- Your Voting Place--just call or stop by the Clerk's Office at Wheeling Township Hall (1616 N. Arlington Heights Road Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004; (847) 259-7730). They'll tell you your polling location.
- Early voting--yes, you can vote early up until Oct. 28th (from http://www.cookctyclerk.com/elections/earlyvoting/Pages/default.aspx). You need an official photo id to vote early.
- The ballot--Go to http://www.cookctyclerk.com/elections/voterprofile/Pages/default.aspx, type in the required information, and you'll see a sample ballot & referendum info so you know what to expect before you walk into that booth. Like, did you know there's a "recall the governor" referendum?
- Nuts & Bolts--A nice True Blue mailer went out recently that you can tear off & take to the polls with you to use as a guide to vote. Otherwise, you're screwed...just kidding. Go to http://www.tenthdems.org/, scroll down to the bottom of the home page, and voila. For judge information, try http://www.illinoisjudges.net/, though you'll need to dig a little more. Judges in IL need at least 60% of the vote to retain their position.
- The dirt--what you probably AREN'T hearing on mainstream media news:
Dold is a far-right Tea Party Conservative (go to http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/10/15/us/politics/tea-party-graphic.html?ref=politics).
Mark Kirk is being financed by special interest money with ties to China (see http://www.thinkprogress.org/2010/10/21/mark-kirk-beijing-fundraiser/).
Kilbride and other retention judges are being targetted by special-interest groups: http://www.brennancenter.org/content/resource/buying_time_--_2010_illinois. - Who's Up, Who's Down depending on the polls, go to http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/other/direction_of_country-902.html.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Mid-Term Election Fever
Inundated with election information, robocalls & tv commercials? Don't know what is fact & what is fiction? Sick of those "I'm the only candidate to hold job fair" commercials? Well, you've come to the right place! Here's what you need to know if you're voting from the IL 10th District:
Mid-Term Elections, IL 10th
Inundated with election information, robocalls & tv commercials? Don't know what is fact & what is fiction? Sick of those "I'm the only candidate to hold job fair" commercials? Well, you've come to the right place! Here's what you need to know if you're voting from the IL 10th District:
1. Your polling place--just call or stop by the Clerk's Office at Wheeling Township Hall (1616 N. Arlington Heights Road Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004; (847) 259-7730). They'll tell you your polling location.
2. Early voting--yes, you can vote early up until Oct. 28th (from http://www.cookctyclerk.com/elections/earlyvoting/Pages/default.aspx). You need an official photo id to vote early.
3. The ballot--Go to http://www.cookctyclerk.com/elections/voterprofile/Pages/default.aspx, type in the required information, and you'll see a sample ballot & referendum info so you know what to expect before you walk into that booth. Like, did you know there's a "recall the governor" referendum?
4. Nuts & Bolts--A nice True Blue mailer went out recently that you can tear off & take to the polls with you to use as a guide to vote. Otherwise, you're screwed...just kidding. Go to http://www.tenthdems.org/, scroll down to the bottom of the home page, and voila. For judge information, try http://www.illinoisjudges.net/, though you'll need to dig a little more. Judges in IL need at least 60% of the vote to retain their position.
5. The dirt--what you probably AREN'T hearing on mainstream media news:
1. Your polling place--just call or stop by the Clerk's Office at Wheeling Township Hall (1616 N. Arlington Heights Road Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004; (847) 259-7730). They'll tell you your polling location.
2. Early voting--yes, you can vote early up until Oct. 28th (from http://www.cookctyclerk.com/elections/earlyvoting/Pages/default.aspx). You need an official photo id to vote early.
3. The ballot--Go to http://www.cookctyclerk.com/elections/voterprofile/Pages/default.aspx, type in the required information, and you'll see a sample ballot & referendum info so you know what to expect before you walk into that booth. Like, did you know there's a "recall the governor" referendum?
4. Nuts & Bolts--A nice True Blue mailer went out recently that you can tear off & take to the polls with you to use as a guide to vote. Otherwise, you're screwed...just kidding. Go to http://www.tenthdems.org/, scroll down to the bottom of the home page, and voila. For judge information, try http://www.illinoisjudges.net/, though you'll need to dig a little more. Judges in IL need at least 60% of the vote to retain their position.
5. The dirt--what you probably AREN'T hearing on mainstream media news:
- Dold is a far-right Tea Party Conservative (go to http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/10/15/us/politics/tea-party-graphic.html?ref=politics).
- Mark Kirk is being financed by special interest money with ties to China (see http://www.thinkprogress.org/2010/10/21/mark-kirk-beijing-fundraiser/).
- Kilbride and other retention judges are being targetted by special-interest groups: http://www.brennancenter.org/content/resource/buying_time_--_2010_illinois.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Has Your Vote Been Bought?
"Midterm ad spending could reach $3 billion" shout the headlines. This usually means the airwaves will be full of political ads until the elections in November. What does this mean? In a country where over one-quarter of the population does not know who America gained it's independence from (can you say England?) that means large numbers of the voting public are at risk. These are the same folks who, instead of spending 10 minutes to figure out which candidate truly matches their interests, listen to radio or tv ads to make a decision. Then they actually go and vote, very often against their own self-interests. And, don't forget the other "stories", the positions for judges and ballot initiatives. These judges are the ones who, in the future, could end up on the Supreme Court.
Being an American is an advantage but also requires certain responsibilities; please, do a little research before you hit that screen on voting day.
Check out these websites:
1. State & Federal Officeholders for 2010 (though it's a bit dated)
2. Project Vote Smart (type in your zip code; still missing voting record info)
3. Global Issues (how you vote will impact the world)
4. Influence Explorer (find out who's getting what money)
5. Judicial Elections (need for campaign reform on the state level)
6. IL State Bar Association (rates judicial candidates; look for your state bar if different)
Being an American is an advantage but also requires certain responsibilities; please, do a little research before you hit that screen on voting day.
Check out these websites:
1. State & Federal Officeholders for 2010 (though it's a bit dated)
2. Project Vote Smart (type in your zip code; still missing voting record info)
3. Global Issues (how you vote will impact the world)
4. Influence Explorer (find out who's getting what money)
5. Judicial Elections (need for campaign reform on the state level)
6. IL State Bar Association (rates judicial candidates; look for your state bar if different)
Saturday, July 24, 2010
How To Get Involved
I am a true believer in making my voice heard (esp. when I have true facts & not Glenn Beck lies or Jean Dixon forecasts). The only way to effect change is to call for change, and that points to your state/federal legislators. There's a phrase "Who Watches the Watchmen"--if they know they're being watched, they have to pay more attention to an issue. I've heard some of these senators--the good ones who really try to listen to their constituents--and they really are affected by the actions of the folks who vote for them (esp those who actually vote--they can pull this information up from a database & see who voted, when, & for what party). So, instead of freaking out over some bit of tv/radio talk show host morsel , I contact my Congressional representatives. It's a quick email, phone call or note based on knowing the legislative agenda beforehand or how they voted afterward.
To get this info, go to: THOMAS (the Library of Congress) http://thomas.loc.gov/(You can sign up to receive an email on how your federal rep voted, so that you are a KNOWLEDGABLE citizen, not just an outraged one.) Your representatives are the ones who got us in the current economic mess by deregulating the banking industry, by not prosecuting monopolies, by inacting huge tax breaks for the top 2% and big multinational corporations, and for allowing our manufacturing base to move overseas. You and I are responsible for not being an informed citizen and not voicing our concerns when it was happening. We have a key weapon at our disposal--the right to vote. Until they take that away, we can still effect change.
To get this info, go to: THOMAS (the Library of Congress) http://thomas.loc.gov/(You can sign up to receive an email on how your federal rep voted, so that you are a KNOWLEDGABLE citizen, not just an outraged one.) Your representatives are the ones who got us in the current economic mess by deregulating the banking industry, by not prosecuting monopolies, by inacting huge tax breaks for the top 2% and big multinational corporations, and for allowing our manufacturing base to move overseas. You and I are responsible for not being an informed citizen and not voicing our concerns when it was happening. We have a key weapon at our disposal--the right to vote. Until they take that away, we can still effect change.
Sources, Lies & Videotapes
When media control was reduced in the early 2000's, fewer companies were allowed a larger share of the media market. This means that, in some cases, only one or 2 mulitnational companies or mega-rich men serve the media population in a given city in the USA. Just 30 years ago, the same population could count on a large number of sources to get their news. You must now look very carefully and critically at the information you are being fed. Today's topic--valid sources for research.
When doing research, be wary of the sources you believe. Web searches (via Google, Yahoo, etc.) are a BIG business--advertisers pay to position themselves at the beginning of a search, and these advertisers have one thing in mind--to make money. Many organizations with deep pockets have also created websites & bought for web positioning to promote their own agenda / propaganda. I just watched a movie yesterday (The International) and one of the actor's lines was something like "there's what we hear, what we want to believe, and then there's the truth." People find it hard to look for the truth. (Good movie, btw.)
So, do you really want to look for the truth? Or, do you believe what you want to believe and no website on the planet with a contradictory message will convince you otherwise? Assuming you are open-minded and open to the challenge, when you research, look carefully at the credentials of the website--the "who we are" or "about us" links usually at the bottom of the website's Home page. Look at the credentials of those listed. If the key players are talk show hosts, back out and search again (these folks make a living off entertainment, which is what a talk show is all about). What they talk about may or may not have any relevance to the truth (even where you find an exception to the rule, like Thom Hartmann, you still need to validate the sources).
If the key player is a religious organization, back out (they have an agenda too). If the site claims to be fair and unbiased, hmmm. Check the credentials even more carefully (& then chuck it as well). If it's a Blog, unless it includes valid citations, chuck it. Unfortunately, there's a lot of money pouring into biased sites for one reason or another--to sell a product, to sell an idea (whether true or false), to influence an election.
On the far lower right of this blog, I list many of my major sources. Given the recent economic climante, I've pulled together key Economic / Financial sites where you can sift for information. Yes, some of this is very dry reading; but it allows you to form your own opinion based on facts--not on some big mouthed fool with a pointer stick wearing a $5000 Armani suit. Feel free to send me others you think are valid and, after I research them, I'll add them to the list.
When doing research, be wary of the sources you believe. Web searches (via Google, Yahoo, etc.) are a BIG business--advertisers pay to position themselves at the beginning of a search, and these advertisers have one thing in mind--to make money. Many organizations with deep pockets have also created websites & bought for web positioning to promote their own agenda / propaganda. I just watched a movie yesterday (The International) and one of the actor's lines was something like "there's what we hear, what we want to believe, and then there's the truth." People find it hard to look for the truth. (Good movie, btw.)
So, do you really want to look for the truth? Or, do you believe what you want to believe and no website on the planet with a contradictory message will convince you otherwise? Assuming you are open-minded and open to the challenge, when you research, look carefully at the credentials of the website--the "who we are" or "about us" links usually at the bottom of the website's Home page. Look at the credentials of those listed. If the key players are talk show hosts, back out and search again (these folks make a living off entertainment, which is what a talk show is all about). What they talk about may or may not have any relevance to the truth (even where you find an exception to the rule, like Thom Hartmann, you still need to validate the sources).
If the key player is a religious organization, back out (they have an agenda too). If the site claims to be fair and unbiased, hmmm. Check the credentials even more carefully (& then chuck it as well). If it's a Blog, unless it includes valid citations, chuck it. Unfortunately, there's a lot of money pouring into biased sites for one reason or another--to sell a product, to sell an idea (whether true or false), to influence an election.
On the far lower right of this blog, I list many of my major sources. Given the recent economic climante, I've pulled together key Economic / Financial sites where you can sift for information. Yes, some of this is very dry reading; but it allows you to form your own opinion based on facts--not on some big mouthed fool with a pointer stick wearing a $5000 Armani suit. Feel free to send me others you think are valid and, after I research them, I'll add them to the list.
- Economywatch.com
- The Bureau of Economic Analysis, http://www.bea.gov/
- Center on Budget & Policy Priorities, http://www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=711
- The Financial Times, http://www.ft.com/home/uk
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
History, Healthcare & the Pursuit of Happiness
"We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union...promote the general Welfare..establish this Constitution...." I celebrate the start of promoting our general welfare.
I'm shamelessly copying the below from moveon.org.
10 THINGS EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HEALTH CARE REFORM
1. Once reform is fully implemented, over 95% of Americans will have health insurance coverage, including 32 million who are currently uninsured.2
2. Health insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny people coverage because of preexisting conditions—or to drop coverage when people become sick.3
3. Just like members of Congress, individuals and small businesses who can't afford to purchase insurance on their own will be able to pool together and choose from a variety of competing plans with lower premiums.4
4. Reform will cut the federal budget deficit by $138 billion over the next ten years, and a whopping $1.2 trillion in the following ten years.5
5. Health care will be more affordable for families and small businesses thanks to new tax credits, subsidies, and other assistance—paid for largely by taxing insurance companies, drug companies, and the very wealthiest Americans.6
6. Seniors on Medicare will pay less for their prescription drugs because the legislation closes the "donut hole" gap in existing coverage.7
7. By reducing health care costs for employers, reform will create or save more than 2.5 million jobs over the next decade.8
8. Medicaid will be expanded to offer health insurance coverage to an additional 16 million low-income people.9
9. Instead of losing coverage after they leave home or graduate from college, young adults will be able to remain on their families' insurance plans until age 26.10
10. Community health centers would receive an additional $11 billion, doubling the number of patients who can be treated regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.11
--------------------------------------
Sources:
1. Final vote results on motion to concur in Senate amendments to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, March 21, 2010 http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/roll165.xml
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11. "Affordable Health Care for America: Summary," House Energy and Commerce Committee, March 18, 2010 http://wwwd.house.gov/akamaidocs/energycommerce/SUMMARY.pdf
4. "Insurance Companies Prosper, Families Suffer: Our Broken Health Insurance System," U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Accessed March 22, 2010 http://healthreform.gov/reports/insuranceprospers/index.html
5. "Affordable Health Care for America: Health Insurance Reform at a Glance: Revenue Provisions," House Energy and Commerce Committee, March 18, 2010 http://wwwd.house.gov/akamaidocs/energycommerce/REVENUE.pdf
8. "New Jobs Through Better Health Care," Center for American Progress, January 8, 2010 http://www.moveon.org/r?r=87402&id=19503-7967348-f1ikg2x&t=2
9, 10. "Proposed Changes in the Final Health Care Bill," The New York Times, March 22, 2010 http://www.moveon.org/r?r=87403&id=19503-7967348-f1ikg2x&t=3
11. "Affordable Health Care for America: Health Insurance Reform at a Glance: Addressing Health and Health Care Disparities," House Energy and Commerce Committee, March 20, 2010 http://docs.house.gov/energycommerce/DISPARITIES.pdf
I'm shamelessly copying the below from moveon.org.
10 THINGS EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HEALTH CARE REFORM
1. Once reform is fully implemented, over 95% of Americans will have health insurance coverage, including 32 million who are currently uninsured.2
2. Health insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny people coverage because of preexisting conditions—or to drop coverage when people become sick.3
3. Just like members of Congress, individuals and small businesses who can't afford to purchase insurance on their own will be able to pool together and choose from a variety of competing plans with lower premiums.4
4. Reform will cut the federal budget deficit by $138 billion over the next ten years, and a whopping $1.2 trillion in the following ten years.5
5. Health care will be more affordable for families and small businesses thanks to new tax credits, subsidies, and other assistance—paid for largely by taxing insurance companies, drug companies, and the very wealthiest Americans.6
6. Seniors on Medicare will pay less for their prescription drugs because the legislation closes the "donut hole" gap in existing coverage.7
7. By reducing health care costs for employers, reform will create or save more than 2.5 million jobs over the next decade.8
8. Medicaid will be expanded to offer health insurance coverage to an additional 16 million low-income people.9
9. Instead of losing coverage after they leave home or graduate from college, young adults will be able to remain on their families' insurance plans until age 26.10
10. Community health centers would receive an additional $11 billion, doubling the number of patients who can be treated regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.11
--------------------------------------
Sources:
1. Final vote results on motion to concur in Senate amendments to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, March 21, 2010 http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/roll165.xml
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11. "Affordable Health Care for America: Summary," House Energy and Commerce Committee, March 18, 2010 http://wwwd.house.gov/akamaidocs/energycommerce/SUMMARY.pdf
4. "Insurance Companies Prosper, Families Suffer: Our Broken Health Insurance System," U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Accessed March 22, 2010 http://healthreform.gov/reports/insuranceprospers/index.html
5. "Affordable Health Care for America: Health Insurance Reform at a Glance: Revenue Provisions," House Energy and Commerce Committee, March 18, 2010 http://wwwd.house.gov/akamaidocs/energycommerce/REVENUE.pdf
8. "New Jobs Through Better Health Care," Center for American Progress, January 8, 2010 http://www.moveon.org/r?r=87402&id=19503-7967348-f1ikg2x&t=2
9, 10. "Proposed Changes in the Final Health Care Bill," The New York Times, March 22, 2010 http://www.moveon.org/r?r=87403&id=19503-7967348-f1ikg2x&t=3
11. "Affordable Health Care for America: Health Insurance Reform at a Glance: Addressing Health and Health Care Disparities," House Energy and Commerce Committee, March 20, 2010 http://docs.house.gov/energycommerce/DISPARITIES.pdf
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
What's the Deal with Tort Reform?
Why would conservative talk show hosts and politicians talk about something like tort reform? The average American, I'm sure, is clueless on the definition. So, here's a simple definition: you go to a doctor for an emergency, the doctor removes your left leg by mistake, you can sue but due to tort reform in your state you'll only get $10,000 in compensation. Your left leg, after all, is only one leg; you have another one.
Conservatives are screaming because they want to put a cap on the amount you can get; some have tied it with the percent of lawyer reimbursement. They claim that millions of dollars are lost each year and this has added to the cost of health care. They claim malpractice insurance is the reason health care is so expensive and will get even more so. Is there a counterpoint to this issue? Is this a political blog? Do bears...
Last fall the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) ran the numbers. (Note: The CBO is generally considered non-partisan.) "...proposals to cap settlements in medical malpractice cases would only reduce health-care spending by 0.5 percent each year...."1
Conservatives are screaming because they want to put a cap on the amount you can get; some have tied it with the percent of lawyer reimbursement. They claim that millions of dollars are lost each year and this has added to the cost of health care. They claim malpractice insurance is the reason health care is so expensive and will get even more so. Is there a counterpoint to this issue? Is this a political blog? Do bears...
Last fall the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) ran the numbers. (Note: The CBO is generally considered non-partisan.) "...proposals to cap settlements in medical malpractice cases would only reduce health-care spending by 0.5 percent each year...."1
Medical malpractice carriers admit that caps on damages will do nothing to reduce malpractice premiums since it only accounts for a small percent of their underwriting. 2
Many states already have some form of tort reform and yet they have not lowered their insurance premiums. 3
So, let's do what all good detectives do--follow the money. $$$$ Who benefits from tort reform?
So, let's do what all good detectives do--follow the money. $$$$ Who benefits from tort reform?
- Injured Americans? Hmm, don't think so, since we don't have any other protections to incompetent doctors.
- Lawyers? They don't benefit since they actually lose money.
- Doctors? Since tort reform won't lower their insurance premiums, they don't benefit financially. Now incompetent doctors would benefit because they could continue to practice unchallenged.
- Insurance companies? Bingo! Guess who no longer pays money for such claims? And, get this, many of these same companies aren't immediately shut down when they practice "bad faith"--they refuse to pay the settlement.
So, when you hear someone mention the need for tort reform, ask them if they work for an insurance company. And then ask yourself how much your left leg is really worth.
Special note: Why is TR (Teddy Roosevelt) on this blog post? Because he pushed for American health care in 1912--nearly 100 years ago.
Special note: Why is TR (Teddy Roosevelt) on this blog post? Because he pushed for American health care in 1912--nearly 100 years ago.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Distraction Politics
Michael's doctor to turn himself in; Brittany Murphy died of an overdose; the "boss" is suing a NY bar. Aren't these the key "issues" of the day? Ignorance is bliss, true, and it's very easy to take each day as it comes, put in your 8-hour work/school day, eat dinner with the spouse & kids, and sit down for a few hours of Fringe, Desperate Housewives, and Lost. I call this "distraction politics." You're distracted from the real issues by silly bits of information posing as "news."
What's hard is keeping up with your American freedoms and responsibilities--the freedom we enjoy over most other countries and the responsibility to uphold those freedoms. We take US Govt class in high school and think we know what's going on. Maybe, if we're lucky, we take a poli sci or history class in college and learn a little more about tricky things like Brown vs Board of Education, Teapot Dome, and the New Deal. Then we think we're done...until the first time we step up to vote. If we vote.
And boy do we have some "doozies" to explain why we don't vote: "I don't have time, I don't know where to vote, my vote doesn't make a difference, the system is so corrupt I'm not going to support it with my vote...." And then a few months later we criticize some law that we don't like, or that hidden tax increase, or the loss of habeas corpus. While we sit back and do nothing, the Earth does not stop and those in power push the envelope to maintain and increase their power.
I'm not suggesting that all Americans know all the issues--that's a pretty hefty challenge (even Congress doesn't know the issues and they're voting on them!). But when you walk into that voting booth, do you have the latest political jingle in your head that you heard on the radio on the way to the polls or do you have one or 2 pieces of information on the candidates to help you make an intelligent choice?
I live in IL and just experienced a primary election. I was appalled by:
So, we nearly lost the Democratic governor, one of the few fellows who seems to have integrity while getting a Lt. Gov. candidate who's pretty much a criminal and is being asked to step aside. Then, for the US Senate race, we get a fellow who's part of a banking family involved in the Rezko fiasco and other shenanigans. His Republican competitor, posing as a moderate, has huge coffers from which to pull so we can enjoy many more jingles! And this is Barack Obama's former Senate seat!
Now I know this is not news. Study after study has been done over the years about American voting, participation, and knowledge. A catalyst of some kind seems to be the key to getting attention and getting more voters to the polls. But, in the absence of such a key thing, studies also point out that, where fewer participate, a conservative minority takes control. If you're a conservative, I'm sure that's fine with you. However, if you want health care reform, Wall Street regulation, or a job, why didn't I see you in line at the polls this Tues?
What's hard is keeping up with your American freedoms and responsibilities--the freedom we enjoy over most other countries and the responsibility to uphold those freedoms. We take US Govt class in high school and think we know what's going on. Maybe, if we're lucky, we take a poli sci or history class in college and learn a little more about tricky things like Brown vs Board of Education, Teapot Dome, and the New Deal. Then we think we're done...until the first time we step up to vote. If we vote.
And boy do we have some "doozies" to explain why we don't vote: "I don't have time, I don't know where to vote, my vote doesn't make a difference, the system is so corrupt I'm not going to support it with my vote...." And then a few months later we criticize some law that we don't like, or that hidden tax increase, or the loss of habeas corpus. While we sit back and do nothing, the Earth does not stop and those in power push the envelope to maintain and increase their power.
I'm not suggesting that all Americans know all the issues--that's a pretty hefty challenge (even Congress doesn't know the issues and they're voting on them!). But when you walk into that voting booth, do you have the latest political jingle in your head that you heard on the radio on the way to the polls or do you have one or 2 pieces of information on the candidates to help you make an intelligent choice?
I live in IL and just experienced a primary election. I was appalled by:
- the lack of a line waiting to vote
- the lack of information available on candidates (other than their official web pages which are mostly biased and unreliable) and
- the lack of public interest.
So, we nearly lost the Democratic governor, one of the few fellows who seems to have integrity while getting a Lt. Gov. candidate who's pretty much a criminal and is being asked to step aside. Then, for the US Senate race, we get a fellow who's part of a banking family involved in the Rezko fiasco and other shenanigans. His Republican competitor, posing as a moderate, has huge coffers from which to pull so we can enjoy many more jingles! And this is Barack Obama's former Senate seat!
Now I know this is not news. Study after study has been done over the years about American voting, participation, and knowledge. A catalyst of some kind seems to be the key to getting attention and getting more voters to the polls. But, in the absence of such a key thing, studies also point out that, where fewer participate, a conservative minority takes control. If you're a conservative, I'm sure that's fine with you. However, if you want health care reform, Wall Street regulation, or a job, why didn't I see you in line at the polls this Tues?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Supremely Scary
I have heard some voters comment that "I vote for the person" or "I vote on the issues" or "I'm an Independent, so I vote either way." We are far past the time for voters to get educated. Last I heard, less than 10% of Americans know the issues at a given time. Why does this matter? Because while you posture away and wrap yourself around ignorance, our government is swiftly devolving from a Republic to a Corporatocracy.
We knew our representatives--both state & federal--were pretty much bought off by Big Business (call them Lobbyists or special interests if you like). Now by the normal standard (since Bush Admin) of 5-4, the Supreme Court just decided on a case that affects this country to the very core. In Citizens United vs Federal Election Commission, your conservative-led Court just decided that corporations, since they are considered persons (bet you didn't know that), could not be limited in political campaign spending.
Wait, think about it now. Some examples to elucidate:
1. Exxon can now contribute those billions of excess dollars it reaped the last few years into pro-drilling and mining candidates.
2. Wall Street Banks can now contribute their extra cash into conservative coffers to stop any reform to force them to clean up their act.
3. WalMart can toss cash into conservative campaigns to keep from having to pay living wages or healthcare benefits to its workers.
4. Sony can put money into campaign election funds to stop any proposed tariffs on electronic imports.
5. China Life Insurance Company can donate money to any candidate who opposes insurance reform.
Wait. Stop. We're talking foreign companies here!?!? So the Supreme Court says it is okedoke for China to give money to American elected officials in order to prevent regulations, to allow inferior and often unhealthy products, to essentially take hold of our government? Note the title of this blog--scary stuff, huh?
Many conservatives are nodding about what a great thing this decision was; that it took the choke hold off the poor companies who simply wanted to be allowed to contribute just as you & I (real, warm bodies) can. Poor, poor companies who now have the 5-4 approval of the Supreme Court to set back democracy to pre Marbury vs Madison days. To the horror of our founding fathers, this case essentially made the Supreme Court more powerful than the other two branches of govt. It was not the original intention of the framers of our constitution.
So, how does all this tie into American voter knowledge? When you go to the polls and you're standing there scratching your head because you are clueless on the issues, think about one thing: the Supreme Court. Who picks the SC candidates? The President. So when you vote, do you want a President who will offer more equitable candidates or one who has a conservative, political agenda? Thank about that before you toss that vote away.
We knew our representatives--both state & federal--were pretty much bought off by Big Business (call them Lobbyists or special interests if you like). Now by the normal standard (since Bush Admin) of 5-4, the Supreme Court just decided on a case that affects this country to the very core. In Citizens United vs Federal Election Commission, your conservative-led Court just decided that corporations, since they are considered persons (bet you didn't know that), could not be limited in political campaign spending.
Wait, think about it now. Some examples to elucidate:
1. Exxon can now contribute those billions of excess dollars it reaped the last few years into pro-drilling and mining candidates.
2. Wall Street Banks can now contribute their extra cash into conservative coffers to stop any reform to force them to clean up their act.
3. WalMart can toss cash into conservative campaigns to keep from having to pay living wages or healthcare benefits to its workers.
4. Sony can put money into campaign election funds to stop any proposed tariffs on electronic imports.
5. China Life Insurance Company can donate money to any candidate who opposes insurance reform.
Wait. Stop. We're talking foreign companies here!?!? So the Supreme Court says it is okedoke for China to give money to American elected officials in order to prevent regulations, to allow inferior and often unhealthy products, to essentially take hold of our government? Note the title of this blog--scary stuff, huh?
Many conservatives are nodding about what a great thing this decision was; that it took the choke hold off the poor companies who simply wanted to be allowed to contribute just as you & I (real, warm bodies) can. Poor, poor companies who now have the 5-4 approval of the Supreme Court to set back democracy to pre Marbury vs Madison days. To the horror of our founding fathers, this case essentially made the Supreme Court more powerful than the other two branches of govt. It was not the original intention of the framers of our constitution.
So, how does all this tie into American voter knowledge? When you go to the polls and you're standing there scratching your head because you are clueless on the issues, think about one thing: the Supreme Court. Who picks the SC candidates? The President. So when you vote, do you want a President who will offer more equitable candidates or one who has a conservative, political agenda? Thank about that before you toss that vote away.
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