Friday, March 19, 2010

3rd District Supervisorial Candidate's Forum to Replace US Congressmember Speier's Forced Cancellation of Speech to Pacifica Democrats on Saturday March 20, 2010


Hello everyone,

Well, Jackie Speier's Washington D.C. office and I were in contact twice daily for the past week, hoping against hope that we could carry out the Congressmember's planned presentation to the Pacifica Democrats, Coastside Democrats, and the Daly City/Colma Democratic Club, but, unfortunately, it wasn't to be...for today Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, announced that the highly controversial Healthcare Reform Bill will be voted on this Sunday night, March 21st, which canceled all travel for the Congressional members this coming weekend.

So, my friends, we are now moving to "Plan B"...We are hosting a Candidate's Forum for the 3rd District Supervisorial Candidates. We have two of the three Supervisorial candidates presenting to us at our morning breakfast meeting this Saturday: April Vargas and Michael Stogner, both Democrats. The remaining third Supervisorial District candidate, Don Horsley, will present to us in April.

The response to our invitation to join us for Congressmember Speier's presentation was overwhelming...And since, so very, very many of you have already RSVP'd for the Speier presentation, I must now ask that once again (for the Chef's sake), and, in view of the change of program, that you either email or call me to let me know as soon as possible if, indeed, you will be still be joining us to listen to the 3rd District Candidates Forum and participate in a "Q and A" with our 3rd District Supervisorial candidates this Saturday morning, March 20th, or not...

I am currently in the process of re-scheduling Jackie's presentation to the Democratic Club groups and will let you know shortly of the new date, but meanwhile, we would immensely enjoy the pleasure of your company this Saturday morning in the Sharp Park Golf Course's Banquet Room (Francisco and Sharp Park Blvds) in Pacifica to view and participate in our Candidates Forum.

Come listen to the candidates and let them listen to you about what you want in your next San Mateo County Supervisor!

Doors open at 9:00 a.m. Seating is between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Meeting will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. Your choices remain the same for meals: Full Breakfast $12; Continental Breakfast $6; Coffee only $3...

Again, please contact me with either your "regrets" or your "re-confirmed RSVP", so that we may give an accurate headcount to the Chef.

Barbara Arietta
President
Pacifica Democrats
415-246-0775
email: barietta@hotmail.com

42 comments:

Kathleen Rogan said...

In Jerry Maguire, the character played by Cuba Gooding Jr. famously says, “Help me help you.” For Obama, it’s “Help me help me.

http://weeklystandard.com/blogs/cbo-obamacare-would-cost-over-2-trillion?page=2

Obamacare will cost in the trillions. Tell Jackie Speier to vote no. Oh wait, they are not voting on this bill they are cramming down your throat.

Kathleen Rogan said...

This is good.

Watch this.

http://www.pjtv.com/video/PolitiZoid/_Grandma_Plugs_Obamacare/3232/

How will we be able to fix pacifica, when we will be under complete lock down by our own fed gov ment?????

Kathleen Rogan said...

This is a good video

**SHOCK UNCOVERED** OBAMA SAYS " CLOSE PRIVATE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL BUT RICH "
www.youtube.com

Obama liar liar pants on fire.

Anonymous said...

CNN - Liar in the White House
www.youtube.com

Kathleen Rogan said...

Caterpillar says health care would cost company an immediate $100 million. http://www.chicagobreakingbusiness.com/2010/03/caterpillar-health-care-bill-would-cost-it-100m.html

Anonymous said...

Does campaigning under false pretenses and then, once elected, orchestrating what amounts to a left-wing coup constitute an impeachable offense?

American Idiot said...

Little Johnny is not an
Obama fan A teacher asked her 6th
grade class how many of them were Obama fans.Not really
knowing what an Obama fan is, but wanting to be liked by the
teacher, all the kids raised their hands except for Little
Johnny.The teacher asked Little Johnny why he has decided to
be different... again.Little Johnny said, "Because I'm not
an Obama fan."The teacher asked, "Why aren't you a fan of
Obama?" Johnny said, "Because I'm a Republican."The teacher
asked him why he's a Republican Little Johnny answered, "Well,
my Mom's a Republican and my Dad's a Republican, so I'm a
Republican."Annoyed by this answer, the teacher asked, "If
your mom were a moron and your dad were an idiot, what would that
make you?"With a big smile, Little Johnny replied,
"That would make me an Obama fan."Recess at
the Asylum

britbanger said...

