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Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 | 2 a.m.
Mitt Romney’s strategy seems to work. It has been to reveal nothing about his taxes, nothing about his dealings with China, ignore the truth, say anything regardless of facts and explain nothing about his plans to reduce the deficit; now he won’t even answer questions about anything until he’s elected. And yet, he’s gone up in the polls (although I don’t believe in polls). However, his biggest accomplishment has been “changing” from Romney into President Barack Obama. He’s stolen Obama’s identity. He now uses the word “change” in every speech he gives. At the last debate, he agreed with nearly ...
Poll after poll show Americans are concerned most about jobs, the economy and debt/deficit spending and Obama's downfall was not easing these concerns even with majorities in both the house and senate during his first two years in office. Letting 23 million unemployed/under-employed Americans suffer for four years is simply unacceptable. The anti-business rhetoric coming from Obama may have been good politics to rev up the far-left base of his party however, it created an environment of uncertainty among the business sector and consumers with means who typically spend post-recession lifting us out of recovery. Obama is a nice man but his lack of knowledge in economics, business and strategies for growing jobs in the private sector showed he was ill fit to lead us out of our recession.
When your opponent's campaign has largely and successfully painted you as a tax cheat, an evil rich person who doesn't care about anyone but himself and other rich people, someone who caused another person's death, and some one who would pollute the entire planet, is it too hard to imagine that 'war monger' would be added to the list if you proposed a different foreign policy? Come on! The President has run a slash and burn campaign because his record is a tough one to run on.
What will be sad is if Romney loses to Obama, not because people disagree with him or just love Obama's policies and performance in office, but because a slash and burn campaign made people afraid to vote for what seems like a pretty decent man.
Michael
Well if I had to guess James will not be voting for Romney
Why? Because Romney is for CHANGE from the last four years of Obama
CHANGE form 23 million un or underemployed
CHANGE from 47 million on food stamps
CHANGE from high gas prices
CHANGE from uncertainty of higher taxes and rules and regulations
--
I understand James would not vote for change because his vote was bought by Obama
One thing you can say about Mitt Romney is that he has range. His political positions have ranged from being more liberal than Ted Kennedy to severe conservatism.
Romney tells us he has proven his bipartisan leadership as Governor of Massachusetts. Presumably he did this by vetoing 800 bills and having the Legislature override almost all of them, some unanimously. He will tell us that he has already performed an economic miracle in Massachusetts and is now prepared to do tha same for the entire country. Yet, the voters of Massachusetts, ingrates that they are, do not seem to be warming to his presidential aspirations.
Mitt reminds me of a friend of mine whose favorite line claimed he had only made two mistakes in his life and the second one was admitting the first one.
Governor Romney is about to make another change in less than a week. For the better of the country and Americans. He will become president elect Romney. Then, he can do what candidate for president Obama said he would do in 2008 but didn't, couldn't, wouldn't, shouldn't. Hope and change are finally and really here.
CarmineD
"Mitt reminds me of a friend of mine whose favorite line claimed he had only made two mistakes in his life and the second one was admitting the first one."
Sounds alot like President Obama. Never made a mistake in his life that he'll admit. Just blames the guy before him.
CarmineD
@ Carmine: Boy Weber really put his foot in his mouth with that comment. Obama hasn't taken responsibility for his failed administration yet and these leftists sweep it under the rug.
He released two years of tax returns which is two years more than Harry Reid did.
An Obama second term will be more partisan, teleprompters and appearing on popular TV shows with less governing and press conferences. Oh, he me try the 'green energy' thing and smothering the booming natural gas industry with excessive regulatin.
The race is almost over, the Republicants have spent millions all for nothing, now we will have listen to them snivel for the next four years.
"However, his biggest accomplishment has been "changing" from Romney into President Barack Obama. He's stolen Obama's identity." (James Witherspoon)
Bulls-eyes! Woow! Clear eye voters ready to put down this nonsense from Mitt Romney and his supporter.
Who in their right mind would voter for Mitt Romney? Note for a liar, a distorter of facts, using misleading statement. Who would support such a person?
Would your pastor tell you to follow a person with Mitt Romney's character flaws? Would you want your children to follow in the foot step of Mitt Romney? Would you, your children? Really?
James Witherspoon is a majority supporter of the truth, of reasonable action. Saying enough of the dumb stuff.
Good article Mr. Witherspoon. Good article well said, well said.
President Obama wins re-election by 6 to 8 points.
Gov. Romney has proven he is the king of flip flopping.If one thing dosen't seem to work in his agenda he flips over to something else.If that something else dosen't work he flops over to another flip.His constant flip flopping makes him the king.
One has to look no further than the secret video of Gov. Romney calling 47% of the U.S. population moochers and free loaders. This secret video shows who Gov.Romney really is,this is the real man.
What part of Gov. Romney's speeches should we believe in the flip or the flop.
Romney must be tired of being called a flip-flopper because he's changed (again) into the candidate with no position on anything. Or is it all positions on everything?
Worse than Romneys chamelon campaign is that republicans see nothing wrong with supporting one of the most lying, deceptive presidential candidates since they put the disgraced Richard Nixon in office.
Longtimevegan and Samspeaks,
There are no politicians that don't change their views. There are none that keep all the promises they make. There are none that don't lie or cover up when it benefits them. If we use that as a yardstick, we'd have nobody to vote for.
I understand that you'll both vote for Obama, but can't you justify your vote by telling us what specific things the President is going to do in his 2nd term that you think are great instead of telling us why nobody should vote for Romney?
If everyone used your yardstick, it would be imposiible to vote for Obama for many reasons, but one very current reason would be Benghazi.
It's highly likely that President Obama knew of and probably approved the decision to decline to send assistance. That may or may not have been a proper decision. It is also highly likely that the details are well enough known now that somebody from the administration could explain how the decisions made were arrived at. The families of the dead and the American people deserve to know how it all played out. It's also extremely likely that within a day of the attack, the Obama administration knew the attack was a terrorist attack and not a spontaneous demonstration, but claimed it was a spontaneous demonstration for at least two weeks, until so much evidence leaked out that the truth had to be told.
I don't care that you vote for President Obama, but try to defend your decision by saying why you like what you believe President Obama will do in a 2nd term instead of saying you can't vote for Romney because he lies, when your guy, like all politicians, lies, doesn't keep promises and covers up the truth when it benefits him.
Please instead tell me exactly and specifically what you think President Obama will do should he win a 2nd term and why you like what that is.
Michael
Romney has changed so much he doesn't know what he stands for anymore.
rusty said:
"He (Romney) released two years of tax returns which is two years more than Harry Reid did."
Hmmmmmm.....I didn't realize that Harry Reid was currently running for the White House....
Romney hates FEMA, just as he hates any program that doesn't directly benefit the top one-percent.
