Senate Says Health Plan Will Cover Another 31 Million

The Democratic leaders from the Senate released their proposal for the health care bill on Wednesday. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, said that imposed new regulations on insurers would help to extend coverage to 31 million people who do not have any benefits and it will add benefits to Medicare. The bill will cost $848 billion over a ten year span, but it would help to reduce the original projected budget deficits by $130 billion over ten years. The costs would be offset by new taxes and other revenue than by reduction in Medicare. The Democrats are confident that they will have the votes necessary to pass the bill. The bill needs all the Democratic votes and the 2 independents votes. The Republicans are still ready to fight the bill all the way. The name of the bill is called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Though the Senate bill is similar to the House bill there are some differences. For one the Senate bill "would increase the Medicare payroll tax on high-income people and impose a new excise tax on high-cos "Cadillac health plans'". Both bills would have a voluntary federal program to provide long-term health care. Twenty four million people would still be uninsured in 2019, one third of them would be illegal immigrants. Under the bill people will be required to have health insurance and if they don't than they can be fined.

In my opinion there should be no health care bill. I hope that the Senate doesn't pass it. If the bill is passed than my generation will have many problems in the future regarding healthcare. The amount that the government wants to spend on the bill is way too much. Even with their proposed healthcare plan there will still be millions of people who are uninsured in a couple of years. It isn't worth it. Not to mention the fact that the bill, if passed, wouldn't be put into affect until after Obamas first four years. That means that if he isn't reelected than the new president would be responsible for carrying out something that he or she may not want or believe in.

Investigation into Fort Hood Shooting

Senator Joe Lieberman announced that there will be a congressional investigation into the shooting at Fort Hood. Lieberman also stated that the attack could qualify as a "terrorist act". Joe Lieberman chairs the Senate Committee on homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. He said that there were warning signs and if they were noticed the Army should have been gone. The public has been told not to rush to conclusions because all the reports of warning signs are so far only speculation. The attack left 13 dead and 29 wounded. The gunman is currently being treated a a military hospital. His family members speculate that he was trying to avoid his deployment to Afghanistan.
In my opinion it was a terrorist attack. There are so many other ways that Major Nidal Malik Hasan could have delayed his deployment without hurting anyone other than possibly himself. The Army, as well as all the other military branches, should have a no tolerance policy.

Health Care Bill Passes Through House

The Democrats have received a victory in their fight to pass the new Health Care Bill into law. The House of Representation narrowly passed the Bill with a vote of 220-215. The Democrats needed 218 votes to have the Bill be passed. There were 219 Democrats who voted for and 39 who voted against, as well as 1 Republican who voted for the Bill. The real difficulty comes now, the Senate also has to pass the Bill. If the Senate passes it then the Bill must be rewritten and voted for once again by both parts of Congress. Democrats cheered when the legislation was passed. The House has also passed an amendment to pending health care legislation that prohibits federal funds for abortion services in the public option. The only exceptions would be cases of rape, incest or if the mother's life is in danger.
In my opinion I am upset that the legislation was passed through the House. I am not in favor of the Health Care plan because I know that it won't do any good. The Republican National Committee released a statement that I am in total agreement with. They said, "... a government-run health care experiment that will increase families health care costs, increase the deficit, increase taxes on small businesses and the middle class, and cut Medicare". There plan will eventually bring more harm than good. I am glad that the the Bill barely passed because it means that there are almost as many against as for, which will mean that the Senate should also have a difficult time passing it. I hope that they can't. Another thing that I am happy with is the legislation that the government will not pay for abortions, with a few exceptions that I kind of agree with.

