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By Cassandra Effect, August 13, 2009 10:17 am

The White House has used the bully pulpit today, with David Axelrod sending out an email that he hopes will go viral.  Its bad enough that I get spam all day long in my email box, and that President Obama seems to be EVERYWHERE, but now I have to look forward to getting this email from dozens of people.  Way to use that bully pulpit!  The email attempts to debunk eight health care “myths” , eight reasons why we need health careinsurance reform and eight of Obama’s health care policy goals.   This is the first glimpse that Obama recognizes that a “Big Solution” will not be able to happen.  Therefore he is placing more winnable, small points on the table so he can declare victory in the Fall, and deliver on his campaign promise of Health Care Reform. Most reasonable would agree with the problems that are delineated in list of ”reasons we need health insurance reform.  The devil is in the details and the solutions.  The most publicly discussed bill, HR 3200, is a massive attempt to require government control of health care.  It is completely unacceptable to imagine such nonsense. 

No where in the email does it explain how will will pay for all of this additional  health care.  And that, my friend, should cause you great concern.

Cassandra Effect has been slowly debunking the alleged “myths” with facts of our own.  See:

Lies, Misrepresentations and Weasel Words from the White House FAQ on Health Insurance Reform, part 1

Lies, Misrepresentations and Weasel Words from the White House FAQ on Health Insurance Reform, part 2

Lies, Misrepresentations and Weasel Words from the White House FAQ on Health Insurance Reform, part 3

Dear Friend,

This is probably one of the longest emails I’ve ever sent, but it could be the most important.

Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back — even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions.

As President Obama said at the town hall in New Hampshire, “where we do disagree, let’s disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that’s actually been proposed.”

So let’s start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you’ll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now.

Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what’s below. So what are you waiting for? Forward this email.

Thanks,
David

David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President

P.S. We launched www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheckthis week to knock down the rumors and lies that are floating around the internet. You can find the information below, and much more, there. For example, we’ve just added a video of Nancy-Ann DeParle from our Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check it out:

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won’t be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.
Learn more and get details: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/

8 common myths about health insurance reform
Reform will stop “rationing” – not increase it: It’s a myth that reform will mean a “government takeover” of health care or lead to “rationing.” To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.
We can’t afford reform: It’s the status quo we can’t afford. It’s a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.
Reform would encourage “euthanasia”: It does not. It’s a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.
Vets’ health care is safe and sound: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans’ access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President’s budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.
Reform will benefit small business – not burden it: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.
Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It’s myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare “doughnut” hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
You can keep your own insurance: It’s myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.
No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.  Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose.  Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you – and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.
Learn more and get details:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq

8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now

Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that 12.6 million non-elderly adults – 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market – were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage when they became seriously ill. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html
Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job.  Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html
Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html
Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes
Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured – 13 million people – are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline
The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction
Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people – one in every three Americans under the age of 65 – were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html
The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance – projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf

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By Cassandra Effect, August 1, 2009 10:29 am

The funding for this bill will grow and grow and grow.  Why?  Because EVERYONE stands to gain on this with no obvious victim.  To wit:

1. People and Businesses replacing older cars get free money (up to $4500!)
2. Car Dealers see an increase in current sales (at the expense of future sales, but who cares about that right now)
3. The Main Stream Media sees an increase in advertising revenue from manufacturers and dealers (The Auto business is one of the top ad categories)
4. Politicians get a chance to give the “People” Free Money and collect votes
5. Auto Unions see the Government doing “something” to help them

So what’s not to love?

Well, let’s see………..

• it’s not the role of the Federal Government to reapportion taxpayer money to fund a SINGLE taxpayer’s discretionary purchases.  And yes, a new car is discretionary.
• People who previously bought more fuel efficient vehicles and who wish to replace them get no incentive.  Only those who bought worse fuel economy vehicles stand to benefit.  I hope you didn’t “go green” too long ago!
• DESTROYING the “clunkers” puts increased pricing pressure on older, cheaper vehicles for those who may only be able to only afford a used car. 
• DESTROYING the clunkers is not very green, since the cars may have plenty of useful service life (the trade in vehicle may be only a year old!) and can contribute as parts cars for the used market.
• And finally – REPLACING a clunker is not the most efficient use of financial resources…follow the math…

You have a Used car that is fully paid off.  Lets say it gets 10 miles per gallon.  You decide to buy a new car that gets 30 miles per gallon.  You drive 15,000 miles per year.  We will also assume gas costs $2.50 per gallon.  We’ll say it costs $1000 per year to maintain the clunker and $100 a year for the new car.  Insurance on the clunker is $400 and $800 on the new car.  Well say the new car costs $20,000, and we’ll assume you pay straight cash for it.

