FFA, how will the taxpayers be affected if two thirds of an applicants premium will be picked up by the government in subsidies? I don’t think you will like the answer.
FFA, you may remember the late Senator Everitt Dirksen from Illinois who once said – a billion here and a billion there and pretty soon you are talking about serious money. Now, our government talks in trillions instead of billions and don’t have a problem hosing the taxpayers.
One of the few IL politicians that said something that made sense.
November 4, 2014 at 8:36 am
Libby says:
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Nice name change Agent. I knew you wouldn’t be able to stay away.
November 3, 2014 at 4:19 pm
mpa3d says:
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The taxpayer (consumer of health care) will pay as follows:
1. I as a professional business services owner with 10 employees who can no longer afford to pay 22% annual increases will drop employer provided coverage.
2. The employee (taxpayer) will now go out on the exchange for coverage.
3. The employer will make a contribution to the employees cost
4. The employee will now have to shoulder the entire monthly premium (plus all deductibles) with the help of the employer contribution VS having previously only paid the deductible.
5. Employee makes to much in salary to qualify for discounts
Bottom line…the employee pays more out of pocket meaning they have just reduced their upper middle income salary of 70K a year considerably to cover their family health care.
As a business owner for the past 20 years…we’ve gone from providing our employees 100% coverage with no deductible to being on the verge of forcing our employees into the exchange next year…just so we can manage our healthcare costs enough to stay in business.
As for hiring new employees…forget about it.
And that my friends is the reality of it –without any politics involved.
mpa, The billions upon billions given in tax subsidies have to come from somewhere. It seems to me you laid out the majority of problems associated with this law, but the hidden costs of additional taxes to be levied on the population make it much worse. I saw last week that the younger population will be getting a 78% increase. I wonder how that will sit with the younger folks on open enrollment starting 11-15-14. It won’t be a pretty sight and many will just drop out and pay their fine/tax.
That is one of the reasons why the US now has a $17.5 trillion dollar debt and going to 20. That is also why Obama took 750 Billion from Social Security, to fund Obamacare. Now we have a record debt and social security is on it way to major changes and even possible bankruptcy.
p.s. Have you gotten that $2,500 cost reduction in your health insurance as Obama promised everyone?
November 3, 2014 at 2:28 pm
Swede700 says:
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It makes sense, especially since the coverage provided under the ACA is often better than even what the employer was providing previously.
Organically, what will happen is that more employers will drop the coverage and instead provide money to their employers to pay for their own coverage, thus separating insurance from employment…the way it should be.
The way it should be???? Should the taxpayers be burdened with all the extra taxes from all the subsidies given out? How much extra tax are you willing to pay Swede?
I don’t disagree with the separation. Of course, as long as people have it, I don’t see what the difference is. I thought the cobra time frame should have been done away with. As long as I was willing to pay for it, I should have been able to keep it.
Better coverage??? How many people do you think will make decisions based on premium? I know one that got screwed by that line of thinking and they can thank someone sitting on the other end of the 800 number. Cost that person over $20,000 out of pocket this past year to have a price – not coverage – pushed on them.
One of my beefs with the law, not using the existing infrastructure and the trained licensed professionals to distribute it. Especially in the initial roll out. Instead – a minn wage phone clerk not bothering to check networks / specialists ect… And if you don’t think this is going to have an impact on your tax bill…. “Blind faith in your leaders will get you killed”.
So to me, it don’t make sense to disrupt the entire system all at once.
We have seen very few taxpaying customers benefit from ACA. On Thursday of last week a very good friend of mine who owns his own business got his renewal. Total number of employees- 5. His old plan (pre Qbamacare) 632 for health insurance 1,500 deduct per person. Include vision and eye care and total was about $900.00. Last year it went to $987 for health insurance with a 5,000 per family member. Total including vision and dental- $1,150.00. This renewal $1,165 for health insurance with a $7,500 per person deduct. Total including vision and dental $1,410.00- By the way, he subsidized his employees about a third. Can’t do that now so, all employees are going to the exchange and he will continue to subsidized at the old (original) premium level.
LOL Major! Millions of the working poor unable to afford healthcare!! LOLZ!!!!!!
November 4, 2014 at 1:58 pm
FFA says:
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Stan, what has the PPACA cured?
November 4, 2014 at 2:32 pm
Stan says:
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As we have discussed ad nauseum, it has expanded access to healthcare to millions. had we gone to single-payer, we might have been able to cut costs as well. As FFA is currently experiencing, no one should have their life savings eviscerated because a family member gets sick.
November 4, 2014 at 12:30 pm
Freedom says:
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Sargeant, I saw an article this morning that people that signed up for Obamacare last year are surprised that their deductible is so high and networks are so limited. They can’t find a treating doctor and their coverage won’t pay anything unless they satisfy a large deductible, so they are having to go to free or low cost clinics for treatment or go to the Emergency Room because of affordability issues. Isn’t this what Obamacare was supposed to have fixed since the common complaint was how big a burden giving people Emergency Room treatment was on society as a whole.
Would it kill you to cite the source these “articles” you are constantly referencing? Are you afraid that the information in anecdotal without and data to back it up?
If you read his comment, it’s actually an affirmation of Obamacare, as people are now signing up. He’s speaking to the cost side of the equation, which Republican’s overwhelmingly blocked in the passage of the ACA.
Basically the right refuses compromise, sabotages govt, then shrieks when it doesnt work. Well no kidding, gray hair. You ruined the country.
November 3, 2014 at 2:52 pm
TNReader says:
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This is what my wife’s employer (approx 22 employees) is doing. Employer’s decision is based on the increased cost to maintain the current plan. Employer has decided to provide a Health Reimbursement Account. While they will spend about the same money, it will be redirected as individuals will obtain their own coverage. In our case, given our age, our medical costs will spike, while younger employees will pay less. Few, if any, employees will qualify for subsidies.
Hey 3 degree Stan. Please pray tell how Republicans blocked anything on Obamacare. When this so called “law” was passed, Obama had both houses of Congress. The problem was in their own caucus who had many Blue Dog Democrats who had reservations. They had to be bribed, coerced and threatened with loss of committee positions to vote for this piece of trash legislation. They then promptly lost their seat in the 2010 mid terms, but Nancy gave them a swell going away party. I wonder what kind of party the newly departing will get this year after supporting Obama/Reid & Pelosi’s agenda.
This is actually much better for the employee, as their health insurance will be portable and they will not have to rely on their employer to have coverage. There are many people that are working only because the employer offers health insurance. Those people can now move on &/or retire.
That supports my position of reforming the Cobra Laws. When I started in this biz, Group Plans offered Guaranteed Conversion to individual polices (Pre Cobra). With every law that passes, its the little guy that gets screwed.
Nancy, you simpleton, by allowing them to move, you free up the labor market, permitting wages to rise since people now have the free will and bargaining power to decline lower wage jobs.
Your article is very informative FFA. This has been going on for some time and Illinois isn’t the only state that has a problem with the labor participation rate which is the lowest in at least a generation. The Labor Dept can publish all their 6.2% rates they want and it is totally false when we see the dropouts from looking for work, the increase in Social Security Disability applicants etc. We all know how the young College Graduates can’t find work and have to live at home. Let’s hope this all starts changing after the mid terms.
Was your vote changed from Republican to Democrat up there in Chicagoland FFA or did it record right? This mid term seems to have more energy this time. Could it be the voters have had enough of Democratic rule since they have made an absolute mess on just about everything? Hopefully, this will exceed the “shellacking” of Democrats we saw in 2010.
The voters have had enough. Period. It’s not a party thing, Agent. We’re tired of gridlock in Congress and nothing being passed regarding jobs. We’re tired of the rich getting richer and the middle class disappearing. Aren’t you?
I could care less if the rich get richer. ITs the American Dream. I will not hold that grudge.
I will, however hold the grudge of the folks shrinking the middle class. 2008, I brought home $125,000. I’ll be lucky to hit $60,000 this year.
FFA – I would care less if they weren’t getting richer off the backs of the middle class. Once they start doing that, all bets are off.
November 4, 2014 at 2:39 pm
Stan says:
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The reason that youre making less, FFA, is because republican policies have eviscerated the purchasing power of the middle class. Think of it this way, without single-payer, middle-income Americans are forced to spend an inordinate amount of their discretionary income on healthcare. Income that could go to other things, say local insurance for example, instead of Geico.
November 4, 2014 at 2:48 pm
FFA says:
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The reason I am making less is partly because the State of IL chased out a bunch of Mono Line Comp Carriers when they passed Workers Comp reform. Over $500,000 in premium volume gone. when ACE pulled out. Then carriers decided they don’t want anything under $10,000 (I was very heavy in that premium range) chasing another $750,000 in premium out of my agency. Throw on all the foreclosures & payment problems, the state of IL not paying the Medicaid Based business I have no time left for New Business acquisition. Not to mention the fact the health carriers pounded down commis from 15% to 5%. That is about $1.5 mil within 24 months of the Democrats pushing this “reform” agenda because a bunch of state employees were abusing the system.
No one will ever convince me single payor is the way to be. Open Market Competition is what this country was built on. More Govt interference into private business is what is killing jobs, has messed up the Health Care system and will be our down fall.
November 4, 2014 at 2:56 pm
Stan says:
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If that is the case, then open up state lines to encourage insurance companies to compete. You can’t have isolation and competition. I would also regulate the consolidation of healthcare entities to ensure smaller practices can thrive.
November 4, 2014 at 2:58 pm
Stan says:
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Also, for the sake of argument, why are you against single payer no matter what? Canada has it and their citizens love it. As does most of Europe, again with their citizens loving it. They also pay less per capita than we do, for better results. Why not permit both, a single payer option for all americans, with a private market for those who want more (similar to FedEx & the US Postal Service). Serious question.
November 4, 2014 at 6:41 pm
FFA says:
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Because Stan, everyone I know / have talked to that has been single payor (Canadian in particular) has had nothing but excessive wait times to see doctors for needed surgeries.
Waterbug – where R U?
November 5, 2014 at 2:50 pm
Get your facts straight says:
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Stan, I have relatives in Canada who would not agree with your statement.
November 5, 2014 at 3:19 pm
Stan says:
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Great, I have relatives in Canada that do agree with me. So I guess we’re even and will have to rely on unbiased reporting.
November 5, 2014 at 3:37 pm
bob says:
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Actually…
Most people in Canada don’t have problems with wait times.
I don’t support a universal care system, as the max amount that can be spent for people is higher with a working private system, which would mean a higher max quality of care,
But for basic care and most needs a universal system is not bad.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Canadian complain about it.
In fact…They are nearly universally proud of it. Pun intended.
Congratulations to the Republicans. I mean that sincerely. I only hope they can accomplish more than just obstructing.
For what it’s worth, I voted for Republicans in 10 of the 13 elections. The only reason I voted for4 Democrats in the other 3 was because a Republican was the incumbent.
Voted for all challenges across the board, even if it meant voting for the less qualified candidate. Anyone else have the courage to do that?
If the corrupt politicians have no desire to implement term limits, the voters can do it for them.
November 5, 2014 at 12:52 pm
Always Amazed says:
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Ron, Ried had 350 bills on his desk that he did nothing with. Obama didn’t say boo about them. Who was blocking who from getting things done. I am SO glad Reid is gone. Period.
November 5, 2014 at 1:28 pm
bob says:
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Ron,
That isn’t courage. That’s complete ignorance. You may as well have drawn a Christmas tree. Whether someone is or is not currently in office does not show whether or not they are doing a good job.
Voting for the sake of getting everyone out of office is not courage.
It just causes more gridlock. Those guys you voted in would have lost 3 guys who may have helped them.
November 5, 2014 at 3:58 pm
Ron says:
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Always Amazed,
Neither side is exempt from blame from me. Do you think it si Ok for the Republicans to bloke evertyhing the Democrtas support?
I have never, and will never defend Senator Reid. If you have read my previous posts you would know that I really do not like him or Representative Pelosi.
As long as the Republicans focus on improving the current fiscal issues and avoid social issues, I will support them.
November 5, 2014 at 4:06 pm
Ron says:
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Bob,
It is called principle. In my opinion, the only way to obtain term limits is for the voters to impose them. Holding elected office was not suppose to be a career. How has re-electing the same clowns over and over again avoided gridlock?
I’ll take my chances with my approach. If it creates more gridlock in the short term, so be it. I prefer to send the message to these yahoos that their jobs are not safe and they need to do the people’s work, not what gets them re-elected.
November 5, 2014 at 4:14 pm
bob says:
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Ron,
No. It’s a science. Cause and affect. When you vote, if your measure to get affect is to change all reds to blues and blues to reds, you create the same norm each time. A gridlock.
It isn’t a chance. It’s a guarantee.
Policies are what to vote for. I will take my chances with informed voting as opposed to the “vote out the incumbents” theory, while ignoring all policies, and also complaining about the ones that passed while I use that voting method.
You complained about the ACA. Your Christmas tree similar vote out the incumbents caused it. If Obama wasn’t elected, we wouldn’t have it. If people had not voted out the incumbents in 2006 and again in 2008, we wouldn’t have it.
It creates a constant swing and constant battle. Now we are red, now blue, now red, now blue, and a constant fight.
November 5, 2014 at 4:26 pm
Libby says:
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Bob – it’s not about red or blue. It’s about not giving someone another 4 or 6 years at a job that they suck at. If I performed as poorly as these jokers have, I would most certainly have been fired. The only way to fire them is to vote them out. That means voting for their opponent. We need fresh blood in Congress, not the same-old, same-old from these career politicians.
November 5, 2014 at 5:42 pm
bob says:
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Libby,
I am all for voting out incumbents who aren’t doing their jobs, and firing them.
Whether or not they are an incumbent doesn’t determine this.
In fact, doing this tells the next guy to fight the incumbents. You guys tell the new ones to be fired up, and then just vote them out for not getting it done later.
It’s exactly what I put above. Red, then blue, then red, then blue. That’s what ends up happening.
Voting should be based on how they voted, what they tried to do, and who blocked what you wanted to be passed. By voting out just based on someone being an incumbent, you might vote out the guy who supported your position.
November 4, 2014 at 6:09 pm
Freedom says:
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Quit using the wrong moniker please. I am afraid you have it all wrong. It is a party thing. People are really PO’d about what the Democrats have done for 6 years +. We need new leadership and we need to make a very lame duck out of the President before he can do any more damage.
Well, you got your wish Agent. Republican majority. I sure hope you guys don’t piss it away with all your petty B.S. that we’ve seen for the past umpteen years. Repeal ACA, outlaw abortion, no rights for anyone except white males, etc. etc. etc.
Just so you know, I voted for a Republican governor (he lost) and Republican Representative (he won.)
November 5, 2014 at 9:45 am
Freedom says:
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Libby, How did that “War on Women” work out for you last night? Bright Conservative women elected all over the country. Senator Uterus in Colorado was rejected for his one issue campaign. Voters are sick of this and it showed. Your liberal ideas were on trial and they were comprehensively rejected nationwide. The country finally turned the corner after 6 years of slumber. If the House & Senate do their job, they will send bill after bill to the President’s desk and it is his choice to sign or veto. It is time to get America moving again.
November 5, 2014 at 9:58 am
Libby says:
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Agent – I’m always happy to see women in a position of power, conservative or liberal. Your disgusting slur of “Senator Uterus” is totally uncalled for and just what I would expect from you.
I’ll say it again, we’ll see whether Republicans can actually govern or if they will continue their obstructionism. The ball is in their court.
November 5, 2014 at 12:59 pm
Freedom says:
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Ron, we appreciate your congratulations. I should correct you though about Republicans being obstructionists. You seem to have forgotten that Harry Reid has blocked virtually every bill sent over from the House and I think the backlog is about 300 bills. Who was the obstructionist? We do have a chance now to debate and pass bills that will help America. Obama will have the chance to be either an obstructionist by vetoing or to sign the legislation. Let’s hope he gets it now and will actually do the right thing for America.
November 5, 2014 at 1:07 pm
Libby says:
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Let’s hope they all do what’s right for America and we all quit playing the blame game. It doesn’t matter who did what in the past. Let’s just move forward and get stuff done in the present.
November 5, 2014 at 2:22 pm
Freedom says:
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Libby, the Denver Post called Udall Senator Uterus for his ridiculous one issue campaign. You should really try to stay up with the news instead of reading Huffington Post. Call the Post up and complain to them for their slur. Republicans have been called far worse and much of it from you.
November 5, 2014 at 2:37 pm
Libby says:
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Agent – Since I am FROM Colorado and my sister is a prominent member of Colorado politics, I’m well aware of what goes on in the state. I don’t care if George Soros himself said it. You did not need to perpetuate it.
November 5, 2014 at 4:50 pm
Libby says:
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Agent – I also like Mia Love, the first female African American elected to Congress. I’m for all women! Any party, color, age, or shape. I will not disparage them based on their looks like I have heard you do many, many times.
November 4, 2014 at 3:04 pm
FFA says:
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I would have started with Tort Reform. See where that gets us and go from there. If you work in this business, you have got to know cost is driven by Liability Settlements.
When I sat in that CE Seminar listening to that Comp Commissioner patting himself on the back about Comp Reform, I just wanted to kick him in the nuts. The reason why loss ration is down is because everyone under $10,ooo Mono Line went into the pool pushing the cost for small business up by a minn of 10% probably more in line with up 25%. You guess it – A Quinn (Dem) yes man.
Open up state lines and trust the feds???? Are you kidding me? Have they not lied to you enough? My surrounding states are dong just fine. I am sure they would fight some sort of Fed take over of the Insurance Industry. Why would Indiana Carpenters want their 5645 code to go from about $12.00 to over $20.00 (IL Rate). Dont forget, there is an IL politician in the white house.
Ill bite on tort reform, but to blame lawyers for the universal increase in healthcare costs across the country is absurd. The reason that healthcare – – like education and housing – – has been increasing in cost is because it can. Thats it. Its because you have to have it. For a microcosm of this concept, look at law schools ,who just now after 50 years are starting to freeze / lower tuition. And the only reason that they are doing it is because the demand shrunk – people are no longer paying it. So for as long as you need to see a Dr to maintain your health, you will see healthcare costs rise. Tort reform is just one small part of it.
And Indiana wouldnt want their costs to increase, but Illinois would like their costs to decrease. Allow IL to purchase across state lines and put pressure on their rates.
Basically, Healthcare is not a good that responds to market forces for two reasons 1) incomplete information – no one really knows the best course of action, hence the need to see a specialist / Dr. 2) imbalance in bargaining power – you are a great example of this concept. A family member gets sick and it puts extreme pressure on you financially because, in all honesty, what are you going to do, not pay? Of course not. What is your life worth? Everything you’ve got.
Stan, I’ll add a third – OVER REGULATION. I need an operation on my eyes. The “fix” is approved in Europe for years, but the Feds are dragging their feet on giving it approval in the US.
Lost cost in IL are about 2x Indiana. Not fair to Indiana. IL Jury awards & settlements are crazy. Look up Cook County Jury Verdict Reporter and see for your self. I don’t blame lawyers, I blame the juries. I would contend that Tort is the main factor.
Once upon a time, I quoted an OBGYN right out of Med School Malpractice. In 2007 that premium was $75,000 before she even had a single patient.
Ill concede tort reform, especially with OBGYNs (a particularly sympathetic plaintiff). But you simply cannot blame the entire cost – – or even the majority – – on tort reform. Most states, including that liberal bastion California have limits on med mal awards.
The insurance companies are more like unregulated utilities: they are screwing us because they can. Government regulation is the answer to markets that do not function on their own. It works for electricity and water, there is no reason it cannot work for flu shots.
Insurance Companies are one of the most regulated industries – at least in my neck of the woods.
November 4, 2014 at 3:47 pm
Libby says:
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FFA – I think Stan is talking about opening up selling health insurance across state lines, not WC. You can already do that.
And if premiums going up for small WC accounts brought the loss ratio down, then the rates were too low to begin with. I know IL has terrible WC laws for construction accounts. I don’t know about other classes of business.
And Stan is right and it has been confirmed in study after study, lowering caps on med mal claims does not lower the cost of health care. There was just an article on that very same thing on IJ this past week citing TX and MA. Med mal is NOT the reason for skyrocketing health costs.
Single payer is the only way to go. If you have 99% of the market share, THAT is bargaining power. Canada and the UK, despite what others will tell you, are very happy with their healthcare. They pay less per capita for healthcare than we do because they manage the costs better. If you have that, with a private option, you’d have the best of both worlds. There should be no profit agenda when it comes to healthcare. It’s a disincentive to help anyone get well.
Libby, need I remind you that Republicans suggested that Health Insurance carriers should be allowed to sell across state lines to create competition between carriers? Your President dismissed that idea out of hand and told Republicans to get to the back of the bus because he was going to do it his way. Obamacare was passed with no provisions like this. If there had been compromise and good ideas of Republicans incorporated in the law, it might not have been a totally partisan law as it turned out to be.
November 6, 2014 at 3:07 pm
Stan says:
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Agent, Republicans arent looking to “compromise” you boob. They are looking to sabotage. Read something for once.
Libby, I don’t know if you will like Mia Love like we do. She is as Conservative as they come and will be against your War on Women agenda. We need her and Joni Ernst up their kicking some liberal butt and shaking up the establishment on both sides. It is very refreshing to get this new blood into Congress. They have a lot of work to do to recover our good graces.
Agent – I have no War on Women agenda. I have not said there is a war on women. I am for equal rights for all. That includes women. And all minorities.
I think you will find Mitch McConnell bringing all the teajadists into line very quickly. That “in your face” approach will not serve you well in 2016. Americans want things done. We don’t want more obstructionist behavior like Ted Cruz and his ilk will try to bring. Everyone needs to move more to the center and do what’s right for the country.
Libby, do you think the President and his minion followers in Congress will move to the center to get things done instead of trying to implement Progressive legislation? The guy you voted for twice doesn’t even think he was repudiated on Tuesday. His biggest mistake in this election was to say – “Make no mistake about it, this election is about my policies”. Guess what Mr. President, the policies you stand for resulted in the biggest change in Congress in 60 years. By the way, McConnell will have to come along with the new wave of more Conservative Senators elected or he won’t last long. He had better push the legislation through that Harry Reid was blocking. It should be interesting seeing what will happen with the lame duck Congress and the first six months of 2015 to see what happens. The American People have awakened and they want action, particularly on jobs, the economy, tax reform. Exit polling revealed 73% of voters want immediate action on these issues. Social programs, not so much.
Agent – you really love to hear yourself talk. On the one hand you say “The American People have awakened and they want action, particularly on jobs, the economy, tax reform.”
Then you turn around and say “McConnell will have to come along with the new wave of more Conservative Senators elected or he won’t last long.”
Those two statements contradict each other. The American people don’t want more conservatives. They want EVERYONE to move center to get things done.
If your side continues to dig in it’s heels, you will win no voters in 2016. You and Sarge are perpetuating the exact behavior that the American people won’t stand for.
I’m really sorry you can’t see it. Unless there are more insightful leaders in your party, you will be doomed to failure in 2016. I’ll try not to say “I told you so.”
You really should check this article out. It may not say what you want to hear, but it says what you need to hear. Loud and clear.
I see that Mikey is pestering you. Those gnats sure are big and fat down here. I heard an interesting interview with No Chin McConnell. When asked how he felt about the election results, he stated:
Hey tx. At least he’s back to Agent now, so all is right with the world. I’ve challenged him to “one click” or “expose the dick.” We’ll see if he’s up to it or not.
Hurry back to civilization. We miss you up here.
November 4, 2014 at 4:12 pm
FFA says:
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Il Sup Ct declared that Caps are not allowed… I sell everything across state lines – 5 states total. Not one of the other 4 want any type of a connection to IL. Skew the Il loss ratio in what ever line and it will just increase cost to everyone.
FFA, you are right. Everyone knows how screwed up Illinois is and many carriers want nothing to do with Illinois exposure. Why are good people like you moving out of that state? Why is unemployment so rampant there? The non existent leadership over decades has made for a very bad business environment with high taxes and overregulation and they keep doing the same thing over and over hoping for a different result. The buck stops with the Democratic Party since they have been in charge for a very long time.
Well FFA, Illinois did reject Quinn last night which I didn’t see coming. Can a prison sentence to join Blago be far behind? Perhaps the citizens didn’t want yet another sitting Governor to be indicted and sent off to a cell.
According to WGN, it was the inner city folks that didn’t come out and vote. Guess he should have swindled another $50Mil form us tax payors and bought some votes from them guys.
November 4, 2014 at 4:46 pm
Sargeant Major says:
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FFA said- “Stan, what has the PPACA cured?”
FFA, ever wonder why the Democrats have gone silent on Obamacare? You don’t see Obama, Reid, Pelosi etc. ever talk about the numbers. You know, what the real numbers are. Like how many have signed up, what the average deductibles have gone from and to, pricing up or down, How many have better coverage today than before Obamacare and what the net impact is? How many net insured versus pre Obamacare and the cost for it including the almost billion dollar website that was supposed to cost 90 Mill. Not to mention the promise to give back an average $2,500 to each household, the ability to keep your healthcare plan, the ability to keep your doctor (that is if your doctor will even take it)?
If this were such a good deal why aren’t the Dems out beating the drums of success?
My bet- It ain’t pretty. May be so bad that they can’t even “message” the numbers in their favor.
Sargeant, need a laugh for the day? Michelle Obama gave her last campaign speech in Maryland yesterday in front of a mostly black audience. She said she gave them all permission to eat “Fried Chicken” if they voted Democratic. How racist is that?
Yes, it is racist but she can get away with it and the media is no where to be found. Put a white male or female in that situation and what do you think would happen?
On a lighter note, I was in Georgia a couple weeks ago and had, I believe the best fried chicken I have ever had. Maybe better than my mothers (I had to say that).
Well Sargeant, the Spanish pro golfer Sergio Garcia got in a bunch of trouble a couple of years ago for saying he would invite Tiger Woods over and feed him fried chicken and watermelon. I think he got a hefty fine from the PGA Tour and the European Tour for that faux pas. Needless to say, he and Tiger are not exactly buddies.
Connie, Fuzzy Zoeller made his comment several years before when he was more than a bit drunk at the Masters when asked what Tiger would serve at the champions dinner. Yes, that was stupid, but a very bad joke. Sergio did his thing just a couple of years ago and he was not drunk. He and Tiger have had some run ins on the course and that hasn’t been patched up even with the tepid apology Sergio made.
November 5, 2014 at 4:29 pm
Connie says:
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Thank you for clearing that up – I remembered Fuzz making that stupid joke, but I didn’t know Sergio Garcia did as well. Guess he didn’t learn from Fuzzy’s mistake!
November 5, 2014 at 8:54 am
Libby says:
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“Fried Chicken-Gate!
The First Lady was on a radio show discussing today’s midterms. The host asked her if the listeners of his show – a show aimed towards and listened to by mostly black people – can celebrate by going out and eating some soul food.
GASP! How dare she?! There’s the proof! (Of what, I don’t know)
Google “Michelle Obama fried chicken” and every goofy conservative website will pop up. Rush Limbaugh is railing on about how the “mainstream media” won’t report it because they’re covering up for the president.
If only our media wasn’t so biased, it would be front page news everywhere. If, say, Ted Cruz mentioned that he was going to have fried chicken for dinner tonight, the mainstream media would be all over it. It would be the lead story on CNN tonight, right? It has nothing to do with her race. Conservatives don’t see color. rolling eyes
I’m exhausted. The republican party has become nothing more than a bunch of “Drunk Uncles.” But at least Drunk Uncle admits he’s a racist and doesn’t have the nerve to act shocked when called one like they do.”
Libby, you should be exhausted after trying to defend leftist ideology for years and failing miserably. By the way, I have seen your new heroine Hillary speaking in front of black churches/meetings and using her best black slang in her speeches. To me, that is the epitome of racism talking down to black citizens. Michelle does the same thing. The number of Republican women candidates would be offended at you calling them Drunk Uncles. Clean up your act!
November 5, 2014 at 3:27 pm
Stan says:
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Freedom, you will be happy to know that Hillary is all but assured the Whitehouse in 2016, so you will have plenty of chances to hear her speak.
Apology accepted.
November 5, 2014 at 3:32 pm
Libby says:
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Agent – if you watched anything other that FauxNews, you’d know that Drunk Uncle is a character on Saturday Night Live. But I’m sure that show is too “liberal” for you to watch.
Politics since time immemorial have worn cowboy hats and boots to campaign in Texas, jeans and plaid shirts when campaigning in Iowa, parkas and fuw in Alaska, and leis in Hawaii. That’s called “relating to your audience.” Something I would think you’d know as a salesman. There’s nothing racist about it except for your take on it.
November 5, 2014 at 9:56 am
Freedom says:
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Well, the Clinton’s, Michelle and the President couldn’t save the Democrat in Maryland which is a decidedly blue state with many Fed workers in residence. By the way, Wendy Davis lost by almost a million votes in Texas. Total rejection of her War on Women agenda and Abbott trounced her with women as well.
Let’s not forget to add wonderful Sandra (abortion) Fluke to the list of the badly beaten. She ran for Congress in California, one of the bluest states in the union and lost by 21 points despite being well funded. The War on Women is now dead as an issue in America.
November 6, 2014 at 5:36 pm
Stan says:
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Fluke lost to another Democrat, you twit.