Obama's poll numbers are down

The American people are giving President Obama the yellow flag in polls. Fewer than half of Americans are agreeing with the president on the issues that are important to them. A majority, 51 percent of people disagree, this is a 10 percent increase since April. They are saying that he si a popular president who is less popular on the issues with American people. Obama's helath care has been an issue tht has brought down his numbers, and the winning of the Nobel Peace Prize was also a shocker that many Americans disagreed with. Only about one third of Americans thaought that he deserved the prize. Another factor hurting Obamas numbers is that Hillary Clinton is more favorable to the American people, she even beats out the first lasy.
In my opinion I agree with the polls. Obama has never been someone that I like or agree with. If Obama continues to go down with the polls than hopefully he will not be reelected. He is a nice looking guy who hasn't gotten much of anything done. His winning the Nobel Peace Prize was a joke. He didn't do anything to deserve it. I am also not a big fan of Hillary Clinton.

Guantanamo Detainee Transfer Approved by Senate

President Obama has a minor victory with his efforts to close Guantanamo Bay prison. The government is can now continue to transfer detainees to the facility in the United States to be prosecuted. The Senate passed the vote as part of bigger 44.1 billion dollar budget bill for Homeland Security. The measure will now allow the detainees to be tried here in the US. In January Obama said that the facility was to be closed within a year, but to due circumstances that will not be happening. One issue that is holding it back is that there is not sufficient funding. There must be a plan and 15 days notice before any transfers can occur, also a certification that the prisoner is not a security risk. There is a "CLOSE GITMO NOW" campaign that will begin on Tuesday. Administration and Obama want to obtain all the unreleased photos of the detainee abuse to prevent any anti-American sentiment overseas and to prevent our troops from becoming endangered.
In my opinion the Guantanamo should stay open. This blog is an update on one of the first blogs I did, and all my opinions and beliefs remain the same. I do agree though that the abuse photos should remain unreleased.

Republicans looking for a comback in congress

Even though the midterm elections are still over year away Republicans are becoming excited at the sight of rising unemployment rates, a record federal deficit and the President's slipping support as signals of a possible way to sneak in and and takeover the majority in both the senate and the house. To do this the Republicans will need double-digit losses for the Democrats in both. The Democrats have the lead in the house by 78 and the senate lead by 18. While it remains unlikely that the Republicans will gain back all the necessary seats to become the majority they are targeting the seats that they haven't targeted in years. The main seats they are targeting are the ones held by Democratic leaders whose approval ratings are going down according to polls. The biggest targets for Republicans are the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, Barbara Boxer of California, and Blanche Lincoln of Nebraska.
In my opinion I am very much hoping that the Republicans are able to takeover the majority in both the senate and the house. The Democrats are doing an awful job and it is causing our country to be in the worst shape it has been in since 1984. We need people who will actually do what they say they will and so far the Democrats have not showed us that they are capable of that. I just want our country to get out of the massive debt that Obama has put us in, in less than a year, and keep us out of more debt that will be coming if the "stimulus" packages that Obama wants to put into action. We need people to help our country.

Final Health Care Bill Will Have a Public Option

Tom Harkin, is the Democrat who has taken over after the passing of Ted Kennedy. This puts him as chairman of Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. With the new position he has been working on the health care bill that will now include a public option. He says that the bill will be on the Presidents desk by Christmas. To pass the bill, however, they need sixty votes to even end the debate before an official vote can be held. There are five members of the Democrat party that are said by Harkins to be holding up the progress, but Harkins is positive that if the five go on board then the answer will be "clear". The estimated cost of the health care bill should be about $900 billion over ten years, and will make the purchase of some sort of health insurance mandatory to all Americans.
In my opinion this seems slightly hypocritical. They are saying that some sort of health insurance is going to be made mandatory to all Americans, but the original purpose to the bill was to make health care available to all. Right now there are many Americans who can't afford health care and that is supposedly why this bill is being introduced, but if they make it mandatory to buy some sort of health care than how are the current Americans that are unable to afford health care pay for it then? It makes no sense to me and I don't believe that the there should be universal health care in America.