Scenario 1 – Keep the Used Car (costs over 5 years)

Fuel cost  = $18750

Maintainance Costs = $5000

Insurance = $2000

5 year cost of ownership = $25,750

Scenario 2 – Buy New Car and replace Clunker

Fuel Cost = $6250

Maintainance Costs = $500

Insurance = $4000

Car Cost = $20,000

5 year cost of ownership = $30,750

USED CAR WINS by $5000.  And we used a really unfavorable mpg comparison that was skewed strongly to the New car.

This example does not account for time value of money, and it does not even account for the interest payments that most people would pay financing the car.  Nor do I even bother to calculate the sales tax or ad valorem taxes that would be due on the new car.

So NORMALLY it would be in a person’s best financial interest to keep the Used Car.  So what are we doing?  We’re giving people up to $4500 to offset what the MARKET should be doing on its own.  All on your dime.

It truly makes you a sucker if you DON”T go out and buy a car…so sad…..

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By Cassandra Effect, July 30, 2009 6:13 pm

This week I received yet ANOTHER email from our President touting his health care scheme.  The contents of the letter are below.  I can’t figure out why he doesn’t address the letter to Dear Comrade, but I digress….

Obama has realized that the American people are on to him.  Most people already have insurance.  They understand that it costs a lot of money to have insurance, and if we are to provide insurance t0 47 Million MORE people that is has to COST MOR, not less!  People are asking themselves -wait a sec – this things could really SCREW ME.  So Obama has taken to a new tact.  GIVE PEOPLE MORE FREE STUFF!    Of course, this will result in MORE cost shifting, but irony of all ironies, Obama is shifting the cost to the young adults who were so excited about his candidacy and helped propel him into the White House.  They don’t normally vote, so he knows he can stiff them without serious consequences at the polls.  What is not in the letter is the additional throwaway to the elderly:  that insurance companies can only charge twice the rate to a old person than the do a young person.  Guess who gets screwed on that one?  You got it - the young people. 

The only good news I see in this new approach is that he is terrified of not achieving some sort of health care overhaul. That was his campaign promise and he has set himself up for failure not being an option.  Thus he is beginning to move to a middle ground which will be much more palatable to the Republicans.  Remember, – the Republicans cannot afford to look like they didn’t GIVE YOU something, so they WILL go along – the question is go along with what?  Take the August recess to talk with your elected officials – or risk them giving away everything in September.

Letter is below with my comments inserted

Dear Friend,

If you’re like most Americans, there’s nothing more important to you about health care than peace of mind.

Given the status quo, that’s understandable. The current system often denies insurance due to pre-existing conditions, charges steep out-of-pocket fees – and sometimes isn’t there at all if you become seriously ill.

It’s time to fix our unsustainable insurance system and create a new foundation for health care security. That means guaranteeing your health care security and stability with eight basic consumer protections:

No discrimination for pre-existing conditions  [Cost shift to healthy, younger adults]
No exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays [why should you pay a lot?  Lower out of pockets = higher insurance premiums and more cost shifting]
No cost-sharing for preventive care[You shouldn't be responsible for your own care - this isn't insurance now - its Pre-Paid Medical care, which = higher premiums]
No dropping of coverage if you become seriously ill [They can't do that now - this is a sounds good line...]
No gender discrimination [ditto - unless you mean that women live longer than men but should pay the same rates... but isn't that discriminatory?]
No annual or lifetime caps on coverage [not necessarily bad, but it should be my choice as to what kind of coverage I need - this will result in higher premiums of course]
Extended coverage for young adults [this is great - parents will now be responsible for their kids - up to 26 years old?  I've got an idea - how about the young adults get their own freaking policy!]
Guaranteed insurance renewal so long as premiums are paid [sounds good - but will result in higher premiums as insurers seek to cover their risk]
Learn more about these consumer protections at Whitehouse.gov.

Over the next month there is going to be an avalanche of misinformation and scare tactics from those seeking to perpetuate the status quo. [counting Mr. Obama's own scare tactics?]  But we know the cost of doing nothing is too high. Health care costs will double over the next decade, millions more will become uninsured, and state and local governments will go bankrupt. [wait a sec....isn't that a SCARE TACTIC?]

It’s time to act and reform health insurance, drive down costs and guarantee the health care security and stability of every American family. You can help by putting these core principles of reform in the hands of your friends, your family, and the rest of your social network.

Thank you,
Barack Obama

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By Cassandra Effect, July 20, 2009 7:36 pm

So the EU is going to withhold $90 Million and the US is withholding $20 Million.

The Honduran GDP is over $33 Billion in purchasing price parity and $13 Billion at the official exchange rate.

I am thinking they can handle a $100 Million pinch.

Zelaya – give it up – the world is only bleating your tune so they don’t look like they will uphold the people throwing off the yokes of the tyrant.  But they really won’t help you.  Well, – Maybe Chavez will….

Source:  CIA Factbook

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By Cassandra Effect, July 17, 2009 6:54 am

Simple – she’s willing to obfuscate about her racism, and the GOP isn’t willing to go the mat over it.

Oh yes, there’s been a couple of firecrackers lit off during the hearings, and a couple of GOP Senators have ensured that the right has had their feeding of red meat – as reported in Sen. Jeff Sessions ROCKS THE SENATE during Sotomayor Hearings

But lets be clear folks – when you have a person interviewing for a JOB FOR LIFE, which is ANSWERABLE to NOBODY,  you have a certain amount of incentive to sit in your chair, smile and give circuitous answers or simply refuse to answer questions.  A very frustrating experience, I am sure, for the GOP Senators.  The Democrats just have to sit back, relax and be nice to Judge Sotomayor, and let the GOP fulfill their image of being a bunch of mean old white dudes. 

The testimony of two of the firefighters involved in the Ricci case sums up the entire episode in words echoing that Martin Luther King.   Read their amazing story at SCOTUS finds Firefighters WERE Discriminated Against! 

Ben Vargas:

I am Hispanic and proud of their heritage and background that Judge Sotomayor and I share. And I congratulate Judge Sotomayor on her nomination.

But the focus should not have been on me being Hispanic. The focus should have been on what I did to our new promotion to captain and how my own government and some courts responded to that. In short, they didn’t care…..

I was shocked when I was not rewarded for this hard work and sacrifice, but I actually was penalized for it. I became not Ben Vargas, the fire lieutenant who proved themselves qualified to be captain, but a racist statistic. I had to make decisions whether to join those who wanted promotions to be based on race and ethnicity or join those who would insist on being judged solely on their qualifications and the content of their character.

Frank Ricci:

In our profession, the racial and ethnic makeup of my crew is the least important thing to us and to the public we serve. I believe the countless Americans who had something to say about our case understand that now.

Firefighters and their leaders stand between their fellow citizens and catastrophe. Americans want those who are the most knowledgeable and qualified to do the task. I am willing to risk and even lay down my life for fellow citizens, but I was not willing to go along with those who place racial identity over these more critical considerations.

I am not a lawyer, but I quickly learned about the law as it applies to this case. Studying it as much I studied for my exam, I thought it clear that we were denied our fundamental civil rights. I expected Lady Justice with the blindfold on, and a reasoned court from a federal court of appeals telling me, my fellow plaintiffs and the public that the court’s view on the law — what the court’s view on the law was and do it in an open and transparent way.

Instead, we were devastated to see a one paragraph unpublished order summarily dismissing our case, and indeed even the notion that we had presented important legal issues to that court of appeals. I expected the judges who heard my case along the way to make the right decisions, the ones required by the rule of law.

Of all that has been written about our case, it was Justice Alito who best captured our own feelings. We did not ask for sympathy or empathy. We asked only for even-handed enforcement of the law and prior to the majority justice opinion in our case, we were denied just that.