But he won't talk about FEMA during one of the worst natural disasters to hit the US. No, Romney refuses to answer any questions about his plans for disaster relief at the federal level. Hmmm, I wonder why?
LastThroes....
Good point! My guess is that if elected, "mittens" whole administration will be one of "smoke & mirrors."
Of course, will he be able to "out and out lie" to the American people the way George junior did?
I wouldn't bet against that...
@RefNV,
"Letting 23 million unemployed/under-employed Americans suffer for four years is simply unacceptable." (ReFreeman)
Leaving core information...again.
The millions your reference are unemployed because of who and why? But, we know you cannot be honest with the readers of this article, or honest with yourself.
Let's remind people of your new position:
""So from now on, it can be reasonably assumed when reading anything you (ReFreeman) post, be it in your words or from a source you reference, your just providing information that you like, and not necessarily true and clear information. Or not information you truly believe, or information you can explain.""
Mr. Witherspoon nailed your guy for who and what he is. Lying to the public. Distorting the facts. Using misleading statements to confuse and mislead voters. This is your guy.
This is the guy that told another big lie about Jeep moving US production from Ohio to China. Your guy, Mitt Romney!
Two (2) of the largest US car manufactures released statements, using restraint, telling the America public Mitt Romney is lying. That, Mitt Romney is in a alternate universe.
Your guy, lying and placing fear in minds of Ohio voters. Your guy!
And, in keeping with Mitt Romney's dishonest campaign, many commentators on this article are proceeding in kind.
Mr. James Witherspoon nailed it. Your guy, your candidate, is extremely flawed and unworthy of representing the America People as our president.
President Obama wins re-elections by 6 to 8 points.
@wtplv,
"I understand that you'll both vote for Obama, but can't you justify your vote by telling us what specific things the President is going to do in his 2nd term that you think are great instead of telling us why nobody should vote for Romney?" (Michael Casler)
I have read many of your post and you seemed informed to a point.
Your now saying, you don't know why Mitt Romney has issues and why Mitt Romney will not receive this independent voter support?
The stock of Casler went down in the reasonable category. Way down. Are you in the bubble, too?
Why does Romney hate 47% of America and what makes him think he can win the White House by alienating almost half the electorate?
He's tacked far from his position on the right-wing fringe that he held during the primaries to the center in hopes of fooling low information voters. However, for the thousands of Ohioans who depend on the auto industry for their livelihood Romney's "Let Detroit go bankrupt" statement is not, er, very popular.
Michael,
'There are no politicians that don't change their views. You can't justify you vote by telling us why nobody should vote for Romney".
I agree all politicians lie at one time or another.However I said that Gov. Romney is the king of flip flopping.That means he is the best of all politicians in doing so.
Second thing I have never tried to tell other voters how to vote.I only stated how I am voting. It is not my intention to try and talk others in voting for Pres.Obama.
Third thing is I am only responding to what the letter writer has expressed in his letter to the editor. I see from time to time that you also respond to letters to the editor as well.
wtplv - "When your opponent's campaign has largely and successfully painted you as a tax cheat, an evil rich person who doesn't care about anyone but himself and other rich people"
Romney himself reinforced those notions in that secret video from Florida. It showed what Romney really thinks behind closed doors. He has two faces, one for the public and one for other wealthy people. An issue serious overlooked in that video was his attitude towards the middle east.
Romney is everything his father wasn't, and I believe he would sell his soul to become president. He has yet to deal with his taxes which for some reason the media dropped, and his latest add about Chrysler moving to China is a bold face lie. Even the CEO of Chrysler publicly disputed Romney's claims. He is pulling a Sharron Angle by dodging questions because he was caught with his pants down concerning FEMA.
President Obama will save Big Bird [PBS], Governor Romney will save the American Eagle [the USA]. Which bird is more important?
CarmineD
President Obama saved General Motors.
Mitt Romney saved $100M in an offshore IRA retirement account that (supposedly) allowed annual contributions of only $6000 max.
Based on these facts who do you trust more?
Longtimevegan, Samspeaks, Vernos.
It's always the same. I ask specifically why you will vote to re-elect President Obama; what specific programs and proposals he has that you feel make you want to vote for him.... and I never get an answer. Instead I get.... I won't vote for Romney because.....
I'll ask again. I know why you won't vote for Romney. I question your reasons but that really isn't the important point. I am honestly curious...are you voting for Obama because you like what he will do in a 2nd term, if you even have any idea what that will be, or are you voting for him because he isn't Romney?
Read the article by Richard Cohen. That's an honest article. He is very disappointed in Obama, as are many people who voted for him and unlike most of you, he is willing to state his disappointment. He will vote for Obama because he thinks R's are robber barons that will loot the treasury.
I disagree about casting R's as robber barons but I can respect the man because he is willing to admit his disappointment with Obama. Is that true for you three as well but you just can't bring yourself to say anything negative about Obama or are you really satisfied with what he has done and approve of what you think he will do in a 2nd term?
And just to put this to rest. I do not spend my time and effort writing to the Sun in an effort to change your vote. I know that is impossible. I do it because I am a curious person; I like to debate and I honestly want to understand how people reason and come to decisions. I find it extremely interesting. That's probably why I took logic and psychology classes in college and considered becoming a psychologist.
Michael
Obama comes into the Presidency lying about a birth in Africa (Kenya) and goes out lying about deaths in Africa (Benghazi)
Warrior, glad to see your post. Everytime a crazy birther speaks another angel in heaven gets its wings and Obama gets another million votes.
Longtimevegan writes "Leaving core information...again.....The millions your reference are unemployed because of who and why?"
Longtimevegan, Read my post again. Obama and his anti-business policies have created uncertainty in the private sector with both business and consumers. We cannot have economic recovery without private investment and those with means spending to boost recovery. And what does Obama do? He berates business and top wage earners. Dumbest thing I've ever seen.
Egads, if Mitt is morphing into Obumma, what is Obumma 'evolving' into? LOL!
LastThroes, No problem. However President Obama himself is the one that printed the literary pamphlet on his birth place! Benghazi? Just some video, right?
Obama is just a breath away from four more years in the White House, but have you wondered what others who were born in socialist countries but now live in the United States feel about Obama? Have a look at the answer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzh-9LBDs...
Text of video:
"It's one of the more personal ads of the 2012 campaign.
But no presidential campaign or super PAC is behind it. Rather, a new TV ad and Web video that warns of the ills of socialism while urging America to vote Republican next month is financed by Hungarian-born billionaire Thomas Peterffy.
In the video, Peterffy recalls his childhood under socialism in Hungary, and says, "The nation became poorer and poorer. And that's what I see happening here." He warns that the United States, his adopted country, is embarking on a "slippery slope."
He continues: "America's wealth comes from the efforts of people striving for success. Take away their incentive with badmouthing success and you take away the wealth that helps us take care of the needy. Yes, in socialism the rich will be poorer -- but the poor will also be poorer. People will lose interest in really working hard and creating jobs."