"O" sent Britain's gift bust of WC back to them, the moment he moved into the WH!! WC stood for everything against what "O" does. Probably couldn't take the stare-down of his face confronting him everyday!!

Winston Churchill Inspirational Speech
www.youtube.com
Winston Churchill's Inspirational Speech. Speeches that rallied an entire nation to defend their island home.

Gay Republican said...

It’s a dictatorship, that’s what this administration has become. When the House and Senate stop following the Constitution, Americans should rise up and take back our government from these Leftists. If they really do use the “Slaughter Slam” on Healthcare, that’s what we think is going to happen.

http://hillbuzz.org/2010/03/18/question-why-do-leftists-think-they-can-cram-so-much-through-congress-using-slaughter-slams/

Kathleen Rogan said...

Here is what the House will be voting on. Make no mistake - this is not the Senate's Health Reform Bill, or even the House's Health Reform bill. This is just a bunch of deals that needed to be made to get them to "deem" the real bill as passed. This is just a lis...t of the additions and subtractions to the Senate Bill, but not the bill itself. No matter what anyone tells you, THERE IS NO SINGLE DOCUMENT that explains what they are voting for. You have to take the Senate bill and cross-reference it with this "amendment" to know what we are really getting.

I have some liberal friends out there who think that this is a great idea. I don't think they've read it. I don't think most of Congress has either. But they do know this is Conressional mumbo-jumbo that is so bad they don't want to go on record as voting for it.

What is in here? Millions for nurses unions ("medical education"), half a billion dollars for labor unions disguised as college grants (SEC. 1501. COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND CAREER TRAINING GRANT PROGRAM - think I'm wrong? Then why are they called "workers" and not "students"?), the complete Federalization of Student Loans ("TERMINATION OF FEDERAL FAMILY EDUCATION LOAN APPROPRIATIONS") and a tax on LUXURY ITEMS like wheelchairs and pacemakers (SEC. 4191. MEDICAL DEVICES).

Like I have said all along, this isn't about health care. This is about expanding Federal Control over a large chunk of our economy, now to include all Student Loans. This is how tyranny starts. With the MONEY.

docs.house.gov
docs.house.gov

Unknown said...

But there will be new jobs! 16,000 new IRS employees to make sure we all have the type of health care deemed acceptable by the Obama Administration.If we don't have the acceptable insurance, we will be fined. So maybe his promise of no new taxes is being kept - no new taxes = fines instead.

Steve Sinai said...

I have absolutely no problem with the concept of single-payer. People I know from countries with nationalized health care almost universally prefer that to the way health care is provided in the US. Nationalized health care hasn't destroyed other countries, so I don't believe the wild cries that it will destroy America.

But I do agree with Lois that the health care bill coming out of Washington looks like it's going to rival the IRS tax code in its complexity. Both parties seem more interested in political gamesmanship than providing good health care. It's going to be a mess.

Kathleen Rogan said...

yes it will be.

Kathleen Rogan said...

Here's what Hoyer does not want members of the House discussing.

www.cbo.gov
www.cbo.gov

Laurie Frater said...

In the 19th century, the writings of Charles Dickens publicised and shamed poorhouses and debtor's prisons, which led to their abolition. In the early 20th century, the book "The Citadel" by doctor/writer A.J. Cronin caused the poor state of health care in Britain at that time to face similar public condemnation. A Welsh member of Parliament (Aneurin Bevan), who was a sometime colleague of Cronin, championed the cause, and the National Health Service was born.

Does anyone want to guess who was not only the Prime Minister at the time, but one of the leading proponents of "health care for all"?

Full points if your answer is "Winston Churchill". (And so much for Winnie being against everything Obama stands for, or vice versa!)