 (Source: Washington Post)

And when its all finished, she will be confirmed because, well, no Senator is willing to hold anyone accountable for their long professed views.  Why?  Because they want the same kind of deniability.

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By Cassandra Effect, July 7, 2009 12:17 am

You heard it here first.  In yet another Obama administration reversal from an initially wrong diplomatic call, the White House has  begun to give ousted Honduran President Zelaya the cold shoulder. 

He is returning to Washington DC after failing to land his Hugo Chavez provided plane.  However he will  only be allowed to meet with Secretary of State Clinton, not President Obama.   This is a major indication that Obama is rethinking his position on Honduras and allowing himself some room to move back toward the current government.  Can Mr. Obama ever get it right the first time?  his track record is not too good – he missed the call  on the Russian invasion of Georgia, the Iranian Revolution, and now Honduras. 

Check out this different tone the US government is taking now….. (AP)

In Washington, a senior U.S. official said one option under consideration was trying to forge a compromise between Zelaya, Micheletti and the Honduran military under which the ousted president would be allowed to serve out his remaining six months in office with limited and clearly defined powers.

Zelaya, in return, would pledge to drop his aspirations for a constitutional change that would allow him to run for another term, said the official, who agreed to discuss the situation only if not quoted by name because of the sensitive nature of the diplomatic exchanges.

So far, the White House has called Zelaya’s ouster “not legal,” but it has not taken any steps to punish Honduras. More than $100 million in U.S. aid would be lost if the State Department officially classifies Zelaya’s ouster a “coup,” which would trigger an automatic suspension.

More evidence stems from the classic high level leak:

Another senior U.S. administration official expressed frustration with Zelaya, saying the ousted Honduran leader rejected advice from the United States and others not to press for the constitutional change and also not to try to return to Honduras on Sunday while the situation remained volatile.

and my personal favorite from a people who will not stand a TYRANT

If he returns, Zelaya faces arrest for 18 alleged criminal acts including treason and failing to implement more than 80 laws approved by Congress since he took office in 2006.

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By Cassandra Effect, June 29, 2009 5:00 pm

The GOP is a dead brand.

What does the average person think of when they conjure up an image of the GOP?

Old White Men?  Greedy, CorporateFat Cats?  “Speculators,” Racists, stuck in the past, Religious Moralizers?

What images doe the Democrat brand hold?

Fairness, Helping the “little guy” and “middle income folks”, friend to minorities, open minded, etc.

Again – you may not agree with these impressions but they are INTEGRAL to why the Dem’s trounced the Republicans last election. From a BRANDING perspective, the Democrats have boxed the GOP into such

Now it is entirely possible that the Dem’s may completely blow it in the next year and allow the GOP to gain back some seats in the mid term election.  Hoping your opponent will make a mistake is a far cry from a STRATEGY.

The reality is that the GOP is a DEAD BRAND.  It allegedly stands for Conservative values, but they destroyed the fiscal trust during the Bush administration.   Now we hear all the GOP hacks talking about how they learned their lesson, but seriously folks – what lesson did they learn?   The Tea Party movement is the natural outgrowth of this anger among conservative Americans who are desperately looking for someone to carry their water in Washington.

So what’s the solution?

As any politician will tell you, the best way to get elected is to Give People Something!

That something is FREEDOM and LIBERTY. 

The Libertarian party name is already taken, and while an excellent platform ; their stance on legalizing drugs puts them outside the mainstream and the reality of getting a successful national movement going.  And lets be honest their Brand image is of the lone kook,or dope smoking hipster – like it or not.

That leaves The FREEDOM Party

Everyone likes something that is Free, and we even have that word in the name of the brand!  A bonus if you will!  the Dutch have already figured this out – will we?

I am sure Republicans won’t take this advice until AFTER the 2010 elections when they realize the Dem’s won’t give them too many openings.  Heck it may take until another national election where the Republican Party trots out another long in the tooth candidate short on solutions who gets trounced by Obama the Charismatic.

Once they lick their wounds, the Republicans will make a public show of repudiating their old brand and joining a new movement – the FREEDOM PARTY, where they can  leave the old brand baggage behind – including those GOP members who are not true to the brand.