The ad does not mention President Obama or Mitt Romney once. But in a campaign season where Obama is often accused by Republicans of attacking the wealthy, the target is apparent. Peterffy reportedly plans to spend millions to air the ad in the weeks before Election Day.
Peterffy -- though not as prominent as perhaps the most famous Hungarian-born billionaire, George Soros -- is the founder of Interactive Brokers and one of the richest people in this country. Forbes lists his net worth at $4.6 billion. He's contributed freely over the years to mostly Republican candidates, including to Romney in his last two presidential campaigns. And he gave more than $60,000 to the Republican National Committee last year.
Born in Hungary in 1944, Peterffy left for the United States in 1965. In America, he learned English and eventually launched Interactive Brokers in 1993. He lives in Greenwich, Conn."
Attention: Women and those who respect women!
Have you ever posted an opinion and been called names or ridiculed? Or posted a comment and then read insulting, degrading, condescending, mean-spirited and/or downright nasty comments about what you posted. If so, I would like to encourage you and everyone to FLAG the comment if you believe the remark is inappropriate whether it is about you or someone else.
I believe that we can voice our opinions and comments in a polite, civil and respectful manner. For all of you who agree with me thank you. For all of you that do not agree with be, please be advised that I will FLAG every comment that I feel violates the "Full Comments Policy" (see above) whether it is about me or someone else.
We should be able to discuss and/or voice our opinions respectfully without fear of retribution.
I'll provide some specific proposals for voting for Obama since they seem to elude some people that I actually used to agree with:
1. Green energy investments and jobs so that we have future energy industries to live on.
2. Taking back some of the 437% increase in wealth that went from the middle to the top in the last decade or so, balancing out our economy again.
3. Getting us out of wars rather than looking for new ones to get us into.
4. Providing healthcare insurance alternatives to the "Emergency Room" tax payer funded one we had before.
5. Increasing the MPG requirements on cars to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels both import and domestic.
6. Supporting Equal pay for women.
7. Supporting personal Healthcare choices made by women not old white dudes.
8. Understanding science and that GLobal Climate change needs to be addressed. Ask Gov Christy if you doubt that one!
9. Knowing how to do math with only 1 Harvard degree!
10. Avoiding going back to the same policies and bad choices that got us here to begin with!
I feel like letterman counting down the top 10 ..
El snarky says "Hmmmmmm.....I didn't realize that Harry Reid was currently running for the White House...."
Actual Reid can be third in succession if he pulls rank and becomes Senate pro-tempore
The President pro tempore, is the second-highest-ranking official of the United States Senate. The United States Constitution states that the Senate must choose a president pro tempore. By a long-standing tradition which has been observed consistently since the 81st Congress, the president pro tempore is the most senior senator in the majority party.
So Reid can release his tax returns any time.
So should have Pelosi who was second in succession
REPUBLICAN RULE #1: Accuse the other guy of doing exactly what you are doing.
Mitt Romney On Eliminating FEMA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z3GVAX7p...
Broken Promises: Romney's Massachusetts Record
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlnaYOv0D...
Mitt Romney's Economic Plan: It Didn't Work Then, It Won't Work Now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZmHiznew...
State Rep. David Linsky talks about Mitt Romney's record as Governor of Massachusetts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liNbUAyTu...
The Last Word - Assault coming on Romney's record as governor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqqllkInL...
Mitt Romney's lying problem - The Rachel Maddow Show (May 31st, 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V77FZdDEi...
Mitt Romney's 'Darkest Secret': His Years as Governor of Massachusetts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfnGQ7ET8...
SEARCH: Mitt Romney's Top 10 Out Of Touch Moments
Romney Economics: Republicans on Romney's Massachusetts Record
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB7vuo2pi...
Romney Economics: Job Loss and Bankruptcy at Ampad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLatxTzVE...
Romney Economics: Bankruptcy and Bailouts at GST Steel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMndjLIQU...
Ohio Residents React to Mitt Romney's Bus Tour
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pib3TDqGo...
Mitt Romney debates himself, round 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZfXvFAeH...
Kennedy Destroys Romney In 1994 Debate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECVyuz5iN...
Romney's big lies on Medicare and welfare reform
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/the-last-word...
Also, check out:
www.mittlies.com
www.romneyeconomics.com
As is normally the case in presidential races, Ohio is the key to winning enough Electoral Voters to reach 270. Unfortunately for Rs, Romney (a.k.a. Mr. Let Detroit Go Bankrupt) is trailing in the Buckeye State where thousands of families depend on the auto industry for their livelihoods.
But the real story for this election is in the US Senate. There, the Ds have 23 (twenty-three!)seats to defend which presented the TeaGOP with a golden opportunity to win a majority and fulfill their dream of replacing Harry Reid as senate leader.
But then a funny thing happened on the way to a GOP Senate takeover: Nutty bible-thumping teabaggers won primary elections in Missouri (Legitimate Rape Akin) and Indiana (God Makes Rape Babies Mourdock.)
Long story short -- Akin, Mourdock and other crazies on the fringe right have scared the beegeebees out of most women and many men as well. Time for republicans to kiss their hopes of winning the Senate bye-bye.
"""I'll provide some specific proposals for voting for Obama since they seem to elude some people that I actually used to agree with:
1. Green energy investments and jobs so that we have future energy industries to live on.
- $90 billion with mostly bankruptcies And no jobs
2. Taking back some of the 437% increase in wealth that went from the middle to the top in the last decade or so, balancing out our economy again.
- No clue what you are talking the stock market is still not back to From the high of the Clinton DOT.COM crash
3. Getting us out of wars rather than looking for new ones to get us into.
- got out of Iraq on Bush's timetable, Obama doubled down in Afghanistan, riding cowboy in Syria and Iran
4. Providing healthcare insurance alternatives to the "Emergency Room" tax payer funded one we had before.
- At a price of our freedom and $1.6 trillion - still 35 million without insurance
5. Increasing the MPG requirements on cars to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels both import and domestic.
-and how many people will die in those death trap cars
6. Supporting Equal pay for women.
- equal pay has been law for thirty years and nobody objects
7. Supporting personal Healthcare choices made by women not old white dudes.
- government mandated free live brith abortions and $9 pills for Julia
8. Understanding science and that GLobal Climate change needs to be addressed. Ask Gov Christy if you doubt that one!
- understanding??? And what has he done Nothing no carbon tax no nothing
9. Knowing how to do math with only 1 Harvard degree!
-Is that how Obama added $6 trillion in Debt
10. Avoiding going back to the same policies and bad choices that got us here to begin
- Exactly which policies are you talking about. Would that be people buying houses they can not afford because Fannie and Freddy protected by Democrats bought the toxic loans
Try again
"REPUBLICAN RULE #1: Accuse the other guy of doing exactly what you are doing.".......................... Like Democrats war on women?... No better example than Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and Sarah Palin, the Chameleons Democrats hate women. The only time a women will lead in Obama's administration is in a mine field, when bravery counts, or the fifty-fifty rule, they take all the blame and Obama takes all the credit, 50?/50.