November 5, 2014 at 5:52 pm
Freedom says:
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Sargeant, I understand the President had a news conference today in the aftermath of the Tsunami. He said – “I hear you voters”. For 6 years, he has been tone deaf to the voters, aloof and arrogant. We will see if he has gotten the message this time. I would sure like to listen into the meeting with leaders on Friday to see if they can reach “any” common ground. One thing is for sure, he will have some legislation to sign or reject next year. He may have to cut back on the golf because the paper pile will be deep.
Newsflash. He’s going to have some legislation to sign THIS year while Democrats still have the majority.
November 6, 2014 at 10:13 am
FFA says:
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Its probably just another one of his “You can keep your insurance” lines. Liars lie.
November 6, 2014 at 11:12 am
Stan says:
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You guys are so outrageous. Here’s an article from three days ago. The fact of the matter is that Obamacare is WORKING. Here is a serious question, if for the sake of argument you knew that govt. intervention would improve peoples lives, would you do it? Or still refuse because of Freedom?
“This week McConnell admitted that repealing Obamacare is impossible, in the face of a likely Democratic filibuster and a certain presidential veto. But McConnell didn’t tell the whole story.
That was left to Ohio’s Republican Governor John Kasich, when he pointed out last week that the “political and ideological opposition” to the ACA won’t hold water “against real flesh and blood and real improvements in people’s lives.”
With millions of people newly covered, and with major industries including insurance and hospitals benefitting, the ACA will not be repealed, dismantled, defunded or defanged.”
Another winning quote (not anecdote either, FFA. Look it up.)
“Remember all those folks who Republican sought to champion when Obama broke his promise that you can keep your insurance if you like it? It turns out most of them are now paying less for the better coverage they got in the ACA exchange. Are Republicans willing to take away their new, improved health insurance?
Really, I don’t think the ACA has been up long enough to declare its working or not. The effects, good or bad, won’t really be known for a few years at least.
And to Stan, there is also a problem with your question about govt. intervention. That being any potential improvement in people’s lives would be subjective to each person.
November 6, 2014 at 6:10 pm
Stan says:
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Great, so under that thesis nothing is knowable ever because its always subjective to each person. Better not have a fire department because we can never know if putting out fires is good or not since it will only depend on who’s building is burning.
Got it. That’s a swiss-watch of a theory.
November 7, 2014 at 1:13 pm
Get your facts straight says:
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That’s not what was said. There are things that are knowable. Whether or not a particular government program improves one’s life is not necessarily one of those.
Your example of the fire department does not support your argument. The fire department is there exactly to determine if a fire should be put out or should be left burning. Many factors are taken into consideration, is the building next to others, is it already beyond saving, does it pose a risk to people. Who’s building it is also may be a consideration. Sometimes the best option is to let it burn.
November 7, 2014 at 1:21 pm
Stan says:
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Cool story, bro.
November 4, 2014 at 6:49 pm
FFA says:
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We should be hearing outrage by r & Sharpton on the news – Right?
If you really take a hard look Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and the others, they have really become what they have fought against and maybe worse- They are racists period. Everyone knows it but no one wants to call them what they are.
Hey, I grew up in the city of Detroit. I know what they started out as and what the morphed into. Besides that, they have to agitate and create divide or they would not have any income and would have to go out and get a real job.
Never thought I’d say this, but Libby the Loon agrees with you.
November 5, 2014 at 11:46 am
Stan says:
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Be careful, Libby. You might think that by agreeing with them from time to time they will show you respect / compromise with you. They wont. As racist and dumb as Sharpton might be, he’s inconsequential in relation to the harm caused by GOP policies.
November 5, 2014 at 12:07 pm
Libby says:
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I know Sarge will be the last person to show me any respect. And compromise is not in the Republican vocabulary.
True about Sharpton. He’s a blip on the radar, but he’s getting annoying. GOP is doomed to failure in 2016, so let them have their hollow victory. Obama’s still got the pen.
November 4, 2014 at 5:05 pm
FFA says:
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Honestly Sarge, no I don’t. I know why. They know why. Its my feet on the ground dealing with the mess.
You little old men can think what you want. It matters little what we say or do here in this small corner of the internet. The facts are undeniable: the country is headed left in a huge way. Minorities, young people, women, basically anyone who doesnt look like Agent is voting Dem. These midterms aside, the Republican party cannot field a nationally viable candidate and will not win another national election. Were it not for gerrymandering, you wouldnt even have your obstructionist power right now. In 10 years single payer will be the law of the land, and assuming you all havent bit the big one, you will be better off because of it.
You are right FFA. They may know why but do you think the current administration cares how much harder you work to try to fix the mess that they created? Do you think they care about how much more the working men or women pay in taxes or how much more you pay for healthcare or how much more deductible you retain? The answer is no.
Well Sarge, the people have spoken… Time for hope and change! What a kick to OfnBama right where the sun don’t shine. Only won one state of the many he campaigned in. The Gov of his home state is a republican and Quinns poor sportsmanship is being well publicized. For the first time in a long time I feel good!
Oh and Stan, now maybe you will get a boss that you know, makes you work an honest 8 for an honest 8 … He/She wont have to baby you along to get you to – you know – work.
His old man comment… He is part of the generation of entitlement. They aren’t like us Libby. Our generation works are butt off because we have a sense of personal responsibility. He wants the govt to hand out everything. Once you & Ron seen how terrible OBama Care (PPACA) was, you changed your position on the whole thing (except for the basic concept of Health Care for everyone). I still agree with you on that. Ill never buy into Single Payer. My employees have already commented on how much better I look… Free from the chains of Quinn!
How does he know how old any of us are? Because we have a different view than he does? There are plenty of young people who work hard, pay a lot in taxes, want secure US borders, don’t want illegals to take jobs from unskilled US labor, don’t want to pay for the deadbeat lazy on welfare (Yes, There are people who need welfare), Thinks ISIS is a threat and not the JV team etc. etc.
Last night they spoke.
We have talked about our service time in this forum. You have to be at least 40 to have 20 years service – Old Math (Not Obama Math).
November 5, 2014 at 11:07 am
Stan says:
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Lol “generation of entitlement.” That’s rich, coming from a babyboomer that benefitted from the greatest economic expansion in global history, an expansion with cheap education, housing, and healthcare, an expansion built upon the sacrifices of their parents. And what did that generation do? Screwed the pooch and their own kids, thats what.
Entitlement? You know who takes the most govt. services? The elderly. Be careful, old man, you’re headed for the home and you didn’t set your kids up to take care of you. Winter is coming.
Just like your gen, blame the problems of your world on everyone else…. It Mommy Fault… Its Daddys fault. No sense of personal responsibility.
You sound just like my daughter. Oh poor baby she is.
So just keep pointing the finger while us Baby Boomers figure out how to pay our bills. You know… WORK FOR WHAT WE GET.
November 5, 2014 at 11:41 am
Stan says:
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hhahaha work for what we get. yes, imagine that, you were able to succeed in an economy handed to you by the Greatest generation, meanwhile you saddle your poor daughter with outrageous student loans, unpaid internships, and a general oversupply of labor, then accuse her of being lazy.
Get off my lawn, grandpa!
November 5, 2014 at 12:24 pm
FFA says:
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I paid for my daughters education out of pocket. She Failed out. School would not take her back So, I paid for my college and hers and only got one education. Now she is a worthless gettho whore that blames her problems on her daddy. (I am step dad).
you think calling me gramps is an insult??? I am what I am.
November 5, 2014 at 12:33 pm
Stan says:
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Well don’t feel too bad for her. I have three degrees, all with honors, and I cant a job either.
November 5, 2014 at 12:40 pm
FFA says:
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Then what are you doing blogging?
Further more, why would you be satisfied with the status quo? Your saddled with college debt because you bought into the recruiters line on how many of their grads get placed.
I don’t feel bad for her. I gave her every chance to succeed including getting her placed with one of my clients making $15.00 per hour. She got fired after a few weeks. She didn’t want to work, just get paid.
November 5, 2014 at 12:45 pm
Stan says:
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I am not satisfied with the status quo, which is the point of electing democrats and not republicans.
And I am not mad about the fact that I have debt, I am mad about the amount of debt. If school was still $600 a semester, big deal, no ones life is ruined from $5k in the hole. But when its $50k a year, well that is a whole different animal. That is life crippling debt.
And I have no opinion of your daughter. There are always going to be dull knives and lazy people, regardless of age.
November 5, 2014 at 1:07 pm
FFA says:
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The Dems have been in charge for how long? And you want the Dems in for more of the same?
One thing this old man has learned – doing the same thing and expecting different results don’t happen. I lost many hairs learning that the hard way.
My daughter is who she is. She made her bed where ever that is. Now, I am picking up and getting things done for my Gr Kids. We (my family) are all getting our heads shrunk today. I have personal ties into the social workers in the school that are micro managing them. I am doing what needs to be done. One of them things is to move them so far away from their parents that there is minimal contact. They wont get the new phone numbers. Nor will they get the new address.
November 5, 2014 at 2:04 pm
Stan says:
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The reason that the last 6 years have been so disappointing is because of the republicans flat refusal to work with their democratic counterparts. You cant purposefully sabotage government, then take the highroad and bitch about govt not working so there needs to be new leaders.
Immigration, gay rights, education, marijuana, name it, Republicans have blocked and opposed without offering one single substantive approach. They are all for tax cuts, but wont tell you how they are going to balance a budget.
Its a party of children.
November 5, 2014 at 2:26 pm
FFA says:
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Weather you want to believe it or not Stan, Obama Care has put a strangle Hold on the job market. Companies don’t know where this is going and holding back their capitol due to the fear of the unknown. Many more companies have reduced workforce to a part time deal. My step son always stays employed, but he is working two / three part time jobs.
Why do you think Temp Agencies are jumping?
The poor job market is all on OBama as a result of OBama Care.
The elderly have paid their dues – paid into the system their entire working life. Damn right they are entitled to what they put in and worked for.
November 5, 2014 at 2:42 pm
Libby says:
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FFA – the ACA is not the reason companies are not hiring. They’re not hiring because they don’t have to. They’ve got people slaving away at below market wages just happy to have a job. I make ONE-HALF of what I made in 2008. Some of that is because I moved to a different job market, but most of it is because I had to take a job at a lower wage or starve. Not a really good choice…
November 5, 2014 at 3:16 pm
Stan says:
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1) you just admitted that the elderly are entitled for “paying their dues.” You can make the same argument for young people who are “entitled” to good paying jobs after “paying their educational dues.” The fact is, there are no guarantees in life and youre no more entitled to govt. assistance than I am a govt. job.
2) companies are not cutting back due to obamacare, you fool. they are cutting back for the same reason healthcare costs are increasing: BECAUSE THEY CAN. There is a surplus in labor in this country after the great recession gutted most industries. The reason that companies arent hiring / expanding hours is because people will accept it and are desperate. It has nothing to do with fear of the market or any of that happy horseshit. If people wouldnt work for low pay and bad benefits, then pay and benefits would go up.
Granted, youre self admittedly not the sharpest tool in the shed, but even this concept shouldn’t escape you. Stop hurting America.
November 5, 2014 at 3:38 pm
FFA says:
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Yes Stan, the elderly are entitled to the wages they paid into the system.
People whom have to contribute are entitled to nothing.
And Libby, we are just gonna agree to disagree on the reason behind the stagnant job market and stale wages.
That’s what adults do Stan. They respect each others right to have their own opinion based on their life experience. All you have right now is one expensive bar bill aka student loans.
Me, I am headed to Moose Haven in FLA. And yes, I support Mooseheart too.
November 5, 2014 at 3:44 pm
Stan says:
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Actually, no, you’re not entitled to wages you paid into the system. Because that is not how SS works. SS works as a generational shift in wealth from young to old, you paid into a system to fund your parents later years in life based on the promise that your children (ie the youth) would pay into the system and fund yours. It has nothing to do with some sort of account that is set up in your name that youre entitled to. In fact, “entitlement” program is only named as such because it is mandatory – – ie not discretionary – – government spending.
Still, take solace in knowing that the socialistic SS system will still have money in it when you finally do decide to stop working. But because your generation destroyed the country, young people today wont get jobs that pay sufficient wages that can be taxed to fund SS into the future.
I believe the legal definition is “kicking out the ladder after you’ve climbed it.”
And I have no doubt that you’re taking a vacation. Its just another selfish act by the most selfish generation in American history. Slow clap, bro.
November 5, 2014 at 4:01 pm
Libby says:
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Stan – don’t be so hard on us. We’re just average Joes trying to do the right thing day after day. Although, I don’t have children I think all parents want a better life for their children than they had for themselves. We didn’t intentionally wreck the economy. If I were to blame anyone, it would be greedy Wall Street executives and Fortune 500 CEO’s that continue to squeeze the middle class into extinction.
When it comes down to it, you, FFA, and I all want the same things. A good job at a decent salary so at the end of the day we can provide for our families and enjoy the gifts that God gave us. And hopefully ride off into the sunset to enjoy our twilight years with a little jingle in our pocket, passing the torch to those of you that have alot more energy than we do.
November 5, 2014 at 4:13 pm
Stan says:
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Libby, you’re one of my favorite posters on here. Your ability to withstand Agent’s mind-numbing commitment to absurdity is remarkable. That being said, I also agree with you in re the guilt of the true economic elite.
But what I cannot understand or forgive is how hardworking, middle-class Americans like FFA continue to buy into the Wall Street mentality of “unfettered free market capitalism will free us all!”
The fact of the matter is that his sacred-golden-calf-free-market has gutted the American middle class quickly and efficiently. And only policies designed to redistribute that wealth downward will help those who were not privileged to be born at the top (people like you, me, and yes, even Agent).
If you want to truly help your kids and grand kids, elect politicians who will enact policies that invest in the future. Better yet, elect politicians who invest the 0.01%’s money in your kids future.
But to align yourself with the party of the Koch brothers is madness.
November 5, 2014 at 4:36 pm
Libby says:
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I get it. But you have to understand that many of my generation grew up believing that working hard and doing the right thing was enough for anyone to achieve the American dream. They have little patience with the younger generation because they think they should just do the same things we did and everything will work out for them. You didn’t complain, you just rolled up your sleeves and got to it. They don’t understand that things are different now than back when we grew up.
Explain to him how it’s different and try to make him understand. You’re not looking for a hand-out. You’re looking for an opportunity. Those were far more abundant back in our day than they are now. For a variety of reasons; many of them a result of GOP politics and Reaganomics.
It’s hard for them to realize the very people they think are on their side are actually working against them. It’s almost too much for them to absorb. It’s easier to say the liberals are the reason for all the ills in the world.
November 6, 2014 at 10:24 am
FFA says:
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Stan Says: But what I cannot understand or forgive is how hardworking, middle-class Americans like FFA continue to buy into the Wall Street mentality of “unfettered free market capitalism will free us all!”
I don’t buy into that Wall Street BS. One thing my life experience has shown me is that people go broke fast when leaning on wall street.
Old School works. It has for a century. Concern yourself with your situation (Single/Married/Kids – what ever). This “new way” libby refers to has failed miserably. Your the proof. Honors Degrees – ten years ago would have drawn Top Dollar on the job market. Now it works against you. Want proof – look in the mirror. Do I pay a C Student with no experience 24,000 a year or a honors grad with no experience $36,000? Your Honors is working against you. That’s the “new way”. That’s just a cold hard fact. Libby right – us old folks don’t get it. Why change whats not broke? That’s on your generation under OBama.
What your doing isn’t working. Try something different that has been proven to work for a long long time.
November 6, 2014 at 10:47 am
Libby says:
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Sorry, FFA, but this “new way” is a result of failed GOP policies and the Reaganomics “trickle down” theory that has done nothing but “trickle up” to the 1%.
It also has alot to do with people only concerning themselves with their own situation and not paying attention to what’s going on around them.
The “welfare generation” didn’t just show up during the last 6 years. If people had been a little more concerned with what was happening in the urban areas instead of barbequing in the suburbs, things might have turned out differently. But people don’t care about anyone but themselves and that selfishness has repercussions. We are experiencing them now.
This is not Stan’s nor his generations fault. It’s ours.
November 6, 2014 at 10:55 am
Stan says:
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FFA, what you just said might be the most asinine thing i’ve ever read.
“Old school works. It has for a century.” followed by “Ten years ago [education] would have drawn top dollar.” “What you’re doing now isnt working.”
Well which is it, is it the old school way of hard work, gumption, and education is the path to prosperity? Or is it the new, cold hard facts way of “try something different?”
If its the latter (that means the second one), well then I would advise you to follow your own counsel. The insurance biz changed. Stop bitching, be a man, and “try something different!”
Concern yourself with your situation, FFA! This “old way” Agent refers to has failed miserably: your proof – the outsourcing of jobs, the utter economic collapse of the American middle class, skyrocketing cost of healthcare, housing, and education.
Want proof? Look in the mirror. Would I pay top dollar for a small botique insurance agent a premium when I can get the same minimum coverages from Geico with easier access to information on line and rock bottom rates? Your size is working against you. Thats just a cold hard fact.
Why change whats not broke? Consumers have spoken. Try something different, FFA. It has worked for a long time.
Or maybe, just maybe, little euphemisms like that are ridiculously simplistic and obtuse, meaning nothing yet simultaneously contradicting itself. The truth of the matter is that the world has moved on in a HUGE way due to globalization and the fact that America no longer owns the sole industrial engine of the world. So yeah, “try something different” indeed.
November 6, 2014 at 1:29 pm
FFA says:
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Libby Says: “This is not Stan’s nor his generations fault. It’s ours.”
I agree with that statement. Our generation has pampered these kids to the point where they are just lazy.
November 6, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Stan says:
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Ha, right. So lazy that they arent getting jobs that don’t exist. You’re so out of touch, FFA. Be happy youre old, you just couldnt hack it out there in todays real world.
November 6, 2014 at 2:03 pm
Libby says:
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Getting three degrees doesn’t sound lazy to me, FFA.
November 6, 2014 at 5:45 pm
FFA says:
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“Getting three degrees doesn’t sound lazy to me, FFA.”
He gets a pat on the back for that, absolutely. Especially if he is on fact an Honor Student.
You know as well as I do that we live in a what have you done for me lately world. He is sitting at home blaming everyone while blogging when he should be wearing out his shoes pounding the pavement.. Just like you did. Just like I did. Just like my two interns did.
November 5, 2014 at 12:03 pm
Libby says:
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He’s bitter that he’s saddled with college loan debt and can’t find a decent job. It’s not hard to figure out how old we are when we talk about voting for Reagan and putting in 30+ years in the business.
If he is in fact bitter, any good interviewer will see that and not give him the job.
November 5, 2014 at 3:17 pm
Stan says:
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FFA, are you hiring? Are you impressed by my analytical and reasoning skillz? My vocab? My “go getter” attitude? My ability to stand up to authority!
November 5, 2014 at 4:04 pm
FFA says:
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Well, Stan, hold tight. Better days are coming…
You have said nothing impressive. Whining like you are just reminds me of my daughter. I know, its not your fault. Has to be someone else fault because the college recruiter said you would be working within 6 months. Right? Sound like a lie now? Just like I can keep my Doc?
Here is another tip from an old man, when you think you know more then anyone in the room, you should rethink that. Hiring, no… Too many business I had insured folded this year. Getting hit with another round of loss by foreclosure due to the poor job market. So, although the years production numbers for New Biz look good, I have actually gone backwards revenue wise. Besides, I have no use for a know it all bitter college grad that has no ambition to do anything but blog.
Why don’t you take Libby Lead. Get what you can and try being happy with it. If not, suck it up until something better comes along? At least you wont become the leach you hope to avoid becoming.
Now, I need to go take care of my obligation to my family and get some issues ironed out. See what the latest pimple popper shrink has to say. If they assigned me a shrink half my age, I am going to fire her. Then I am going home to paint and then Grand Pa is gonna help his grand kids with their home work. Are you qualified to be a nanny? You know Laundry? Cook? Make Beds? Clean Kitchen? Would sure be nice to get some help with that. Did I mention my wife is sick?
November 5, 2014 at 4:21 pm
Stan says:
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I resent that, I am not bitter. I am young and handsome and will probably never get old. It’s tough to have a brighter morning. Still, sincere apologies for your sick wife. I genuinely wish she could get the medical care she needs irrespective of your ability to pay. No one deserves to lose everything because of an illness.
But all in all, its amusing that in a span of one paragraph you whine about “going backwards revenue wise,” yet immediately lecture me to “being happy with what I have.” If you can complain about democrats ruining your revenue*, I can complain about republicans saddling me with debt.
—
*It’s always some else’s fault, indeed.
Perhaps it is you that should be happy with what you have: some revenue at all. Or should I do as you say, and not as you do?
November 5, 2014 at 4:42 pm
Libby says:
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Sorry, Stan. I used the word bitter. It’s probably more like pissed…
November 6, 2014 at 6:33 pm
txmouthbreatherboogereatertx says:
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Head up Stan, these are tough times and I truly feel for you. But like these pundits from the South and other federal government dependent regions state, it can only get better. It’s their time to put up or shut up and actually put some plans out to the public. Everytime they are asked what they would do, they find some other way to answer the question. Their only solution to anything is to lower taxes and grow the shit out of the military.
Sounds like you have prepared yourself for a strong corporate career, the only problem being getting your foot in the door. The good news with Corporate ‘Murrica is that it is a monkey see monkey do environment. Once the ball starts rolling and these companies start to hire again, it will snow ball. They will also have to pay for talent again opening up new opportunities along the way. The money they have been hoarding all these years will have to go back to hiring in order to obtain and retain top talent. Even better news is these same small time pundits running the biggest business in their zip code will be in for a rude awakening. They will be losing much of this talent to larger companies who will be able to pay what the market really dictates.
But then again I kid. They have no real plan, and these Koch Heads will still be behind the curtain just like in Oz. So just sit back, turn CSPAN on, put your TV on mute, download Yackety Sax, play said Yakety Sax, and watch these chickens run with their heads cut off. The political satire will improve once again, and keep an eye out for your local congressman in the airport bathroom. Just so you know, he’s not tap dancing in there.
November 5, 2014 at 10:31 am
Sargeant Major says:
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Stan said- “Canada has it and their citizens love it”
Really? Then why do the Canadians come across the bridge or through the tunnel to Michigan (Detroit metro mostly)to get medical treatment, tests like CT scans, MRI’s etc.? and not just a little, a lot. Why? because the health system in Canada sucks. It can take months to get the correct test etc. and people have actually died waiting.
Lol believing credible sources versus anecdote?! You’re in the insurance biz, do you base your rates off of actuarial tables that you read, or people coming in and assuring you that “I swear im super careful!”
Man, you old people are ridiculous. Thank goodness you’re not just starting out, theres no way any of you could get jobs.
Its not anecdotal if its real life. Or did your gen change that definition too?
I base my rates on what the carrier tells me I have to.
The dems couldn’t not even carry your gen or women or minority votes. American People said last night – Enough of this crap. Old School works.
Even Iowa flipped. Notice Cap Planet is silent… Even Libby & Ron get it. Majority has spoken so just keep on flapping your gums. Mommy should be home soon to change your diaper, do your laundry and give you a bottle of milk. Getting close to nap time for you?
November 5, 2014 at 11:39 am
Stan says:
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“Its not anecdotal if it’s real life.” FFA, you honestly might be the dumbest poster on here, and that is saying something, what with Agent’s strong contention for the crown, because that is EXACTLY what anecdotal is.
If you think your carriers are basing their rates on unscientific, honest to goodness observations by real americans in the heartland! and not scientific data and statistics, well then you sir should be disenfranchised because youre too dumb to have a say in our national politics.
November 5, 2014 at 11:57 am
FFA says:
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I don’t need to know why, just what. Never claimed to be some braineack. Don’t visit the carrier cubicle city either. Fact is, I would agree I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
I do provide for my family and I don’t blame my problems on others. I can look in the mirror and know I put my best effort forward each and every day. No one questions my ethic or my honesty or my integrity.
Someone needs to take a bible and beat you in the head with it. Some disrespectful little kid sticking his hand out don’t mean nothing to me.
November 5, 2014 at 12:36 pm
Stan says:
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Your providing for your family is commendable. And I would argue that that should make you more inclinded, not less, to vote democratic. As middle-class, middle-income americans have the most to gain from Democratic policies that provide healthcare, access to education, infrastructure investments, and housing options. Tax rates to pay for these programs will apply to those making far more than you.
Why in gods name would you want to make life better for those who make their income passively by protecting investment income with historically low rates, while your hard-earned income is taxed at ~50%?
November 5, 2014 at 12:58 pm
FFA says:
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Stan, I am a business owner. The Dem policies rammed down the business mans throat past 24 – 36 months have hurt my ability to provide.
I had to write 3x as many health policies just to break even. Add in opportunity cost & marketing cost & training expense – I am behind the 8 ball.
There is no recovering from the premium volume I lost when Workers Comp reform hit street level in IL. At least $1.5 mil in premiums lost. Find a carrier that will write mono line comp under $10,000… Forget it. Into the pool with them increasing their cost as well as their ability to pay their employees.
look at how many people are losing their group insurance due to a Dem policy. How many people have had to change doctors because of the lies told.
State Farm moved 15000 jobs out of IL because of dem policies / taxes. They moved them out so their employees would not be taxed down to the poverty level. Their home office houses only their high level execs. So the rich looking out for themselves don’t apply to this situation. They did it so their employees would not get taxed to poverty.
Not to mention Quinns lie about the Temporary Tax hike.. He is under federal investigation (imaging an Il gov being investigated by the feds) because of a mis- approbation of over $50 mill right after he passed his tax temp hike. Now he wants to make it permanent.
I am just fed up with the elected officials just lying to me with out consequences. Apparently, the majority of Americans are. I am also fed up with people sticking their hand out expecting something to drop into it.
November 5, 2014 at 1:16 pm
Freedom says:
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Hi FFA. Planet’s worst nightmare came to pass with the election of Joni Ernst. She is very bright, hard working and I loved her line when she said she was going to Washington to make the establishment “squeal” like the pigs they are.
November 5, 2014 at 2:45 pm
Libby says:
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Agent – you know nothing about what Captain thinks or feels about Joni Ernst. For one, I am happy to have another woman in Congress. We need more feminine leadership and less testosterone. Woman collaborate and get things done. As Peggy Lee said “I can bring home the bacon. Fry it up in a pan. And never, ever let you forget your a man. Cause I’m a woman. W-O-M-A-N. I’ll say it again.”
November 5, 2014 at 3:11 pm
Get your facts straight says:
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Sorry Stan, an anecdote would be when FFA says what someone else says. If it comes from a person directly, its not an anecdote. So assuming Waterbug has experienced this directly, if it comes from him, it’s not an anecdote.
November 5, 2014 at 3:19 pm
Stan says:
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Anecdote is unscientific data. Its “well I saw” or “I know a guy.”
You, friend, are thinking of hearsay, which is a statement by a third person repeated. Boom, lawyered.
November 5, 2014 at 3:23 pm
Stan says:
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Here Facts, Ill even help you with a second link:
“[N]ot necessarily true or reliable, because based on personal accounts rather than facts or research.”
I was going off the original definition you posted, which indicated it was based off of reports or observations, which is what it was. Glad you went back and found more definitions to clarify though. Hope you learned something.
November 6, 2014 at 6:22 pm
Stan says:
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The first definition qualified the observation by requiring it to be scientific in nature, bro. This isn’t challenging stuff, here.
November 6, 2014 at 7:03 pm
Get your facts straight says:
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You’re right, it’s not challenging, so why are you getting it wrong? The definition did not require the observation to be scientific in nature.
November 6, 2014 at 7:42 pm
Stan says:
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“[N]ot necessarily true or reliable, because based on personal accounts rather than facts or research.”
HMM. I can find that out quick enough. Got a Canadian Immigrant in my mix. They brought a Grey Market with them. What a pain in the butt that was to insure.
Grey Market is an auto manufactured for use in a foreign country. Carrier didn’t even have it listed I their data base as a real vech.
I don’t have much grey hair either. as my gr son pointed out last night, I don’t have much hair left at all…
November 5, 2014 at 1:13 pm
Libby says:
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Oh. I’ve never come across that before. Interesting. You learn something new every day. I love this business!
November 5, 2014 at 2:34 pm
FFA says:
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As for Grey Markets Cars, I have come across three of them in my career. Always a pain in the rump for the owner. Needs to have the OD converted as well as brought up to US EPA standards. Very time consuming and costly for the owner. My first go around was a client that bought a Benz in Germany cheap… After 6 months of it sitting in customs and many thousands bringing it to us standards, he would have been much better off just buying it down the street.
Sarge probably gets more being closer to the border…
November 5, 2014 at 2:46 pm
Libby says:
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I think I would have sold it before moving and bought a new one here.
November 5, 2014 at 2:30 pm
FFA says:
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Libby – right from the Great White North….
“The easiest way to describe Canadian Healthcare is to imagine that all legal residents get the same coverage as US citizens over 65 get from Medicare: basic doctor and hospital service is free. Medicine is not – but as you probably know – drugs are much cheaper. Residents generally get dental, drug and vision coverage as a benefit from their employers.”
What I get from this is – NO Private Health Option available.
Hmmmm. Because in the U.K. every citizen has National Health but they can “buy up” coverage (ie. Harley Street doctors.) If they come here for treatment do they have to pay out of pocket?