We in the U.S. (or just over 80% of us, to be accurate) enjoy healthcare that costs 18% (and rising) of our GDP, while every Briton (yes, 100% of them) enjoys health care that costs them about 10% of their GDP. Anyone not recognizing that this comparison alone shows that something is seriously wrong with our system of delivering health care and that it needs radical change... Words fail me!

Kathy Meeh said...

Laurie thanks for a view of the British system that grew out of the aftermath of WWII. Then, there are the reports I've heard for years that some people have private insurance in the British system and live as the result of not having to deal with what might be considered by USA standards to be serious disease critical care delays, example cancer and heart disease.

Currently we in the USA have a secondary health care system from a variety of public agencies. Much research has been done by our government at this point. What is clunky about our health care system needs reform, and federal oversight to create uniform state-to-state standards should be helpful. Does the entire system need to be torn apart? That would be potentially disruptive to the economy and patient care.

The current public insurance cost surcharged from the government (federal, state, county) to private insurance plans per head is covered on an annualized cost basis of about $1,100. This average cost basis may be higher in California, for example the recent State healthy families program surcharge is 6.5% in addition to the current surcharge for that program.

Currently private insurance companies are involved with government plans, example Medicare hospital claims are administrated by supplement insurance carriers, advantage PPO, HMO, private-fee-for-service (PFFS) hospital, doctor, pharmacy plans are all administrated by private insurance or private organizations. Whatever the outcome, someone has to pay for it.

Getting beyond the "Death Panels" and "Beck logic" not all the Republican ideas regarding health care are whacked. But, Republican failure to participate in this health care modernization and transition effort is their failure.

Similar to you, and in the spirit of "what would Jesus do" (clearly Jesus was a socialist, not a capitalist), all people (including our necessary illegal alien immigrants) need to be part of a health care system that covers everyone.

Steve Sinai said...

Does Glenn Beck agree with you, Laurie? 'Cause if Glenn Beck doesn't agree, you must be wrong!

Laurie Frater said...

Steve,

I've only ever seen Glynn Beck (I think it was him) in a couple of clips linked from here, but based on that small sample, my hope is that he does disagree, as that would only strengthen my argument!

Kathy,

The uber-rich in the UK never really stopped paying Harley Street specialists to mollycoddle them to the extent that their checkbooks would allow. And yes, there are people there who have private insurance, but that was something started (on any appreciable scale) in the early 1970s, and is (as I understand it) mostly provided as an employer benefit to executives - not to the rank and file. Even then, most use it for things such as upgrading to a private room (as opposed to semi-private or an open ward) during a hospital stay, or to completely bypass any waiting list of more than a week or two. Waiting lists do exist, but they're generally no worse than a doctor here telling someone today (March 19th) that the next available appointment is in April. Sound familiar? But if you want to call that a waiting list, so be it!

Are there problems with the UK system? Absolutely! Are there problems here? Absolutely! Any system - private, public, or any combination - that serves millions of people every day is going to have some real eye-popping screw-ups that enter the nation's folklore. Nothing in the required changes here is going to change that!

One other thing: "Death panels"? I had an aunt who, at age 97 and in an assisted living facility, developed cancer. Her son (my cousin) and her daughter-in-law met with the doctor, and it took only moments for all to agree that making heroic (and, by implication, expensive) efforts to prolong her life couldn't be easily justified.
I suppose that you could argue that they formed their own little death panel, but I think that most would recognise that it made no sense to spend half a million dollars to prolong her life (and, probably, her suffering). Instead, she got the best palliative care available until her death a few months later.

No system is going to be either perfect or without its flaws, but if there's even the possibility of having one that's largely comparable to our existing system but at about half of what it costs us now...

Scotty said...

The people who complain about "death panels" are too naïve to realize that they're buying into the propaganda of the insurance companies. Ironically, those insurance companies are the "death panels" currently, and there is no way they would authorize anything for Laurie's aunt in his example.

todd bray said...

Laurie, Thanks for sharing the Cancer story, Do Not Resuscitate issues (DNR) are extremely painful for everyone involved. Citing death panels dehumanizes the process families must go through every day when quality of life, or the quality of remaining life must be decided at the bed side of loved ones. Thank you again.

Kathy Meeh said...

Laurie, right, when death is imminent heroics are counterproductive. Hope living a long happy life runs in your family.

If the waiting time for serious, critical sickness you say is true, there have been some major improvements in the English medical system over the past several years.

I believe the Genn Beck style reference to "death panels" may have been a misrepresentational slur at the Medicare patients hospital quality board that overseas patient care. And, yes Todd, going through with a DNR for the sake of saving further suffering can be a major family dilemma.

By all mean do tune-in to Glenn Beck and his old style chalk board as he draws circles into information that has no meaning and doesn't connect, about 5 minutes is about all I can handle.

Kathleen Rogan said...

This from Catholic Families Network;

The end game is near. A year into the debate, a final vote on health care "reform" will happen later this week.

The outcome is not certain, which is all the more reason for us to increase our calls and pressure on the radical leftist agenda led by Catholic-in-Name-Only Nancy Pelosi.
As I have been discussing on our daily podcast, Capitol Hill Catholic, for several days, the final vote will happen this Friday or Saturday. (Be sure to join in our Novena to St. Joseph, whose feast day is this Friday!)

There has been no Catholic organization more heavily invested-or more influential-in this fight than CFA.

Late last summer, we became the only Catholic group to join the "High Noon for Healthcare" coalition, which produced a long enough delay and a sufficient number of "no" votes to bide time until the election of the 41st vote against health care in the Senate.

Without that groundwork, the health care bill would now be law.

Furthermore, in the face of ambiguity from some Catholic circles, we have articulated a clear, forceful, and authentic Catholic critique of the reform package under consideration:

1. The health care bill under consideration violates the principle of subsidiarity, which holds that the smallest unit in society-in this case the American family-should make decisions relevant to it. Expanding on the role of an already-overreaching, financially gluttonous government exacerbates the problem.
2. The expense of the proposal does expand coverage, but far more expensively-and therefore less efficiently-than the modest proposals put forth early in the debate. In the midst of the largest increase in government debt in the history of our republic, we are very concerned about the likelihood of a massive tax increase that will hit two-parent, middle-class families particularly hard.
3. As if these problems were not enough, the bill under consideration would use federal funds to pay for abortion "services." This is a non-negotiable issue that makes an already "ugly pig" evil.
4. By emphasizing these three problems, it's stolen precious time to address the real problem in health care, which is the third-party payer system.

Thus, even if the pro-abortion language would somehow magically disappear, we're still left with a package that violates Catholic social teaching.

Be sure to use those talking points when you make your calls. The Truth makes the squishy squirm.

Your calls matter. Every member of the House-especially the "yes" votes-needs a phone call this week. The House switchboard number is (202) 224-3121.

Moreover, please support our efforts by chipping in to our ongoing fundraising campaign. Any amount helps us reach more members of Congress, and every dollar donated to CFA right now goes directly to stopping this health care legislation.

Keep up the fight. St. Joseph, patron of families, pray for us to persevere ... and to prevail.

Sincerely yours in Him,

Kevin D. Roberts, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Catholic Families for America

Kathleen Rogan said...

I am not a practicing Catholic, but I have great respect for the religion and the catholics. I am against a government that would force a large US population to pay for something they do not believe in. When I hear people say, jesus was a socialist and would want this health care, I see them as ignorant and uninformed, spreading lies and deceit. This will be the death of the democratic party. Mark my words.

Anonymous said...

Are you against a government (California and most states) that forces you to pay for auto insurance?

Kathleen Rogan said...

YES. I am a responsible driver who has never had a wreck. Auto Ins., really, what does it do for you?? oh that's right, makes lawyers like John Edwards rich.

Kathy Meeh said...

Anonymous, exactly, excellent point. Buy auto insurance, buy health care. Everyone needs to be in the system, management will be more fair and more efficient. This is all part of an orderly society. We have a big population, and its complicated, some area of the society need management for the good of all concerned.

The Jesus comment was just a "social benefit" poke-in-the-eye for those of you who seem to lack a certain degree of compassion for others. "Choice" is the law of the land, why wouldn't that be included in health care provisions. And, if people don't believe in health care, oh too bad.

Assuming the health care modernizations passes, health care in America and those covered should improve, not the opposite. Federal regulations, guarantee issue, more people in the system are are all needed good positive steps forward.

A religious leader calling health care reform a "radical leftist agenda led by Catholic-in-Name-Only Nancy Pelosi" is truly weird-- of course Jesus was a radical and Nancy Pelosi is a Catholic, maybe Dr. Roberts is confused the two.

Kathleen, insurance is the kind of benefit you hope to never have to use to any large extent.

Kathleen Rogan said...

Lumping ALL Americans to be treated the same buy the same have the same is COMMUNISM. Americans have a right to choices. CHOICES!! This democratic (ha!) administration is chipping hacking away our choices. If your church is too liberal or too conservative, you have a choice to leave and find one that suits your beliefs. Our Government is doing a good job of spreading propaganda that says every one has a right to health care coverage paid for by me and you. THAT IS A LIE!! Americans , our government has NO RIGHT to force you buy anything you don't want to buy.

Deadbeat said...

I am a deadbeat I get everything for free, school low income program, health care go ahead sue me for the bills I have nothing, free lunches for the kids in school, hell my rich uncle who bought a house gets bailed out and gets 2% fixed rate for the next 5 years, I get food stamps from the gov't, welfare, oh ya I am on a psycho pension for an old injury suffered 10 years ago.

Funny how the parents of the kids who get the free lunches in school drive up with BMW's, Lexus's, and Mercedes!!!

Keep paying your taxes working people, I need a 70 inch LCD TV

Kathleen Rogan said...

Call the congressmen/women below. Most lines are busy. I was sneaky and went to their Facebook pages & sent them a message.
Share
Today at 8:42am

Michael S. March 20 at 1:01am Reply

Dear Patriots,

ObamaCare will be voted on this Sunday. Between now and when the actual vote takes place, there will be countless headlines claiming that it’s a done deal, that the bill is inevitably going to pass, and that Pelosi has the votes. Pelosi DOES NOT have the votes right now! These headlines are meant to demoralize you and prevent you from calling Washington. Our calls are jamming the phone lines and changing votes, so DO NOT STOP CALLING! That’s what they want. Win or lose, we are duty-bound to fight. Keep the phone lines busy all Saturday and Sunday. Below is an updated list of names to call. If none of them are your representatives--call them anyway!

Congressman Jim Oberstar
(202) 225-6211
Congressman Nick Rahall
(202) 225-3452
Congressman Mike Michaud
(202) 225-6306
Congressman Earl Pomeroy
(202) 225-2611
Congressman Harry Teague
(202) 225-2365
Congressman Harry Mitchell
(202) 225-2190
Congressman Chris Carney
(202) 225-3731
Congressman Henry Cuellar
(202) 225-1640
Congressman Kathy Dahlkemper
(202) 225-5406
Congressman Glenn Nye
(202) 225-4215
Congressman Zack Space
(202) 225-6265
Congressman Solomon Ortiz
(202) 225-7742
Congressman Jim Matheson
(202) 225-3011

Kathy Meeh said...

Kathleen, for this kind of information why don't you find a blog that is enthusiastic to receive it, you know where providing modern day solutions for the benefit and general welfare of the county is called "communism".

Under medical plan modernization with federal oversight will health care be improved? Answer yes it will. Just for openers there will be uniform standards, which doesn't mean we all get the same plan. It just means unacceptable variations in coverage and provisions ultimately will be improved or corrected, and no longer exist from state-to-state; and some of the "piece meal" 2nd class default non-coverage will be reduced.

Assurance that people will have proper medical plan coverage and systems within the medical care system will be uniformly improved must be a terrible thing for those who prefer to turn back the clock 100 years. And, should this long awaited medical improvement occur, President Obama will receive the credit he deserves for sure.

Kathleen Rogan said...

Sure. Doubt any of that is true. Pelosi even said, we have to pass the bill to find out what's in it. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT IS IN IT! CBO says, IT WILL BANKRUPT THE COUNTRY. I think that is what some progressive democrats want to do.

Kathleen Rogan said...

Stunning Video: OBAMA "HEALTH CARE REFORM WILL COST ADDITION
www.youtube.com
STUNNING VIDEO UNEARTHED: Obama 07 Revelation: Health Care Reform Requires Tax Hikes — Savings Just a Theory Breitbart TV and Naked Emperor News

Kathy Meeh said...

End of the world coming soon.

Kathleen Rogan said...

Yes. It is. Stock up. Hide your money. Learn some survival skills.

Unknown said...

Kathy, if it weren't for Kathleen, I probably wouldn't come to this Blog at all. Most of you have drunk the Kool-aid.

Kathy Meeh said...

Hi Lois, we'll enjoy you while you're here. This one is for you and Kathleen...
OBAMACARE

The following is an basic outline from the House documents..
MEDICARE REFORM OUTLINE

MYTH BUSTING

Unknown said...

Like I would believe anything from the Office of Nancy Pelosi???? OMGoodness. No, I would not. They do not even know what is in the bill! Nancy Pelosi said "we need to pass the bill to know what is in the bill." 1,600 new jobs for the government to make sure we have insurance? If her face moved, maybe I could look at her. What about tort reform?
Is it constitutional to MANDATE that Americans buy health insurance? What about the law suits that will happen if they do get this jammed through?
It's a mess.

Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard said...

Obamacare? Obama don't care. Obama gonna ram it through Constitution be damned. Tort reform? Nah... Competitive bidding across state lines? Nah... Pacifica garbage franchises don't do it. Why should health insurance companies? Guberment does everything better. Let guberment do it. "We need to pass the bill to know what's in it". LOL! I know you are a kool aid drinker kathy, but even you won't try and defend this one, will you?

Kathy Meeh said...

Health care delivery, equipment, pharmacy and health care administration from state to state has evolved corrosive problems, which federal regulation and oversight can improve. Federal government only can improve, and this health care evolution is long over due.

As you suggest, did I drink the "kool-aid", or is it just that you don't understand what you're talking about? What I know is from direct knowledge and observation as a 25 health insurance agent for various insurance carriers, affecting families, small and large business. And, you're credentials other than an "attitude"?

State regulation, the department of insurance, manage care oversight, government funding, and health insurance carriers have not been able to fix (for the good of all the people) the corrosive problems and inequities which exist, and these needed improvement are way overdue. So, lets hope the beginning of that transition in Congress begins today. And, for you religious "tea baggers", maybe you just need to have faith that something good will come out of this provided the legislation passes.

Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard said...

Kathy, if you want to live under the failed Medicare/Medicaid model, I defend your right to do so. But why are you insistent that I have to give up my ability to choose doctors and plans? Certainly if it were about the ability to terminate a pregnancy (and arguably a life), you would be all for choice.

BTW, using epithets like "tea-baggers" to describe people who disagree with you is lazy and marginalizes your point of view.

Unknown said...

There we go with that classy comeback from the classy Dem, Kathy. Give it up Kathy. You are becoming less and less appealing for me to read anything you write.

Thank you, Dr.Howard/Fine ...

Kathy Meeh said...

"Howard", there is no proof that the Medicare/Medicaid model is in itself failing, the model may need some adjustment as increased adults and children have been added.

Since you don't seem to understand that current insurance will stay in place you may want to refer to the government printed documents I posted above. And, your choice of physicians or the limitations therein is up to you. If you're still confused you might try an Urgent Care facility or the Emergency Room since today is Sunday.

The law of the land allows for abortion as needed, nothing most families (affecting women and men) choose to do. In the old days abortions happened in non-professional, non-medical, non-sterile conditions, the outcome was that some women suffered, were infected, died. Possibly you think that was an acceptable outcome. I don't. Fortunately the health care issue being addressed here is whether to allow funding for that medical procedure, not whether to force women to have more unwanted babies. However, without this funding more poor women will be adversely affected. Think that's fair? With implications from a social, economic, cultural and funding over a lifetime I don't.