Sorry Future but you missed the boat again...
Close but NO cigar...
Actually Harry Reid loves his job as the majority leader of the Senate. What he loves most is the times he has, (and will continue to have) kicked the back-side of minority leader McConnell...
Harry is always three steps ahead of the "slow on the up take guy" from Kentucky..
Yes, Pelosi is no longer second in line. That place now belongs to the guy who loves to cry in public...
What's his name? I can NEVER think of it. I just call him "boner."
The name seems to fit....
Warrior
Obama failed to lead even from behind in Benghazi
On a comedy show he claim that he ordered his team to SECURE the Americans. Yet nobody was sent in and Obama watched them die on live video from the situation room.
Did they not follow order or did Obama not give the orders
El - it still the case that Reid can be third in line
So show me his returns
LastThroes said:
"Romney hates FEMA, just as he hates any program that doesn't directly benefit the top one-percent."
You're 100% correct but actually this week, "mittens" does not hate FEMA......
The reason being that Sandy has unleached the biggest storm to ever hit the northeastern part of the United States and "mittens" has decided that the presence of FEMA is a good thing for potential voters in that area...
As we both know, "mittens" has NEVER been consist with anything that he has ever said for more than a day or two...
He plans to go back to hating FEMA right after next week's election...
Hey Mitt, why not show us your taxes? (Like your father!) Are you hiding something?
Future....
The last time I looked, only the two candidates who have been selected as the presidential nominees for each party are expected to release their tax returns.....
Mere Senators & House members don't fall under that requirement...
Now, how many years of tax returns did "mittens" release? Wasn't it 12 total?
Oop's.....I'm sorry...that was his father who did that when he was running for president back in the 1950's.
Hmmmmm....why does the number 2 keep ringing a bell for me?
@Future
"Obama comes into the Presidency lying about a birth in Africa (Kenya) and goes out lying about deaths in Africa (Benghazi)"....
"Did they not follow order or did Obama not give the orders"..........
Ask Hillary, she's taking full responsibility, shocking isn't it.
El Lobo: "He plans to go back to hating FEMA right after next week's election..."
I stand corrected, El Lobo. Romney hated FEMA right up until Hurrican Sandy made landfall and destroyed the Jersey shore. Not he's cool with disaster relief until Nov 7. Thanks for pointing it out.
Warrior, what did you think of fellow-birther Donald Trumps big bombshell announcement? Wow, thats a real election game changer, huh? lol
By LastThroes Oct. 31, 2012 12:07 p.m.
"Warrior, what did you think of fellow-birther Donald Trumps big bombshell announcement? Wow, that's a real election game changer, huh? lol"
What it tells me is that The President could be hiding the truth, therefor susceptible to bribery from those that may actually have access to that information and creating denial of even a minimal security clearance for The President. That would explain Benghazi, The President really didn't know. That's what I think.
El_Lobo: "Actually Harry Reid loves his job as the majority leader of the Senate. What he loves most is the times he has,..."
Then maybe he should look at the in-box on his desk once in awhile. We already know who is under it.
The funniest thing about Birther zombies is their willingness to believe any cockamamie conspiracy theory that comes down the pike -- and then to perpetuate the nonsense for over four years.
Note to Birther loonies -- if after four years of investigations (Arpaio), lawsuits (Orly Taitz) and cash rewards offered for information -- if no hard evidence has been produced after all that, then maybe it's time to accept the fact that you're probably not as smart as a third-grader.
Michael,
These are the reasons I already voted for Obama:
1- our infrastructure needs rebuilding
2- Obama's use of drones and the military, attempting to keep our troops out of combat
3- his interaction with other nations which brought them closer, repairing the Bush years
4- taxing the wealthiest who are the only ones to gain from the drastic effect they've had on the middle class
5- Obama would deny subsidies to big oil and companies outsourcing American jobs
6- Obama does not deny climate change
7- he believes in green energy
8- he believes in equal rights discarding sexism, racism and xenophobia
9- Obama comes from the working class and can relate to common people
10- he isn't a fearmongering chicken hawk
11- won't tax the working class to fund $2 trillion in military spending
12- helped with college student loans and grants
13- won't cut funding to public education
14- he didn't talk smack about killing Bin Laden and did it, along with dozens of Al Qaeda and Talliban leaders
15- he is steady and doesn't rattle easily, weighing out solutions instead of jumping the shark
etc., etc., etc.
Last Throes....the birther conspiracy was started by Hillary Clinton when she was running as a candidate back in 07...fact...
Michael,
"It's always the same.I ask specifically why you will vote to re-elect Pres.Obama and I never get a answer".
You and I do not correspond very much maybe once a month.So when you say it's always the same I never get a answer.That does not fit what you and I have ever talked about in past posts.
You can't accuse me of telling other voter's how to vote.When I have never done so.If you want your questions answered perhaps you should clarify your remarks about me with proof. Than I may give you a answer your looking for.
I agree with James Witherspoon. Slippery Mitt just can't be pinned down. He is the very definition of expediency. Co-opting the positions and values of your opponent is a heavily employed Republican strategy. I'd call it Rovian, and it is terribly unfortunate that so many people have fallen for it.
Unbelievably, the yammering continues about America's alleged "anti-business" climate even as businesses and their owners' get richer, unions disappear, wages stagnate, jobs evaporate, and productivity remains high.
This election amounts to a choice between old-fashioned, people-centric democracy and the seemingly ineluctable march toward a rigid, bottom-line corporacratic nation. Mitt Romney is the picture of corporatocracy. Now, with that precious little Citizens United gift from the Supreme Court, we on our way to another Gilded Age, and a nation and a government comprised of businesses rather than people. It is tragic.
Americans may be concerned about jobs and the economy, but they should also be concerned about the unhealthy and disproportionate influence of commercial interests. That is what afflicts us.
Carmine,
" Pres. Obama will save big bird (PBS).Gov. Romney will save the American Eagle(USA).Which bird is more important".
Actually I believe Pres.Obama will save both birds,not just big bird. Pres.Obama's approach on fixing the damage caused by former Pres.G.W. Bush will take some time.If you don't think so, Rep. Paul Ryan's plan calls for 28 years to balance the budget. No easy solutions are there?