Might I add, he stated he is much better off in the US even under Obama Care. Its all about the wait time up there.
People die up there waiting on procedure that happen in a timely manner down here. Real life … My sis first procedure did not fix the problem. They scheduled the 2nd procedure and as things shook out needed it done emergency basis. Would not have happened up there. They would have given her more narcotics, sent her home with a pat on the back “Hang in There”. That’s why Michigan is so lucrative for Docs.
Thanks for the link. It explained everything. Canadians CAN purchase private insurance. They then use it for things not covered by National Health or for outside services (ie. treatment in the U.S.) Obviously, you have to have the means to purchase the additional insurance. So the rich have better coverage than the poor. The same as in the U.S., except the poor in the U.S. had no coverage until the ACA.
November 5, 2014 at 3:31 pm
FFA says:
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It does not eliminate the wait time for the procedures.
If they are using it for things not covered, that would be what we call Ancillary products (Aflak type producks.)
November 5, 2014 at 3:34 pm
Stan says:
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So you shouldn’t give poor people access to doctors because they might have to wait in line, even when wealthier people could avoid said line by retreating to the private market?
Bold, innovative thinking there, FFA. Exactly what I would imagine Jesus would do.
November 5, 2014 at 3:36 pm
Libby says:
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Yes, it would because you could obtain the services from outside the National Health. Read the link. It was brief but informative.
It also can cover things not included in National Health like dental, vision, etc.
November 5, 2014 at 4:09 pm
FFA says:
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Libby, he is way too smart to read links.
November 5, 2014 at 4:24 pm
Stan says:
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FFA, you rube, she’s talking to you. She wants YOU to read the link, which outlines that there is a private option in Canada.
November 6, 2014 at 10:28 am
FFA says:
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Stan Says “So you shouldn’t give poor people access to doctors because they might have to wait in line, even when wealthier people could avoid said line by retreating to the private market?”
That is exactly what will happen under Single Payer. Rich will buy private health care and the poor will get stuck with what ever the Govt says.
Way too much intrusion in my life by a bunch of self serving politicians.
November 6, 2014 at 10:50 am
Libby says:
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FFA – but without single payer, the poor have NO coverage. With single payer at least they can obtain medical care, even if they might have to wait. Not to mention, this is America. We can do it better than Canada and the U.K.
If the wealthier can afford private insurance, so what? That’s how it is now anyway. We’re talking about taking care of the “have nots” not the “haves.” They’re already taken care of.
November 6, 2014 at 11:01 am
Stan says:
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FFA, that is exactly what you want to happen, idiot. 1) poor people without coverage costs MORE in the long run since they resort to the emergency room 2) people of means can buy private market coverage. The sheer existence of a public option will drastically cut costs for that private option too, by the way.
It blows my mind that you wouldnt want poor people to have coverage while maintaining your option because “too much govt. intervention.” Under that logic, dismantle the military. That is wayyyy too much intervention run by the exact same body: US Government.
You literally are choosing the option with the least amount of social good with the maximum cost (a cost that is still increasing), AND THEN YOURE MAD AT THE POOR PEOPLE STILL!
Christ old man, just do us all a favor and say nothing.
November 6, 2014 at 11:22 am
Libby says:
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FFA – he has a point even if he’s insulting you to get it across (Stan – stop that!)
Before the ACA we were doing the least social good at the highest possible price. With single payer, we’ll be lowering costs for the previously uninsured while the wealthy can still buy private coverage, probably at a lower cost. It’s a win-win. Just becaust it’s a government program doesn’t mean it’s not the best option. Stop being stubborn and look at the facts.
November 6, 2014 at 11:27 am
Stan says:
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Libby, you’re making the classic Democratic mistake of thinking that civility and compromise will be met with civility and compromise when talking to the Right. It doesnt and wont.
These guys are ruthless to you day in and day out, why would you show them respect when they are literally going out of their way to destroy this country. Their consumption of the national GDP through entitlement spending is unparalleled across any other demographic, and they still have the stones to accuse others of being “takers.”
You’re the solution Libby. Don’t forget it.
November 6, 2014 at 11:31 am
FFA says:
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You know nothing Stan… In IL there is public Aid & Medicaid that the poor rely on and use. Pre Obama Care, ICHIP was available for Pre X Crowd.
My point all along re: Obama Care is that the infrastructure was in place and worked in years past. The distribution system was there and it worked. Pub Aid & ICHIP & COBRA needed to be worked on that’s for sure. He didn’t need to tear down the entire system, spend a Bill on a poorly functioning web site that was designed by his wife college pal that runs a Canadian Company.
So, Cronyism & out sourcing a Bill $$ is Obamas way. Not keeping American money in America. Damn right I am pissed he sent a Bill out of the country for a product that eventually an American company had to fix. You stand here belly aching about Private Corps out sourcing, but give OBama a pass. At least I am consistent – they all piss me off. Think he could have spent that Bill on some sort of jobs project? Maybe you wouldn’t be sitting on the unemployment line and – ya know – working? If he didn’t tear down the distribution infrastructure, I would have room for you. Instead, you sit at home complaining to random strangers not getting a pay check. Where has your sense of entitlement got you?
November 6, 2014 at 11:36 am
Libby says:
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Stan – I am doing this for my own self-respect. I didn’t like who I was becoming on here. I can still get my point across without stooping to Agent’s level. He will have no more cause to accuse me of “insulting” him just because I disagree. I will continue to point out his flawed logic, ridiculous statements, and hypocrisy as long as he keeps posting. He is the gift that keeps on giving.
I think YOU are the solution. My time here is dwindling. You are the rising generation and you need to demand change. I’ll be behind you 100%, but I won’t be leading any charge. I should have done that long ago if I had had the foresight to see the future.
November 6, 2014 at 11:39 am
Stan says:
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So the entire multi-trillion dollar US Healthcare system is broke, and you’re upset about a website. Unbelievable.
And if you think that Obamacare’s infrastructure was in place in years past and worked perfectly, well I don’t know what to tell you other than that there were 30million americans without health insurance that would probably disagree.
Follow up question, if govt. destroys jobs, why is San Francisco – arguably the most liberal city in the country – absolutely booming. But Indianapolis, a solidly red state, is in nothing if not utter decline?
November 6, 2014 at 3:35 pm
FFA says:
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Well Stan, your comprehension is way off. Maybe you’ve been offered jobs and just don’t understand simple English.
re Read my post and try to dumd yourself down to my C Average degree in marketing.
November 6, 2014 at 10:08 am
Agent says:
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Interesting summary of Canadian Healthcare FFA. 58,000 doctors in the whole country? One doctor for every 1,000 patients? Not hard to see why appointments are so hard to get, the wait times for tests, surgeries etc. Looks like a pretty convoluted system to me. My guess is that we have several individual states that have more doctors, specialists than the whole country of Canada.
Your statement got me curious, Agent. The article says Canada has 1 PCP per capita. That does not include specialists. In America we have 1.57 PCP doctors per capita. So there is a shortage in Canada, but nowhere near the amount you seem to think there is.
November 6, 2014 at 10:20 am
Libby says:
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P.S. Can you restrain yourself to ONE vote per comment like a grown person? I challenge you.
November 6, 2014 at 11:18 am
Stan says:
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I for one am impressed that Agent posted an article. For awhile there, I was convinced that he couldn’t read, what with being from Texas and all.
November 6, 2014 at 11:23 am
Libby says:
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Actually, FFA posted it. But Agent DID read it! (And understood it. Kinda.) I, too, was impressed.
November 5, 2014 at 3:58 pm
bob says:
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For the love of humanity guys.
We have a duty to make sense when we talk about republican issues.
Let’s not say things about people flooding from Canada to the U.S. for coverage. It isn’t accurate.
The republicans are going to lose this majority in no time flat if this is what their grass roots supporters are saying.
Libby agrees with us on many points and Ron to do with Healthcare. It is almost solely these types of comments that puts them off.
I realize that I can be thick headed when arguing politics. My point above was not to say I would forgive you as in you needed to be forgiven as a side comment.
I was saying that I may be heated at times, and a bit set in my ways, but I always calm down later.
We haven’t hit that cooling point in a while you and I this time around. Not to push blame, but I’m assuming you recently had just had enough of the people around here and some aspects of what you consider to be “rampant stupidity” so to speak.
This is why I said we are more alike than you think. I doubt very much you meant to go off on me recently.
November 7, 2014 at 2:06 pm
Go Libby..and Bob too says:
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Libby,
I just want to say that I have noticed your new approach and I want to applaud you for your more rational and thought out responses. I will even admit that I said something nasty to you a few weeks ago, it was not b.c I am not on your side with most issues, it was that I was really irritated at your (and you are right, not just you, Agent AKA Freedom..AKA I won’t mention his real name, Jack-Ass and the rest that cannot play nice) responses and you seemed to be soo stubborn like the ones above mentioned. I expect that from them, but not from you. I do think you are smart and know what you are talking about in most cases or can just respect where you are coming from. It has gotten back to that now that you are being respectful, knowledgeable AND classy..triple threat. And even if they aren’t to you, know you are the classier one and WE do notice and appreciate it.
Bob, goes for you too, you have really turned a new leaf and it is refreshing to see this from you and Libby, keep up the good work and good debates…I do love to see other’s opinions when it is done in the right manner.
I know you get slammed a lot Libby, but continue trucking on this new path and you are doing our “side” (hate that term!) proud!
(I posted this on another comment forum, posting it on all others I read too, LOVE the new leaf you too!!)
November 10, 2014 at 8:53 am
Libby says:
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:-)
November 6, 2014 at 5:26 pm
Freedom says:
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Interesting Libby that you see Stan as the future. God help us all if he is the example of the typical young man of the future. He has been thoroughly indoctrinated with all his years in school getting his three degrees that don’t permit him to find a decent job in this industry or any other for that matter. By the way, the Democratic dogma he loves so much was thoroughly thrashed on Tuesday. The so called “regular folks” Obama refers to said “Enough is Enough”.
Careful, old man. Its not just me that cant find a good paying job. Its millions more like me, and without our earnings to tax, YOUR social security checks are the ones that are going to suffer. And YOUR houses are going to depreciate without buyers to pick them up.
Stan, are you the same bitter young man who appeared on the blog about a year ago complaining you had three degrees and had a dead end job? Everyone including Libby tried to advise you about how to get ahead and advise you about the choices out there, but you preferred to whine and moan and blame everyone for your troubles. You should be blaming Obama for the lack of opportunity in the job market. You can’t be that old and he has been in office for 6 years, but you would rather blame Republicans for your problems and debt.
You might try answering my question Stan instead of insulting me. I get enough of that from other liberal posters. As I recall, there were about a dozen posters trying to advise you about your life choices and job issues. Perhaps your problem was that you were a professional student too long and your degrees were not in what the market was looking for. Your entitlement attitude also sucks and is very negative.
Take it easy on Stan Agent. He only gets one break a day. Its just so happens a 24 hour break.
November 6, 2014 at 10:51 am
Libby says:
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That’s not fair, FFA.
November 6, 2014 at 11:03 am
Stan says:
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Yes, but Agent, all is not lost. You see, I am very handsome and I am not from Texas. Do you have a grandaughter by chance? They love those kinds of qualities, especially in an educated man with free time. Ill even help her to vote Democratic!
November 6, 2014 at 11:16 am
FFA says:
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And him coming after me is?
November 6, 2014 at 11:20 am
Stan says:
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Take it easy girls, you are all welcome to take shots at Big Stan. I for one am unconcerned with tone or personal attacks. Probably because I live in the real world, which can be a rough and tumble place, not some “we should screw each other politically, but be nice on the internet” fantasy.
November 6, 2014 at 11:06 am
Stan says:
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Agent, all you do on this forum is blame Obama. Interesting that you can pin all your ills on one man. I at least have the courtesy to spread out my spite: all the elderly baby boomer republicans that are ruining this country. The biggest “taker” generation this country has ever seen.
How on earth can young people have a sense of entitlement when they dont even have nothing (debt is a negative asset, Agent. Try to keep up.)
You bet Stan. Obama richly deserves the blame for what he has done in just 6 years. Perhaps you should have applied for a job in his administration to be a spokesman. Did you try that? Your Messiah could really use your help to explain the agenda because the American People just don’t get it. Progressive Socialism is an evil concept and not something the people are going to accept. They proved it on Tuesday.
Stan said-“the country is headed left in a huge way.”
LOL’s- Obviously, you have not been watching the news over the past few months.
After that as* whoopin the dumbocrats took last night, this nation took a big turn right. And get this- In Obama’s own state they lost the Governor to a Republican. In Arkansas (Bill Clinton’s home state) the Democrats- lost. They lost 7 Senate seats and lost control of the senate. Democrats lost 14 house seats and all but 1 or maybe 2 Governor seats. That is an as* whoopin.
To top it off, those college kids who campaigned for Obama in 08 and are now either unemployed or underemployed and paying all the taxes? He lost them. Once they started getting pay checks and saw what the had to pay in taxes they did not like it.
Unless Obama goes to the right and puts down the executive order pen, he will effectively become a lame duck. He will have plenty of time to play golf
You idiot, read what I said. I said that you cannot field a nationally viable candidate (ie the White House). These midterm elections will have little to no effect on either policy or administration, as you don’t have a supermajority. All you really secured was gridlock and, whats worse, the illusion that the Country has affirmed Republican policies. They haven’t.
He will become??? I thought he already was. No bother talking to a gen of entitlement type of a guy. Don’t you know Sarge – Us Old Men owe them because they are.
Sageant, we hope the President catches up with Woodrow Wilson on the number of golf rounds played while being President. They can just send a messenger out to the course with another bill passed by the House & Senate in the next two years and just say, sign here Mr. President and then you can play the back nine.
As usual Libby, your facts are all wrong. By the time this President leaves office, he will have spent one full year on the golf course unless of course he picks up his pace in the next two years because of being a lame duck and not in charge of events. Boehner could give him 5 shots a nine and still beat him in golf.
Agent – if you’re going to tell me my facts are wrong, please have the courtesy to point out what was incorrect. What? You can’t? I didn’t think so.
And since when does Boehner having a better golf game than Obama have diddly-squat to do with anything? Really. My swing’s better than your swing! Could you be any more childish? What? You could? That’s right! Giving yourself 4 thumbs up on that ridiculous post.
November 5, 2014 at 10:48 am
FFA says:
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So Always, Dave and everyone else in IL, at 06:00PM lets all do a shot in honor of our new found freedom!
FFA, with your revenues being down on account of republican policies, I suggest that you take some personal responsibility and save some money, that means sticking with the cheap stuff. We cant all have filets and salmon every night.
November 6, 2014 at 3:49 pm
FFA says:
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Check Il politics Stan, Ive been under Democrat thumb for the better part of 20 years.
November 6, 2014 at 3:54 pm
Stan says:
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You had 8 years of GWB with which you had some good times, assuming you dont count two unfunded wars, Medicare Part D, and the near catastrophic collapse of the global financial structure.
So yeah, Republicans def know what they are doing.
November 6, 2014 at 5:32 pm
FFA says:
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8 years under Bush were some of the best in my career.
Unfunded wars? Whos fault was that? I blame the nut jobs that slammed the planes in to the towers. You were probably still in diapers when that happened. I blame Bin Laden and Huinsane. I also blame them for the global economic collapse. Bin laden accomplished exactly what he set put to do.
Here in the gold ole USA, Billy Boy went on Letterman and took full responsibility for the mortgage collapse. Right out of his own mouth – he stated that the mortgage crises happened due to his policies. That’s happened when Billary & Barak were slugging it out in the primary. go ahead and do your fact checking….
November 6, 2014 at 5:35 pm
FFA says:
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And what exactly do you see wrong with Part D? Old folks getting their RX covered is a sore spot for you? Why? They pay for the coverage – you know provide for them selves. Obama Care made that better for them. Even he thinks its a good idea.
November 6, 2014 at 5:41 pm
Stan says:
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Nothing is wrong with Medicare part D if you pay for it. But republicans didnt. And there is nothign wrong with old people getting medicine. Just like there is nothing wrong with young people being able to see a doctor. The difference being that old people are happy to have the govt pay for them, but no one else.
And you blame bin laden for the economic meltdown of 2008? Thats incredible. You should blame the deregulation of the financial industry, subprime mortgages, not to mention a huge government bailout of wall street. But thats ok, thats not socialism. Kids seeing a doctor is socialism.
November 6, 2014 at 6:43 pm
FFA says:
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Seniors do pay for their part D coverage.
How do you explain Billy Boy comments? I can only interpret them one way – the mortgage melt down was his fault as he clearly stated.
The bail out??? AIG and the likes should have been left to fail. The only ones that would have been left on the unemployment line would have been the bone head execs. The govt has no business bailing out poor management. Of course, they took care of AIG because that’s where their pension money is.
November 5, 2014 at 10:57 am
Sargeant Major says:
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Count me in! I don’t drink booze any longer so I will have a shot of Orange Juice.
Yes, we do the state reelected a Republican governor. The Democrat was a real idiot and was Jennifer Granholm AKA Jennifer Grandtheft’s the former governor’s right hand man. The republican/s lost the Senate seat held by retiring Carl Levin (long time Dem). The Democrat (a tax, spend and tax more) Dem is Gary Peters also known around here as Gary Peterhe*d.
Hey we also have some renewed excitement in Detroit. I believe there has been good press on the redevelopment and revitalization going on downtown. I know the Dems won’t give any credit where it belongs but frankly those nasty billionaires the Dems hate so badly and those money hoarding Republicans should get the credit. People like The Ford’s, The Illitch’s,(Little Ceaser’s, the Detroit Tigers, The Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment) Dan Gilbert (Quicken Loans), Fiat Chrysler Auto, Peter Karmanos on and on. Once they put most of the thugs running the city in prison (Democrats by the way) and forced at least some of the crooks to leave town; things are looking good.
Sargeant, I really hope Detroit does recover and it looks like private enterprise has stepped in to do the job after so many decades of decline, population loss, lack of basic city services and corrupt Democrats running the show. What can be done about the City Council? Can they be recalled and sent packing?
I wonder what Obama will say about the latest “shellacking”. The one in 10 was nothing compared to this. The map was so red, it was hard to pick the pockets of blue out.
Agent – Republicans won because Democrats did not show up at the polls. Don’t get too excited for 2016, as I don’t think it will happen again.
But I am excited to see what a Republican Congressional majority will do over the next 2 years. But I am cautiously optimistic. They’re track record hasn’t been too good in the “getting shit done” category. Maybe they’ll change their colors. Stranger things have happened.
Don’t get too excited about Progressive Democrats making a big comeback anytime soon. Their policies are what has made the biggest mess the country has had in many decades. The people know it and you should too by now.
By the way, Agent and FFA, it might surprise you to know that literally every single one of the worst “Human Development Index” offenders is a red state.
The fact of the matter is that republican policies serve to distribute wealth to the top 1% at the expense of everyone else. End of story. If youre not in the 1%, youre voting against your own self interest.
FFA the only whining on this entire forum is you complaining about democrats gutting your business because of “socialism.” Why dont you use some of that work ethic and gumption you keep talking about to make up the difference?
So what? The checkbook is controlled by Republicans. All they have to do is take away the funding and whatever the issue is, like Obamacare, it dies. even if they take bits and pieces of the funding away. No money no fundy.
And I hope he uses the pen. In fact I hope he continues the executive order. Why? Cause come 2016 people will be so sick of him that they just might not bote for a Democrat. specially if he does what he says he is going to do with Illegal aliens.
LOL! It’s that attitude that’s going to get the GOP kicked out of the Senate and Hillary in the White House come 2016! I hope the GOP keeps up the obstructionism that America is so tired of. Gut the funding. Make Obama a lame duck. You will not be doing anything but cutting your nose off to spite your face. Enjoy the next 2 years. It’s all coming to a screeching halt come November, 2016. Sayonara suckas!
FFA – I know you think this mid-term was some sort of statement from the American people but you need to understand what happened.
Only 40% of minorities showed up to vote. They don’t care about the mid-terms. They WILL show up in 2016 and unless Republicans change their tune, they will be out in 2 years.
Yes, Americans are fed up with gridlock. But that applies to BOTH SIDES of the table. Exit polls still showed 56% of voters had a negative opinion of the Republican party.
I don’t know why I bother to try to tell you guys this stuff. You don’t listen and it only benefits my side if you don’t.
Libby, last week I was all gloom and doom. Faces did change. Gives cause for the Hope Obama “promised” us. If the Repubs don’t get it done, I will continue my Vote Them Out ways regardless of party.
Proof positive – I voted for Jesse White for Sect of St. He is a dem. He gets his job done. He didn’t deserve to lose it.
As I explained to Stan yesterday, I don’t care why, I just care what.
Per CNN, majority of women out voting voted Rep. Dems lost Women, Minority & poor vote.
November 6, 2014 at 11:23 am
Stan says:
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Also untrue, FFA.
Read the Yahoo article Libby posted. This is a victory for the GOP, no doubt about it. But its a nominal victory to be sure – no GOP policies will be enacted. Basically it ensures gridlock.
come 2016, there are 33 new senate seats up for grabs, most held by Republicans. The pendulum will swing the other way, not to mention that well have another 4 years in the Whitehouse with Hillary.
The country is going to turn blue and it doesn’t matter what you grays say.
November 6, 2014 at 11:29 am
Libby says:
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“…majority of women out voting voted Rep. Dems lost Women, Minority & poor vote.” The key to that statement is “out voting.”
Dems lost women and minority votes only because they STAYED HOME. They didn’t actually lose their allegience. As I’ve said before. They won’t stay home in 2016.
November 6, 2014 at 11:41 am
FFA says:
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I stated majority of women out voting voted Rep. People who stay home don’t count at the poll. So, they can sit home and belly ach all they want. They don’t vote, it means nothing.
November 6, 2014 at 11:50 am
Stan says:
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What she is saying is that there is a strong portion of the electorate who’s voice wasnt heard. Mostly because this election didnt matter, gridlock is going to be the result. Similar to what we had before. The real election that matters is 2016, and that will have a much different outcome.
November 6, 2014 at 11:55 am
Libby says:
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FFA – I don’t think they’re sitting at home bellyaching. They either don’t care or they’ve got a wait-and-see attitude. I have a wait-and-see attitude, but I’m not very optimistic. The Republicans will more than likely do what they have historically done in the last several decades – be the party of “No.”
November 6, 2014 at 12:06 pm
FFA says:
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“Mostly because this election didnt matter, gridlock is going to be the result”
That was their choice. Don’t care why, just what. Cant change the why, need to adjust to the what. You know me better then that Libby.
Off topic example – I don’t care why J Geils is making a come back. I just care that they are. Local radio been jamming them since the announcement. Wooba Gubba with the green teeth making an appearance soon… I hear he is bringing Rapuda the Budda with. My face is gonna be blown off at that house party! Bodeans coming to town soon.
November 6, 2014 at 12:14 pm
Libby says:
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But, FFA, if you don’t care about the why you will never be able to change the what! You have to understand why things are happening if you want to make change. Come on. You know me better than that!
November 6, 2014 at 12:33 pm
FFA says:
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For today, I need to understand the what….
Tomorrow, I’ll concern myself with the why.
I don’t need to know why my building sold, just that it did and I may have to relocate.
I don’t need to know why the election brought the results that it did. I just need to know what next so I can adjust. I need to concern myself with the factors that I can control.
November 6, 2014 at 12:40 pm
Libby says:
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FFA – if you don’t know why your building sold, you might make the same mistake in the next office space you rent. You have to understand the why to manage the what.
November 6, 2014 at 12:55 pm
FFA says:
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In the instance of the building sale, I know why. Heeded to offset Cap Gain to get himself back down to the 15%. He wanted to give someone a deal instead of giving the feds more money. He took a substantial loss on this place and some average Joe got the place way below market value. Original PP price was close to $1.25 Mil. He sold it for $275,000.
There is your rich guy helping out some average Joe.
Given the hit he took, he must have made a bunch on some other deal.
November 6, 2014 at 2:05 pm
Libby says:
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So the person buying the building doesn’t want the tenants that come with it? What kind of businessman is that?
November 6, 2014 at 3:13 pm
FFA says:
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I don’t know what the new owners plans are for me. I just signed a 5 year leas in Aug. Been a lot of contractors walking around taking measurements and such. Current owner does not know or he is not telling me. I am in a dying town as over 50% of main st street level is empty. 50% of them empties are in foreclosure. The rest, the owners are screaming at city hall as there is an ordinance that states only retail at street level. So, even if they have space, they cant take my money.
Bleak situation here (in my town). I’ve been on Main St for over 25 years and don’t want to leave…. When I moved in this building Aug, 2013, this was the only property that had vacancy that was not way over priced or was not stressed. some of these people still want over $20 a sq foot when free market is at about $10 – $12 @ sq foot.
Buyout is being considered. Buying an agency over the border is also up for consideration… So many decisions. So many dead brain cells.
November 6, 2014 at 3:40 pm
Sargeant Major says:
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Libby said- “Only 40% of minorities showed up to vote. They don’t care about the mid-terms. They WILL show up in 2016 and unless Republicans change their tune, they will be out in 2 years.”
Every mid term election has had a smaller voting percentage- All of them. Generally, the midterm voter is more educated, more informed, has a better understanding with the direction of the US.
If the Democrats can’t get the ignorant, uninformed and apathetic to vote blindly for the Democrats— Toooo Bad.
Frankly, some of those people can’t even figure out what the issues are. They have to have someone standing in front of the polling booth to tell them who to vote for. I mean hey, if it had not been for stupid people Obama would have never been elected.
Here are some Obama Voters
That’s surprising. You’d think if things are so bleak with high vacancy rates that the price would go down, not up. If it’s a dying town, what about one town over?
November 6, 2014 at 3:54 pm
FFA says:
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Have yet to look. Need to be in Central IL tomorrow on top of all my other stuff going on. Contractor that was here said I have a few month past closing (12/05) before anything is going to happen. There was a lease signed on the store front, but it got yanked off the table. Now the gal in the small unit is sitting in limbo too. She has a growth spurt happening and needed more space. So, she is out no matter what. She needs a few thousand sq feet.
Others just cant see the writing on the wall.
November 6, 2014 at 4:58 pm
FFA says:
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I know Stan. I (CNN) was referring to those that came out to vote. She changed subject matter to those that didn’t. Those that didn’t come out to vote don’t matter. They had the chance to voice their opinion with there votes and chose not to.
I think she misunderstood something. Happens when people have full time jobs.
November 7, 2014 at 9:30 am
Libby says:
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Sarge says “If the Democrats can’t get the ignorant, uninformed and apathetic to vote blindly for the Democrats— Toooo Bad.”
Oh, but they can. And you will see that again in 2016. Sayonara sucka!
November 6, 2014 at 2:52 pm
Agent says:
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FFA, I was amused that in the coverage of the election, the commentators kept mentioning the “wave” of the Republican victories. It looked much more like a Tsunami to me when they kept calling races for Republicans.
Letterman had a few different words. Shellacking. Drubbing just to name a few.
There was another Fence jumping at the White House. This time it was Obama trying to get out..
November 10, 2014 at 5:18 pm
Agent says:
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FFA, Billary and Hilbillary didn’t have much luck saving seats having gone to several states to hug and endorse. Almost all of their endorsed lost, some of them big time. The Clinton magic is apparently gone. I am sure they are wondering what hit them just like a lot of other liberal Democrats. Now, they are in the rationalizing phase and blaming their voters for their failures.
Oh, uninformed one. You don’t even realize how off the mark you are. You are the one that will be wondering what hit you in 2016.
November 6, 2014 at 2:47 pm
Agent says:
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Sayonara Democratic minions who supported the Obama agenda and were busy re-arranging the deck chairs on the ship as it was sinking. Now, they are busy packing up their memontos, pictures into cardboard boxes. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
lol Agent this doesnt even make sense. You poor poor baby, it must be very scary, what with the way the world is changing all around you. Hopefully you dont have anything really concerning in your town, like a round-a-bout or a minority.
Yes it does (make sense). Your just way too smart to understand it.
November 7, 2014 at 11:38 am
Agent says:
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I hate to tell you this Mr. 3 degrees, but we have always adjusted well to what is going on in our market and the world. Politicians in general have made a big mess and Progressivism has invaded the greatest country in the entire world which has made things infinitely worse. I can certainly see why you have been unable to find a decent job. It is very nice to see the beginning of the end of the Obama legacy. By the way, I have plenty of minorities doing business with us. Some of our best customers are black or Hispanic and they are all legal citizens and do not complaing that they are being discriminated against.
November 7, 2014 at 11:45 am
Libby says:
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“Progressivism has invaded the greatest country in the entire world which has made things infinitely worse.”
Progressivism as in PROGRESS??? We know you don’t have alot of that in Texas, but as for the rest of the country, we’d rather go forward (progress) than backwards (regress.)
It’s not 1960 anymore, Agent. You need to keep up (progress) or be left behind (republican.)
November 6, 2014 at 3:31 pm
Libby says:
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Enjoy your hollow victory, Agent. It’s kind of like the last meal before you’re dead man walking. I might just travel to Texas in 2016 to watch the elections with you just to see your face! (You know I know where you live…)
Libby, I think Sargeant hit the nail on the head. We should now characterize Obama’s slogan as “Nope & Change. “Nope” for total rejection of the Progressive Agenda. You can bellyache all you want, but the people spoke in a very loud way. Hit the road jack and don’t come back no more no more.
