Entries for August 2009

Glenn Beck is a great example of what happens when an entertainer becomes the character he is portraying. I am sure at some point he was a sincere, serious talking head with rational opinions to offer.

Michael of TN in response to Robert Schlesinger:
Glenn Beck's Quayle Moment

While private plans would most likely have much better customer service, the government plan would be dictating prices and would be cheaper [The Case for Postal-Style Healthcare, usnews.com]. That is the competitive advantage, but it is truly insidious. Doctors in this system would become disenchanted government workers with no incentive to excel. After the mounds of regulation and paperwork—see Medicare and Medicaid—and throw in the loss of financial incentive and the quality of people going into medicine would fall off the map. Having the government dictate what you can be paid and how you will practice would turn off anyone with a decent IQ. Why would anyone train for 10 or 12 years, incur massive student debt, and then go work for the government at mandated reduced rates.

Comment by Tim Holroyd of VA

Obama's plan may not be the best, but isn't it worth saying that in a meaningful way rather than just scaring people by saying "death panels," "rationed care," etc?

Balu of CA in response to Peter Roff:
Lawsuit Aims to End White House Enemies List

Sarah Palin and Jeb Bush are not leaders in the party [Sarah Palin and Jeb Bush Poised to Lead Town-Hallers, usnews.com]. People are afraid to vote for another Bush; and Palin is a quitter. Everybody is awfully scared about the amount of debt Obama has us taking on—clearly Ron Paul, Mike Huckabee, or Mitt Romney are the only ones with a possibility of being elected.

Comment by George of WA

Ted Kennedy will be remembered for his long commitment to fighting for the rights and welfare of the poor and disadvantaged. He will always be a legend.

Rich Ligus of IL in response to Public Opinion:
How Will You Remember Kennedy?

I think it is absurd for people to be criticizing Obama for doing something every other president has done in the past [Obama's Vacation Plans Not Out of the Ordinary, usnews.com]. Plus, I believe President Bush set the record for vacation taken by a president, but this kind of hypocrisy is expected from Republicans. Seriously—criticize a president for his policies, but every hardworking family deserves a vacation. Besides, even a vacation is not really a vacation for a president. He isn't in Washington, but he is being briefed several times a day and is still making decisions. Seriously, give it a rest.

Comment by Jill of IN

Now's not the time to be paralyzed like a deer in the headlights. Healthcare costs will double over the next few years if we do nothing.

Hank of TN in response to Peter Roff:
Dems Should Dump Healthcare Reform

Virginia Beach is a wonderful place to grow up ["America's 10 Best Places to Grow Up," usnews.com]! I grew up here, and I'm raising my own family here. There is so much to do and the city is well maintained. Just a couple weeks ago, my son and I were swimming at Croatan (south beach), and we were able to swim within a few yards of dolphins. There must have been about six pods that swam right by us, so peacefully, as dolphins do. We felt so blessed to be swimming with dolphins. After our swim, we drove about a mile down the road to the Virginia Aquarium (we're members so we go all the time). We also like to go take walks along the river banks and try to catch fiddler crabs. Boys love to do that. Another great thing is all of the recreational centers and great sporting leagues and activities for kids! It also just feels clean here. Just a great place to live!

Comment by Mary Tijerina of VA

If Obama can't even convince leaders within his own party [on healthcare reform], how can he possibly hope to convince the American people?

David of ID in response to Bonnie Erbe:
How Many in the U.S. Lack Health Insurance?

Admittedly, pre-press chatter is intended to raise book sales, but I'm inclined to defer judgment until the book is out ["Tom Ridge on National Security After 9/11," usnews.com]. I'm assuming there are a few more pages of information than presented in the very brief synopsis? Am I a Bush hater? I wasn't a supporter. But I have respect for him as a former president of our country. That doesn't mean I don't think it's appropriate to evaluate some of the less acceptable aspects of his tenure. I think it's altogether plausible that infighting and less than noble motives shaped some decisions.

Comment by Marie Mahoney of IL