Truthiness,
Obama failed to get our economy up to recovery pace and has not created an environment for business expansion and entrepreneurship. Obama doesn't understand the plight of the unemployed/under-employed who are struggling. If a president isn't in tune with business then he stands little chance at succeeding in creating an environment for job creation to help our jobless Americans. I'm voting for Romney because he understands business, the economy and understands we need to get the unemployed working again and he will reduce our budget deficit. Obama's too busy spewing his class warfare rhetoric and hate for business and successful Americans. Obama is a nice man but failed to ease Americans top concerns which are jobs, the economy and reducing debt/deficits.
Sam,
Where did I accuse you of telling others how to vote? I said I am not trying to do that. I didn't say you were. The comment was addressed to you, Vernos and Longtimevegan. All three of you as well as many others on both sides tend to say why you don't support the other guy rather than why you do support the guy you support.
Vernos did answer so I will respond to him. I hope you will answer as well.
Michael
People should not be so hard on Romney. The great thing about him is if you don't like where he stands on an issue this week, Romney will probably change position next week (if he thinks that's what people want to hear).
RefNV : I don't know what state you live in or what your connection is to Nevada, but this state is consistently rated as one of the best in which to do business in terms of wages, taxes and overhead. In fact, those are the Chamber of Commerce's selling points for Nevada. Education and social services be damned. Yet businesses large and small, with the help of the Chamber and referees like you, continue to rant about the victimization and mistreatment of businesses, sometimes in the face of record profits. Taxing and regulating businesses does not amount to being anti-business, just as taxation does not equal your most feared bugaboo and object of hundreds of your posts -- socialism. I'm a liberal democrat, reading a liberal newspaper; I don't care why you're voting for Romney.
THE 2 FACES of MITT..
Who is the real Mitt Romney? If given the chance, would Mitt DEFUND Planned Parenthood or overturn Roe v Wade? Did Mitt really meant, that 47% of American are automatic supporters of Obama because they are dependent on the Govt and don't pay taxes, or was Mitt lying to his GOP Base.?? Does Mitt really has a Tax Policy with math, or a Tax Policy with random numbers that don't add up? Is Mitt a mild mannered Clark Kent, or is Mitt a mentally unstable David Banner? Will Mitt explode on people like Gov Rick Perry when he get angry or can't win an argument, or turn the other cheek?
Why did Mitt son( Tagg), a military dodger and coward, threatened to punch the Pres of the USA? Is Mitt a flip flopper, or a liar? Do Mitt like to hire people or FIRE PEOPLE? Did Mitt bully and cut a homosexual hair, or did Mitt have ROMNESIA? Why didn't Mitt write a book to introduce himself like other Pres candidates? Why did Mitt abuse his dog on the roof of his car for 650 miles? Why did Mitt seal his Juvenile arrest record for destroying a private golf course? Did Mitt really have a binder full of women, or a house full of boys who dodges the military? Why doesn't Mitt show more than 2 yrs of his tax returns, contrary to his father belief? Why did Mitt dodge the Vietnam War with "4 yrs of RELIGION Deferment", and only spent 2 yrs in France, on a Mormon mission?
truthiness hit the nail on the head when he said:
"RefNV: I don't know what state you live in or what your connection is to Nevada, but this state is consistently rated as one of the best in terms of wages, taxes and overhead. In fact, those are the Chamber of Commerce's selling points for Nevada."
Hmmmmm...I wonder, did RefNV read that? If he did, did the truth sink in?
Naw.....probably not! You can lead a horse to water but you can't always make it drink....
Vernos,
1- our infrastructure needs rebuilding..... I guess you are ok with the fact that 'shovel ready jobs were not shovel ready' and most of the 800 billion dollar stimulus did not end up going to needed infrastructure projects.
2- Obama's use of drones and the military, attempting to keep our troops out of combat .... I agree with that.
3- his interaction with other nations which brought them closer, repairing the Bush years... We are NOT closer to other nations. Many people hate us and always will, despite what a President does or doesn't do.
4- taxing the wealthiest who are the only ones to gain from the drastic effect they've had on the middle class.... I don't disagree that the wealthy should pay more... but it is foolish to ignore the fact that we all will need to pay more to bring down the debt.
5- Obama would deny subsidies to big oil and companies outsourcing American jobs... Oil companies make huge profits but it is because of the volume they sell, not because their profit per barrel of oil is excessive.
6- Obama does not deny climate change - I think people on both sides (not zealots on either side) have valid arguments on this issue.
7- he believes in green energy - government should be investing in green energy 'research', not funding private 'retail' green energy companies.
8- he believes in equal rights discarding sexism, racism and xenophobia ... and Mitt Romney and most R's don't?
9- Obama comes from the working class and can relate to common people - He's rich, like Romney. Why can one rich man relate and another cannot?
10- he isn't a fearmongering chicken hawk... And Romney is? By what evidence?
11- won't tax the working class to fund $2 trillion in military spending ... Romney has said no raising taxes. Is he lying, like the first Bush? Do you really think Obama is not going to have to raise taxes on the middle class? PLEASE!!
12- helped with college student loans and grants... his taking the government out of student loans was overdue and good for him for doing it...but students are still going broke trying to pay for college.
13- won't cut funding to public education... funding is not the problem. Too much spent on admin and admin salaries, not enough on paying teachers and a broken societal fabric is what's wrong in education. I used to work in schools and I have seen the problem. There is enough money; it is allocated horribly.
14- he didn't talk smack about killing Bin Laden and did it, along with dozens of Al Qaeda and Taliban leaders... he deserves and has been given credit for that.
15- he is steady and doesn't rattle easily, weighing out solutions instead of jumping the shark... and of course Romney would jump the shark...by what evidence do you know this?
I'm sure you could and would rip into my reasons for supporting Romney, but I appreciate you providing your rational for supporting President Obama.
Michael
7. Supporting personal Healthcare choices made by women not old white dudes
REPUBLICAN RULE #1: Accuse the other guy of doing exactly what you are doing
So kepi do these two posts need to be flagged according to your assesments?
Don't like being called old white dude or being accused of being your #1 rule.
Send your thoughts please.
Michael,
You asked and I gave answers. If you don't like my answers so be it. Attempting to pick them apart won't change my vote or attitude towards Romney. He will say anything, at any time, to whoever he believes will vote for him. When Jon Huntsman said Romney was a well oiled weather vane he wasn't joking.
Michael,
Your post at 8:31A.M.addressed to longtimevegan and myself.On the second collum at the bottom your words."Instead of telling us why nobody should vote for Romney".I never have told anyone one way or the who they should vote for.
Also your post 8:31A.M. addressed to longtimevegan,Vernos,and myself.Also your words "It's always the same.I ask specifically why you will vote to re-elect Pres. Obama and I never get a answer".This is the first time you have ever asked me specifically about Pres. Obama.If you have asked the other 2 gentlemen that question many times and didn't get an answer that's different.It should not have included me.
Like I have said in my last post you and I have not had many conversations in past posts.
Truthiness writes "I don't know what state you live in or what your connection is to Nevada, but this state is consistently rated as one of the best in which to do business in terms of wages, taxes and overhead."