November 10, 2014 at 8:54 am
Libby says:
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Who’s bellyaching?
November 6, 2014 at 2:50 pm
Agent says:
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Sargeant, I received a great “Photo of the Week” from a Conservative friend today. Picture Obama running in a field with a large herd of Elephants bearing down on him to run him over.
Libby- That is good. He is a Headhunter and I agree. We have high unemployment and the lowest rate of labor participation in years. Your right he has gotten rid of more heads than anyone. LOL!!
Sargeant, I think you and FFA should put Stan on as a Producer. After all, he has three useless degrees from staying in school 8 years. I am sure he would make a good impression on any business owner struggling in this economy and telling them they are the problem, not the solution.
Do you think he accumulated three degrees in a few semesters Libby? Maybe he did it online and sped it up some, but then he wouldn’t have had all that debt he complains incessantly about. It is obvious that the majors he picked were not viable in the marketplace or he wouldn’t have a dead end job.
One is an accounting degree, so I don’t know why that wouldn’t be viable. Everyone needs an accounting department.
I don’t presume to know how long it took him to complete 3 degrees. I’ll leave that to you.
November 6, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Stan says:
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Agent, as we discussed in the previous thread, I have a bachelors in business, an MBA, and a law degree, all from State universities (in-state tuition for all three, should you be curious).
All in, it took me 4 yrs for undergrad, and 3.5 yrs for the JD / MBA because I doubled down on summer-school to graduate early (I thought that it would give me a leg up on the job-hunt. It didnt).
No wonder you cant get a job. All this tells me is you are trying the shot gun approach. You don’t know what you want to do. Most small business would not hire anyone with a law degree unless they need an in house counsel.
The first thing you learned in law school was how to figure 33.33%.
Stick with the law degree or leave it off your resume. Libby is right- everyone needs accountants. Everyone hates lawyers. Not everyone needs a lawyer.
November 6, 2014 at 3:35 pm
Libby says:
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There such a thing as “Business Law.” Stan, are you not able to get on a firm as an associate or even the prosecutor’s office? How about a carrier or TPA claim department? Not sure where you live. Would you be willing to relocate? If you’re young and free, it might be an adventure.
November 6, 2014 at 3:39 pm
Stan says:
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The legal profession mirrors the real world, very few at the top benefiting at the expense of many.
Time to think outside of the box. I’m a lawyer wannabe. That’s why I love insurance. There are plenty of insurance positions that would love to have someone with a J.D. behind their name. I have friend that graduated law school and got a job at Travelers in their claim department. You’d have to start out at the bottom, but you could quickly move your way up. Especially if you’re smart and handsome. Those things count!
November 6, 2014 at 4:00 pm
FFA says:
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Libby advice may be the trick… Travelers has a turn over rate so positions are constantly opening up.
Some of us old folks really do want the best for the young crowd. Me, personally, do wish you well. Sitting around blogging all day tells me you just don’t want to go looking. All them recruiting web sites – waste of time. Get you face in front of people and be persistent but your arrogant entitled self. Try being humble. Its hard for people like you so fake it till you make it.
November 6, 2014 at 5:47 pm
Freedom says:
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I apologize. 7.5 years instead of 8. Forgive me for missing one semester. You certainly sound like a lawyer. No law firms interested with your sparkling personality and as handsome as you are as you have told us? Something is wrong with your picture. Sometimes professional students have a hard time convincing people they are ready for work. If an insurance company had hired you, you would have asked them to fund CPCU so you could keep studying.
November 6, 2014 at 10:57 am
Stan says:
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The degrees are not “useless.” They are just not lucrative. It’s kind of like the inverse of you, Agent. You seem to make money, yet you are, in fact, useless.
Well, I write well and am probably pretty smart, all things considered. And I am an upstanding citizen that does his part to vote for policies that better America, not just a select subsection of America. So I guess that is something.
Besides, relief will come because I am not alone. There is an entire underclass of highly educated, middleclass kids who are saddled with educational debts that they will never be able to repay. Im talking millions of us. Debts that cant be repaid, wont. So eventually the govt will forgive them, meaning that YOU, FFA, will end up footing the bill.
That should please you though, since the people who really benefitted from my loans arent young people, rather they are the school administrators and professors who’s salaries are exorbitant. But they are your age and probably your customers, so it all worked out for you yet again.
Youre welcome!
November 6, 2014 at 3:47 pm
Sargeant Major says:
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Agent-
I don’t think he could sell brothel services on an aircraft carrier.
Sargeant Major, given your tagline, I take it you know a little something about military men and brothels? Or did you get kicked out because of a republican “no gayz in teh military” policy?
My tagline and service is none of your business you tu*d. You should be glad that a lot of guys did serve so you can run your ignorant, 3 degree unemployed mouth. I suppose you sit around all day and vote over and over on this blog
November 6, 2014 at 5:53 pm
Agent says:
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I had to laugh at that one Sargeant. All that education and nowhere to go with it. Hmm! It is hard to work from under a rock. He could be one of those infamous OWS guys who hate America and post from his mom’s basement because he can’t launch.
Agent, do you have any kids? Grandkids? Who showed you the internet?
November 6, 2014 at 11:38 am
FFA says:
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Both of my NIU Interns graduated both with honors. One is a file clerk at a local union office making minn wage and the other is working at a fast food restaurant.
They found jobs in IL… They are not too proud to work below what they perceive is market value. They both accept the fact that they will not be starting at the top.
So, Stan, go to McD’s and start something. You will feel much better about your self and maybe develop some sense of personal responsibility.
Where is your personal responsibility for a changing economic and political landscape? Why dont you branch out and expand your insurance lines to account for your lost revenue? You will feel better about yourself. You should accept the fact that you cant remain at the top.
I just booked by 4th that came in out of nowhere (a referral I was not expecting) Stan. Pushed my submissions cause I want them quotes by week end and sent apps in on a Bid Bond.
What did you accomplish today?
I just got a quote in from I submitted last week. Stan… yesterday, three more in the pipe line, two spitting out one already book and the next hopefully tomorrow. That old school work ethic working again.
Im going to get to it this afternoon. Too busy on my iPhone listening to rap muzik and text messaging.
November 6, 2014 at 11:58 am
FFA says:
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I put in three submissions yesterday. Three sets of accords. Not my producers – mine. Close to $50,000 in premiums. Besides blaming the world for your problems, what did you do?
Personal responsibility – I just took full custody of my grand kids. My parent are being evicted form the nursing home they are in. I am buying a bigger house to accommodate them.
I am expanding my operations in Wis – full court press this time. Failure not an option. By this time next year, I will be housing 9 people (assuming my parents are still alive). How is moms basement treating you?
Pong? FFA, they have calculators now more advanced than Pong. And you didn’t read closely, I said I am personable and I have an Xbox. That is hardly free-loading. Think how pumped you would be to come home to highfives, cheap bourbon, and Grand Theft Auto V? That would make all that stress just disappear.
Libby said- “LOL! It’s that attitude that’s going to get the GOP kicked out of the Senate and Hillary in the White House come 2016!
Obviously you did not watch Obama’s press conference- Defensive, blamed the election on the non voters (what a joke) and essentially said I will work with the Senate and the house as long as they bring me legislation I agree with.
Sorry Libby- I hope he continues to have that position because the American people will see it for what it is and hopefully broom the rest of them. By the way Obama in the last 2 elections has lost a total of 69 Democrat seats. The congress has more Republicans that any time since WW2.
I hope he tries to sign an executive order on Illegal Immigration. If he does that the Dems are done.
What is it you say- Maybe the Democrats should come back when they find better candidates.
I don’t care what Obama said in his press conference. It will have no influence on what happens in 2016. You just don’t get it. Unless Republicans change drastically, once the minorities are out in full force, you will see a wide swing to blue – especially in the White House. I don’t care if you believe it or not. It’s what’s going to happen.
So – as far as better candidates, it’s still my advice for the GOP. Someone like Christie that people on both sides can relate to would be good. But he’s probably not “right” enough for you, I’m sure.
The Republicans cannot field a nationally viable candidate because of social issues and the primary system. The american public at large wants to see compromise and action, the hard right (see, Agent, FFA, Sargeant, as examples) wants to see zero compromise and the abolishment of 50% of the country as “takers” (nevermind the fact that they pay less income tax and take more benefits than any other cohort).
Basically, to win a primary, you have to be against gay marriage, for tax cuts for the rich, against the environment, against infrastructure, against pretty much everything (including women’s reproductive rights). And that is not an electable platform for a rapidly changing national demographic.
Still, dont tell Agent or FFA. I rather enjoy watching them curse at the young whippersnappers who are ruining their lives. We must be pretty powerful and they must be pretty weak to cause such problems.
The best republican candidate in my opinion was Huntsman, but he couldnt get out of primaries (losing to Huckabee!) lol the GOP is just so lost.
November 6, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Agent says:
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There is a good reason why Huntsman could not advance in the primaries. He did not have a good message and he leaned left. That does not appeal to Republicans Mr. 3 degrees.
November 6, 2014 at 6:08 pm
Stan says:
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You dingdong, of course it doesnt apply to the far right wing. It only appeals to the majority of America. That is the whole point, the candidates that appeal to you are unelectable in the Big Dance.
November 7, 2014 at 6:15 pm
Freedom says:
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Libby, had you and wonderful Stan with three degrees been paying attention, the issues are the economy and jobs, not your petty social issues. I don’t see any War on Women candidates on your side winning anything. Sandra Fluke got beat by 21 points in California and Wendy got killed by over a million votes in Texas. People care about their jobs and if they will have one and how to put food on the table. Get over it.
November 10, 2014 at 8:57 am
Libby says:
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Get over what? You just MADE MY POINT. If your side would leave the social issues alone, you’d get a lot more votes. That’s what I’ve been saying all along.
November 6, 2014 at 4:47 pm
FFA says:
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I ve said it before and Ill say it again.
I don’t care one bit about gays. If it makes you happy go ahead.
I don’t care about immigration IF ITS DONE LEGALLY.
Illegal immigration is against the law. You should know from your law degree.
I don’t mind helping people. I do mind leaches.
I could care what women do with their bodies so long as I don’t have to pay for it.
Abortion is wrong. If that’s what you choose to do, that is between you and St Pete when the time comes.
I live in fear of god because I don’t want to burn in hell. I believe in Tax cuts for everyone… Govt is way too big for my liking.
If that makes me far right, well I guess I am.
Actually, that makes you independent. Congratulations, you’re unelectable as a republican.
November 6, 2014 at 5:00 pm
FFA says:
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Then I guess that’s what I am.
November 10, 2014 at 5:27 pm
Agent says:
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Libby, Made your Point? Had you been noticing, the Republicans did avoid the Social Issues traps this time which led to the landslide. That seems to be a good formula and it will work again and again. Udall lost big time with his one issue War on Women campaign. The Republican swamped him by saying birth control should be over the counter. It’s easy and cost effective. No need for it in Obamacare.
November 11, 2014 at 8:56 am
Libby says:
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Yes, Agent. You made my point and you just made it a second time. Thank you. You’re finally catching on.
November 6, 2014 at 5:58 pm
Agent says:
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Sargeant, didn’t you know that Libby does not watch the news or hear any of what her leader has to say live? Of course, I get nauseous after a few minutes listening to the arrogance, condescension and the my way or the highway of this President. He is not interested in working with Republicans no matter how bad he got beat. He still thinks he is relevant even though a sizable number of Democrats have abandoned him and want nothing to do with him. I wonder what the defeated Democrats think of him as they clean out their desk.
Agent, you are aware that it is republicans that have steadfastly refused to compromise with either their democratic colleagues or the president, right? This isnt an opinion, its an obstructionist fact.
Mr. 3 degrees, if Republicans had not opposed Obama’s policies for 6 years, we would have already been Cuba or Venezuela. They couldn’t stop Obamacare because both houses were controlled by Pelosi/Reid, but since they won back the house, they were able to do more and now that they have both houses, he is the one who has to cooperate or he can just go play golf.
“…since they won back the house, they were able to do more…” More what? Obstucting?
And it’s Mr. 3 Degrees, Esq. to you.
November 6, 2014 at 11:10 pm
Sargeant Major says:
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Agent, If I recall Libby only watches the local news and does not have cable. She also has no sound on her computer so she can’t hear you tube but she can comment on the you tube videos she does not like.
You recall incorrectly, Sarge. I don’t watch the news, except the national news occassionally. And I have DirectTV. My work computer has no sound, yet you can google stories and actually read the text of the exchange! I know it’s probably a little high-tech for you to google and all, but it really can be done.
You could forward the IJ to your home computer and listen to the utubes on it unless your home computer doesn’t have sound either. I thought you were a computer wizard.
November 11, 2014 at 8:58 am
Libby says:
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A computer wizard? Nope. And I don’t spend my time at home with my husband worrying about you, Sarge, and your lame YouTube videos. I have much better things to do with my time.
November 7, 2014 at 11:52 am
Agent says:
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Yes Sargeant. I remember her criticizing you on utubes you gave when all the Democrats including Clinton agreed with Bush about Terrorism, Sadam’s having WMD’s etc. No sound on her computer? Perhaps she didn’t want her boss to hear her playing utube when she was supposed to be working.
OK, I don’t know what part of NO SOUND on my computer you guys don’t understand. Are you completely dense or what?
November 7, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Libby says:
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Why would an office full of computers have sound? With telephones ringing, people talking, you also want to have computers blaring? No wonder you can’t get any work done where you are. Turn the sound off! Yeeesh.
November 7, 2014 at 1:00 pm
Get your facts straight says:
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We use headphones if we need to hear our computers. They post meetings and such for us to view later.
November 7, 2014 at 1:28 pm
Libby says:
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That makes sense. If we have webinars, the audio is usually through our phone. If not, they are held in a conference room.
November 7, 2014 at 11:47 am
Agent says:
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Sargeant, let Obama start vetoing good legislation designed to help America like Keystone, Tax Relief etc and see what his approval rating goes to. It could be in the 20’s. Let Hillary keep saying that corporations and business don’t create jobs and see her going down fast. We are tired of their liberal mouths saying government is the solution to everything. The election proved that. All the Republicans need to do is pass legislation and pile it on his desk and let’s see what happens.
LOL! See his approval rating go down! You do know he can’t run for office again, right? Why should he care about his approval rating?
And just a short Economics 101 lesson to refresh your memory (if you even have an Economics degree) – DEMAND creates jobs, not corporations. Corporations SUPPLY jobs based on DEMAND. It’s the old supply and demand theory of economics. Surely you’ve heard about it?
Libby, your Economics IQ is terribly lacking. How are you going to create demand if the economy is bad and jobs are not being created? 70% of the households in America make less than $50,000 per year. The middle class is being squeezed with cost of living, inability to send kids to college. Companies will not invest and expand unless they have incentives to do so. Create jobs and there are more taxpayers with more income and wages will rise due to competition. Even poor Stan might find a job if the economy picks up. If there was better tax treatment on income they are sitting on, they would invest in America again instead of it sitting in accounts in Switzerland. They don’t like Obama’s anti business agenda and his raising taxes. Reform the tax code as well and make it fair for everyone and this economy will take off.
Your overall IQ is terribly lacking. What does any of that have to do with Hillary’s statement that corporations don’t create jobs? They don’t. Demand does.
As for the rest of your post, I agree that the middle class is being squeezed (thanks to Reaganomics), that demand has to increase so jobs are supplied and more taxes are paid, and that the corporate tax structure – in fact the entire tax structure – needs to be revamped.
We’re not so far apart in what we believe. You just have an overwhelming need to insult me and argue with me over nothing.
Still spouting off on what you don’t know I see. You probably still believe that massive spending by the government creates jobs like the trillion dollar Stimulus that couldn’t create one job for poor 3 degreed Stan. Keynsian spending was thoroughly debunked by Milton Friedman. Should I send you some more of his sayings again?
November 7, 2014 at 8:15 pm
Stan says:
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Hahaha oh, agent, you really are old. No one cites Friedman anymore, hes soooo retro. He still thinks that people are rational actors (hint: they arent – look at yourself for example). Try citing a contemporary economist, maybe even a nobel laureate, like Paul Krugman.
November 6, 2014 at 11:07 pm
Sargeant Major says:
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Libby said- “Newsflash. He’s going to have some legislation to sign THIS year while Democrats still have the majority.”
Newsflash Libby, The Republicans control congress and have since the last election. He won’t have anything to sign unless he compromises and he doesn’t.
AND if Republicans have controlled Congress since the last election, the fact that NOTHING has been done and there is total gridlock is definitely the fault of the Republicans. Nice to see you owning up to your own deficiencies as “leaders.”
If you don’t think the American people are smart enough to see that, you’ve got another thing coming. There is no way you guys will have control two years from now. I can hardly wait!
Not so much Libby. Have you forgotten your hero Dirty Harry Reid who has blocked all legislation from ever getting to the President’s desk since 2010 and does to this day. 300+ bills sit there gathering dust while Obama is golfing or fundraising. Who is the obstructionist?
I was responding to Sarge’s statement, Agent. HE’S the one that said the Republicans have been in charge of Congress since the last election. Take it up with him, not me.
In case you need some further education Libby, we do have a Constitutional Republic, not a Democracy. Dirty Harry has been holding court in the Senate for many years. It still takes the House and the Senate to get legislation through and then the President has to sign it. Poor Harry has now flamed out and cannot prevent legislation from being voted on or passed. Sorry Mr. President, you will have to start doing your job now.
November 11, 2014 at 1:29 pm
Libby says:
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I understand the process, Agent. Get down from your soapbox. For the umpteenth time, I hope they do get some stuff done. Jeez! I agree with you and you STILL argue with me. Calm yourself.
So how is producing 300+ bills that are blocked by the looney tune Dirty Harry the fault of the Republicans? Who is exactly responsible for gridlock? Just because Obama wants to install his leftist ideology in government, the Republicans are just supposed to roll over and say OK? I think not. A week ago showed the country is ready for something different. Get used to it.
I’m OK with it. I voted Republican this last election. And I’ve told you I have a wait and see attitude. I hope they DO get something done. I’m just not convinced they have it in them. Time will tell.
Libby, your President will get his opportunity to review numerous bills to be sent over without blockage and he will have to make a decision to sign or veto. Will you blame Obama for gridlock if he does nothing or veto’s good legislation? The pile should be deep and ongoing every week.
November 11, 2014 at 10:53 am
Libby says:
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It depends on what he vetoes.
November 10, 2014 at 1:29 pm
Agent says:
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Stan, you are getting in Ron territory using Paul Krugman, the leftist former Harvard professor who currently writes for the leftist NYT. By the way, the Nobel prize is notable for picking winners from the left like Obama who got it for doing absolutely nothing and is now drone bombing ISIS, Al Gore for his bogus Global Warming agenda and Krugman for his Keynsian leftist spending. How has that worked out for the country? $7 Trillion and counting in new debt and the economy still in the doldrums. Yeah, your guy is not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
Stan, when you don’t have any arguments worth anything, you just resort to name calling like the other leftist bloggers on this site. You fit your model perfectly.
Libby said- “I don’t care what Obama said in his press conference. It will have no influence on what happens in 2016.”
Really, I think that what he said and did got his party smoked in the mid terms. And if you think the “Minorities” are going to blindly vote think again (I guess you could round up an old bus and get the deadbeats and dope heads to the polls and tell them how to vote) then look who got elected- Mia Love (black Female, Susan Collins Maine, Nikki Haley S. Carolina, Saira Blair West Virginia an 18 year old. She beat her democrat opponent by 30 points. Shelly Capito WVA, Jodi Ernst Iowa, Susan Collins Maine on and on.
Sargeant, had the Jonathon Gruber video came out prior to the election, it would have been a clean sweep for Republicans all across the country in about every race. Every Obamacare supporter would have been crying in their beer. Their POTUS and the blind minions who perpetrated this evil should be held accountable for this travesty.
Healthcare for all Americans is perpetrating evil? You sound like an hysterical old woman for Pete’s sake! Health insurance, good. No health insurance, bad.
Libby, you sound like a leathery old liberal broad who can’t tell evil from good. Progressive leftists are never going to do good things for Americans. After all, we must stick to the agenda of making America more like Cuba or Venezuela. Hey fellow Progressives, let’s do class warfare, gender warfare, race baiting and make Republicans look bad. That message should sell, right?
Funny thing happened at the polls last Tuesday. Progressive leftists lost in a landslide of mammoth proportions. Guess the message got old and and voters woke up and realized how bad the governance has been.
Really? What does a leathery liberal sound like? You do make me laugh. What part of I VOTED REPUBLICAN do you not understand???
Last I looked, no-one in my party wants us to be Cuba or Venezuela, but whatever floats your imaginary boat, Agent. Continue your existence in la-la land or whereever you are you crazy old coot.
November 6, 2014 at 11:56 pm
Sargeant Major says:
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Agent said- “Sargeant, I received a great “Photo of the Week” from a Conservative friend today. Picture Obama running in a field with a large herd of Elephants bearing down on him to run him over.
He Agent check out the cover of the NY Dailey News
How about a shout out on the eve of Veterans Day for Sargeant Tamerisi finally being let out of the Mexican jail after rotting there for nearly 8 months while our Commander in Chief was out playing golf and doing fundraisers. If it hadn’t been for the private efforts of Greta Van Susteryn and a couple of Republican lawmakers, he would still be there.
Well, the Administration just got two American prisoners out from our arch enemy North Korea after being incarcerated on trumped up charges. Why is one of our brave soldiers such an issue with you? In the soldiers case, Obama could have made one phone call and told our biggest trading partner that all Mexican trucks would be stopped at the border until they released our Marine. He would have been out of there in a heart beat.
So bringing trade between our two countries to a screeching halt is a good solution according to you? Even if he had that kind of power, that’s absurd. You don’t handle diplomatic issues with blackmail. Well, YOU might, but no other sane person does.
November 10, 2014 at 5:40 pm
Agent says:
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It is called “exerting pressure” on a government to get some action Libby. That is something your President has no clue about.
November 7, 2014 at 1:27 pm
Stan says:
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Fact, the GOP is doomed for failure (from a Conservative blog, no less).
Yes Always. I saw that earlier in the day. Let’s hope SCOTUS does the right thing this time. Those subsidies are a big issue and will drain the taxpayer further. The law was very specific on who got the subsidies through State Exchanges. Weren’t the left in shock when 36 States didn’t opt for exchanges or expand Medicaid? They thought it would just sail through. As you know, most of the exchanges have been a joke anyway. Oregon didn’t write one policy through theirs even will millions given to them.
I don’t see any way they could keep it on the book. The law is the law. I cant go into traffic court and tell the judge “I intended on doing the speed limit”.
What say you Stan – which way does the SCOTUS have to rule if they are following the law the way it is written?
FFA, as part of the plan to ram Obamacare down the nation’s throat, they misjudged America thinking that it was a done deal setting up the Exchanges. Much to their surprise, 36 of the 50 decided “Not” since the price tag including expanding Medicaid which quickly has a huge price tag on the states. I expect the court to find a legal way around the language of the bill even if it is as plain as Libby’s nose.
After further review, it is Obama. Since when does he have to follow the law?
November 7, 2014 at 3:05 pm
FFA says:
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On my travels today, I noticed three more stores shut down… My wife tells me another anchor pulled out of the mall. Got to be another 50 people new to the unemployment line in my town.
Good luck Stan (regardless of whos fault you think the current job situation is)….
All the people that lost in the election get a big F u for Screwing everything up… Don’t matter what side of the isle, just a big bunch of do nothing’ers… No well wishes for them. They screwed it up for you just like they did for me.
November 7, 2014 at 4:18 pm
Freedom says:
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FFA, following is a good one right down your alley.
I saw a friend the other day and we discussed all the illegal voting going on in this country. He told me his dad never in his entire life voted for a Democrat until 10 years ago and now he votes Democrat every year. I asked him what had happened. He said his Dad passed away 10 years ago.
Here in IL, we had a Robo dialer calling the election judges telling them they did not qualify for a judge due to improper training. Saw that about 2000 judges didn’t show up. There was one request under the freedom of info act for the names of the judges.
A new low in IL Politics whom ever did it. Of course, everyone is denying it.
Agent – you must be on cloud 9! Ben Carson is running for POTUS in 2016! Now you can get out on the campaign trail with him and help assure that Hillary takes the White House!
Even Billary will be an improvement. Now that she is G Ma, I would advise against it. Life will be much easier if she just enjoys the company of the little one. After her run as sect of state, she would have to be insane to take that job.
FFA, Billary has already messed in her kit. She said that corporations and businesses do not create jobs in this country. This was after she said that she and Bill were completely broke when he left office and had trouble making payments on several mortgages and doing Chelsea’s education and after she said the video was responsible for Benghazi. I hope she keeps making statements like these. It would be good campaign ads for whoever is her opponent. Almost as good as Obama saying – Make no mistake, my policies are on the ballot.
Oh shes old too. And truth be told, I would prefer Elizabeth Warren over Hillary. But a win is a win, and I’ve matured in my old age and no longer let perfect be the enemy of good.
November 7, 2014 at 5:17 pm
FFA says:
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What say you Stan – which way does the SCOTUS have to rule if they are following the law the way it is written?
Your the smartest unemployed lawyer I know. You have a chance to sport what you learned in your honors degree.
November 7, 2014 at 5:31 pm
Stan says:
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They will rule whichever way Kennedy feels like at the moment. And no, they are no more likely to enforce a law as written as they are to ignore intent. This is a complicated discussion (and I know you were being rhetorical with your question), but the short answer is, I don’t know.
November 7, 2014 at 5:52 pm
FFA says:
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Thanks for your honesty.
November 7, 2014 at 6:09 pm
FFA says:
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And Stan, I was wanting a Legal Opinion. Nothing else. Trying to lay out the odds… 50/50.
November 10, 2014 at 9:08 am
Libby says:
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Agent – why do you respond to my post about Ben Carson with a silly comment about Hillary Clinton? You are like a small child with a shiny object. Focus.
Libby, are you a racist running down a black Conservative who has done nothing but work hard and become a world famous Neurosurgeon? I will be happy to work for Dr. Carson. I don’t think we will catch him saying that government is the solution or that corporations and businesses don’t create jobs.
November 10, 2014 at 1:57 pm
Libby says:
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LOL! Because I don’t happen to think being a neurosurgeon qualifies one to be President of the United States I am a racist?!? Really? That doesn’t make me a racist, that makes me smart.
What qualifies him to lead this country and, indeed, the world? The fact that he’s a brain surgeon? Hardly. But you go ahead and thump on his behalf! I can’t wait until 2016!
November 7, 2014 at 4:12 pm
txmouthbreatherboogereatertx says:
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’bout damn time a 7th Day Adventist ran. Imagine the fun we will have playing with snakes and drinking strychnine all the while speaking in tongues. Rur Rur Rur Rur Rur Rur Rur
Libby, what makes you think Dr. Carson is less qualified than the Community Organizer that never ran a business, had no experience in government other than to vote present in Illinois and then spent his brief sojourn in the Senate running for President? By the way, Dr. Carson doesn’t need a teleprompter to make a speech. If you had paid attention to what he has to say, you might agree with me, but we all know you love the guy you voted for twice. Conservative values always trump Socialist ideology. I will take a smart Neurosurgeon any day. He might just straighten out the huge mess with Healthcare in this country.
And Obama is not qualified to be President judging from the mess made and being a total Narcissist and his my way or the highway approach. When has he compromised on anything in 6 years? Every year, the pundits keep wondering if he will compromise and every year, they are disappointed. He says, bring me legislation that I agree with and I will sign it. That is the Progressive way and led to the greatest loss in modern history. Yes, his policies were on the ballot.
Libby, I challenge you and wonderful 3 degree Stan to go onto today’s Monday Townhall.com and see the article on how Democrats deliberately lied to the voters who they call stupid to get Obamacare passed. I know you don’t have sound, but there are videos on the admissions. These people really don’t have any shame. Sargeant and FFA, I hope you view it as well. The article is from Katie Pavlich. Very revealing on this most transparent government. We see right through them. Can I have some spin please?
I would have been happy to do that if you had provided a link, Agent. But since you’re too lazy to do that, I’m too lazy to go hunt for it.
November 11, 2014 at 9:57 am
Agent says:
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Too lazy to go on the Internet and type in Townhall.com Libby? It is the lead story. Too lazy to see Jonathon Gruber admitting he lied his butt off to the “stupid” voters? This goes right to the heart of the issue from the top down to the minions. You wouldn’t be able to hear him anyway since your outdated computer doesn’t have sound.
November 11, 2014 at 10:00 am
Libby says:
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Post a link. I dare you.
November 11, 2014 at 11:50 am
Agent says:
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Libby, you can also go to http://www.foxnews.com and see this story in all its glory with videos, statements the sorry Jonathon Gruber happily made about the massive lie of Obamacare and their arrogance of the deception. This is Progressiveism at the maximum level. Hey voters, we lied to you about keeping your plan, your doctor and saving $2,500 for the average family. Our back up plan is to install single payer. How do you like those apples? Gruber and Ezekiel Emanuel and others that crafted this “law” should be incarcerated next to Bernie Madoff.