Obama speaks to Gays

President Obama delivered a speech on Saturday to the largest gay rights group. He praised them for the progress they have been making for the right to equal rights and he promised to to deliver on the major campaign promises that he had made. Obama says that there are still laws to change and hearts to open. Obama gave his speech to the gay rights activisits who are losing patience over the lack of change to key issues for the gay community. Obama is calling to change the law that doesn't allow gays in the millitary. He has commited to ending the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Obama would like the Defense of Marriage Act to be repealed and the Domestic Partners Benefit and Obligations Act to be passed. He said that it was important for the gay community to continue to speak out for what they believe.
In my opinion I don't believe that marriage is for anyone. I believe that it was for one man and one woman. By Obama changing the laws he will be offending many in our nation. I do think that anyone who wants to serve in our military should be allowed to, but not if it will be distracting to the soldiers. Just like woman can't serve on the front lines to prevent the men from being distracted and wanting to save them, if a gay man becomes a distraction than they shouldn't be allowed to serve on the front lines either.

Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

President Obama was selected by the Norwegian Nobel Committee to be awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. "I am both surprised and deeply humbled" was how Obama put it when he spoke at the White House. Obama does not feel as though he should be categorized with the winners of the past, but would continue to find peace. He said that as commander in chief of our country he was responsible for ending one war and confronting dangerous adversaries in another. Obama said that it "must be shared" for those who want "justice and dignity". The reason behind the Nobel Committee honoring of Obama was because of his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples". The decision for Obama to be the winner was "unanimous". There were 172 people nominated and 33 organizations, this is the highest number of nominations ever. Also the Nobel recipient is awarded a prize of about $1.4 million.

My opinion is that Obama should not have won. In fact I am pretty upset about it. He has been given an award for something that he hasn't even accomplished. Yes he wants to have world peace, but so does every wanna-be Miss America and pretty much our whole country! To give it to him and him not have accomplished anything is wrong. Maybe in a year or two when we know that the nuclear weapons are gone should the honor be given to him. He has not done anything. Am I glad that someone won from the United States, yes, but I am sure that there could have been a better choice. As Obama said it "must be shared" with everyone who strives for "justice and dignity" so many people have the same ideas and wants as him. Just because he is the president and is in the spot light does not mean he deserved it. There is definitely a better choice out there.

"Obama, Chicago come up short in Olympics bid"

Chicago lost in the first round of picks to host the 2016 Olympics. President Obama and his wife Michelle Obama both fully supported having the Olympics in Chicago. Michelle Obama gave a speech before the International Olympics Committee, and President Obama traveled overseas. He traveled overseas in the middle of debates over health care and whether to send more troops over to Afghanistan. This loss is an embarrassment says Republican strategist Rich Galen he also said that the "failed pitch will probably be the joke on Capitol Hill for weeks to come". The president made a strong appeal and is still really proud of his hometown Chicago. President Obama wasn't even in Copenhagen when the announcement was made. When Obama first started campaigning he was against making the trip, but when the time came he decided that it was a trip worth taking.
In my opinion I don't think that Obama should have gone to Copenhagen. He had and still has bigger issues, like Afghanistan and his health care reform. I don't believe in the health care reform, but if it is something that is important to him than he should be here lobbying it. Also he only spent 4 hours in Copenhagen and didn't even hear the results while there. That trip was a waste of money. The fuel used to fly him to and from Copenhagen is expensive. I don't think he should have gone.

"Pressure Increases on Obama Over Afghanistan"

Should more troops be committed to Afghanistan? This is the question that is putting so much pressure on President Obama. Obama is scheduled to discuss Afghanistan strategy with his national security team in the next couple of days. General Stanley McChrystal said that the situation in Afghanistan is not getting any better. General McChrystal is planing to send his request for more resources to help fight off the insurgents, in Afghanistan, soon. McChrystal said that without more troops then this 8 year war will most likely end in failure. The administrators and other high ranking officials, as well as the American people are split 50-50 on what to do in the current situation. Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, said that it is important for Afghan forces to step it up and take a much faster approach to what has been done so far.
In my opinion I feel that more troops should be sent over to Afghanistan. The more troops we send the better equipped we would be to finish out this war. Wars cost money, and we have spent a lot of money on this war. If we were to lose this war all that money would be wasted. If troops are need then troops should be sent over.

White House to Seek Change in Educational Laws

The Obama administration is in partial agreement with the law, No Child Left Behind, set up by former President George W. Bush, but there are parts that they would like to alter. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said that standardized tests are not the most ideal way to measure a students academic achievement. Though they have no better ideas they are giving states money through the economic stimulus law to come up with better ways to asses a students progress. Some opponents of the law state that the reading and math tests are pushing the arts out of school classrooms.
In my opinion this isn't true, about art and music being pushed out. In highschool you are required to take at least one year of music or art, and kids more often than not stay with the program that they chose for all four years. Also middle schools have both art and music programs that students are enrolled in. I also believe that although standardize testing is a drag it is neccessary. They force students to apply themselves and study if they want to graduate.

ACORN: Suing the "pimp" and others

ACORN is now going to sue James E. O'Keef III and his partner for illegally videotapeing their employees without their consent. The lawsuit has been filed in a Baltimore court. The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office is now going to launch a criminal investigation, and several ACORN employees have been fired. "The multimillion-dollar lawsuit cites "extreme emotional distress" on begalf of two workers who were fired after the video posted online." ACORN attorney Arthur Schwartz has stated that the videos taken in Maryland are direct violation of laws. As of September 16 ACORN will not longer take on any new clients until an internal ivestigation has been completed.
In my opinion I hope that James E. O'Keef III and his partner Hannah do not get in trouble. They exposed something horrific and they should not be punished for it. What they did is exactly what investigative journalism is. ACORN wants to sue them because they were exposed for what it has probably been doing for many years and ruined their reputation. If James and Hannah lose I think that it will send a message that our government is corrupt and I believe that everything that ACORN has done will come to light and be shut down.

Acorn No Longer Receiving Tax Payer Money

The House of Representatives as well as the Senate have voted to eliminate any government funding to ACORN. The vote won in the House 345-75, and the Senate's vote won 85-11. Even though Congress has voted to no longer fund ACORN, President Obama must sign the bill into law. Not only should federal funding be severed, but the FBI should also investigate into ACORN and find if they have broken any other federal laws. It is found that the 75 House representatives that voted to keep funding ACORN and the 2 that just voted present are all democrats, possibly giving the Republicans an ad for the next election saying, "'This lawmaker voted against defunding ACORN.'"
In my opinion I am glad that Congress has voted to no longer fund ACORN. My parents pay their taxes and it makes me wonder, have they funded anything illegal and if so what? If ACORN was so willing to support the "pimp" and "prostitute" with a brothel, have they been successful in helping some real peole create illegal "businesses"? I hope not and it should be investigated by the FBI because if there are some illegal "businesses" they need to be shut down. I support fully the severing of government and taxpayer funds to ACORN.

Guantanamo Bay: Should these detainees be detained in the states?

President Barack Obama and his administrators are now looking to delay the Gitmo trials. The delay is due to two Republican senators said that they no longer believe that the inmates will be transfered to the state of Kansas. Leavenworth, which is a prison in Kansas, is said to be no longer under consideration for the placement of the Guantanamo detainees. Senator Brownback said that Leavenworth would not be a "suitable site" for detainees. The other site that has been under serious consideration for holing the detainees is a maximum security prision in Standish, Michigan.

My opinion is that Guantanamo should not be shut down and the inmates transfered to somewhere here in the states. Some of the inmates in Guantanamo are said to be responsible for the September 11, 2009 attacks. If these men wanted so badly to hurt our country why would they want to live in it? Also, how safe is it? Their fellow conspirators that have not been caught may use their transfer as another opportunity to attack our country. