
Wesley Clark was a Four Star General in the Army not the Air Force.
He was the valedictorian of his class at West Point, consistently in the top 5%, as opposed to McCain’s third from the bottom at Annapolis.
Clark was shot four times as an Infantry Company Commander in Vietnam. I would have to say that qualifies as “getting his hands dirty”.
He earned his first three stars under Republican Administrations.
And that war from 30,000 feet? We won that one. In three months. Without a single combat death.
The biggest gripe about Clark was that he was too smart. Definitely too smart to be a Marine, an idea Mr. Ficere reinforces every two weeks.

To Gina Lovin wrote on Jul 13, 2008 6:14 AM:You should send a message to Hollywood. Isn't it funny how the media glamourizes celebity childbirths.The celebrities pop out babies like hotcakes and that's okay? What's worse is people flock to supermarkets to buy the latest magazine that headlines these childbirths.Don't you people have anything better to do than buy these magazines?How about the celebrities help out the planet by giving their reproductive systems a break.

To Jeff Schwilk wrote on Jul 13, 2008 6:29 AM:Here is another emerging reality!!!Simon Rosenberg, a Democratic political strategist states the following in an article in this very newspaper; "There is no way to win if they (the candidates) don't win a substantial number of the Latino vote. Oops!!! that just might eliminate your Dr. Baldwin.

He Said wrote on Jul 13, 2008 7:00 AM:Douglas Dunn, a published author, continues recently to waste his writing skills by regurgitating the same "oil bad - electricity good" theme over and over again but also understanding we can't change everything tomorrow. McCain flip flop on drilling for oil? Check out some of the recent comments about drilling by one of his Demo buddies, Durbin. Come on, Mr. Dunn. Lately, you've been on a single track environmental train ride. You can do better and return to being more prolific. Writer's block?

The Kiss of Death wrote on Jul 13, 2008 7:11 AM:The kiss of death to ANY candidate for ANY office is to have Jeff Schwilk or anyone of his ilk endorse them. Maybe those of the American Nazi Party might agree with Jeff Schwilk, the People who are sane and rational do not.

Yokozuna wrote on Jul 13, 2008 7:13 AM:Schwilk endorsing Baldwin. Now there's an endorsement that Mr. Baldwin is sure to cherish. He's probably going through the "Why me, I have enough problems already" thoughts right now.

Overpopulation wrote on Jul 13, 2008 7:28 AM:I agree with Gina Lovin in that overpopulation is a huge problem in the world and that resources are limited. The real question is, do we need the government to mandate population control or can each individual take the personal responsibility to limit themselves? I chose to bring one child into the world, how about you?

If we lived our lives with personal responsibility we would not need the government to control our lives for us.

Sane and Reasoned wrote on Jul 13, 2008 8:04 AM:The letter from Frank Lancelotti mentions a case in New Mexico regarding "Elane Photography LLC was fined $6,600 for refusing, on religious grounds, to take photos of a same-sex wedding".

What he did not mention was,
"On December 20, 2006, Willock filed a charge of discrimination against Elane Photography.

The decision included two questions: did discrimination occur based on sexual orientation, and was Elane Photography a public accommodation. The commission found the answer to both questions to be in the affirmative."

Now, if Elane Photography LLC (note the LLC (Limited Liability Corporation), a corporation, ergo a public accommodation) had not been a LLC and had, therefore, not been found to be a "public accommodation", there would not have been a judgement against them.

Simply out, corporations of any kind may not descriminate based on "sexual orientation", nor may they discriminate based on race, religion, color, etc.

While there are tax and other advantages and reasons to become a LLC or any other form of corporation, there are also responsibilities that are not imposed on a non-incorporated business.

Conflict of Interest wrote on Jul 13, 2008 8:13 AM:What Douglas Dunn fails to make perfectly clear is that Bush, an oil man with family interests in oil and connected with other oil interests, obviously has a conflict of interest, the need of this nation to become less dependent on oil, imported or domestic, and his connections that make him beholden to and a beneficiary of oil companies and the profits that they make.
Bush is placing personal interest above national interest.

Strange Isnt It wrote on Jul 13, 2008 8:16 AM:It sure is strange that between 2:18 pm yesterday and 8:10 today not one single person made a comment on letters from July 12 or July 13. Everyone must have decided to do other things.

Chuck wrote on Jul 13, 2008 8:18 AM:China and India are drill slant wells 50 miles off he coast of Key West. Do you know who isnt drilling there? The US. You see Pelosi, Hussein and his sleeper cell dont think $4.69 gas and the loss of 1million+ jobs is enough. Then they bash Bush for spending in Iraq, yet because of Pelosi & Hussein we send thrice the amount we are spending in Iraq to the 2-bit oil dicators. And Hussein calls that "change"??

Chuck wrote on Jul 13, 2008 8:20 AM:Gee Mrs Goslin, now that you have your California home, you and your type want to prevent others from having theirs. How liberal of you

GAY MAN wrote on Jul 13, 2008 8:22 AM:== The civil rights movement for equal marriage rights for same gender couples ticks off Frank Lancelotti (letter today). Lancelotti has an inordinate obsession with homosexuality. He has had for years. A Google search turned up over 35 letters going back to 2003. Every single letter he ever wrote to the North County Times expressed this bitter obsession against homosexuals.

Lancelotti’s mean spiritedness has engendered such reader opposition that twice he felt compelled to pledge never to write another letter to the editor of the NCT (Sep. 17, 2004, and again Sep. 3, 2006). But he keeps coming back with his fulminations and untruths. I found several Lancelotti letters with bitter personal attacks on the late Rocky Velgos, whose long marriage produced two remarkable gay sons, both professionals and productive members of their communities. Rocky was very proud of all his children, but mentioned his two gay sons frequently in letters to the editor.

Lancelotti, it is YOU yourself who makes you life miserable. The rights that other people enjoy does not impinge upon your own. GET OVER IT, Lancelotti, and stay out of other people’s bedrooms.

Chuck wrote on Jul 13, 2008 8:24 AM:>>>But fossil fuels are not infinite. Supply diminishes as our demand increases >>> Mrs Welty, how do you know. Each year, the estimates of the worlds oil supply increases dramatically, despite it use. There is so much of it, it is seeping into the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and off our Atlantic and Pacific coasts. So, stop drinking Al Goreleone's Kool-Aid

Chuck wrote on Jul 13, 2008 8:31 AM:>>>>Voting yes on Proposition 2 means preventing cruelty to animals and healthier food for us.>>> Sorry lady, just because you prefer sunflower seeds to a steak, doesn't mean you can jam your agenda down our throats

Ron wrote on Jul 13, 2008 8:34 AM:Pretty evident that banning red pens,
setting minimum scores, and social passing has not been helpful.
Jack and Sally Pomeroy are right, attempts to not harm a students self-esteem have overtaken our desire to actually teach, to educate.
It was quite interesting to listen to Barack Obama the otherday say that while most European students learn a minimum of two languages, our's can barely read the diploma's they are given upon graduation.
Does this man not know who has been in charge of the public education system in this country for decades? Is he not willing to admit that his own party in league with teachers unions placed self-esteem above all other considerations?
We are, where we are in education in this country because the liberals who have run this thing, as they have wanted to, is not producing the results they promised. Challenging kid's is not abusing kid's, sending homework home is not abuse, grading with real letter grades is not abuse.
We have groups so considered about sheltering kid's from stress, when they are actually required to face stressful life situations, they are failing in mass.

She Said wrote on Jul 13, 2008 8:55 AM:Mr. Frank Lancelotti's letter is the same old scare junk. Homosexual agenda? Even is there is one so what. The main agenda here is equal opportunity and rights, not to persuade individuals to follow their lifestyle - unlike churches with missionary programs. There are tons of agendas: seniors', environmentalists, tax reduction, health care, salvation, immigration programs, etc. They are considered good or bad depending on other aspects of an individual's life. There have been some major changes since 2000 for gay lifestyle acceptance. The November ballot may be a big surprise for those who foster the "most people are against gay marriage" notion. If you take away all the talking points of those whose lives are subjugated by religion or other myths there just isn't much to really support the proposed amendment.

Economy is worse than lousy wrote on Jul 13, 2008 9:12 AM:While we all fret over the economy, whether it's a "recession" or not, I can't but remember that as the US switched to rampant consumerist capitalism in the last 30 years or so, the entire economy has been based on Americans living above their means. Personal debt during these decades has increased exponentially. In other words, even when the economy has been "good", with new jobs and goods, it's all been based on money that people didn't have. How solid an economy can a nation build under this philosophy? Reminds me of our national obesity. The fast food that looks and tastes good but is mostly toxic is there in front of us. The advertising blares at us 24/7 associating this food with pleasure, happiness, and manliness. We can't resist. Isn't it this way with most of what we are encouraged to buy? How do you build a solid, healthy society, with admirable values, when the whole economy is based on debt?

DD Wiz wrote on Jul 13, 2008 9:37 AM:The post from "Conflict of Interest" (8:13am) criticizes the published letter from Douglas Dunn for failing to make "perfectly clear" the extent of Bush family and oil crony profiteering as a conflict of interest in gouging the American public by manufacturing a phony energy crisis from which they are profiteering enormously. I am confident that the letter writer regrets not making this connection more clear.
However, please note that the mandatory policy on submitting letters to the editor of the North County Times sets a cap of 20 words. Rumor has it that the original first draft of this letter was over 600 words, chock full of specific acts of Bush and earlier Republican administrations to set up the conditions creating this crisis, such as deregulating oil futures speculation (the brain child of "Doctor" Phil "nation-of-whiners" Gramm), repealing the requirement that oil drilled under federal leases be given priority to domestic markets, and other ways in which Bush and other Republican policies have wreaked economic hardship on the American public, while Big Oil Bullies profiteer enormously. Many important facts, references and specific documentation, as well as important links such as the one noted, had to be edited out to trim it down to barely within the 200-word maximum.
The published letter from Jerry Sarnataro has his heart in the right place, but his conclusion that McCain, carrying on the Bush/Cheney secret oil lobby energy policy, "knows nothing" about economics is wrong. These multi-billionaires know exactly what they are doing. But they after to make it look like they are bumbling doofuses, because if the truth of their manipulation were too widely known, they would be seen for the criminals they are.

OBAMA MAMA wrote on Jul 13, 2008 9:40 AM:OBAMA MAMA
… O’ goodness! Bob Kuse’s letter yesterday reveals a lot of hostility toward black women.

Perhaps he believes Michele Obama should be working in the White House kitchen, but those days are long long gone, Mr. Kuse.
Kuse accuses J. Howard Crews of calling little ol’ Laura Bush as VACUOUS. No so. Crews said Laura’s behavior as first lady has been vacuous, void of any real, substantial achievement, other than cutting a few ribbons and making a few laudatory comments at public ceremonies.

We’ve had some great First Ladies in the White House, and some whose performance was rather vacuous. Lady Bird was one of the better ones, as well as Martha Washington. Betty Ford was a good, strong woman, too. And Pat Nixon was not only a brilliant, but a genteel lady. Hillary was outstanding. But Laura? Hmm-m-m-m.
Submitted 13jul1:49am, re-submitted 13jul9:40am

Oh. Ficere wrote on Jul 13, 2008 9:42 AM:How many blunders can someone make in a short letter? William Ficere is going for a record. First, it's perfectly obvious that he neither heard nor read what Wesley Clark actually said. So we know that Ficere's letter is based on gossip or someone else's fabrications. As is well known, Clark had nothing but praise for McCain's military service and considered McCain a hero. Ficere also shows us how shallow is his loyalty to his "brothers in arms". Clark has a remarkable record as a military man, but Ficere could care less. Clark disagrees with Ficere's political ideology, and for this, as always, Ficere and his ilk are quick to dismiss Clark's career. What have we learned from Ficere's letter? First, that Ficere listens to and reads hearsay rather than actual events. Second, despite never forgetting to remind us of his retired military status, he could care less about military men. He cares only for those who agree with him. He does to Clark what he accuses Clark of doing to McCain, except that Clark didn't do it. Great stuff, Ficere. I'd say it was baloney, but baloney doesn't smell this bad.

Roger wrote on Jul 13, 2008 9:51 AM:"Balony this" at 5:44 AM claims McCain was third from the bottom of his class at Annapolis. This is a gross exageration. McCain was 894 out of 899, or fifth from rock bottom :)

Clark never criticised McCains service, just questioned what relevance being a POW has to the qualifications for being president. This too seems to have gone over the head of this "grizzled old marine". Suspect a lot does.

Bob wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:05 AM:For anybody else who has tired of McCains incessant reference to being a POW, Viet Nam Veterans Against John McCain has an interesting web site.

Too bad Overpopulation wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:07 AM:that people still have 8 children by choice. It's too bad that the Catholic Church advocates only the most unreliable method of birth control. The idea that we have unlimited resources to support an ever-expanding population must be eliminated, quashed and destroyed. It's too bad that some people believe that if they can afford it, the sky's the limit or the number of reproductive years is the limit.

Who wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:10 AM:GAY MAN[-] wrote on Jul 13, 2008 8:22 AM: Is he in self denial?

Conflict of Interest wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:13 AM:Thank you, DD Wiz, for pointing those things out.

Gentlemens Cs wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:38 AM:So McCain, like W, earned "gentlemen's C" grades in college. Each got into prestigeous schools via the pull of family legacy, the affirmative action of the rich. Neither was very interested in working hard in school, or maybe wasn't bright enough to compete with the worthy students there. Both were more interested in schmoozing and networking than in learning anything from the faculty. I guess this is our latest version of how an American president's character should be developed in those crucial years of his life. I know we seem to hate the smart ones, the ones who worked hard and accomplished great things with their minds instead of their names. The only thing I don't get is why we call the achievers, the hard workers "elitists", while we call those who attained what they did via the pull of well-connected families "regular guys". Stupid is as stupid does, I guess

Ron wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:43 AM:Again, putting my finger on precisely what drives most liberals wacky, profits.
"SOLON" @2:10 AM posted another blazer of why the heavy hand of government needs to step in, and control, thus limit, any and all profitablity from any business.
As I pointed out yesterday, overhead is people, not just buildings, electricity, water, etc. It's employment, they pay taxes on their wages, they have health insurance.
Leftists, like Solon are under the illusion that if government did this, we would spend less. Would we really?
With the track record of both Social Security & MediCare, I fail to see the evidence. Whenever our own State runs into financial difficulty, what is the first thing we are told? Old People will be thrown out in the streets.
That's the current system, and it will flucuate with the State's economy.
As we are currently seeing in Social Security, the only means liberals will allow to keep the system from failing is to require additional taxes, a 20th, after 19 previous increases.
Between SS & MediCare alone we are facing a $54 trillion liability according to former Controller General David Walker. Reform is the only means to prevent our children from having half of their paychecks taken to keep old folks happy.
The question needs to be asked, if gasoline & healthcare profits are so outrageous, then why not any other profits posted by other businesses?
From the liberal perspective, any profit they deem "excessive", they reserve the right to mandate what that profit shall be through government fiat.

Oh Bill wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:47 AM:Bill insists that Bush was right in his approach to the "war on terror". As a liberal, I believe that Bush WAS right about a few things. Going after Bin Laden was right. Increasing the number of troops in Iraq one factor that has reduced violence in Baghdad. Now, what was Bush wrong about? Pulling out of Afghanistan as the central front and the justified and world-supported war. Believing Saddam had WMDs and was a threat. Believing that Saddam was linked to al Qaeda and 911. Believing that we'd be greeted as liberators. Sending a hopelessly small army into Iraq. De-baathifying Iraq and disbanding its army. Allowing the Taliban and al qaeda to rebuild to full strength a year ago, before recent progress was made by the Pakistanis. Flouting the Geneva conventions and promoting, insisting on, the need to torture. Lying to the American public about torture and warrantless wiretapping. Well, Bill, you see what the beginning of this list looks like. If you must insist that your lawbreaking, incompetent President has done a great job, I guess that's your right. But I wouldn't advertise the fact if I were you: makes you look pretty foolish. His term is ending. Best keep your adoration to yourself. All the more so as historians and courts look more deeply into the actions of this administration.

real surfer wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:49 AM:Surfer, I would love to go to OZ having never been there. Going to Indo in 3 weeks. Starting off in Bali, then hooking up with a buddy who has a friend who captain's a boat. Then off to discover "secret spots", if there are any left. Only bringing one board, but I have enough cash to buy a few over there then sell em when I'm done. If they're still in one piece. Be back in September. Hope I can get NCT over there!

Chuck wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:52 AM:The news is reporting that Insurgents kill nine U.S. troops in Afghanistan, official says. As usual, that means celebration day for the liberals, as they might get an extra vote or 2 out of it in November

The Cardinal wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:57 AM:Too bad Overpopulation[-] wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:07 AM: It does not matter what the Catholic Church teaches in the
USA. American Catholics have always practiced various forms of birth control.

Oh Bill PS wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:58 AM:From the NY Times, June 30, 2008 QUOTE Just as it had on the day before 9/11, Al Qaeda now has a band of terrorist camps from which to plan and train for attacks against Western targets, including the United States. Officials say the new camps are smaller than the ones the group used prior to 2001. However, despite dozens of American missile strikes in Pakistan since 2002, one retired C.I.A. officer estimated that the makeshift training compounds now have as many as 2,000 local and foreign militants, up from several hundred three years ago. ENDQUOTE I've always wondered what al qaeda IS, exactly. How large and coordinated have they EVER been? Is any group of West-haters that use the name "al qaeda" a part of that organization? Were they EVER a formidable enemy? Or is the name "al qaeda" a sort of convenient catch-all label, used by many, from Bush to Bin Laden, as a marketing brand?

Ron wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:59 AM:And notice please, how Solon & liberaljim never tell you what the spread is between profit & overhead?
They both quote a blanket 30%. Why do you think that is? Because if they had seperated the two, it might show a fault line in their logic. It's true, most of the money spent is for overhead. Liberaljim made some remark about investing in land. Hey jimmy.. when you have assets, you invest those assets to offset future liabilities. It's somethign I wish our own Government did with Social Security, you know? Invest the surpluses, so they woudn't have to keep coming back to the taxpayers pocket? Make the surplus work for you by compound interest?

Single payer will not give you more treatment, in fact, it will give you less treatment. Our own MediCare system limits doctors pay by paying only 1/3 of the doctors fee. Doctors routinully send patients down the road if they have met their patient load.

As to the "French having the best health care system in the world." French doctors are leaving the country, just as they are in Canada, as in Britian. And they are leaving precisely because those socialized systems cap procedure costs, and that is why they pay less. By Government fiat, they demand doctors accept a lower fee for services. It is creating a brain drain in those countries.
In fact, of the 204 drugs created last year, how many do you think were created in Europe or Canada, and how many were created in the US? Almost 200 or the 204 were created here, in the US. Profits drive innovation, and provide the surpluses needed for the generation of the next generation of drugs, and medical technologys.

As to the 47 millions Americans with no health coverage. This canard is as big a lie as there ever was.
First, we have between 12-20 million illegal, maybe more, in this country.
Another large group are "the Rich", who choose to self insure, it's cheaper for them.
Another group could be on services we already offer, but choose not to.
And another group is temporarily out of insurance because they are between jobs, usually only for a few months.
The hard core uninsured could be covered by existing plans, they choose not to.

KTB wrote on Jul 13, 2008 11:08 AM:DD demonstrates, again, that he is a "one trick pony." A reformed drunk, a reformed smoker, a newly Born Again Christian, or a reformed oil user is equally as intolerable as a conversationalist.

There is no changing the subject, no tolerance of those benighted backsliders -- they must be pecked to death by ducks and die a death of a thousand cuts.

When Manuel Noriega was holed up in Panama, there was a concerted effort to get him to surrender by playing loud repetitive music.

I know how he felt! Where is concern about torture?

Ron wrote on Jul 13, 2008 11:08 AM:One thing these wacky liberals don't seem to grasp is personal responsibility. Somehow they have missed the teaching that YOU are responsible for yourself, your family, and the imbalances of the world.
They have this idea that if they lack anything, it should be MY responsibility to hand it over to them.
As I have said before, if your highest ambition in life is to be a janitor, then don't expect to live like a CEO.
This is America, it is your choice that you chose to limit your income, and opportunities. If I however, choose a different route, and because of my income have things you don't as a janitor, it is not my fault, nor my responsibility.
You made the choice, you either need to live with your choice, or change your choices.

Focal Point wrote on Jul 13, 2008 11:09 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:52 AM:
Lying drivel.

But Chuck wrote on Jul 13, 2008 11:11 AM:Your post at 10:52 is wrong! It is Bush who celebrates these bits of news. If it weren't for these F.O.B.s (Friends Of Bush), how could he keep justifying his attempt at domination of the Middle East? Every report of violence over there gives him new reasons to "stay the course", to ignore the people and Governments of Iraq and Iran and the people of the U.S.

Surfer wrote on Jul 13, 2008 11:13 AM:real surfer[-] wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:49 AM Bra! I am envious. This sounds like a most excellent adventure. Hope you have access to mobile communications. Perhaps, you can send us a daily or weekly account of your experiences and travels and especially the "sets." Get amped and have a good time. See ya!

Oh Chuck wrote on Jul 13, 2008 11:14 AM:Now, Chuck. You know perfectly well that McCain's campaign said that terrorist attacks are good for their candidate. And let's face it: when Americans are killed in Iraq or Pakistan/Afghanistan, it's YOU that gets giddy because it leads to a post every time. Your glee is palpable. No, Chuck, it's you and McCain that are the beneficiaries of every American death at a terrorist's hand. Horrible.

He Said to Ron wrote on Jul 13, 2008 11:14 AM:Re: European healthcare.... one of the reasons gasoline is so expensive there, including France, is the extremely high taxes on each liter which subsidize government programs. Also, when some sheik or child needs specialized medicine or procedure do they go to France? Nyet.

Bonjour wrote on Jul 13, 2008 11:17 AM:Ron[-] wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:59 AM: Wonder who delivered my cousin's baby in Bordeaux last week?

Brilliant wrote on Jul 13, 2008 11:21 AM:piece of disingenuous obfuscating by the economic ignoramus, totally partisan, intellectually dishonest D. Dunn. He blatantly ignores any and all Democratic culpability for high gas prices while cleverly singling out strategic Republican targets. He parrots the scapegoating of market speculators, a common practice that has been going on since BC, because he lacks the economic acumen to understand that buying and selling a commodity causes the price to go down as well as up. He ignores the fact that “sitting on millions of acres” does not automatically make the resource accessible from either a financial or political point of view. Dunn’s “solutions,” however, are wise and quite remarkable considering the source – they are all free market options left to the decision of individual consumers. What a refreshing concept!

Old Timer wrote on Jul 13, 2008 11:22 AM:William Ficere's letter about General Clark is totally wrong. i wish folks would check their facts before expessing untrus opinions. gen. Clark is not Air Force but Army. I would think that a Marine would know that. Clark was in Viet Nam, commanded an infantry company and was shot four times. He was top of his class at West point, commanded the Losovo war, worked for the Viet Nam War memorial and has many awards. Now I am not a Republican or democrat, but fair is fair and folks should make sure that before they repeat Rush Limbaugh, they find out if what he says is true or not true. many times it isn't.

KTB wrote on Jul 13, 2008 11:30 AM:A travel agency arranging permanent relocation of American doctors to (France)(Canada)(Britain) is a niche market in which I would not invest.

For the last time wrote on Jul 13, 2008 11:43 AM:Can we all just agree that physicians in other countries do not make as much money as American doctors do? Can we all just agree that when wealthy people in other countries want top medical care, the US is one place many decide to come for it? Can we all also agree that neither of these has anything whatsoever to do with the quality of our nation's health care system as a whole? Let's move on to a discussion of this problem that is meaningful for a change. Good grief.

But Old Timer wrote on Jul 13, 2008 11:47 AM:Rush does not and cannot tell a lie or ever stretch the truth. His word is Gospel and you NEVER, EVER doubt it. How can you be so unAmerican as to cast aspersions on the utterances of Rush, almost as much of a hero to me as Bush? I say this with my tongue firmly in my cheek.

Ron wrote on Jul 13, 2008 12:01 PM:Hey, that reminds me... "He Said to Ron"
@11:14 AM, aren't gasoline taxes in this country supposed to pay for our failing infrastructure? Instead of Gramma's hip replacement?

Regarding your second point, short story. Many years ago, my son was invited by a friend of mine to go to Buffalo, New York for a week. The reason was he needed to provide a "playmate" for a sheik's kid.
Anyways, they rented an entire floor of a hotel, while Gramma was having her hip replacement surgery. The kid's spent the days playing PlayStation, and short trips all in Limo's, to Niagra. My friend worked for "Big Oil" at the time, and this was a part of his duties, to make arragements while the family was in town.
As to where they go for all of their medical procedures, if price don't matter, then my guess is they go were they think they'll get the best care.

Ron wrote on Jul 13, 2008 12:14 PM:I'd agree with your point, except for one piece of evidence, "For the last time" @11:43 AM.
You say pay/wage/compensation has nothing to do with quality of medical care? I disagree, with experience, comes more compensation. This is why socialized countries suffer brain drain, because experienced doctors are not well compensated for their highly trained skill level.
Sure, you can hold your costs down, by getting newly graduated doctors, as is done by the VA and the military. You pay them less, while they are learning their skills on the job. You reduce the number of skilled/experienced doctors, and use them to manage the lesser skilled.
Experienced doctors who have hit the wall on pay, go outside the government run system and open private practises.
As I said yesterday, almost 1 in 9 Canadian doctors are leaving the country. And they are coming here to a place where we will recognise their talent, and pay them for it.

Chuck wrote on Jul 13, 2008 12:14 PM:The reason the liberals hate Rush, is that he provides competition to NBC, CBS, MSNBC, CNN and NBC. The liberals have the TV and newpapers locked up, both of which are losing watchers and readers, while the republicans dominate talk radio. And have you noticed, now that the owner of FOX has thrown his support to Obama, that O'Reilly rarely takes issue with Obama (ie, is he auditioning for Katie Couric's failed tenure

Focal Point wrote on Jul 13, 2008 12:17 PM:Sane and Reasoned[-] wrote on Jul 13, 2008 8:04 AM: I urge you to have it printed as a letter.

Alf wrote on Jul 13, 2008 12:17 PM:Alf will continue to comment, albeit under many different "handles" most of the time because some were letting the emphasis become who the person saying something was instead of what was said. I may still comment as "Alf" once in a while. Regards, Alf.

Chuck wrote on Jul 13, 2008 12:22 PM:>>>to Chuck, in his one blog yesterday raised the noble name of .. HUSSEIN Obama.>>>> If Hussein is suck a noble name, why aren't parents rushing to name their kids Hussein, after a cut-throat. Instead they prefer the nobleness of Charles, and William, and Dane, and John and Richard.
Of course the newest of the newlyweds wont have to worry about names, no matter how much they try

Now SOLON wrote on Jul 13, 2008 12:25 PM:In your 2:10 AM post you made one mistake. It is not life, liberty and happiness, it is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The freedom to pursue happiness is all that is guaranteed, even though some would like to have their happiness guaranteed.

Chuck wrote on Jul 13, 2008 12:25 PM:>>>since 2002, one retired C.I.A. officer estimated that the makeshift training compounds now have as many as 2,000 local and foreign militants, up from several hundred three years ago>>>

That is exactly why liberals want to rip every electronic method Bush has on spying on the terrorist filth

Apollo wrote on Jul 13, 2008 12:32 PM:Re: He Said (7:00 a.m.) and KTB (11:08 a.m.)
He Said says that Douglas Dunn has "been on a single track environmental train ride" lately and KTB calls DDWIZ a "one trick pony."
Funny, but it seems they are the ones who are stuck in first gear, oblivious to anything but those who challenge the supremacy of their beloved fossil fuels.
While letter-writer Dunn does cover environmental issues, and quite well, I have also seen recent letters on economics and political ideology, and blogger DDWIZ has also posted on a wide range of subjects, including just yesterday (I think) posted one of the clearest explanations I have ever seen of the differences between socialism, conservatism and liberalism, with nary a mention of the environment.
I think it is He Said and KTB who are hung up on their fascination with the black gooey stuff, and I think these comments, and the volume and virulence of those writing against Dunn/Wiz, show that Dunn/Wiz is right when he says it is people like him, throwing off the yoke of corporate-controlled energy, who terrify those who are financially invested in those fossil fuels.

Bad news for yahoos wrote on Jul 13, 2008 12:34 PM:From the Washington Post QUOTE U.S. and Iraqi negotiators have abandoned efforts to conclude a comprehensive agreement governing the long-term status of U.S troops in Iraq before the end of the Bush presidency, according to senior U.S. officials, effectively leaving talks over an extended U.S. military presence there to the next administration.In place of the formal status-of-forces agreement negotiators had hoped to complete by July 31, the two governments are now working on a “bridge” document, more limited in both time and scope, that would allow basic U.S. military operations to continue beyond the expiration of a U.N. mandate at the end of the year.
The failure of months of negotiations over the more detailed accord — blamed on both the Iraqi refusal to accept U.S. terms and the complexity of the task — deals a blow to the Bush administration’s plans to leave in place a formal military architecture in Iraq that could last for years. ENDQUOTE Mission not accomplished, W, too bad. Despite all your efforts, Iraq has decided to behave like the democracy all those heroic purple-thumbed citizens fought for. Your hidden agenda, to make Iraq a military colony, is rejected. Instead, the people elected leadership which is friendly towards Iran. What nerve these disobedient children have.

Oh Chuck at wrote on Jul 13, 2008 12:39 PM:You post as though liberals had control of the Bush administration. The bad news from Pakistan is what it is despite your guy and his surveillance. I continue to not understand why you are so against warrants. No one opposes thorough surveillance, Chuck. All we "liberals" ask is that the government do so with easy-to-get warrants, like the Constitution requires. I wish you had the courage to debate the actual issue -- warrants -- rather than your invented one. Never mind.

Chuck wrote on Jul 13, 2008 12:42 PM:The news is reporting that Volunteers unveil 13,000 meter Olympic Dragon on the Great Wall. And George Bush is too stupid to get the message. Instead of breathing fire like a dragon at China, he allows dangerous and poisonous goods to enter America. And, he allows them steal our launch and weapons techonlogy. This administration is so stupid and has removed so many safeguards, they cant even trace the source of hundreds of salmonella cases