Unfortunately, Nevada lacks both a proximity location for doing business with east & west coast companies AND lacks natural resources. The Nevada business climate is ranked in the middle of the pack among other states but does not attract company headquarter relocations like Texas and Illinois and other states in the middle of the country. These are a few of the factors companies consider:
1. A pro-business, entrepreneurial, right-to-work state.
2. No state income tax, ease of pulling permits, available work force.
3. The government makes it easy to do business.
A willingness to work with business.
4. The tax climate, regulatory environment, incentive programs and work-force development efforts are conducive for business expansion.
5. the state fights OSHA, EPA and other negative, useless regulations.
6. Work-force availability, existing facilities and good economics for labor and facilities.
7. Cooperation and flexibility of state and local officials; proactive in growing the economy.
I live currently in Nevada and, as a business consultant, moved 4 businesses to Nevada and 1 out during the last 3 years.
"5. the state fights OSHA, EPA and other negative, useless regulations."
RefNV, are aware that before the Bush Great Recession hit there were eight fatalities in two years (from June '06 to June '08) on Strip construction sites?
Common sense says those numbers are unacceptable and that there's a serious need for an OSHA presence in the state.
Chuck,
I knew you would enjoy the flag comment. If you feel that my comments are in violation of the Full comments policy, then I suggest YOU FLAG ME! I am confident that the Moderator(s) will remove my comment if they believe it violates the Full comments policy. I trust their judgement and respect their decisions.
I will be back, have to get off now. Will try and come back tonight.
chuck333 Oct. 31, 2012 3:12 p.m.
Chuck Stated:
7. Supporting personal Healthcare choices made by women not old white dudes
REPUBLICAN RULE #1: Accuse the other guy of doing exactly what you are doing
So kepi do these two posts need to be flagged according to your assesments?
Don't like being called old white dude or being accused of being your #1 rule.
Send your thoughts please.
*******************************
This is a P.S. to the comment I made on October 31, 2012 at 5:49 p.m.
Chuck,
Everything is not about YOU! My comments are not directed to YOU! My Flagging comments were not directed to YOU! My Republican Rule is not directed to YOU! This is NOT personal. It is not all about YOU! YOU are making comments directed to everyone in this discussion room all about YOU! It is NOT! Where is your name in any of my comments? If and when I decided to engage in a discussion with you, I will address you by name. For example, I will say Chuck333 and then the comment will follow. Understood? Do I make myself clear? Good glad we on the same page.
If you require additional clarification, please let me know.
Once again, if I use the words Chuck or Chuck333 at the beginning of a sentence (salutation) then I am addressing you directly. If I make a general statement that does not include your name, then that statement is directed to everyone to writes and/or visits this discussion room. Got it?
Chuck,
If you don't like being called old white dude, I would take that up with the person that you believe called you an old white dude. I did not call you an old white dude so why are you asking me to respond.
Don't bother me.
Comment removed by moderator. - -
Comment removed by moderator. Inappropriate
James.........Good letter.
Romney's final desperation has set in.
Everytime he speaks, it only gets worse.
Romney is the BIGGEST FLIP-FLOPPER who ever ran
for president.
And no one is more out of touch with average
Americans than romney.
And now he talks about change.
What a laugh.
A change right back to the horrible republican
policies that destroyed our middle class and
economy.
Romney only fools weak minded republicans.
Romney couldn't fill ONE of PRESIDENT OBAMA'S
SHOES.
NOT EVEN CLOSE!
FOUR MORE YEARS FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!
OBAMA CHANGED - NOT FOR THE BETTER
Said Obama in 2008 speech in Ohio; "One million jobs have been lost because of NAFTA, including nearly 50,000 jobs here in Ohio. Well, I don't think NAFTA has been good for America -- and I never have."
Hoffa Applauds Move to Repeal NAFTA; take note Democrats of this link;
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/...
Then, March 2010, Democratic legislators brought forth a bill to repeal NAFTA. Obama did not support this bill.
Then, in October 2011, Obama signed this:
http://news.yahoo.com/obama-signs-3-trad...
How do our labor unions feel about this? Again, Democrats take notice!
http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2010/12...
Any country that has signed NAFTA can unilaterally withdraw with six months' notice. Since Obama has not only refused this route, he has expanded NAFTA. This is outrageous!
I now refuse to vote for Obama. This is not to say that I will vote for Romney. I would NEVER vote for a Republican! So, as I've said before, in this discussion room recently, I just won't vote at all. Neither candidate is worthy. They are both flip-floppers and liars.
To James Witherspoon, very good article.
You stress two things that appear to many as warning signs and decrease trust in Romney,
1. His secrecy, and lack of transparency, his unwillingness to answer questions by the media, perhaps due to his many gaffs and mistatements.
2. His inability to be sincere and stand on his own policies, without flip flopping or morphing into someone or something he previously opposed.
I noticed early on that he didn't want to reveal very much for fear that he would be proven wrong by his opposition.
I also noticed that as Obama revealed more, Romney frequently adopted whatever it was for himself, while at the same time attacking Obama for his position.
It is quite astounding that he has been successful in fooling some people so completely.
There is a word for what Romney does, usurp.
"A usurper is an illegitimate or controversial claimant to power, often but not always in a monarchy. This may include a person who succeeds in establishing himself as a monarch without inheriting the throne or any other person exercising authority unconstitutionally."
We have seen Romney the "Usurper" in general and in very specific situations related to foreign affairs/policy, usually with substantial lack of diplomacy, and many of Obama's policies that get peoples support.
What you describe as "stealing Obama's identity" is really a good example of a Usurper.
However, Romney doesn't succeed because he lacks authenticity, integrity and true leadership that requires so much more than being the "boss".
Unfortunately for Romney, the American people have seen two true leaders in action in President Obama(D) and Governor Chris Christi(R) during a national disaster. The authenticity of both leaders as leaders became clear, as well as their ability to respond to the needs of all the people with empathy and compassion. It was so good to see partisanship buried. I feel so proud of both of these men. I wish it would spread and become the norm.
Honestly, my heart and thoughts are not very much on politics or Romney, as they are with all the people who are in such duress and loss from Sandy.
I will say we are beginning to see the sunrise in our recovery from the global economic crisis. I hope we can continue under the steady and thoughtful leadership of President Obama who has proven himself in many ways to my satisfaction.
I hope we don't end up with a Despot President & Congress in Romney and the Tea/Republicans, evident by their actions, attitudes, plans and words, as well as their allegiance to the non-elected Grover Norquist, over the citizens of the nation.
Brad......
After PRESIDENT OBAMA gets re-elected, we'll
work on that NAFTA issue.
Obama couldn't get everything done in four years.
He is human, after all.
Even though he can walk on water.
peacelily.....
Nice comment.