November 11, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Libby says:
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Agent – You realize that video is over a year old, right? What took you so long?
November 10, 2014 at 9:50 am
FFA says:
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Off topic…. How bad are the Bears??? Good they put them on National TV so the entire country can see.
Well FFA, I tend to agree with you on the Bears. I tried to watch some of it and had to flip the channel. I wonder if they had not let Lovie go if they would be this bad now. I bet Sargeant is glowing this morning after his Lions pulled out the game against the Dolphins who are a legitimate team. Good to see Calvin Johnson back. He is one of my favorite receivers in the NFL. Detroit is good enough to make some noise this year.
I wonder the same thing… Sarge has to be happy. Was glad to see CJ drop that one as it would have gone against me. But Big Ben came threw in garbage time with an 80 yd TD pass to my Free agent pick up last week. Of course I have to put him on the field and he only throws one TD. All in all, a 15 point swing on my score board.
Libby, as far as I know, this video and admission has not appeared on any website until now. What a smoking gun if there ever was one! If you saw it and remained silent not posting a link, why is that? Was it on Huffington Post, Moveon.org, Media Matters, MSNBC? I wonder why they are so silent. By the way, the facts are the facts and your liberal friends are not singing a happy tune right about now. I don’t think there is a statute of limitations on crimes like this. Lying to the American People is right up there on serious crimes, especially if 1/6th of the economy is affected.
That’s different. That’s lying under oath to a judge or jury. Just lying for lyings sake is not illegal.
November 11, 2014 at 3:13 pm
Freedom says:
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Still trying to spin Libby? There is not anything you can think of to cover up this travesty. Progressives are culpable for lying to the American People over and over to promote their agenda. This is far worse than Clinton’s lie to the Grand Jury about the intern under the desk and wagging his finger into the camera. When you have good people being bilked of their money, I think that constitutes fraud on a massive scale. Snake oil salesmen personified.
November 11, 2014 at 3:32 pm
Libby says:
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I’m not spinning Agent. I’m telling the truth. Something you know little about. Lying is not a crime. I said it’s morally reprehensible. Did you miss that part? I’m not condoning it or agreeing with it. Just correcting your assertion that it’s criminal behavior.
Some things just don’t need to be said.. Sure as the sun goes down, groups will be dropped.
FFA, how will the taxpayers be affected if two thirds of an applicants premium will be picked up by the government in subsidies? I don’t think you will like the answer.
We are gonna get screwed….. Strange how many people don’t get that simple fact. Its math – not Obamas new math, old school math.
FFA, you may remember the late Senator Everitt Dirksen from Illinois who once said – a billion here and a billion there and pretty soon you are talking about serious money. Now, our government talks in trillions instead of billions and don’t have a problem hosing the taxpayers.
One of the few IL politicians that said something that made sense.
Nice name change Agent. I knew you wouldn’t be able to stay away.
The taxpayer (consumer of health care) will pay as follows:
1. I as a professional business services owner with 10 employees who can no longer afford to pay 22% annual increases will drop employer provided coverage.
2. The employee (taxpayer) will now go out on the exchange for coverage.
3. The employer will make a contribution to the employees cost
4. The employee will now have to shoulder the entire monthly premium (plus all deductibles) with the help of the employer contribution VS having previously only paid the deductible.
5. Employee makes to much in salary to qualify for discounts
Bottom line…the employee pays more out of pocket meaning they have just reduced their upper middle income salary of 70K a year considerably to cover their family health care.
As a business owner for the past 20 years…we’ve gone from providing our employees 100% coverage with no deductible to being on the verge of forcing our employees into the exchange next year…just so we can manage our healthcare costs enough to stay in business.
As for hiring new employees…forget about it.
And that my friends is the reality of it –without any politics involved.
mpa, The billions upon billions given in tax subsidies have to come from somewhere. It seems to me you laid out the majority of problems associated with this law, but the hidden costs of additional taxes to be levied on the population make it much worse. I saw last week that the younger population will be getting a 78% increase. I wonder how that will sit with the younger folks on open enrollment starting 11-15-14. It won’t be a pretty sight and many will just drop out and pay their fine/tax.
Freedom,
That is one of the reasons why the US now has a $17.5 trillion dollar debt and going to 20. That is also why Obama took 750 Billion from Social Security, to fund Obamacare. Now we have a record debt and social security is on it way to major changes and even possible bankruptcy.
p.s. Have you gotten that $2,500 cost reduction in your health insurance as Obama promised everyone?
It makes sense, especially since the coverage provided under the ACA is often better than even what the employer was providing previously.
Organically, what will happen is that more employers will drop the coverage and instead provide money to their employers to pay for their own coverage, thus separating insurance from employment…the way it should be.
The way it should be???? Should the taxpayers be burdened with all the extra taxes from all the subsidies given out? How much extra tax are you willing to pay Swede?
Still fighting the freedom sucking Obamacare?
I don’t disagree with the separation. Of course, as long as people have it, I don’t see what the difference is. I thought the cobra time frame should have been done away with. As long as I was willing to pay for it, I should have been able to keep it.
Better coverage??? How many people do you think will make decisions based on premium? I know one that got screwed by that line of thinking and they can thank someone sitting on the other end of the 800 number. Cost that person over $20,000 out of pocket this past year to have a price – not coverage – pushed on them.
One of my beefs with the law, not using the existing infrastructure and the trained licensed professionals to distribute it. Especially in the initial roll out. Instead – a minn wage phone clerk not bothering to check networks / specialists ect… And if you don’t think this is going to have an impact on your tax bill…. “Blind faith in your leaders will get you killed”.
So to me, it don’t make sense to disrupt the entire system all at once.
We have seen very few taxpaying customers benefit from ACA. On Thursday of last week a very good friend of mine who owns his own business got his renewal. Total number of employees- 5. His old plan (pre Qbamacare) 632 for health insurance 1,500 deduct per person. Include vision and eye care and total was about $900.00. Last year it went to $987 for health insurance with a 5,000 per family member. Total including vision and dental- $1,150.00. This renewal $1,165 for health insurance with a $7,500 per person deduct. Total including vision and dental $1,410.00- By the way, he subsidized his employees about a third. Can’t do that now so, all employees are going to the exchange and he will continue to subsidized at the old (original) premium level.
He needs a better agent.
Libby the loon,
Unfortunately, he won’t find it in you- LOL
You’re right. I don’t sell benefits.
LOL Major! Millions of the working poor unable to afford healthcare!! LOLZ!!!!!!
Stan, what has the PPACA cured?
As we have discussed ad nauseum, it has expanded access to healthcare to millions. had we gone to single-payer, we might have been able to cut costs as well. As FFA is currently experiencing, no one should have their life savings eviscerated because a family member gets sick.
Sargeant, I saw an article this morning that people that signed up for Obamacare last year are surprised that their deductible is so high and networks are so limited. They can’t find a treating doctor and their coverage won’t pay anything unless they satisfy a large deductible, so they are having to go to free or low cost clinics for treatment or go to the Emergency Room because of affordability issues. Isn’t this what Obamacare was supposed to have fixed since the common complaint was how big a burden giving people Emergency Room treatment was on society as a whole.
Agent…I mean Freedom,
Would it kill you to cite the source these “articles” you are constantly referencing? Are you afraid that the information in anecdotal without and data to back it up?
If you read his comment, it’s actually an affirmation of Obamacare, as people are now signing up. He’s speaking to the cost side of the equation, which Republican’s overwhelmingly blocked in the passage of the ACA.
Basically the right refuses compromise, sabotages govt, then shrieks when it doesnt work. Well no kidding, gray hair. You ruined the country.
This is what my wife’s employer (approx 22 employees) is doing. Employer’s decision is based on the increased cost to maintain the current plan. Employer has decided to provide a Health Reimbursement Account. While they will spend about the same money, it will be redirected as individuals will obtain their own coverage. In our case, given our age, our medical costs will spike, while younger employees will pay less. Few, if any, employees will qualify for subsidies.
Hey 3 degree Stan. Please pray tell how Republicans blocked anything on Obamacare. When this so called “law” was passed, Obama had both houses of Congress. The problem was in their own caucus who had many Blue Dog Democrats who had reservations. They had to be bribed, coerced and threatened with loss of committee positions to vote for this piece of trash legislation. They then promptly lost their seat in the 2010 mid terms, but Nancy gave them a swell going away party. I wonder what kind of party the newly departing will get this year after supporting Obama/Reid & Pelosi’s agenda.
Well, that didn’t take long. More tax cuts for the rich!
http://news.yahoo.com/election-brings-gop-power-state-capitols-210245044.html
This is actually much better for the employee, as their health insurance will be portable and they will not have to rely on their employer to have coverage. There are many people that are working only because the employer offers health insurance. Those people can now move on &/or retire.
That supports my position of reforming the Cobra Laws. When I started in this biz, Group Plans offered Guaranteed Conversion to individual polices (Pre Cobra). With every law that passes, its the little guy that gets screwed.
“There are many people that are working only because the employer offers health insurance. Those people can now…”
Yes, those people can now quit to become poets! Very exciting!
No. They can retire. Or switch jobs.
Nancy, you simpleton, by allowing them to move, you free up the labor market, permitting wages to rise since people now have the free will and bargaining power to decline lower wage jobs.
Whats going on in Il? How bad is it?
http://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-true-unemployment-rate-18-1-percent/
Your article is very informative FFA. This has been going on for some time and Illinois isn’t the only state that has a problem with the labor participation rate which is the lowest in at least a generation. The Labor Dept can publish all their 6.2% rates they want and it is totally false when we see the dropouts from looking for work, the increase in Social Security Disability applicants etc. We all know how the young College Graduates can’t find work and have to live at home. Let’s hope this all starts changing after the mid terms.
Line at the Poll this am was longer then I have ever seen.
Was your vote changed from Republican to Democrat up there in Chicagoland FFA or did it record right? This mid term seems to have more energy this time. Could it be the voters have had enough of Democratic rule since they have made an absolute mess on just about everything? Hopefully, this will exceed the “shellacking” of Democrats we saw in 2010.
The voters have had enough. Period. It’s not a party thing, Agent. We’re tired of gridlock in Congress and nothing being passed regarding jobs. We’re tired of the rich getting richer and the middle class disappearing. Aren’t you?
I could care less if the rich get richer. ITs the American Dream. I will not hold that grudge.
I will, however hold the grudge of the folks shrinking the middle class. 2008, I brought home $125,000. I’ll be lucky to hit $60,000 this year.
FFA – I would care less if they weren’t getting richer off the backs of the middle class. Once they start doing that, all bets are off.
The reason that youre making less, FFA, is because republican policies have eviscerated the purchasing power of the middle class. Think of it this way, without single-payer, middle-income Americans are forced to spend an inordinate amount of their discretionary income on healthcare. Income that could go to other things, say local insurance for example, instead of Geico.
The reason I am making less is partly because the State of IL chased out a bunch of Mono Line Comp Carriers when they passed Workers Comp reform. Over $500,000 in premium volume gone. when ACE pulled out. Then carriers decided they don’t want anything under $10,000 (I was very heavy in that premium range) chasing another $750,000 in premium out of my agency. Throw on all the foreclosures & payment problems, the state of IL not paying the Medicaid Based business I have no time left for New Business acquisition. Not to mention the fact the health carriers pounded down commis from 15% to 5%. That is about $1.5 mil within 24 months of the Democrats pushing this “reform” agenda because a bunch of state employees were abusing the system.
No one will ever convince me single payor is the way to be. Open Market Competition is what this country was built on. More Govt interference into private business is what is killing jobs, has messed up the Health Care system and will be our down fall.
If that is the case, then open up state lines to encourage insurance companies to compete. You can’t have isolation and competition. I would also regulate the consolidation of healthcare entities to ensure smaller practices can thrive.
Also, for the sake of argument, why are you against single payer no matter what? Canada has it and their citizens love it. As does most of Europe, again with their citizens loving it. They also pay less per capita than we do, for better results. Why not permit both, a single payer option for all americans, with a private market for those who want more (similar to FedEx & the US Postal Service). Serious question.
Because Stan, everyone I know / have talked to that has been single payor (Canadian in particular) has had nothing but excessive wait times to see doctors for needed surgeries.
Waterbug – where R U?
Stan, I have relatives in Canada who would not agree with your statement.
Great, I have relatives in Canada that do agree with me. So I guess we’re even and will have to rely on unbiased reporting.
Actually…
Most people in Canada don’t have problems with wait times.
I don’t support a universal care system, as the max amount that can be spent for people is higher with a working private system, which would mean a higher max quality of care,
But for basic care and most needs a universal system is not bad.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Canadian complain about it.
In fact…They are nearly universally proud of it. Pun intended.
Are you some kind of a Bolshevik agitator here?
Not me. Just an old man trying to pay my bills…
Yes I am. It’s time for revolution.
Revolution happened last night in America!
Congratulations to the Republicans. I mean that sincerely. I only hope they can accomplish more than just obstructing.
For what it’s worth, I voted for Republicans in 10 of the 13 elections. The only reason I voted for4 Democrats in the other 3 was because a Republican was the incumbent.
Voted for all challenges across the board, even if it meant voting for the less qualified candidate. Anyone else have the courage to do that?
If the corrupt politicians have no desire to implement term limits, the voters can do it for them.
Ron, Ried had 350 bills on his desk that he did nothing with. Obama didn’t say boo about them. Who was blocking who from getting things done. I am SO glad Reid is gone. Period.
Ron,
That isn’t courage. That’s complete ignorance. You may as well have drawn a Christmas tree. Whether someone is or is not currently in office does not show whether or not they are doing a good job.
Voting for the sake of getting everyone out of office is not courage.
It just causes more gridlock. Those guys you voted in would have lost 3 guys who may have helped them.
Always Amazed,
Neither side is exempt from blame from me. Do you think it si Ok for the Republicans to bloke evertyhing the Democrtas support?
I have never, and will never defend Senator Reid. If you have read my previous posts you would know that I really do not like him or Representative Pelosi.
As long as the Republicans focus on improving the current fiscal issues and avoid social issues, I will support them.
Bob,
It is called principle. In my opinion, the only way to obtain term limits is for the voters to impose them. Holding elected office was not suppose to be a career. How has re-electing the same clowns over and over again avoided gridlock?
I’ll take my chances with my approach. If it creates more gridlock in the short term, so be it. I prefer to send the message to these yahoos that their jobs are not safe and they need to do the people’s work, not what gets them re-elected.
Ron,
No. It’s a science. Cause and affect. When you vote, if your measure to get affect is to change all reds to blues and blues to reds, you create the same norm each time. A gridlock.
It isn’t a chance. It’s a guarantee.
Policies are what to vote for. I will take my chances with informed voting as opposed to the “vote out the incumbents” theory, while ignoring all policies, and also complaining about the ones that passed while I use that voting method.
You complained about the ACA. Your Christmas tree similar vote out the incumbents caused it. If Obama wasn’t elected, we wouldn’t have it. If people had not voted out the incumbents in 2006 and again in 2008, we wouldn’t have it.
It creates a constant swing and constant battle. Now we are red, now blue, now red, now blue, and a constant fight.
Bob – it’s not about red or blue. It’s about not giving someone another 4 or 6 years at a job that they suck at. If I performed as poorly as these jokers have, I would most certainly have been fired. The only way to fire them is to vote them out. That means voting for their opponent. We need fresh blood in Congress, not the same-old, same-old from these career politicians.
Libby,
I am all for voting out incumbents who aren’t doing their jobs, and firing them.
Whether or not they are an incumbent doesn’t determine this.
In fact, doing this tells the next guy to fight the incumbents. You guys tell the new ones to be fired up, and then just vote them out for not getting it done later.
It’s exactly what I put above. Red, then blue, then red, then blue. That’s what ends up happening.
Voting should be based on how they voted, what they tried to do, and who blocked what you wanted to be passed. By voting out just based on someone being an incumbent, you might vote out the guy who supported your position.
Quit using the wrong moniker please. I am afraid you have it all wrong. It is a party thing. People are really PO’d about what the Democrats have done for 6 years +. We need new leadership and we need to make a very lame duck out of the President before he can do any more damage.
I used the correct moniker.
Well, you got your wish Agent. Republican majority. I sure hope you guys don’t piss it away with all your petty B.S. that we’ve seen for the past umpteen years. Repeal ACA, outlaw abortion, no rights for anyone except white males, etc. etc. etc.
Just so you know, I voted for a Republican governor (he lost) and Republican Representative (he won.)
Libby, How did that “War on Women” work out for you last night? Bright Conservative women elected all over the country. Senator Uterus in Colorado was rejected for his one issue campaign. Voters are sick of this and it showed. Your liberal ideas were on trial and they were comprehensively rejected nationwide. The country finally turned the corner after 6 years of slumber. If the House & Senate do their job, they will send bill after bill to the President’s desk and it is his choice to sign or veto. It is time to get America moving again.
Agent – I’m always happy to see women in a position of power, conservative or liberal. Your disgusting slur of “Senator Uterus” is totally uncalled for and just what I would expect from you.
I’ll say it again, we’ll see whether Republicans can actually govern or if they will continue their obstructionism. The ball is in their court.
Ron, we appreciate your congratulations. I should correct you though about Republicans being obstructionists. You seem to have forgotten that Harry Reid has blocked virtually every bill sent over from the House and I think the backlog is about 300 bills. Who was the obstructionist? We do have a chance now to debate and pass bills that will help America. Obama will have the chance to be either an obstructionist by vetoing or to sign the legislation. Let’s hope he gets it now and will actually do the right thing for America.
Let’s hope they all do what’s right for America and we all quit playing the blame game. It doesn’t matter who did what in the past. Let’s just move forward and get stuff done in the present.
Libby, the Denver Post called Udall Senator Uterus for his ridiculous one issue campaign. You should really try to stay up with the news instead of reading Huffington Post. Call the Post up and complain to them for their slur. Republicans have been called far worse and much of it from you.
Agent – Since I am FROM Colorado and my sister is a prominent member of Colorado politics, I’m well aware of what goes on in the state. I don’t care if George Soros himself said it. You did not need to perpetuate it.
Agent – I also like Mia Love, the first female African American elected to Congress. I’m for all women! Any party, color, age, or shape. I will not disparage them based on their looks like I have heard you do many, many times.
I would have started with Tort Reform. See where that gets us and go from there. If you work in this business, you have got to know cost is driven by Liability Settlements.
When I sat in that CE Seminar listening to that Comp Commissioner patting himself on the back about Comp Reform, I just wanted to kick him in the nuts. The reason why loss ration is down is because everyone under $10,ooo Mono Line went into the pool pushing the cost for small business up by a minn of 10% probably more in line with up 25%. You guess it – A Quinn (Dem) yes man.
Open up state lines and trust the feds???? Are you kidding me? Have they not lied to you enough? My surrounding states are dong just fine. I am sure they would fight some sort of Fed take over of the Insurance Industry. Why would Indiana Carpenters want their 5645 code to go from about $12.00 to over $20.00 (IL Rate). Dont forget, there is an IL politician in the white house.
Ill bite on tort reform, but to blame lawyers for the universal increase in healthcare costs across the country is absurd. The reason that healthcare – – like education and housing – – has been increasing in cost is because it can. Thats it. Its because you have to have it. For a microcosm of this concept, look at law schools ,who just now after 50 years are starting to freeze / lower tuition. And the only reason that they are doing it is because the demand shrunk – people are no longer paying it. So for as long as you need to see a Dr to maintain your health, you will see healthcare costs rise. Tort reform is just one small part of it.
And Indiana wouldnt want their costs to increase, but Illinois would like their costs to decrease. Allow IL to purchase across state lines and put pressure on their rates.
Basically, Healthcare is not a good that responds to market forces for two reasons 1) incomplete information – no one really knows the best course of action, hence the need to see a specialist / Dr. 2) imbalance in bargaining power – you are a great example of this concept. A family member gets sick and it puts extreme pressure on you financially because, in all honesty, what are you going to do, not pay? Of course not. What is your life worth? Everything you’ve got.
Stan, I’ll add a third – OVER REGULATION. I need an operation on my eyes. The “fix” is approved in Europe for years, but the Feds are dragging their feet on giving it approval in the US.
Lost cost in IL are about 2x Indiana. Not fair to Indiana. IL Jury awards & settlements are crazy. Look up Cook County Jury Verdict Reporter and see for your self. I don’t blame lawyers, I blame the juries. I would contend that Tort is the main factor.
Once upon a time, I quoted an OBGYN right out of Med School Malpractice. In 2007 that premium was $75,000 before she even had a single patient.
Ill concede tort reform, especially with OBGYNs (a particularly sympathetic plaintiff). But you simply cannot blame the entire cost – – or even the majority – – on tort reform. Most states, including that liberal bastion California have limits on med mal awards.
The insurance companies are more like unregulated utilities: they are screwing us because they can. Government regulation is the answer to markets that do not function on their own. It works for electricity and water, there is no reason it cannot work for flu shots.
Insurance Companies are one of the most regulated industries – at least in my neck of the woods.
FFA – I think Stan is talking about opening up selling health insurance across state lines, not WC. You can already do that.
And if premiums going up for small WC accounts brought the loss ratio down, then the rates were too low to begin with. I know IL has terrible WC laws for construction accounts. I don’t know about other classes of business.
And Stan is right and it has been confirmed in study after study, lowering caps on med mal claims does not lower the cost of health care. There was just an article on that very same thing on IJ this past week citing TX and MA. Med mal is NOT the reason for skyrocketing health costs.
Single payer is the only way to go. If you have 99% of the market share, THAT is bargaining power. Canada and the UK, despite what others will tell you, are very happy with their healthcare. They pay less per capita for healthcare than we do because they manage the costs better. If you have that, with a private option, you’d have the best of both worlds. There should be no profit agenda when it comes to healthcare. It’s a disincentive to help anyone get well.
Libby, need I remind you that Republicans suggested that Health Insurance carriers should be allowed to sell across state lines to create competition between carriers? Your President dismissed that idea out of hand and told Republicans to get to the back of the bus because he was going to do it his way. Obamacare was passed with no provisions like this. If there had been compromise and good ideas of Republicans incorporated in the law, it might not have been a totally partisan law as it turned out to be.
Agent, Republicans arent looking to “compromise” you boob. They are looking to sabotage. Read something for once.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2014/01/31/gop-obamacare-sabotage-works/
Libby, I don’t know if you will like Mia Love like we do. She is as Conservative as they come and will be against your War on Women agenda. We need her and Joni Ernst up their kicking some liberal butt and shaking up the establishment on both sides. It is very refreshing to get this new blood into Congress. They have a lot of work to do to recover our good graces.
Agent – I have no War on Women agenda. I have not said there is a war on women. I am for equal rights for all. That includes women. And all minorities.
I think you will find Mitch McConnell bringing all the teajadists into line very quickly. That “in your face” approach will not serve you well in 2016. Americans want things done. We don’t want more obstructionist behavior like Ted Cruz and his ilk will try to bring. Everyone needs to move more to the center and do what’s right for the country.
Libby, do you think the President and his minion followers in Congress will move to the center to get things done instead of trying to implement Progressive legislation? The guy you voted for twice doesn’t even think he was repudiated on Tuesday. His biggest mistake in this election was to say – “Make no mistake about it, this election is about my policies”. Guess what Mr. President, the policies you stand for resulted in the biggest change in Congress in 60 years. By the way, McConnell will have to come along with the new wave of more Conservative Senators elected or he won’t last long. He had better push the legislation through that Harry Reid was blocking. It should be interesting seeing what will happen with the lame duck Congress and the first six months of 2015 to see what happens. The American People have awakened and they want action, particularly on jobs, the economy, tax reform. Exit polling revealed 73% of voters want immediate action on these issues. Social programs, not so much.
Agent – you really love to hear yourself talk. On the one hand you say “The American People have awakened and they want action, particularly on jobs, the economy, tax reform.”
Then you turn around and say “McConnell will have to come along with the new wave of more Conservative Senators elected or he won’t last long.”
Those two statements contradict each other. The American people don’t want more conservatives. They want EVERYONE to move center to get things done.
If your side continues to dig in it’s heels, you will win no voters in 2016. You and Sarge are perpetuating the exact behavior that the American people won’t stand for.
I’m really sorry you can’t see it. Unless there are more insightful leaders in your party, you will be doomed to failure in 2016. I’ll try not to say “I told you so.”
You really should check this article out. It may not say what you want to hear, but it says what you need to hear. Loud and clear.
http://news.yahoo.com/how-hillary-clinton-won-the-2014-midterms-075943434.html
Hi Libby,
I see that Mikey is pestering you. Those gnats sure are big and fat down here. I heard an interesting interview with No Chin McConnell. When asked how he felt about the election results, he stated:
“Rur rur rur rur rur rur. Veto Pen, rur rur rur rur.”
Hey tx. At least he’s back to Agent now, so all is right with the world. I’ve challenged him to “one click” or “expose the dick.” We’ll see if he’s up to it or not.
Hurry back to civilization. We miss you up here.
Il Sup Ct declared that Caps are not allowed… I sell everything across state lines – 5 states total. Not one of the other 4 want any type of a connection to IL. Skew the Il loss ratio in what ever line and it will just increase cost to everyone.
FFA, you are right. Everyone knows how screwed up Illinois is and many carriers want nothing to do with Illinois exposure. Why are good people like you moving out of that state? Why is unemployment so rampant there? The non existent leadership over decades has made for a very bad business environment with high taxes and overregulation and they keep doing the same thing over and over hoping for a different result. The buck stops with the Democratic Party since they have been in charge for a very long time.
For the same reason State Farm moved 15000 jobs out. Quinn is under Fed Investigation currently and people are still voting for him…
Well FFA, Illinois did reject Quinn last night which I didn’t see coming. Can a prison sentence to join Blago be far behind? Perhaps the citizens didn’t want yet another sitting Governor to be indicted and sent off to a cell.
According to WGN, it was the inner city folks that didn’t come out and vote. Guess he should have swindled another $50Mil form us tax payors and bought some votes from them guys.
FFA said- “Stan, what has the PPACA cured?”
FFA, ever wonder why the Democrats have gone silent on Obamacare? You don’t see Obama, Reid, Pelosi etc. ever talk about the numbers. You know, what the real numbers are. Like how many have signed up, what the average deductibles have gone from and to, pricing up or down, How many have better coverage today than before Obamacare and what the net impact is? How many net insured versus pre Obamacare and the cost for it including the almost billion dollar website that was supposed to cost 90 Mill. Not to mention the promise to give back an average $2,500 to each household, the ability to keep your healthcare plan, the ability to keep your doctor (that is if your doctor will even take it)?
If this were such a good deal why aren’t the Dems out beating the drums of success?
My bet- It ain’t pretty. May be so bad that they can’t even “message” the numbers in their favor.
Sargeant, need a laugh for the day? Michelle Obama gave her last campaign speech in Maryland yesterday in front of a mostly black audience. She said she gave them all permission to eat “Fried Chicken” if they voted Democratic. How racist is that?
Freedom
Yes, it is racist but she can get away with it and the media is no where to be found. Put a white male or female in that situation and what do you think would happen?
On a lighter note, I was in Georgia a couple weeks ago and had, I believe the best fried chicken I have ever had. Maybe better than my mothers (I had to say that).
Well Sargeant, the Spanish pro golfer Sergio Garcia got in a bunch of trouble a couple of years ago for saying he would invite Tiger Woods over and feed him fried chicken and watermelon. I think he got a hefty fine from the PGA Tour and the European Tour for that faux pas. Needless to say, he and Tiger are not exactly buddies.
Wasn’t that Fuzzy Zoeller and not Sergio Garcia?
Connie, Fuzzy Zoeller made his comment several years before when he was more than a bit drunk at the Masters when asked what Tiger would serve at the champions dinner. Yes, that was stupid, but a very bad joke. Sergio did his thing just a couple of years ago and he was not drunk. He and Tiger have had some run ins on the course and that hasn’t been patched up even with the tepid apology Sergio made.
Thank you for clearing that up – I remembered Fuzz making that stupid joke, but I didn’t know Sergio Garcia did as well. Guess he didn’t learn from Fuzzy’s mistake!
“Fried Chicken-Gate!
The First Lady was on a radio show discussing today’s midterms. The host asked her if the listeners of his show – a show aimed towards and listened to by mostly black people – can celebrate by going out and eating some soul food.
GASP! How dare she?! There’s the proof! (Of what, I don’t know)
Google “Michelle Obama fried chicken” and every goofy conservative website will pop up. Rush Limbaugh is railing on about how the “mainstream media” won’t report it because they’re covering up for the president.
If only our media wasn’t so biased, it would be front page news everywhere. If, say, Ted Cruz mentioned that he was going to have fried chicken for dinner tonight, the mainstream media would be all over it. It would be the lead story on CNN tonight, right? It has nothing to do with her race. Conservatives don’t see color. rolling eyes
I’m exhausted. The republican party has become nothing more than a bunch of “Drunk Uncles.” But at least Drunk Uncle admits he’s a racist and doesn’t have the nerve to act shocked when called one like they do.”
Libby, you should be exhausted after trying to defend leftist ideology for years and failing miserably. By the way, I have seen your new heroine Hillary speaking in front of black churches/meetings and using her best black slang in her speeches. To me, that is the epitome of racism talking down to black citizens. Michelle does the same thing. The number of Republican women candidates would be offended at you calling them Drunk Uncles. Clean up your act!
Freedom, you will be happy to know that Hillary is all but assured the Whitehouse in 2016, so you will have plenty of chances to hear her speak.
Apology accepted.
Agent – if you watched anything other that FauxNews, you’d know that Drunk Uncle is a character on Saturday Night Live. But I’m sure that show is too “liberal” for you to watch.
Politics since time immemorial have worn cowboy hats and boots to campaign in Texas, jeans and plaid shirts when campaigning in Iowa, parkas and fuw in Alaska, and leis in Hawaii. That’s called “relating to your audience.” Something I would think you’d know as a salesman. There’s nothing racist about it except for your take on it.
Well, the Clinton’s, Michelle and the President couldn’t save the Democrat in Maryland which is a decidedly blue state with many Fed workers in residence. By the way, Wendy Davis lost by almost a million votes in Texas. Total rejection of her War on Women agenda and Abbott trounced her with women as well.
Let’s not forget to add wonderful Sandra (abortion) Fluke to the list of the badly beaten. She ran for Congress in California, one of the bluest states in the union and lost by 21 points despite being well funded. The War on Women is now dead as an issue in America.
Fluke lost to another Democrat, you twit.
Sargeant, I understand the President had a news conference today in the aftermath of the Tsunami. He said – “I hear you voters”. For 6 years, he has been tone deaf to the voters, aloof and arrogant. We will see if he has gotten the message this time. I would sure like to listen into the meeting with leaders on Friday to see if they can reach “any” common ground. One thing is for sure, he will have some legislation to sign or reject next year. He may have to cut back on the golf because the paper pile will be deep.
Newsflash. He’s going to have some legislation to sign THIS year while Democrats still have the majority.
Its probably just another one of his “You can keep your insurance” lines. Liars lie.
You guys are so outrageous. Here’s an article from three days ago. The fact of the matter is that Obamacare is WORKING. Here is a serious question, if for the sake of argument you knew that govt. intervention would improve peoples lives, would you do it? Or still refuse because of Freedom?
“This week McConnell admitted that repealing Obamacare is impossible, in the face of a likely Democratic filibuster and a certain presidential veto. But McConnell didn’t tell the whole story.
That was left to Ohio’s Republican Governor John Kasich, when he pointed out last week that the “political and ideological opposition” to the ACA won’t hold water “against real flesh and blood and real improvements in people’s lives.”
With millions of people newly covered, and with major industries including insurance and hospitals benefitting, the ACA will not be repealed, dismantled, defunded or defanged.”
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/11/why-the-gop-wont-touch-obamacare-112460.html#ixzz3IJ01e1sl
Another winning quote (not anecdote either, FFA. Look it up.)
“Remember all those folks who Republican sought to champion when Obama broke his promise that you can keep your insurance if you like it? It turns out most of them are now paying less for the better coverage they got in the ACA exchange. Are Republicans willing to take away their new, improved health insurance?
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/11/why-the-gop-wont-touch-obamacare-112460.html#ixzz3IJ0gBZHn
Really, I don’t think the ACA has been up long enough to declare its working or not. The effects, good or bad, won’t really be known for a few years at least.
And to Stan, there is also a problem with your question about govt. intervention. That being any potential improvement in people’s lives would be subjective to each person.
Great, so under that thesis nothing is knowable ever because its always subjective to each person. Better not have a fire department because we can never know if putting out fires is good or not since it will only depend on who’s building is burning.
Got it. That’s a swiss-watch of a theory.
That’s not what was said. There are things that are knowable. Whether or not a particular government program improves one’s life is not necessarily one of those.
Your example of the fire department does not support your argument. The fire department is there exactly to determine if a fire should be put out or should be left burning. Many factors are taken into consideration, is the building next to others, is it already beyond saving, does it pose a risk to people. Who’s building it is also may be a consideration. Sometimes the best option is to let it burn.
Cool story, bro.
We should be hearing outrage by r & Sharpton on the news – Right?
FFA-
If you really take a hard look Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and the others, they have really become what they have fought against and maybe worse- They are racists period. Everyone knows it but no one wants to call them what they are.
Hey, I grew up in the city of Detroit. I know what they started out as and what the morphed into. Besides that, they have to agitate and create divide or they would not have any income and would have to go out and get a real job.
Never thought I’d say this, but Libby the Loon agrees with you.
Be careful, Libby. You might think that by agreeing with them from time to time they will show you respect / compromise with you. They wont. As racist and dumb as Sharpton might be, he’s inconsequential in relation to the harm caused by GOP policies.
I know Sarge will be the last person to show me any respect. And compromise is not in the Republican vocabulary.
True about Sharpton. He’s a blip on the radar, but he’s getting annoying. GOP is doomed to failure in 2016, so let them have their hollow victory. Obama’s still got the pen.
Honestly Sarge, no I don’t. I know why. They know why. Its my feet on the ground dealing with the mess.
You little old men can think what you want. It matters little what we say or do here in this small corner of the internet. The facts are undeniable: the country is headed left in a huge way. Minorities, young people, women, basically anyone who doesnt look like Agent is voting Dem. These midterms aside, the Republican party cannot field a nationally viable candidate and will not win another national election. Were it not for gerrymandering, you wouldnt even have your obstructionist power right now. In 10 years single payer will be the law of the land, and assuming you all havent bit the big one, you will be better off because of it.
Go thank a young person. You’re welcome.
And we all know what Agent looks like, don’t we? Should I post your picture, Agent? You’re getting a little thumb happy again.
Half man – Half Basset Hound
And by “half man” I mean half a man
You are right FFA. They may know why but do you think the current administration cares how much harder you work to try to fix the mess that they created? Do you think they care about how much more the working men or women pay in taxes or how much more you pay for healthcare or how much more deductible you retain? The answer is no.
Well Sarge, the people have spoken… Time for hope and change! What a kick to OfnBama right where the sun don’t shine. Only won one state of the many he campaigned in. The Gov of his home state is a republican and Quinns poor sportsmanship is being well publicized. For the first time in a long time I feel good!
Oh and Stan, now maybe you will get a boss that you know, makes you work an honest 8 for an honest 8 … He/She wont have to baby you along to get you to – you know – work.
What makes you think Stan doesn’t work an honest 8 for an honest 8?
His old man comment… He is part of the generation of entitlement. They aren’t like us Libby. Our generation works are butt off because we have a sense of personal responsibility. He wants the govt to hand out everything. Once you & Ron seen how terrible OBama Care (PPACA) was, you changed your position on the whole thing (except for the basic concept of Health Care for everyone). I still agree with you on that. Ill never buy into Single Payer. My employees have already commented on how much better I look… Free from the chains of Quinn!
FFA-
How does he know how old any of us are? Because we have a different view than he does? There are plenty of young people who work hard, pay a lot in taxes, want secure US borders, don’t want illegals to take jobs from unskilled US labor, don’t want to pay for the deadbeat lazy on welfare (Yes, There are people who need welfare), Thinks ISIS is a threat and not the JV team etc. etc.
Last night they spoke.
We have talked about our service time in this forum. You have to be at least 40 to have 20 years service – Old Math (Not Obama Math).
Lol “generation of entitlement.” That’s rich, coming from a babyboomer that benefitted from the greatest economic expansion in global history, an expansion with cheap education, housing, and healthcare, an expansion built upon the sacrifices of their parents. And what did that generation do? Screwed the pooch and their own kids, thats what.
Entitlement? You know who takes the most govt. services? The elderly. Be careful, old man, you’re headed for the home and you didn’t set your kids up to take care of you. Winter is coming.
Just like your gen, blame the problems of your world on everyone else…. It Mommy Fault… Its Daddys fault. No sense of personal responsibility.
You sound just like my daughter. Oh poor baby she is.
So just keep pointing the finger while us Baby Boomers figure out how to pay our bills. You know… WORK FOR WHAT WE GET.
hhahaha work for what we get. yes, imagine that, you were able to succeed in an economy handed to you by the Greatest generation, meanwhile you saddle your poor daughter with outrageous student loans, unpaid internships, and a general oversupply of labor, then accuse her of being lazy.
Get off my lawn, grandpa!
I paid for my daughters education out of pocket. She Failed out. School would not take her back So, I paid for my college and hers and only got one education. Now she is a worthless gettho whore that blames her problems on her daddy. (I am step dad).
you think calling me gramps is an insult??? I am what I am.
Well don’t feel too bad for her. I have three degrees, all with honors, and I cant a job either.
Then what are you doing blogging?
Further more, why would you be satisfied with the status quo? Your saddled with college debt because you bought into the recruiters line on how many of their grads get placed.
I don’t feel bad for her. I gave her every chance to succeed including getting her placed with one of my clients making $15.00 per hour. She got fired after a few weeks. She didn’t want to work, just get paid.
I am not satisfied with the status quo, which is the point of electing democrats and not republicans.
And I am not mad about the fact that I have debt, I am mad about the amount of debt. If school was still $600 a semester, big deal, no ones life is ruined from $5k in the hole. But when its $50k a year, well that is a whole different animal. That is life crippling debt.
And I have no opinion of your daughter. There are always going to be dull knives and lazy people, regardless of age.
The Dems have been in charge for how long? And you want the Dems in for more of the same?
One thing this old man has learned – doing the same thing and expecting different results don’t happen. I lost many hairs learning that the hard way.
My daughter is who she is. She made her bed where ever that is. Now, I am picking up and getting things done for my Gr Kids. We (my family) are all getting our heads shrunk today. I have personal ties into the social workers in the school that are micro managing them. I am doing what needs to be done. One of them things is to move them so far away from their parents that there is minimal contact. They wont get the new phone numbers. Nor will they get the new address.
The reason that the last 6 years have been so disappointing is because of the republicans flat refusal to work with their democratic counterparts. You cant purposefully sabotage government, then take the highroad and bitch about govt not working so there needs to be new leaders.
Immigration, gay rights, education, marijuana, name it, Republicans have blocked and opposed without offering one single substantive approach. They are all for tax cuts, but wont tell you how they are going to balance a budget.
Its a party of children.
Weather you want to believe it or not Stan, Obama Care has put a strangle Hold on the job market. Companies don’t know where this is going and holding back their capitol due to the fear of the unknown. Many more companies have reduced workforce to a part time deal. My step son always stays employed, but he is working two / three part time jobs.
Why do you think Temp Agencies are jumping?
The poor job market is all on OBama as a result of OBama Care.
The elderly have paid their dues – paid into the system their entire working life. Damn right they are entitled to what they put in and worked for.
FFA – the ACA is not the reason companies are not hiring. They’re not hiring because they don’t have to. They’ve got people slaving away at below market wages just happy to have a job. I make ONE-HALF of what I made in 2008. Some of that is because I moved to a different job market, but most of it is because I had to take a job at a lower wage or starve. Not a really good choice…
1) you just admitted that the elderly are entitled for “paying their dues.” You can make the same argument for young people who are “entitled” to good paying jobs after “paying their educational dues.” The fact is, there are no guarantees in life and youre no more entitled to govt. assistance than I am a govt. job.
2) companies are not cutting back due to obamacare, you fool. they are cutting back for the same reason healthcare costs are increasing: BECAUSE THEY CAN. There is a surplus in labor in this country after the great recession gutted most industries. The reason that companies arent hiring / expanding hours is because people will accept it and are desperate. It has nothing to do with fear of the market or any of that happy horseshit. If people wouldnt work for low pay and bad benefits, then pay and benefits would go up.
Granted, youre self admittedly not the sharpest tool in the shed, but even this concept shouldn’t escape you. Stop hurting America.
Yes Stan, the elderly are entitled to the wages they paid into the system.
People whom have to contribute are entitled to nothing.
And Libby, we are just gonna agree to disagree on the reason behind the stagnant job market and stale wages.
That’s what adults do Stan. They respect each others right to have their own opinion based on their life experience. All you have right now is one expensive bar bill aka student loans.
Me, I am headed to Moose Haven in FLA. And yes, I support Mooseheart too.
Actually, no, you’re not entitled to wages you paid into the system. Because that is not how SS works. SS works as a generational shift in wealth from young to old, you paid into a system to fund your parents later years in life based on the promise that your children (ie the youth) would pay into the system and fund yours. It has nothing to do with some sort of account that is set up in your name that youre entitled to. In fact, “entitlement” program is only named as such because it is mandatory – – ie not discretionary – – government spending.
Still, take solace in knowing that the socialistic SS system will still have money in it when you finally do decide to stop working. But because your generation destroyed the country, young people today wont get jobs that pay sufficient wages that can be taxed to fund SS into the future.
I believe the legal definition is “kicking out the ladder after you’ve climbed it.”
And I have no doubt that you’re taking a vacation. Its just another selfish act by the most selfish generation in American history. Slow clap, bro.
Stan – don’t be so hard on us. We’re just average Joes trying to do the right thing day after day. Although, I don’t have children I think all parents want a better life for their children than they had for themselves. We didn’t intentionally wreck the economy. If I were to blame anyone, it would be greedy Wall Street executives and Fortune 500 CEO’s that continue to squeeze the middle class into extinction.
When it comes down to it, you, FFA, and I all want the same things. A good job at a decent salary so at the end of the day we can provide for our families and enjoy the gifts that God gave us. And hopefully ride off into the sunset to enjoy our twilight years with a little jingle in our pocket, passing the torch to those of you that have alot more energy than we do.
Libby, you’re one of my favorite posters on here. Your ability to withstand Agent’s mind-numbing commitment to absurdity is remarkable. That being said, I also agree with you in re the guilt of the true economic elite.
But what I cannot understand or forgive is how hardworking, middle-class Americans like FFA continue to buy into the Wall Street mentality of “unfettered free market capitalism will free us all!”
The fact of the matter is that his sacred-golden-calf-free-market has gutted the American middle class quickly and efficiently. And only policies designed to redistribute that wealth downward will help those who were not privileged to be born at the top (people like you, me, and yes, even Agent).
If you want to truly help your kids and grand kids, elect politicians who will enact policies that invest in the future. Better yet, elect politicians who invest the 0.01%’s money in your kids future.
But to align yourself with the party of the Koch brothers is madness.
I get it. But you have to understand that many of my generation grew up believing that working hard and doing the right thing was enough for anyone to achieve the American dream. They have little patience with the younger generation because they think they should just do the same things we did and everything will work out for them. You didn’t complain, you just rolled up your sleeves and got to it. They don’t understand that things are different now than back when we grew up.
Explain to him how it’s different and try to make him understand. You’re not looking for a hand-out. You’re looking for an opportunity. Those were far more abundant back in our day than they are now. For a variety of reasons; many of them a result of GOP politics and Reaganomics.
It’s hard for them to realize the very people they think are on their side are actually working against them. It’s almost too much for them to absorb. It’s easier to say the liberals are the reason for all the ills in the world.
Stan Says: But what I cannot understand or forgive is how hardworking, middle-class Americans like FFA continue to buy into the Wall Street mentality of “unfettered free market capitalism will free us all!”
I don’t buy into that Wall Street BS. One thing my life experience has shown me is that people go broke fast when leaning on wall street.
Old School works. It has for a century. Concern yourself with your situation (Single/Married/Kids – what ever). This “new way” libby refers to has failed miserably. Your the proof. Honors Degrees – ten years ago would have drawn Top Dollar on the job market. Now it works against you. Want proof – look in the mirror. Do I pay a C Student with no experience 24,000 a year or a honors grad with no experience $36,000? Your Honors is working against you. That’s the “new way”. That’s just a cold hard fact. Libby right – us old folks don’t get it. Why change whats not broke? That’s on your generation under OBama.
What your doing isn’t working. Try something different that has been proven to work for a long long time.
Sorry, FFA, but this “new way” is a result of failed GOP policies and the Reaganomics “trickle down” theory that has done nothing but “trickle up” to the 1%.
It also has alot to do with people only concerning themselves with their own situation and not paying attention to what’s going on around them.
The “welfare generation” didn’t just show up during the last 6 years. If people had been a little more concerned with what was happening in the urban areas instead of barbequing in the suburbs, things might have turned out differently. But people don’t care about anyone but themselves and that selfishness has repercussions. We are experiencing them now.
This is not Stan’s nor his generations fault. It’s ours.
FFA, what you just said might be the most asinine thing i’ve ever read.
“Old school works. It has for a century.” followed by “Ten years ago [education] would have drawn top dollar.” “What you’re doing now isnt working.”
Well which is it, is it the old school way of hard work, gumption, and education is the path to prosperity? Or is it the new, cold hard facts way of “try something different?”
If its the latter (that means the second one), well then I would advise you to follow your own counsel. The insurance biz changed. Stop bitching, be a man, and “try something different!”
Concern yourself with your situation, FFA! This “old way” Agent refers to has failed miserably: your proof – the outsourcing of jobs, the utter economic collapse of the American middle class, skyrocketing cost of healthcare, housing, and education.
Want proof? Look in the mirror. Would I pay top dollar for a small botique insurance agent a premium when I can get the same minimum coverages from Geico with easier access to information on line and rock bottom rates? Your size is working against you. Thats just a cold hard fact.
Why change whats not broke? Consumers have spoken. Try something different, FFA. It has worked for a long time.
Or maybe, just maybe, little euphemisms like that are ridiculously simplistic and obtuse, meaning nothing yet simultaneously contradicting itself. The truth of the matter is that the world has moved on in a HUGE way due to globalization and the fact that America no longer owns the sole industrial engine of the world. So yeah, “try something different” indeed.
Libby Says: “This is not Stan’s nor his generations fault. It’s ours.”
I agree with that statement. Our generation has pampered these kids to the point where they are just lazy.
Ha, right. So lazy that they arent getting jobs that don’t exist. You’re so out of touch, FFA. Be happy youre old, you just couldnt hack it out there in todays real world.
Getting three degrees doesn’t sound lazy to me, FFA.
“Getting three degrees doesn’t sound lazy to me, FFA.”
He gets a pat on the back for that, absolutely. Especially if he is on fact an Honor Student.
You know as well as I do that we live in a what have you done for me lately world. He is sitting at home blaming everyone while blogging when he should be wearing out his shoes pounding the pavement.. Just like you did. Just like I did. Just like my two interns did.
He’s bitter that he’s saddled with college loan debt and can’t find a decent job. It’s not hard to figure out how old we are when we talk about voting for Reagan and putting in 30+ years in the business.
If he is in fact bitter, any good interviewer will see that and not give him the job.
FFA, are you hiring? Are you impressed by my analytical and reasoning skillz? My vocab? My “go getter” attitude? My ability to stand up to authority!
Well, Stan, hold tight. Better days are coming…
You have said nothing impressive. Whining like you are just reminds me of my daughter. I know, its not your fault. Has to be someone else fault because the college recruiter said you would be working within 6 months. Right? Sound like a lie now? Just like I can keep my Doc?
Here is another tip from an old man, when you think you know more then anyone in the room, you should rethink that. Hiring, no… Too many business I had insured folded this year. Getting hit with another round of loss by foreclosure due to the poor job market. So, although the years production numbers for New Biz look good, I have actually gone backwards revenue wise. Besides, I have no use for a know it all bitter college grad that has no ambition to do anything but blog.
Why don’t you take Libby Lead. Get what you can and try being happy with it. If not, suck it up until something better comes along? At least you wont become the leach you hope to avoid becoming.
Now, I need to go take care of my obligation to my family and get some issues ironed out. See what the latest pimple popper shrink has to say. If they assigned me a shrink half my age, I am going to fire her. Then I am going home to paint and then Grand Pa is gonna help his grand kids with their home work. Are you qualified to be a nanny? You know Laundry? Cook? Make Beds? Clean Kitchen? Would sure be nice to get some help with that. Did I mention my wife is sick?
I resent that, I am not bitter. I am young and handsome and will probably never get old. It’s tough to have a brighter morning. Still, sincere apologies for your sick wife. I genuinely wish she could get the medical care she needs irrespective of your ability to pay. No one deserves to lose everything because of an illness.
But all in all, its amusing that in a span of one paragraph you whine about “going backwards revenue wise,” yet immediately lecture me to “being happy with what I have.” If you can complain about democrats ruining your revenue*, I can complain about republicans saddling me with debt.
—
*It’s always some else’s fault, indeed.
Perhaps it is you that should be happy with what you have: some revenue at all. Or should I do as you say, and not as you do?
Sorry, Stan. I used the word bitter. It’s probably more like pissed…
Head up Stan, these are tough times and I truly feel for you. But like these pundits from the South and other federal government dependent regions state, it can only get better. It’s their time to put up or shut up and actually put some plans out to the public. Everytime they are asked what they would do, they find some other way to answer the question. Their only solution to anything is to lower taxes and grow the shit out of the military.
Sounds like you have prepared yourself for a strong corporate career, the only problem being getting your foot in the door. The good news with Corporate ‘Murrica is that it is a monkey see monkey do environment. Once the ball starts rolling and these companies start to hire again, it will snow ball. They will also have to pay for talent again opening up new opportunities along the way. The money they have been hoarding all these years will have to go back to hiring in order to obtain and retain top talent. Even better news is these same small time pundits running the biggest business in their zip code will be in for a rude awakening. They will be losing much of this talent to larger companies who will be able to pay what the market really dictates.
But then again I kid. They have no real plan, and these Koch Heads will still be behind the curtain just like in Oz. So just sit back, turn CSPAN on, put your TV on mute, download Yackety Sax, play said Yakety Sax, and watch these chickens run with their heads cut off. The political satire will improve once again, and keep an eye out for your local congressman in the airport bathroom. Just so you know, he’s not tap dancing in there.
Stan said- “Canada has it and their citizens love it”
Really? Then why do the Canadians come across the bridge or through the tunnel to Michigan (Detroit metro mostly)to get medical treatment, tests like CT scans, MRI’s etc.? and not just a little, a lot. Why? because the health system in Canada sucks. It can take months to get the correct test etc. and people have actually died waiting.
This is not true. Canadians overwhelmingly support their public healthcare system. Try again.
http://www.pnhp.org/news/2009/august/new_poll_shows_canad.php
Another tell tale sign of the gen of entitlement- Believes what they read and ignore what people that live it tell them.
Waterbug??? Want to set this kid straight?
BTW, waterbug is not my only source.
Lol believing credible sources versus anecdote?! You’re in the insurance biz, do you base your rates off of actuarial tables that you read, or people coming in and assuring you that “I swear im super careful!”
Man, you old people are ridiculous. Thank goodness you’re not just starting out, theres no way any of you could get jobs.
Its not anecdotal if its real life. Or did your gen change that definition too?
I base my rates on what the carrier tells me I have to.
The dems couldn’t not even carry your gen or women or minority votes. American People said last night – Enough of this crap. Old School works.
Even Iowa flipped. Notice Cap Planet is silent… Even Libby & Ron get it. Majority has spoken so just keep on flapping your gums. Mommy should be home soon to change your diaper, do your laundry and give you a bottle of milk. Getting close to nap time for you?
“Its not anecdotal if it’s real life.” FFA, you honestly might be the dumbest poster on here, and that is saying something, what with Agent’s strong contention for the crown, because that is EXACTLY what anecdotal is.
“Based on or consisting of reports or observations of usually unscientific observers.”
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anecdotal
If you think your carriers are basing their rates on unscientific, honest to goodness observations by real americans in the heartland! and not scientific data and statistics, well then you sir should be disenfranchised because youre too dumb to have a say in our national politics.
I don’t need to know why, just what. Never claimed to be some braineack. Don’t visit the carrier cubicle city either. Fact is, I would agree I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
I do provide for my family and I don’t blame my problems on others. I can look in the mirror and know I put my best effort forward each and every day. No one questions my ethic or my honesty or my integrity.
Someone needs to take a bible and beat you in the head with it. Some disrespectful little kid sticking his hand out don’t mean nothing to me.
Your providing for your family is commendable. And I would argue that that should make you more inclinded, not less, to vote democratic. As middle-class, middle-income americans have the most to gain from Democratic policies that provide healthcare, access to education, infrastructure investments, and housing options. Tax rates to pay for these programs will apply to those making far more than you.
Why in gods name would you want to make life better for those who make their income passively by protecting investment income with historically low rates, while your hard-earned income is taxed at ~50%?
Stan, I am a business owner. The Dem policies rammed down the business mans throat past 24 – 36 months have hurt my ability to provide.
I had to write 3x as many health policies just to break even. Add in opportunity cost & marketing cost & training expense – I am behind the 8 ball.
There is no recovering from the premium volume I lost when Workers Comp reform hit street level in IL. At least $1.5 mil in premiums lost. Find a carrier that will write mono line comp under $10,000… Forget it. Into the pool with them increasing their cost as well as their ability to pay their employees.
look at how many people are losing their group insurance due to a Dem policy. How many people have had to change doctors because of the lies told.
State Farm moved 15000 jobs out of IL because of dem policies / taxes. They moved them out so their employees would not be taxed down to the poverty level. Their home office houses only their high level execs. So the rich looking out for themselves don’t apply to this situation. They did it so their employees would not get taxed to poverty.
Not to mention Quinns lie about the Temporary Tax hike.. He is under federal investigation (imaging an Il gov being investigated by the feds) because of a mis- approbation of over $50 mill right after he passed his tax temp hike. Now he wants to make it permanent.
I am just fed up with the elected officials just lying to me with out consequences. Apparently, the majority of Americans are. I am also fed up with people sticking their hand out expecting something to drop into it.
Hi FFA. Planet’s worst nightmare came to pass with the election of Joni Ernst. She is very bright, hard working and I loved her line when she said she was going to Washington to make the establishment “squeal” like the pigs they are.
Agent – you know nothing about what Captain thinks or feels about Joni Ernst. For one, I am happy to have another woman in Congress. We need more feminine leadership and less testosterone. Woman collaborate and get things done. As Peggy Lee said “I can bring home the bacon. Fry it up in a pan. And never, ever let you forget your a man. Cause I’m a woman. W-O-M-A-N. I’ll say it again.”
Sorry Stan, an anecdote would be when FFA says what someone else says. If it comes from a person directly, its not an anecdote. So assuming Waterbug has experienced this directly, if it comes from him, it’s not an anecdote.
Anecdote is unscientific data. Its “well I saw” or “I know a guy.”
You, friend, are thinking of hearsay, which is a statement by a third person repeated. Boom, lawyered.
Here Facts, Ill even help you with a second link:
“[N]ot necessarily true or reliable, because based on personal accounts rather than facts or research.”
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=anecdotal
You’re welcome.
I was going off the original definition you posted, which indicated it was based off of reports or observations, which is what it was. Glad you went back and found more definitions to clarify though. Hope you learned something.
The first definition qualified the observation by requiring it to be scientific in nature, bro. This isn’t challenging stuff, here.
You’re right, it’s not challenging, so why are you getting it wrong? The definition did not require the observation to be scientific in nature.
“[N]ot necessarily true or reliable, because based on personal accounts rather than facts or research.”
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=anecdotal
I referenced the first definition you used Stan: “Based on or consisting of reports or observations of usually unscientific observers.”
Though the one you just quoted also does not require an observation be scientific.
Does Canada also have a private option like the U.K.?
HMM. I can find that out quick enough. Got a Canadian Immigrant in my mix. They brought a Grey Market with them. What a pain in the butt that was to insure.
I don’t know what a Grey Market is. If all these Canadians are coming to the U.S. for treatment, do they pay for it out of pocket?
Oh! Grey market as in hair? LOL! I’ve got a little, but I think I’m fairly easy to insure.
Grey Market is an auto manufactured for use in a foreign country. Carrier didn’t even have it listed I their data base as a real vech.
I don’t have much grey hair either. as my gr son pointed out last night, I don’t have much hair left at all…
Oh. I’ve never come across that before. Interesting. You learn something new every day. I love this business!
As for Grey Markets Cars, I have come across three of them in my career. Always a pain in the rump for the owner. Needs to have the OD converted as well as brought up to US EPA standards. Very time consuming and costly for the owner. My first go around was a client that bought a Benz in Germany cheap… After 6 months of it sitting in customs and many thousands bringing it to us standards, he would have been much better off just buying it down the street.
Sarge probably gets more being closer to the border…
I think I would have sold it before moving and bought a new one here.
Libby – right from the Great White North….
“The easiest way to describe Canadian Healthcare is to imagine that all legal residents get the same coverage as US citizens over 65 get from Medicare: basic doctor and hospital service is free. Medicine is not – but as you probably know – drugs are much cheaper. Residents generally get dental, drug and vision coverage as a benefit from their employers.”
What I get from this is – NO Private Health Option available.
Hmmmm. Because in the U.K. every citizen has National Health but they can “buy up” coverage (ie. Harley Street doctors.) If they come here for treatment do they have to pay out of pocket?
Forgot the link he sent…
http://www.canadian-healthcare.org/page4.html
Might I add, he stated he is much better off in the US even under Obama Care. Its all about the wait time up there.
People die up there waiting on procedure that happen in a timely manner down here. Real life … My sis first procedure did not fix the problem. They scheduled the 2nd procedure and as things shook out needed it done emergency basis. Would not have happened up there. They would have given her more narcotics, sent her home with a pat on the back “Hang in There”. That’s why Michigan is so lucrative for Docs.
Thanks for the link. It explained everything. Canadians CAN purchase private insurance. They then use it for things not covered by National Health or for outside services (ie. treatment in the U.S.) Obviously, you have to have the means to purchase the additional insurance. So the rich have better coverage than the poor. The same as in the U.S., except the poor in the U.S. had no coverage until the ACA.
It does not eliminate the wait time for the procedures.
If they are using it for things not covered, that would be what we call Ancillary products (Aflak type producks.)
So you shouldn’t give poor people access to doctors because they might have to wait in line, even when wealthier people could avoid said line by retreating to the private market?
Bold, innovative thinking there, FFA. Exactly what I would imagine Jesus would do.
Yes, it would because you could obtain the services from outside the National Health. Read the link. It was brief but informative.
It also can cover things not included in National Health like dental, vision, etc.
Libby, he is way too smart to read links.
FFA, you rube, she’s talking to you. She wants YOU to read the link, which outlines that there is a private option in Canada.
Stan Says “So you shouldn’t give poor people access to doctors because they might have to wait in line, even when wealthier people could avoid said line by retreating to the private market?”
That is exactly what will happen under Single Payer. Rich will buy private health care and the poor will get stuck with what ever the Govt says.
Way too much intrusion in my life by a bunch of self serving politicians.
FFA – but without single payer, the poor have NO coverage. With single payer at least they can obtain medical care, even if they might have to wait. Not to mention, this is America. We can do it better than Canada and the U.K.
If the wealthier can afford private insurance, so what? That’s how it is now anyway. We’re talking about taking care of the “have nots” not the “haves.” They’re already taken care of.
FFA, that is exactly what you want to happen, idiot. 1) poor people without coverage costs MORE in the long run since they resort to the emergency room 2) people of means can buy private market coverage. The sheer existence of a public option will drastically cut costs for that private option too, by the way.
It blows my mind that you wouldnt want poor people to have coverage while maintaining your option because “too much govt. intervention.” Under that logic, dismantle the military. That is wayyyy too much intervention run by the exact same body: US Government.
You literally are choosing the option with the least amount of social good with the maximum cost (a cost that is still increasing), AND THEN YOURE MAD AT THE POOR PEOPLE STILL!
Christ old man, just do us all a favor and say nothing.
FFA – he has a point even if he’s insulting you to get it across (Stan – stop that!)
Before the ACA we were doing the least social good at the highest possible price. With single payer, we’ll be lowering costs for the previously uninsured while the wealthy can still buy private coverage, probably at a lower cost. It’s a win-win. Just becaust it’s a government program doesn’t mean it’s not the best option. Stop being stubborn and look at the facts.
Libby, you’re making the classic Democratic mistake of thinking that civility and compromise will be met with civility and compromise when talking to the Right. It doesnt and wont.
These guys are ruthless to you day in and day out, why would you show them respect when they are literally going out of their way to destroy this country. Their consumption of the national GDP through entitlement spending is unparalleled across any other demographic, and they still have the stones to accuse others of being “takers.”
You’re the solution Libby. Don’t forget it.
You know nothing Stan… In IL there is public Aid & Medicaid that the poor rely on and use. Pre Obama Care, ICHIP was available for Pre X Crowd.
My point all along re: Obama Care is that the infrastructure was in place and worked in years past. The distribution system was there and it worked. Pub Aid & ICHIP & COBRA needed to be worked on that’s for sure. He didn’t need to tear down the entire system, spend a Bill on a poorly functioning web site that was designed by his wife college pal that runs a Canadian Company.
So, Cronyism & out sourcing a Bill $$ is Obamas way. Not keeping American money in America. Damn right I am pissed he sent a Bill out of the country for a product that eventually an American company had to fix. You stand here belly aching about Private Corps out sourcing, but give OBama a pass. At least I am consistent – they all piss me off. Think he could have spent that Bill on some sort of jobs project? Maybe you wouldn’t be sitting on the unemployment line and – ya know – working? If he didn’t tear down the distribution infrastructure, I would have room for you. Instead, you sit at home complaining to random strangers not getting a pay check. Where has your sense of entitlement got you?
Stan – I am doing this for my own self-respect. I didn’t like who I was becoming on here. I can still get my point across without stooping to Agent’s level. He will have no more cause to accuse me of “insulting” him just because I disagree. I will continue to point out his flawed logic, ridiculous statements, and hypocrisy as long as he keeps posting. He is the gift that keeps on giving.
I think YOU are the solution. My time here is dwindling. You are the rising generation and you need to demand change. I’ll be behind you 100%, but I won’t be leading any charge. I should have done that long ago if I had had the foresight to see the future.
So the entire multi-trillion dollar US Healthcare system is broke, and you’re upset about a website. Unbelievable.
And if you think that Obamacare’s infrastructure was in place in years past and worked perfectly, well I don’t know what to tell you other than that there were 30million americans without health insurance that would probably disagree.
Follow up question, if govt. destroys jobs, why is San Francisco – arguably the most liberal city in the country – absolutely booming. But Indianapolis, a solidly red state, is in nothing if not utter decline?
Well Stan, your comprehension is way off. Maybe you’ve been offered jobs and just don’t understand simple English.
re Read my post and try to dumd yourself down to my C Average degree in marketing.
Interesting summary of Canadian Healthcare FFA. 58,000 doctors in the whole country? One doctor for every 1,000 patients? Not hard to see why appointments are so hard to get, the wait times for tests, surgeries etc. Looks like a pretty convoluted system to me. My guess is that we have several individual states that have more doctors, specialists than the whole country of Canada.
Your statement got me curious, Agent. The article says Canada has 1 PCP per capita. That does not include specialists. In America we have 1.57 PCP doctors per capita. So there is a shortage in Canada, but nowhere near the amount you seem to think there is.
P.S. Can you restrain yourself to ONE vote per comment like a grown person? I challenge you.
I for one am impressed that Agent posted an article. For awhile there, I was convinced that he couldn’t read, what with being from Texas and all.
Actually, FFA posted it. But Agent DID read it! (And understood it. Kinda.) I, too, was impressed.
For the love of humanity guys.
We have a duty to make sense when we talk about republican issues.
Let’s not say things about people flooding from Canada to the U.S. for coverage. It isn’t accurate.
The republicans are going to lose this majority in no time flat if this is what their grass roots supporters are saying.
Libby agrees with us on many points and Ron to do with Healthcare. It is almost solely these types of comments that puts them off.
Let’s stay rational.
Bob – the voice of reason. Who’d have thunk it?
It’s good to see you are back to normal lately. I’ve noticed you are calmer. We have more in common than you think.
Including what sets us off.
I told you last time I don’t want to fight with you on a constant basis. If we get into it sometimes that’s ok, I’ll forgive you later on.
Let’s not hold any grudges and make any long term assumptions of each other. I would like for us to get along.
OK. My blood pressure appreciates that.
Indeed. Mine too.
I realize that I can be thick headed when arguing politics. My point above was not to say I would forgive you as in you needed to be forgiven as a side comment.
I was saying that I may be heated at times, and a bit set in my ways, but I always calm down later.
We haven’t hit that cooling point in a while you and I this time around. Not to push blame, but I’m assuming you recently had just had enough of the people around here and some aspects of what you consider to be “rampant stupidity” so to speak.
This is why I said we are more alike than you think. I doubt very much you meant to go off on me recently.
Libby,
I just want to say that I have noticed your new approach and I want to applaud you for your more rational and thought out responses. I will even admit that I said something nasty to you a few weeks ago, it was not b.c I am not on your side with most issues, it was that I was really irritated at your (and you are right, not just you, Agent AKA Freedom..AKA I won’t mention his real name, Jack-Ass and the rest that cannot play nice) responses and you seemed to be soo stubborn like the ones above mentioned. I expect that from them, but not from you. I do think you are smart and know what you are talking about in most cases or can just respect where you are coming from. It has gotten back to that now that you are being respectful, knowledgeable AND classy..triple threat. And even if they aren’t to you, know you are the classier one and WE do notice and appreciate it.
Bob, goes for you too, you have really turned a new leaf and it is refreshing to see this from you and Libby, keep up the good work and good debates…I do love to see other’s opinions when it is done in the right manner.
I know you get slammed a lot Libby, but continue trucking on this new path and you are doing our “side” (hate that term!) proud!
(I posted this on another comment forum, posting it on all others I read too, LOVE the new leaf you too!!)
:-)
Interesting Libby that you see Stan as the future. God help us all if he is the example of the typical young man of the future. He has been thoroughly indoctrinated with all his years in school getting his three degrees that don’t permit him to find a decent job in this industry or any other for that matter. By the way, the Democratic dogma he loves so much was thoroughly thrashed on Tuesday. The so called “regular folks” Obama refers to said “Enough is Enough”.
Careful, old man. Its not just me that cant find a good paying job. Its millions more like me, and without our earnings to tax, YOUR social security checks are the ones that are going to suffer. And YOUR houses are going to depreciate without buyers to pick them up.
Stan, are you the same bitter young man who appeared on the blog about a year ago complaining you had three degrees and had a dead end job? Everyone including Libby tried to advise you about how to get ahead and advise you about the choices out there, but you preferred to whine and moan and blame everyone for your troubles. You should be blaming Obama for the lack of opportunity in the job market. You can’t be that old and he has been in office for 6 years, but you would rather blame Republicans for your problems and debt.
Agent, I wondered where you had been all day. I really missed your commitment to silliness.
You were probably taking a long lunch break.
You might try answering my question Stan instead of insulting me. I get enough of that from other liberal posters. As I recall, there were about a dozen posters trying to advise you about your life choices and job issues. Perhaps your problem was that you were a professional student too long and your degrees were not in what the market was looking for. Your entitlement attitude also sucks and is very negative.
Take it easy on Stan Agent. He only gets one break a day. Its just so happens a 24 hour break.
That’s not fair, FFA.
Yes, but Agent, all is not lost. You see, I am very handsome and I am not from Texas. Do you have a grandaughter by chance? They love those kinds of qualities, especially in an educated man with free time. Ill even help her to vote Democratic!
And him coming after me is?
Take it easy girls, you are all welcome to take shots at Big Stan. I for one am unconcerned with tone or personal attacks. Probably because I live in the real world, which can be a rough and tumble place, not some “we should screw each other politically, but be nice on the internet” fantasy.
Agent, all you do on this forum is blame Obama. Interesting that you can pin all your ills on one man. I at least have the courtesy to spread out my spite: all the elderly baby boomer republicans that are ruining this country. The biggest “taker” generation this country has ever seen.
How on earth can young people have a sense of entitlement when they dont even have nothing (debt is a negative asset, Agent. Try to keep up.)
You bet Stan. Obama richly deserves the blame for what he has done in just 6 years. Perhaps you should have applied for a job in his administration to be a spokesman. Did you try that? Your Messiah could really use your help to explain the agenda because the American People just don’t get it. Progressive Socialism is an evil concept and not something the people are going to accept. They proved it on Tuesday.
hahaha progressive socialism. The most socialistic program we have is Social Security, a program THAT YOU ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF.
Stop bankrupting America, you taker.
Perhaps you got a job on the failed Hellary campaign, right Stan/
Stan said-“the country is headed left in a huge way.”
LOL’s- Obviously, you have not been watching the news over the past few months.
After that as* whoopin the dumbocrats took last night, this nation took a big turn right. And get this- In Obama’s own state they lost the Governor to a Republican. In Arkansas (Bill Clinton’s home state) the Democrats- lost. They lost 7 Senate seats and lost control of the senate. Democrats lost 14 house seats and all but 1 or maybe 2 Governor seats. That is an as* whoopin.
To top it off, those college kids who campaigned for Obama in 08 and are now either unemployed or underemployed and paying all the taxes? He lost them. Once they started getting pay checks and saw what the had to pay in taxes they did not like it.
Unless Obama goes to the right and puts down the executive order pen, he will effectively become a lame duck. He will have plenty of time to play golf
You idiot, read what I said. I said that you cannot field a nationally viable candidate (ie the White House). These midterm elections will have little to no effect on either policy or administration, as you don’t have a supermajority. All you really secured was gridlock and, whats worse, the illusion that the Country has affirmed Republican policies. They haven’t.
I told you guys, left left left! I would raise taxes on incomes over $1mm to 80%. Socialism for the win!
http://news.yahoo.com/how-hillary-clinton-won-the-2014-midterms-075943434.html
He will become??? I thought he already was. No bother talking to a gen of entitlement type of a guy. Don’t you know Sarge – Us Old Men owe them because they are.
Sageant, we hope the President catches up with Woodrow Wilson on the number of golf rounds played while being President. They can just send a messenger out to the course with another bill passed by the House & Senate in the next two years and just say, sign here Mr. President and then you can play the back nine.
90 rounds in 6 years? He can’t come near Eisenhower with 800 in 8 years.
As usual Libby, your facts are all wrong. By the time this President leaves office, he will have spent one full year on the golf course unless of course he picks up his pace in the next two years because of being a lame duck and not in charge of events. Boehner could give him 5 shots a nine and still beat him in golf.
Agent – if you’re going to tell me my facts are wrong, please have the courtesy to point out what was incorrect. What? You can’t? I didn’t think so.
And since when does Boehner having a better golf game than Obama have diddly-squat to do with anything? Really. My swing’s better than your swing! Could you be any more childish? What? You could? That’s right! Giving yourself 4 thumbs up on that ridiculous post.
So Always, Dave and everyone else in IL, at 06:00PM lets all do a shot in honor of our new found freedom!
FFA, McConnell said he can provide the President with some Kentucky Jim Beam when they sit down to talk.
Obama’s gonna need it!
Hitting the cheap stuff just promotes a hang over.
FFA, with your revenues being down on account of republican policies, I suggest that you take some personal responsibility and save some money, that means sticking with the cheap stuff. We cant all have filets and salmon every night.
Check Il politics Stan, Ive been under Democrat thumb for the better part of 20 years.
You had 8 years of GWB with which you had some good times, assuming you dont count two unfunded wars, Medicare Part D, and the near catastrophic collapse of the global financial structure.
So yeah, Republicans def know what they are doing.
8 years under Bush were some of the best in my career.
Unfunded wars? Whos fault was that? I blame the nut jobs that slammed the planes in to the towers. You were probably still in diapers when that happened. I blame Bin Laden and Huinsane. I also blame them for the global economic collapse. Bin laden accomplished exactly what he set put to do.
Here in the gold ole USA, Billy Boy went on Letterman and took full responsibility for the mortgage collapse. Right out of his own mouth – he stated that the mortgage crises happened due to his policies. That’s happened when Billary & Barak were slugging it out in the primary. go ahead and do your fact checking….
And what exactly do you see wrong with Part D? Old folks getting their RX covered is a sore spot for you? Why? They pay for the coverage – you know provide for them selves. Obama Care made that better for them. Even he thinks its a good idea.
Nothing is wrong with Medicare part D if you pay for it. But republicans didnt. And there is nothign wrong with old people getting medicine. Just like there is nothing wrong with young people being able to see a doctor. The difference being that old people are happy to have the govt pay for them, but no one else.
And you blame bin laden for the economic meltdown of 2008? Thats incredible. You should blame the deregulation of the financial industry, subprime mortgages, not to mention a huge government bailout of wall street. But thats ok, thats not socialism. Kids seeing a doctor is socialism.
Seniors do pay for their part D coverage.
How do you explain Billy Boy comments? I can only interpret them one way – the mortgage melt down was his fault as he clearly stated.
The bail out??? AIG and the likes should have been left to fail. The only ones that would have been left on the unemployment line would have been the bone head execs. The govt has no business bailing out poor management. Of course, they took care of AIG because that’s where their pension money is.
Count me in! I don’t drink booze any longer so I will have a shot of Orange Juice.
Wohoo! People are tired of Harry Reid’s party of NO. Hahaha!
YES Sarge… You folks in MI have reason to celebrate too!
Not just talking about your Lions either…
Yes, we do the state reelected a Republican governor. The Democrat was a real idiot and was Jennifer Granholm AKA Jennifer Grandtheft’s the former governor’s right hand man. The republican/s lost the Senate seat held by retiring Carl Levin (long time Dem). The Democrat (a tax, spend and tax more) Dem is Gary Peters also known around here as Gary Peterhe*d.
Hey we also have some renewed excitement in Detroit. I believe there has been good press on the redevelopment and revitalization going on downtown. I know the Dems won’t give any credit where it belongs but frankly those nasty billionaires the Dems hate so badly and those money hoarding Republicans should get the credit. People like The Ford’s, The Illitch’s,(Little Ceaser’s, the Detroit Tigers, The Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment) Dan Gilbert (Quicken Loans), Fiat Chrysler Auto, Peter Karmanos on and on. Once they put most of the thugs running the city in prison (Democrats by the way) and forced at least some of the crooks to leave town; things are looking good.
Sargeant, I really hope Detroit does recover and it looks like private enterprise has stepped in to do the job after so many decades of decline, population loss, lack of basic city services and corrupt Democrats running the show. What can be done about the City Council? Can they be recalled and sent packing?
Sandman… You too. Walker just put a whooping on the dem in Wi.
I wonder what Obama will say about the latest “shellacking”. The one in 10 was nothing compared to this. The map was so red, it was hard to pick the pockets of blue out.
Agent – Republicans won because Democrats did not show up at the polls. Don’t get too excited for 2016, as I don’t think it will happen again.
But I am excited to see what a Republican Congressional majority will do over the next 2 years. But I am cautiously optimistic. They’re track record hasn’t been too good in the “getting shit done” category. Maybe they’ll change their colors. Stranger things have happened.
Don’t get too excited about Progressive Democrats making a big comeback anytime soon. Their policies are what has made the biggest mess the country has had in many decades. The people know it and you should too by now.
Freedom, you dont know what you’re talking about. Shocking.
http://news.yahoo.com/how-hillary-clinton-won-the-2014-midterms-075943434.html
By the way, Agent and FFA, it might surprise you to know that literally every single one of the worst “Human Development Index” offenders is a red state.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2013/06/19/red-states-rank-low-on-u-s-human-development-index/
The fact of the matter is that republican policies serve to distribute wealth to the top 1% at the expense of everyone else. End of story. If youre not in the 1%, youre voting against your own self interest.
I have to say, the kid makes sense…
He lost me with his whining long time ago. Nothing he says matters to me anyways.
Besides, give me a statement and I’ll find some fact to support it.
FFA the only whining on this entire forum is you complaining about democrats gutting your business because of “socialism.” Why dont you use some of that work ethic and gumption you keep talking about to make up the difference?
Libby said- “Obama’s still got the pen.”
So what? The checkbook is controlled by Republicans. All they have to do is take away the funding and whatever the issue is, like Obamacare, it dies. even if they take bits and pieces of the funding away. No money no fundy.
And I hope he uses the pen. In fact I hope he continues the executive order. Why? Cause come 2016 people will be so sick of him that they just might not bote for a Democrat. specially if he does what he says he is going to do with Illegal aliens.
That should be especially! Ha
LOL! It’s that attitude that’s going to get the GOP kicked out of the Senate and Hillary in the White House come 2016! I hope the GOP keeps up the obstructionism that America is so tired of. Gut the funding. Make Obama a lame duck. You will not be doing anything but cutting your nose off to spite your face. Enjoy the next 2 years. It’s all coming to a screeching halt come November, 2016. Sayonara suckas!
Libby, it is that attitude that got the Dems kicked out. Majority of the people spoke – they are sick of the way things are.
Just look at the states OBama came to support the Dems. All but one lost their position. Even his home state turned on him.
FFA – I know you think this mid-term was some sort of statement from the American people but you need to understand what happened.
Only 40% of minorities showed up to vote. They don’t care about the mid-terms. They WILL show up in 2016 and unless Republicans change their tune, they will be out in 2 years.
Yes, Americans are fed up with gridlock. But that applies to BOTH SIDES of the table. Exit polls still showed 56% of voters had a negative opinion of the Republican party.
I don’t know why I bother to try to tell you guys this stuff. You don’t listen and it only benefits my side if you don’t.
Libby, last week I was all gloom and doom. Faces did change. Gives cause for the Hope Obama “promised” us. If the Repubs don’t get it done, I will continue my Vote Them Out ways regardless of party.
Proof positive – I voted for Jesse White for Sect of St. He is a dem. He gets his job done. He didn’t deserve to lose it.
As I explained to Stan yesterday, I don’t care why, I just care what.
Per CNN, majority of women out voting voted Rep. Dems lost Women, Minority & poor vote.
Also untrue, FFA.
Read the Yahoo article Libby posted. This is a victory for the GOP, no doubt about it. But its a nominal victory to be sure – no GOP policies will be enacted. Basically it ensures gridlock.
come 2016, there are 33 new senate seats up for grabs, most held by Republicans. The pendulum will swing the other way, not to mention that well have another 4 years in the Whitehouse with Hillary.
The country is going to turn blue and it doesn’t matter what you grays say.
“…majority of women out voting voted Rep. Dems lost Women, Minority & poor vote.” The key to that statement is “out voting.”
Dems lost women and minority votes only because they STAYED HOME. They didn’t actually lose their allegience. As I’ve said before. They won’t stay home in 2016.
I stated majority of women out voting voted Rep. People who stay home don’t count at the poll. So, they can sit home and belly ach all they want. They don’t vote, it means nothing.
What she is saying is that there is a strong portion of the electorate who’s voice wasnt heard. Mostly because this election didnt matter, gridlock is going to be the result. Similar to what we had before. The real election that matters is 2016, and that will have a much different outcome.
FFA – I don’t think they’re sitting at home bellyaching. They either don’t care or they’ve got a wait-and-see attitude. I have a wait-and-see attitude, but I’m not very optimistic. The Republicans will more than likely do what they have historically done in the last several decades – be the party of “No.”
“Mostly because this election didnt matter, gridlock is going to be the result”
That was their choice. Don’t care why, just what. Cant change the why, need to adjust to the what. You know me better then that Libby.
Off topic example – I don’t care why J Geils is making a come back. I just care that they are. Local radio been jamming them since the announcement. Wooba Gubba with the green teeth making an appearance soon… I hear he is bringing Rapuda the Budda with. My face is gonna be blown off at that house party! Bodeans coming to town soon.
But, FFA, if you don’t care about the why you will never be able to change the what! You have to understand why things are happening if you want to make change. Come on. You know me better than that!
For today, I need to understand the what….
Tomorrow, I’ll concern myself with the why.
I don’t need to know why my building sold, just that it did and I may have to relocate.
I don’t need to know why the election brought the results that it did. I just need to know what next so I can adjust. I need to concern myself with the factors that I can control.
FFA – if you don’t know why your building sold, you might make the same mistake in the next office space you rent. You have to understand the why to manage the what.
In the instance of the building sale, I know why. Heeded to offset Cap Gain to get himself back down to the 15%. He wanted to give someone a deal instead of giving the feds more money. He took a substantial loss on this place and some average Joe got the place way below market value. Original PP price was close to $1.25 Mil. He sold it for $275,000.
There is your rich guy helping out some average Joe.
Given the hit he took, he must have made a bunch on some other deal.
So the person buying the building doesn’t want the tenants that come with it? What kind of businessman is that?
I don’t know what the new owners plans are for me. I just signed a 5 year leas in Aug. Been a lot of contractors walking around taking measurements and such. Current owner does not know or he is not telling me. I am in a dying town as over 50% of main st street level is empty. 50% of them empties are in foreclosure. The rest, the owners are screaming at city hall as there is an ordinance that states only retail at street level. So, even if they have space, they cant take my money.
Bleak situation here (in my town). I’ve been on Main St for over 25 years and don’t want to leave…. When I moved in this building Aug, 2013, this was the only property that had vacancy that was not way over priced or was not stressed. some of these people still want over $20 a sq foot when free market is at about $10 – $12 @ sq foot.
Buyout is being considered. Buying an agency over the border is also up for consideration… So many decisions. So many dead brain cells.
Libby said- “Only 40% of minorities showed up to vote. They don’t care about the mid-terms. They WILL show up in 2016 and unless Republicans change their tune, they will be out in 2 years.”
Every mid term election has had a smaller voting percentage- All of them. Generally, the midterm voter is more educated, more informed, has a better understanding with the direction of the US.
If the Democrats can’t get the ignorant, uninformed and apathetic to vote blindly for the Democrats— Toooo Bad.
Frankly, some of those people can’t even figure out what the issues are. They have to have someone standing in front of the polling booth to tell them who to vote for. I mean hey, if it had not been for stupid people Obama would have never been elected.
Here are some Obama Voters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skw-0jv9kts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skw-0jv9kts
That’s surprising. You’d think if things are so bleak with high vacancy rates that the price would go down, not up. If it’s a dying town, what about one town over?
Have yet to look. Need to be in Central IL tomorrow on top of all my other stuff going on. Contractor that was here said I have a few month past closing (12/05) before anything is going to happen. There was a lease signed on the store front, but it got yanked off the table. Now the gal in the small unit is sitting in limbo too. She has a growth spurt happening and needed more space. So, she is out no matter what. She needs a few thousand sq feet.
Others just cant see the writing on the wall.
I know Stan. I (CNN) was referring to those that came out to vote. She changed subject matter to those that didn’t. Those that didn’t come out to vote don’t matter. They had the chance to voice their opinion with there votes and chose not to.
I think she misunderstood something. Happens when people have full time jobs.
Sarge says “If the Democrats can’t get the ignorant, uninformed and apathetic to vote blindly for the Democrats— Toooo Bad.”
Oh, but they can. And you will see that again in 2016. Sayonara sucka!
FFA, I was amused that in the coverage of the election, the commentators kept mentioning the “wave” of the Republican victories. It looked much more like a Tsunami to me when they kept calling races for Republicans.
Letterman had a few different words. Shellacking. Drubbing just to name a few.
There was another Fence jumping at the White House. This time it was Obama trying to get out..
FFA, Billary and Hilbillary didn’t have much luck saving seats having gone to several states to hug and endorse. Almost all of their endorsed lost, some of them big time. The Clinton magic is apparently gone. I am sure they are wondering what hit them just like a lot of other liberal Democrats. Now, they are in the rationalizing phase and blaming their voters for their failures.
Oh, uninformed one. You don’t even realize how off the mark you are. You are the one that will be wondering what hit you in 2016.
Sayonara Democratic minions who supported the Obama agenda and were busy re-arranging the deck chairs on the ship as it was sinking. Now, they are busy packing up their memontos, pictures into cardboard boxes. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
lol Agent this doesnt even make sense. You poor poor baby, it must be very scary, what with the way the world is changing all around you. Hopefully you dont have anything really concerning in your town, like a round-a-bout or a minority.
Yes it does (make sense). Your just way too smart to understand it.
I hate to tell you this Mr. 3 degrees, but we have always adjusted well to what is going on in our market and the world. Politicians in general have made a big mess and Progressivism has invaded the greatest country in the entire world which has made things infinitely worse. I can certainly see why you have been unable to find a decent job. It is very nice to see the beginning of the end of the Obama legacy. By the way, I have plenty of minorities doing business with us. Some of our best customers are black or Hispanic and they are all legal citizens and do not complaing that they are being discriminated against.
“Progressivism has invaded the greatest country in the entire world which has made things infinitely worse.”
Progressivism as in PROGRESS??? We know you don’t have alot of that in Texas, but as for the rest of the country, we’d rather go forward (progress) than backwards (regress.)
It’s not 1960 anymore, Agent. You need to keep up (progress) or be left behind (republican.)
Enjoy your hollow victory, Agent. It’s kind of like the last meal before you’re dead man walking. I might just travel to Texas in 2016 to watch the elections with you just to see your face! (You know I know where you live…)
Libby, I think Sargeant hit the nail on the head. We should now characterize Obama’s slogan as “Nope & Change. “Nope” for total rejection of the Progressive Agenda. You can bellyache all you want, but the people spoke in a very loud way. Hit the road jack and don’t come back no more no more.
Who’s bellyaching?
Sargeant, I received a great “Photo of the Week” from a Conservative friend today. Picture Obama running in a field with a large herd of Elephants bearing down on him to run him over.
Stan said- “Well don’t feel too bad for her. I have three degrees, all with honors, and I cant a job either.”
Well, if you come off in interviews like you do on this blog, I can understand why you are unemployed.
You should be angry at Obama. He has had 6 years to find you a job.
Obama is now a headhunter! LOL!
Libby- That is good. He is a Headhunter and I agree. We have high unemployment and the lowest rate of labor participation in years. Your right he has gotten rid of more heads than anyone. LOL!!
Sargeant, I think you and FFA should put Stan on as a Producer. After all, he has three useless degrees from staying in school 8 years. I am sure he would make a good impression on any business owner struggling in this economy and telling them they are the problem, not the solution.
How do you know Stan was in school for 8 years?
Do you think he accumulated three degrees in a few semesters Libby? Maybe he did it online and sped it up some, but then he wouldn’t have had all that debt he complains incessantly about. It is obvious that the majors he picked were not viable in the marketplace or he wouldn’t have a dead end job.
One is an accounting degree, so I don’t know why that wouldn’t be viable. Everyone needs an accounting department.
I don’t presume to know how long it took him to complete 3 degrees. I’ll leave that to you.
Agent, as we discussed in the previous thread, I have a bachelors in business, an MBA, and a law degree, all from State universities (in-state tuition for all three, should you be curious).
All in, it took me 4 yrs for undergrad, and 3.5 yrs for the JD / MBA because I doubled down on summer-school to graduate early (I thought that it would give me a leg up on the job-hunt. It didnt).
No wonder you cant get a job. All this tells me is you are trying the shot gun approach. You don’t know what you want to do. Most small business would not hire anyone with a law degree unless they need an in house counsel.
The first thing you learned in law school was how to figure 33.33%.
Stick with the law degree or leave it off your resume. Libby is right- everyone needs accountants. Everyone hates lawyers. Not everyone needs a lawyer.
There such a thing as “Business Law.” Stan, are you not able to get on a firm as an associate or even the prosecutor’s office? How about a carrier or TPA claim department? Not sure where you live. Would you be willing to relocate? If you’re young and free, it might be an adventure.
The legal profession mirrors the real world, very few at the top benefiting at the expense of many.
http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/legal-one-per-cent
Time to think outside of the box. I’m a lawyer wannabe. That’s why I love insurance. There are plenty of insurance positions that would love to have someone with a J.D. behind their name. I have friend that graduated law school and got a job at Travelers in their claim department. You’d have to start out at the bottom, but you could quickly move your way up. Especially if you’re smart and handsome. Those things count!
Libby advice may be the trick… Travelers has a turn over rate so positions are constantly opening up.
Some of us old folks really do want the best for the young crowd. Me, personally, do wish you well. Sitting around blogging all day tells me you just don’t want to go looking. All them recruiting web sites – waste of time. Get you face in front of people and be persistent but your arrogant entitled self. Try being humble. Its hard for people like you so fake it till you make it.
I apologize. 7.5 years instead of 8. Forgive me for missing one semester. You certainly sound like a lawyer. No law firms interested with your sparkling personality and as handsome as you are as you have told us? Something is wrong with your picture. Sometimes professional students have a hard time convincing people they are ready for work. If an insurance company had hired you, you would have asked them to fund CPCU so you could keep studying.
The degrees are not “useless.” They are just not lucrative. It’s kind of like the inverse of you, Agent. You seem to make money, yet you are, in fact, useless.
The lord works in mysterious ways.
What good has come from them to you Stan?
Well, I write well and am probably pretty smart, all things considered. And I am an upstanding citizen that does his part to vote for policies that better America, not just a select subsection of America. So I guess that is something.
Besides, relief will come because I am not alone. There is an entire underclass of highly educated, middleclass kids who are saddled with educational debts that they will never be able to repay. Im talking millions of us. Debts that cant be repaid, wont. So eventually the govt will forgive them, meaning that YOU, FFA, will end up footing the bill.
That should please you though, since the people who really benefitted from my loans arent young people, rather they are the school administrators and professors who’s salaries are exorbitant. But they are your age and probably your customers, so it all worked out for you yet again.
Youre welcome!
Agent-
I don’t think he could sell brothel services on an aircraft carrier.
Way to keep it classy Sarge.
Sargeant Major, given your tagline, I take it you know a little something about military men and brothels? Or did you get kicked out because of a republican “no gayz in teh military” policy?
My tagline and service is none of your business you tu*d. You should be glad that a lot of guys did serve so you can run your ignorant, 3 degree unemployed mouth. I suppose you sit around all day and vote over and over on this blog
I had to laugh at that one Sargeant. All that education and nowhere to go with it. Hmm! It is hard to work from under a rock. He could be one of those infamous OWS guys who hate America and post from his mom’s basement because he can’t launch.
Agent, do you have any kids? Grandkids? Who showed you the internet?
Both of my NIU Interns graduated both with honors. One is a file clerk at a local union office making minn wage and the other is working at a fast food restaurant.
They found jobs in IL… They are not too proud to work below what they perceive is market value. They both accept the fact that they will not be starting at the top.
So, Stan, go to McD’s and start something. You will feel much better about your self and maybe develop some sense of personal responsibility.
LOL “personal responsibility.”
Where is your personal responsibility for a changing economic and political landscape? Why dont you branch out and expand your insurance lines to account for your lost revenue? You will feel better about yourself. You should accept the fact that you cant remain at the top.
I just booked by 4th that came in out of nowhere (a referral I was not expecting) Stan. Pushed my submissions cause I want them quotes by week end and sent apps in on a Bid Bond.
What did you accomplish today?
Well, now that you’ve booked your 4th, I think I’ve just talked my way into a new place to live. Do you mind if I bring my ferret?
I just got a quote in from I submitted last week. Stan… yesterday, three more in the pipe line, two spitting out one already book and the next hopefully tomorrow. That old school work ethic working again.
How many resumes did you get out today?
Im going to get to it this afternoon. Too busy on my iPhone listening to rap muzik and text messaging.
I put in three submissions yesterday. Three sets of accords. Not my producers – mine. Close to $50,000 in premiums. Besides blaming the world for your problems, what did you do?
Personal responsibility – I just took full custody of my grand kids. My parent are being evicted form the nursing home they are in. I am buying a bigger house to accommodate them.
I am expanding my operations in Wis – full court press this time. Failure not an option. By this time next year, I will be housing 9 people (assuming my parents are still alive). How is moms basement treating you?
You?
See if you can get a 4th submission so that you can afford a 10th person in the house. I am a great roommate. Very personable. And I have an Xbox.
I have tossed all the free loaders out. Why do I want another? X Box??? Try Pong.
Pong? FFA, they have calculators now more advanced than Pong. And you didn’t read closely, I said I am personable and I have an Xbox. That is hardly free-loading. Think how pumped you would be to come home to highfives, cheap bourbon, and Grand Theft Auto V? That would make all that stress just disappear.
I go home to Dinner, Homework and home remodeling. I don’t need to know what you wake up to.
Libby said- “LOL! It’s that attitude that’s going to get the GOP kicked out of the Senate and Hillary in the White House come 2016!
Obviously you did not watch Obama’s press conference- Defensive, blamed the election on the non voters (what a joke) and essentially said I will work with the Senate and the house as long as they bring me legislation I agree with.
Sorry Libby- I hope he continues to have that position because the American people will see it for what it is and hopefully broom the rest of them. By the way Obama in the last 2 elections has lost a total of 69 Democrat seats. The congress has more Republicans that any time since WW2.
I hope he tries to sign an executive order on Illegal Immigration. If he does that the Dems are done.
What is it you say- Maybe the Democrats should come back when they find better candidates.
I don’t care what Obama said in his press conference. It will have no influence on what happens in 2016. You just don’t get it. Unless Republicans change drastically, once the minorities are out in full force, you will see a wide swing to blue – especially in the White House. I don’t care if you believe it or not. It’s what’s going to happen.
So – as far as better candidates, it’s still my advice for the GOP. Someone like Christie that people on both sides can relate to would be good. But he’s probably not “right” enough for you, I’m sure.
The Republicans cannot field a nationally viable candidate because of social issues and the primary system. The american public at large wants to see compromise and action, the hard right (see, Agent, FFA, Sargeant, as examples) wants to see zero compromise and the abolishment of 50% of the country as “takers” (nevermind the fact that they pay less income tax and take more benefits than any other cohort).
Basically, to win a primary, you have to be against gay marriage, for tax cuts for the rich, against the environment, against infrastructure, against pretty much everything (including women’s reproductive rights). And that is not an electable platform for a rapidly changing national demographic.
Still, dont tell Agent or FFA. I rather enjoy watching them curse at the young whippersnappers who are ruining their lives. We must be pretty powerful and they must be pretty weak to cause such problems.
I’m done telling them. Why help the enemy? They’ll implode all on the own. It’s gonna be fun to watch.
The best republican candidate in my opinion was Huntsman, but he couldnt get out of primaries (losing to Huckabee!) lol the GOP is just so lost.
There is a good reason why Huntsman could not advance in the primaries. He did not have a good message and he leaned left. That does not appeal to Republicans Mr. 3 degrees.
You dingdong, of course it doesnt apply to the far right wing. It only appeals to the majority of America. That is the whole point, the candidates that appeal to you are unelectable in the Big Dance.
Libby, had you and wonderful Stan with three degrees been paying attention, the issues are the economy and jobs, not your petty social issues. I don’t see any War on Women candidates on your side winning anything. Sandra Fluke got beat by 21 points in California and Wendy got killed by over a million votes in Texas. People care about their jobs and if they will have one and how to put food on the table. Get over it.
Get over what? You just MADE MY POINT. If your side would leave the social issues alone, you’d get a lot more votes. That’s what I’ve been saying all along.
I ve said it before and Ill say it again.
I don’t care one bit about gays. If it makes you happy go ahead.
I don’t care about immigration IF ITS DONE LEGALLY.
Illegal immigration is against the law. You should know from your law degree.
I don’t mind helping people. I do mind leaches.
I could care what women do with their bodies so long as I don’t have to pay for it.
Abortion is wrong. If that’s what you choose to do, that is between you and St Pete when the time comes.
I live in fear of god because I don’t want to burn in hell. I believe in Tax cuts for everyone… Govt is way too big for my liking.
If that makes me far right, well I guess I am.
Actually, that makes you independent. Congratulations, you’re unelectable as a republican.
Then I guess that’s what I am.
Libby, Made your Point? Had you been noticing, the Republicans did avoid the Social Issues traps this time which led to the landslide. That seems to be a good formula and it will work again and again. Udall lost big time with his one issue War on Women campaign. The Republican swamped him by saying birth control should be over the counter. It’s easy and cost effective. No need for it in Obamacare.
Yes, Agent. You made my point and you just made it a second time. Thank you. You’re finally catching on.
Sargeant, didn’t you know that Libby does not watch the news or hear any of what her leader has to say live? Of course, I get nauseous after a few minutes listening to the arrogance, condescension and the my way or the highway of this President. He is not interested in working with Republicans no matter how bad he got beat. He still thinks he is relevant even though a sizable number of Democrats have abandoned him and want nothing to do with him. I wonder what the defeated Democrats think of him as they clean out their desk.
Agent, you are aware that it is republicans that have steadfastly refused to compromise with either their democratic colleagues or the president, right? This isnt an opinion, its an obstructionist fact.
Mr. 3 degrees, if Republicans had not opposed Obama’s policies for 6 years, we would have already been Cuba or Venezuela. They couldn’t stop Obamacare because both houses were controlled by Pelosi/Reid, but since they won back the house, they were able to do more and now that they have both houses, he is the one who has to cooperate or he can just go play golf.
“…since they won back the house, they were able to do more…” More what? Obstucting?
And it’s Mr. 3 Degrees, Esq. to you.
Agent, If I recall Libby only watches the local news and does not have cable. She also has no sound on her computer so she can’t hear you tube but she can comment on the you tube videos she does not like.
You recall incorrectly, Sarge. I don’t watch the news, except the national news occassionally. And I have DirectTV. My work computer has no sound, yet you can google stories and actually read the text of the exchange! I know it’s probably a little high-tech for you to google and all, but it really can be done.
You could forward the IJ to your home computer and listen to the utubes on it unless your home computer doesn’t have sound either. I thought you were a computer wizard.
A computer wizard? Nope. And I don’t spend my time at home with my husband worrying about you, Sarge, and your lame YouTube videos. I have much better things to do with my time.
Yes Sargeant. I remember her criticizing you on utubes you gave when all the Democrats including Clinton agreed with Bush about Terrorism, Sadam’s having WMD’s etc. No sound on her computer? Perhaps she didn’t want her boss to hear her playing utube when she was supposed to be working.
OK, I don’t know what part of NO SOUND on my computer you guys don’t understand. Are you completely dense or what?
Why would an office full of computers have sound? With telephones ringing, people talking, you also want to have computers blaring? No wonder you can’t get any work done where you are. Turn the sound off! Yeeesh.
We use headphones if we need to hear our computers. They post meetings and such for us to view later.
That makes sense. If we have webinars, the audio is usually through our phone. If not, they are held in a conference room.
Sargeant, let Obama start vetoing good legislation designed to help America like Keystone, Tax Relief etc and see what his approval rating goes to. It could be in the 20’s. Let Hillary keep saying that corporations and business don’t create jobs and see her going down fast. We are tired of their liberal mouths saying government is the solution to everything. The election proved that. All the Republicans need to do is pass legislation and pile it on his desk and let’s see what happens.
LOL! See his approval rating go down! You do know he can’t run for office again, right? Why should he care about his approval rating?
And just a short Economics 101 lesson to refresh your memory (if you even have an Economics degree) – DEMAND creates jobs, not corporations. Corporations SUPPLY jobs based on DEMAND. It’s the old supply and demand theory of economics. Surely you’ve heard about it?
Libby, your Economics IQ is terribly lacking. How are you going to create demand if the economy is bad and jobs are not being created? 70% of the households in America make less than $50,000 per year. The middle class is being squeezed with cost of living, inability to send kids to college. Companies will not invest and expand unless they have incentives to do so. Create jobs and there are more taxpayers with more income and wages will rise due to competition. Even poor Stan might find a job if the economy picks up. If there was better tax treatment on income they are sitting on, they would invest in America again instead of it sitting in accounts in Switzerland. They don’t like Obama’s anti business agenda and his raising taxes. Reform the tax code as well and make it fair for everyone and this economy will take off.
Your overall IQ is terribly lacking. What does any of that have to do with Hillary’s statement that corporations don’t create jobs? They don’t. Demand does.
As for the rest of your post, I agree that the middle class is being squeezed (thanks to Reaganomics), that demand has to increase so jobs are supplied and more taxes are paid, and that the corporate tax structure – in fact the entire tax structure – needs to be revamped.
We’re not so far apart in what we believe. You just have an overwhelming need to insult me and argue with me over nothing.
Still spouting off on what you don’t know I see. You probably still believe that massive spending by the government creates jobs like the trillion dollar Stimulus that couldn’t create one job for poor 3 degreed Stan. Keynsian spending was thoroughly debunked by Milton Friedman. Should I send you some more of his sayings again?
Hahaha oh, agent, you really are old. No one cites Friedman anymore, hes soooo retro. He still thinks that people are rational actors (hint: they arent – look at yourself for example). Try citing a contemporary economist, maybe even a nobel laureate, like Paul Krugman.
Libby said- “Newsflash. He’s going to have some legislation to sign THIS year while Democrats still have the majority.”
Newsflash Libby, The Republicans control congress and have since the last election. He won’t have anything to sign unless he compromises and he doesn’t.
Sarge – Republicans don’t control Congress YET. Or don’t you know how the whole thing works?
AND if Republicans have controlled Congress since the last election, the fact that NOTHING has been done and there is total gridlock is definitely the fault of the Republicans. Nice to see you owning up to your own deficiencies as “leaders.”
If you don’t think the American people are smart enough to see that, you’ve got another thing coming. There is no way you guys will have control two years from now. I can hardly wait!
Not so much Libby. Have you forgotten your hero Dirty Harry Reid who has blocked all legislation from ever getting to the President’s desk since 2010 and does to this day. 300+ bills sit there gathering dust while Obama is golfing or fundraising. Who is the obstructionist?
I was responding to Sarge’s statement, Agent. HE’S the one that said the Republicans have been in charge of Congress since the last election. Take it up with him, not me.
In case you need some further education Libby, we do have a Constitutional Republic, not a Democracy. Dirty Harry has been holding court in the Senate for many years. It still takes the House and the Senate to get legislation through and then the President has to sign it. Poor Harry has now flamed out and cannot prevent legislation from being voted on or passed. Sorry Mr. President, you will have to start doing your job now.
I understand the process, Agent. Get down from your soapbox. For the umpteenth time, I hope they do get some stuff done. Jeez! I agree with you and you STILL argue with me. Calm yourself.
But here’s why they WON’T.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/03/politics/ted-cruz-harry-reid/?cid=ob_articlesidebarall&iref=obnetwork
So how is producing 300+ bills that are blocked by the looney tune Dirty Harry the fault of the Republicans? Who is exactly responsible for gridlock? Just because Obama wants to install his leftist ideology in government, the Republicans are just supposed to roll over and say OK? I think not. A week ago showed the country is ready for something different. Get used to it.
I’m OK with it. I voted Republican this last election. And I’ve told you I have a wait and see attitude. I hope they DO get something done. I’m just not convinced they have it in them. Time will tell.
Libby, your President will get his opportunity to review numerous bills to be sent over without blockage and he will have to make a decision to sign or veto. Will you blame Obama for gridlock if he does nothing or veto’s good legislation? The pile should be deep and ongoing every week.
It depends on what he vetoes.
Stan, you are getting in Ron territory using Paul Krugman, the leftist former Harvard professor who currently writes for the leftist NYT. By the way, the Nobel prize is notable for picking winners from the left like Obama who got it for doing absolutely nothing and is now drone bombing ISIS, Al Gore for his bogus Global Warming agenda and Krugman for his Keynsian leftist spending. How has that worked out for the country? $7 Trillion and counting in new debt and the economy still in the doldrums. Yeah, your guy is not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
I suppose if I have to put my faith in a nobel laureate or a hill-billy internet commentator from Texas, well . . . hmmmm, I guess it’s a toss up.
Stan, when you don’t have any arguments worth anything, you just resort to name calling like the other leftist bloggers on this site. You fit your model perfectly.
Libby said- “I don’t care what Obama said in his press conference. It will have no influence on what happens in 2016.”
Really, I think that what he said and did got his party smoked in the mid terms. And if you think the “Minorities” are going to blindly vote think again (I guess you could round up an old bus and get the deadbeats and dope heads to the polls and tell them how to vote) then look who got elected- Mia Love (black Female, Susan Collins Maine, Nikki Haley S. Carolina, Saira Blair West Virginia an 18 year old. She beat her democrat opponent by 30 points. Shelly Capito WVA, Jodi Ernst Iowa, Susan Collins Maine on and on.
Sarge – I’m worn out trying to explain it to you. You’re right. You guys are a shoo-in for the next 20 years.
See you in 2016, sucka!
Let’s not forget that Sandra Fluke got beat by 21 points in California, one of the bluest states in the country.
Big deal.
Sargeant, had the Jonathon Gruber video came out prior to the election, it would have been a clean sweep for Republicans all across the country in about every race. Every Obamacare supporter would have been crying in their beer. Their POTUS and the blind minions who perpetrated this evil should be held accountable for this travesty.
Healthcare for all Americans is perpetrating evil? You sound like an hysterical old woman for Pete’s sake! Health insurance, good. No health insurance, bad.
Libby, you sound like a leathery old liberal broad who can’t tell evil from good. Progressive leftists are never going to do good things for Americans. After all, we must stick to the agenda of making America more like Cuba or Venezuela. Hey fellow Progressives, let’s do class warfare, gender warfare, race baiting and make Republicans look bad. That message should sell, right?
Funny thing happened at the polls last Tuesday. Progressive leftists lost in a landslide of mammoth proportions. Guess the message got old and and voters woke up and realized how bad the governance has been.
Really? What does a leathery liberal sound like? You do make me laugh. What part of I VOTED REPUBLICAN do you not understand???
Last I looked, no-one in my party wants us to be Cuba or Venezuela, but whatever floats your imaginary boat, Agent. Continue your existence in la-la land or whereever you are you crazy old coot.
Agent said- “Sargeant, I received a great “Photo of the Week” from a Conservative friend today. Picture Obama running in a field with a large herd of Elephants bearing down on him to run him over.
He Agent check out the cover of the NY Dailey News
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/daily-news-post-election-front-page-online-hit-article-1.2001161
Ahhh. The NY Daily News, “New York’s Picture Newspaper.” What’s the matter? Reading too difficult for you?
Or do you need a moving picture (YouTube) to figure stuff out?
How about a shout out on the eve of Veterans Day for Sargeant Tamerisi finally being let out of the Mexican jail after rotting there for nearly 8 months while our Commander in Chief was out playing golf and doing fundraisers. If it hadn’t been for the private efforts of Greta Van Susteryn and a couple of Republican lawmakers, he would still be there.
Since when does the President of the United States get involved with soldiers that get arrested overseas? That’s not his job!
Well, the Administration just got two American prisoners out from our arch enemy North Korea after being incarcerated on trumped up charges. Why is one of our brave soldiers such an issue with you? In the soldiers case, Obama could have made one phone call and told our biggest trading partner that all Mexican trucks would be stopped at the border until they released our Marine. He would have been out of there in a heart beat.
So bringing trade between our two countries to a screeching halt is a good solution according to you? Even if he had that kind of power, that’s absurd. You don’t handle diplomatic issues with blackmail. Well, YOU might, but no other sane person does.
It is called “exerting pressure” on a government to get some action Libby. That is something your President has no clue about.
Fact, the GOP is doomed for failure (from a Conservative blog, no less).
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/against-conservative-republican-triumphalism/
This just in:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/supreme-court-to-take-up-obamacare-subsidies-case/
Yes Always. I saw that earlier in the day. Let’s hope SCOTUS does the right thing this time. Those subsidies are a big issue and will drain the taxpayer further. The law was very specific on who got the subsidies through State Exchanges. Weren’t the left in shock when 36 States didn’t opt for exchanges or expand Medicaid? They thought it would just sail through. As you know, most of the exchanges have been a joke anyway. Oregon didn’t write one policy through theirs even will millions given to them.
I don’t see any way they could keep it on the book. The law is the law. I cant go into traffic court and tell the judge “I intended on doing the speed limit”.
What say you Stan – which way does the SCOTUS have to rule if they are following the law the way it is written?
FFA, as part of the plan to ram Obamacare down the nation’s throat, they misjudged America thinking that it was a done deal setting up the Exchanges. Much to their surprise, 36 of the 50 decided “Not” since the price tag including expanding Medicaid which quickly has a huge price tag on the states. I expect the court to find a legal way around the language of the bill even if it is as plain as Libby’s nose.
I have a cute nose! It’s not plain at all.
After further review, it is Obama. Since when does he have to follow the law?
On my travels today, I noticed three more stores shut down… My wife tells me another anchor pulled out of the mall. Got to be another 50 people new to the unemployment line in my town.
Good luck Stan (regardless of whos fault you think the current job situation is)….
This makes no sense, dont those stores know that republicans are going to control the Senate? They should be expanding and making money now.
Too little. Too late.
And I do mean good luck – no sarcasm at all. Just wish you the best.
Wish me the best, or the outgoing democratic politicians?
All the people that lost in the election get a big F u for Screwing everything up… Don’t matter what side of the isle, just a big bunch of do nothing’ers… No well wishes for them. They screwed it up for you just like they did for me.
FFA, following is a good one right down your alley.
I saw a friend the other day and we discussed all the illegal voting going on in this country. He told me his dad never in his entire life voted for a Democrat until 10 years ago and now he votes Democrat every year. I asked him what had happened. He said his Dad passed away 10 years ago.
Here in IL, we had a Robo dialer calling the election judges telling them they did not qualify for a judge due to improper training. Saw that about 2000 judges didn’t show up. There was one request under the freedom of info act for the names of the judges.
A new low in IL Politics whom ever did it. Of course, everyone is denying it.
Old news…
Agent – you must be on cloud 9! Ben Carson is running for POTUS in 2016! Now you can get out on the campaign trail with him and help assure that Hillary takes the White House!
Even Billary will be an improvement. Now that she is G Ma, I would advise against it. Life will be much easier if she just enjoys the company of the little one. After her run as sect of state, she would have to be insane to take that job.
FFA, Billary has already messed in her kit. She said that corporations and businesses do not create jobs in this country. This was after she said that she and Bill were completely broke when he left office and had trouble making payments on several mortgages and doing Chelsea’s education and after she said the video was responsible for Benghazi. I hope she keeps making statements like these. It would be good campaign ads for whoever is her opponent. Almost as good as Obama saying – Make no mistake, my policies are on the ballot.
Stan calls us old. Wonder what he says about her (age wise).
Oh shes old too. And truth be told, I would prefer Elizabeth Warren over Hillary. But a win is a win, and I’ve matured in my old age and no longer let perfect be the enemy of good.
What say you Stan – which way does the SCOTUS have to rule if they are following the law the way it is written?
Your the smartest unemployed lawyer I know. You have a chance to sport what you learned in your honors degree.
They will rule whichever way Kennedy feels like at the moment. And no, they are no more likely to enforce a law as written as they are to ignore intent. This is a complicated discussion (and I know you were being rhetorical with your question), but the short answer is, I don’t know.
Thanks for your honesty.
And Stan, I was wanting a Legal Opinion. Nothing else. Trying to lay out the odds… 50/50.
Agent – why do you respond to my post about Ben Carson with a silly comment about Hillary Clinton? You are like a small child with a shiny object. Focus.
Libby, are you a racist running down a black Conservative who has done nothing but work hard and become a world famous Neurosurgeon? I will be happy to work for Dr. Carson. I don’t think we will catch him saying that government is the solution or that corporations and businesses don’t create jobs.
LOL! Because I don’t happen to think being a neurosurgeon qualifies one to be President of the United States I am a racist?!? Really? That doesn’t make me a racist, that makes me smart.
What qualifies him to lead this country and, indeed, the world? The fact that he’s a brain surgeon? Hardly. But you go ahead and thump on his behalf! I can’t wait until 2016!
’bout damn time a 7th Day Adventist ran. Imagine the fun we will have playing with snakes and drinking strychnine all the while speaking in tongues. Rur Rur Rur Rur Rur Rur Rur
Libby, what makes you think Dr. Carson is less qualified than the Community Organizer that never ran a business, had no experience in government other than to vote present in Illinois and then spent his brief sojourn in the Senate running for President? By the way, Dr. Carson doesn’t need a teleprompter to make a speech. If you had paid attention to what he has to say, you might agree with me, but we all know you love the guy you voted for twice. Conservative values always trump Socialist ideology. I will take a smart Neurosurgeon any day. He might just straighten out the huge mess with Healthcare in this country.
Did I make any comparison between Carson & Obama? No. Quit trying to put words in my mouth. Carson is NOT qualified to be president, period.
And I have conservative values AND liberal views. That hardly makes me a socialist.
And Obama is not qualified to be President judging from the mess made and being a total Narcissist and his my way or the highway approach. When has he compromised on anything in 6 years? Every year, the pundits keep wondering if he will compromise and every year, they are disappointed. He says, bring me legislation that I agree with and I will sign it. That is the Progressive way and led to the greatest loss in modern history. Yes, his policies were on the ballot.
Libby, I challenge you and wonderful 3 degree Stan to go onto today’s Monday Townhall.com and see the article on how Democrats deliberately lied to the voters who they call stupid to get Obamacare passed. I know you don’t have sound, but there are videos on the admissions. These people really don’t have any shame. Sargeant and FFA, I hope you view it as well. The article is from Katie Pavlich. Very revealing on this most transparent government. We see right through them. Can I have some spin please?
I would have been happy to do that if you had provided a link, Agent. But since you’re too lazy to do that, I’m too lazy to go hunt for it.
Too lazy to go on the Internet and type in Townhall.com Libby? It is the lead story. Too lazy to see Jonathon Gruber admitting he lied his butt off to the “stupid” voters? This goes right to the heart of the issue from the top down to the minions. You wouldn’t be able to hear him anyway since your outdated computer doesn’t have sound.
Post a link. I dare you.
Libby, you can also go to http://www.foxnews.com and see this story in all its glory with videos, statements the sorry Jonathon Gruber happily made about the massive lie of Obamacare and their arrogance of the deception. This is Progressiveism at the maximum level. Hey voters, we lied to you about keeping your plan, your doctor and saving $2,500 for the average family. Our back up plan is to install single payer. How do you like those apples? Gruber and Ezekiel Emanuel and others that crafted this “law” should be incarcerated next to Bernie Madoff.
Agent – You realize that video is over a year old, right? What took you so long?
Off topic…. How bad are the Bears??? Good they put them on National TV so the entire country can see.
Well FFA, I tend to agree with you on the Bears. I tried to watch some of it and had to flip the channel. I wonder if they had not let Lovie go if they would be this bad now. I bet Sargeant is glowing this morning after his Lions pulled out the game against the Dolphins who are a legitimate team. Good to see Calvin Johnson back. He is one of my favorite receivers in the NFL. Detroit is good enough to make some noise this year.
I wonder the same thing… Sarge has to be happy. Was glad to see CJ drop that one as it would have gone against me. But Big Ben came threw in garbage time with an 80 yd TD pass to my Free agent pick up last week. Of course I have to put him on the field and he only throws one TD. All in all, a 15 point swing on my score board.
Libby, as far as I know, this video and admission has not appeared on any website until now. What a smoking gun if there ever was one! If you saw it and remained silent not posting a link, why is that? Was it on Huffington Post, Moveon.org, Media Matters, MSNBC? I wonder why they are so silent. By the way, the facts are the facts and your liberal friends are not singing a happy tune right about now. I don’t think there is a statute of limitations on crimes like this. Lying to the American People is right up there on serious crimes, especially if 1/6th of the economy is affected.
Lying is not a crime Agent. It’s morally reprehensible, but not criminal.
Perjury??? Not a crime?
That’s different. That’s lying under oath to a judge or jury. Just lying for lyings sake is not illegal.
Still trying to spin Libby? There is not anything you can think of to cover up this travesty. Progressives are culpable for lying to the American People over and over to promote their agenda. This is far worse than Clinton’s lie to the Grand Jury about the intern under the desk and wagging his finger into the camera. When you have good people being bilked of their money, I think that constitutes fraud on a massive scale. Snake oil salesmen personified.
I’m not spinning Agent. I’m telling the truth. Something you know little about. Lying is not a crime. I said it’s morally reprehensible. Did you miss that part? I’m not condoning it or agreeing with it. Just correcting your assertion that it’s criminal behavior.