Don't worry, the majority of Americans won't be
fooled by romney/ryan.
Obama lied and people died!
In today's Honolulu Star-Advertiser-
"Added airlift and a strong line up of festivals and events are expected to keep momentum high as Hawaii's visitor industry moves beyond September into the fourth quarter."
Damn that Obama!His policies has been good for our economy here in Hawaii. That can only mean that more of us from the islands will be flocking back to Las Vegas to support the economy there.I'm afraid that things can only get better and he'll get elected for another four years.Damn you Obama!!!
"Actually I believe Pres.Obama will save both birds,not just big bird. Pres.Obama's approach on fixing the damage caused by former Pres.G.W. Bush will take some time.If you don't think so, Rep. Paul Ryan's plan calls for 28 years to balance the budget. No easy solutions are there?"
Big difference, Mr. Pizzo. Rep Ryan has the experience in the House to know and issue a plan for the country. Then junior Senator Obama from Illinois, who served half time and voted present for the other half, did not. Obama made sweeping promises about what he would do. But he couldn't, wouldn't, shouldn't, didn't. 4 years is long enough to know President Obama is in over his head and so are the US and us, as a result. Governor Romney-Rep Ryan are the best option.
CarmineD
Peacelily October 31, 2012 10:23 p.m.
I always love reading your comments. You are always so objective, enlightening, and truthful.
In this particular comment, I really enjoyed the paragraph, "Unfortunately for Romney, the American people have seen two true leaders in action in President Obama(D) and Governor Chris Christi(R) during a national disaster. The authenticity of both leaders as leaders became clear, as well as their ability to respond to the needs of all the people with empathy and compassion. It was so good to see partisanship buried. I feel so proud of both of these men. I wish it would spread and become the norm."
I totally agree with you 100%. That was/is leadership, which will result in easing the pain and suffering that people are experiencing during this horrible tragedy. That is commitment to the people at its finest. When I saw President Barack Obama(D)and Governor Chris Christi(R) during their press conferences together discussing this natural disaster, I too was inspired. I loved the interaction between the two men. The genuine empathy, compassion, commitment to lets help these people attitude, whatever you need attitude. We are the United States of America, we need to work together as a team. We need to put all of this nasty back and forth to the side and become one nation that cares about each other. A nation that works together for the people and for a stronger nation.
I didn't care for Governor Christi before, but my opinion has completely changed. I saw the compassion and concern in his eyes. I believe that Governor Christi and President Obama really care about the people and will do whatever it takes as a "team" to help the people.
By CarmineD (Carmine DiFazio)
Nov. 1, 2012
4:05 a.m.
Rep Ryan has the experience in the House to know and issue a plan for the country.
------------------------------
Ryan's 'plan' is to block grant Medicare. Ryan's 'plan' would not make adjustments for inflation. Ryan's 'plan' would push millions of elderly Americans into severe poverty:
'The hall of mirrors in which our bitterly partisan politics now play themselves out is a curious place. But even by its distorted standards, the reaction to House Budget Committee Chairman Paul D. Ryan's budget blueprint has been odd, particularly the general reluctance to call it what it plainly is: an attempt to abolish Medicare and gut Medicaid, while further lowering the taxes paid by corporations and wealthy individuals. Economists already are picking over the plan's dubious statistics, but -- as The Times reported Friday -- the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has outlined what adoption of this proposal to supplant Medicare with vouchers and private insurance exchanges would mean. The overall cost of healthcare would go up, and retirees' out-of-pocket medical expenses would double -- an increase that would push tens of millions of people living on fixed incomes over the financial brink'
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/apr/09/...
Carmine,
"Gov,Romney-Rep.Ryan are the best".
I don't think so. In today's news Obama widens lead in all of Nevada 52% for Obama,46% for Romney by early voter's.Obama is leading in Clark county 53%-42%.
A recent poll put out by,www.270towin.com/2012-polls/. Has Obama 217 electoral votes,and Romney with 191 electoral votes,and 146 undecided electoral votes. Early indications are a Pres. Obama big win.
Please don't tell me today's polls don't count only the poll on Nov.6th.counts.The voting mode of the country is in plain sight for everyone to see.Pres.Obama is clearly ahead,polls do count.
Sam,
Nice job. Thank you for the information.
Have a wonderful day!
"Please don't tell me today's polls don't count only the poll on Nov.6th.counts."
Don't have to Mr. Pizzo. You said it very well for me. It's just as true when you say it as when I do. Thank you.
CarmineD
"Ryan's 'plan' is to block grant Medicare."
Excellent idea. I totally agree. Having had experience with 3 separate block grants at the Federal level, I know first hand that most states prefer them to the Federal government bureaucracy for administering the programs and funds. And it saves the Federal government costs for salaries and overhead that can be turned back into the block grant.
CarmineD
Due to the recession,states have had to make drastic cuts in their budgets. States are having a hard enough time already and are in no shape to administer programs like Medicare:
'Mr. Romney has a long list of other core federal functions that he wants to dump onto the states. He has proposed offloading Medicaid and food stamps by writing a sharply reduced check to the states to take care of the health and nutrition needs of poor people. He wants to repeal health care reform and let the states design their own programs for the uninsured (or not). He wants to turn over federal job-training programs to the states, let them design their own unemployment insurance programs and give them a bigger role in designing immigration controls. (Of course, he is strongly opposed to giving the states flexibility in their welfare programs, lest they give money to a low-income family that isn't working up to Republican standards.) Don't be fooled by his claims that states can perform these vital functions "more efficiently" than Washington. They can't. Battered by the downturn, states can barely perform the core functions they have. They have been laying off teachers and school personnel by the tens of thousands, cutting services to the poor past the bone and falling far behind on needed public works. Mr. Romney is really saying that education and safety-net programs are so low on his priority list that he doesn't care what states do with them'
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/25/opinio...
The end for Romney will be November 6th. He flips constantly but his biggest flop will happen on the 6th.
Carmine,
"Please don"t tell me that today's polls don't count. Only the poll on Nov.6th.counts".
I'm glad that you agree with me that current polls do count,and it's good that you and I finally agree on something.Yes all polls do count and make up for the end result.Thank You
Mr. Pizzo:
You like to take care of both sides of the conversation.
CarmineD
Carmine,
Mr Pizzo:
"You like to take care of both sides of the conversation".
This is something I learned from you.Thank you.
Up to how, I still have not gotten a rebuttal from Carmine and Michael about:
1. Why doesn't Romney show his tax returns? His father did.
2. Why does Romney go left, right, and center depending on who is listening?
3. Why does he fudge the truth?
Don't answer me with attacks on Obama because I already know your position on that.
From what I can gauge, you two are the only intelligent posters from the right. I would really want to know how you justify that to yourselves.
Simply put, I want to understand you.
"This is something I learned from you.Thank you."
Your welcome. You make an excellent student.
CarmineD
"From what I can gauge, you two are the only intelligent posters from the right. "
I can only speak for me. I'm an independent and slightly left of center according to tests that gauge such matters. I have no party affiliation. I have been all my adult life and voting record. I vote for the best candidate, nationally, state, and local, as long as they are not primaries. Then I can't and don't.
CarmineD
Carmine,
"You make a excellent student"
Thank you again,that is the only compliment I have ever receivced from you. Are you changing somewhat?
Carmine,
Don't block grants leave everything up to the states on how the program is operated, what is covered, eligibility, payment scales, etc.?
How is the block grant distributed? Equal for all states, based on population?
Is there a potential for inequity between states?
Would any inequity result in less money available for vouchers in some states and more money available for vouchers in other states?
How would this inequality effect the level of insurance coverage between the variations in grant block allowances if based on population?
Would the Federal government still maintain say over minimum standards, cost controls, quality care criteria in a block grant program? Or would that be left up to the private insurance company the patient uses the voucher to purchase coverage from?
All excellent questions, let me answer:
"Don't block grants leave everything up to the states on how the program is operated, what is covered, eligibility, payment scales, etc.?"
No, the States have to follow the Federal guidelines for the Block Grant Program. Subject to both State and Federal Audits, usually unannounced.
"How is the block grant distributed? Equal for all states, based on population?"
Distributed daily. Daily! The States dial into a Federal payment system operated, or at least use to, in Bethesda Maryland. They can draw down their cash needs within predetermined limits and built in system checks. If they need more, there are features for a waiver to receive more. The Feds deposit the funds in the States' banks the same day.
"Is there a potential for inequity between states?"
All States are treated the same, just the amounts of program funds and draw downs differ based on the States' size and eligibility.
"Would any inequity result in less money available for vouchers in some states and more money available for vouchers in other states?"
There are no vouchers. These are cash drawdowns from the Feds [US Treasury] to the States' banks.
"How would this inequality effect the level of insurance coverage between the variations in grant block allowances if based on population?"
There is no inequality in how the States receive and spend their funds. All States are subject to the same rules. Just a difference in how much they are eligible to receive and draw down.
"Would the Federal government still maintain say over minimum standards, cost controls, quality care criteria in a block grant program?"
Yes. The States submit electronic monthly reports [sometimes weekly if they are a large state] on line to the Feds with the amounts they drew down, disbursed, and how much Federal cash is still on hand and not spent. If too much cash is on hand, the Feds will not allow States to draw down any more until the cash on hand is spent. Usually States are allowed to maintain a 3 day cash on hand balance. States have to show the interest they earned on the Fed funds AND reduce draw downs of future cash by the interest earned on the Fed cash. States are also subject to State and Federal audits which are unannounced and rigorous. The Offices Of the Inspector General in the Agencies administering the Block Grants are responsible for performing the audits. The audits are conducted on site.
" Or would that be left up to the private insurance company the patient uses the voucher to purchase coverage from?"
Nothing is left up to anyone else."
The Feds run the Block Grants amd oversee the operations from beginning to end.
Hope that assists.
CarmineD
Peacelily:
I should have mentioned too, because it is important, that the Federal system that makes the payments is also subject to audit by the IG's of the Agencies whose programs, like Block Grants, are funded through it.
Back in the 70's the system was used for grants payments for the National Institutes of Health [NIH] in Bethesda Maryland. It was called the Grants Payment System [GPS] In the late 70's and early 80's, the system was expanded to fund all Health and Human Service and Department of Education funds and also several State Block Grant progams. It became know as the Payment Management System [PMS]. In the 90's and 2000's the PMS was further expanded and ALL OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES which disburse funds, EXCEPT SS AND MEDICAID AND MEDICARE, were added to the PMS. Obviously it has been a proven payment and reporting mechanism over all these years and with all the changes.
CarmineD
It's never too late to change Sam. Even for you.
CarmineD
Lord help this man for he knows not he speaks...REFreeman on Nevada..." AND lacks natural resources"
Hahaha
Best insolation around. great wind in spots. Geothermal til hell won't have it...no resources ...lmao
Thank you very much, Carmine. The information you gave is very educational. I appreciate the time you took to explain.
I do see some problems with the available funds being different for each state.
Also, the waivers make me think of states making adjustments of some kind in benefits, or borrowing money from the Feds. This could lead to inequality of benefits, and/or increased state taxes to pay down the debt from any borrowing from the Fed. government.
I admit I go way back in time remembering the terrible inequalities between the states in healthcare, and I sure wouldn't want to see that again.
There were problems of people relocating just to have benefits, and the state I was in bought them a bus ticket back to where they came from.
My mention of vouchers comes from the Medicare ideas that Romney mentioned, vouchers to pay a portion of the private insurance premium, and block grants.
I admit that I don't have a clear idea of what Romney intends, even after trying to find out.
You're welcome.
"I do see some problems with the available funds being different for each state."
That's a result of States being eligible for different amounts. They are not all equal although some like California and NY may be close in their yearly funds.
"Also, the waivers make me think of states making adjustments of some kind in benefits, or borrowing money from the Feds. This could lead to inequality of benefits, and/or increased state taxes to pay down the debt from any borrowing from the Fed. government."
Waivers are a built in system mechanism. For example, with Sandy many states have been closed and not drawing down. Once back on line, they will have a need to draw down the funds in arrears and current funds. Without waivers, that must be approved at the Federal level {Payment Management System], the States would be unable to do so.
"I admit I go way back in time remembering the terrible inequalities between the states in healthcare, and I sure wouldn't want to see that again."
Block grants are different. The amounts are fixed and known upfront. The drawdowns by States are determimned daily, weekly and monthly to allow States to disburse the funds consistently throughout the year for their own needs.
"There were problems of people relocating just to have benefits, and the state I was in bought them a bus ticket back to where they came from."
It happens. No system is perfect. The intent is to minimize the abuse.
"My mention of vouchers comes from the Medicare ideas that Romney mentioned, vouchers to pay a portion of the private insurance premium, and block grants."
I have heard that since my retirement the Payment Management System in Bethesda Maryland may have accepted Medicaid [Not Medicare] into its system for payouts to States. I haven't been able to verify that for sure yet.
"I admit that I don't have a clear idea of what Romney intends, even after trying to find out."
We'll find out soon enough perhaps.
CarmineD
Carmine,
"It's never to late to change Sam. Even for you".
I have to admit that I have changed my thinking. For the first time in 44 years as a Republican. I am voting for Pres.Obama who is a Democrat. That's a big change for me.
Well Sam, I can only say not all change is good. Knowing the difference is the hard part.
CarmineD
FWIW Sam, my dear wife and I have been married 40 years. She is a die hard democrat and voted for democratic presidents in all the presidential elections for 40 years. Not this year.
CarmineD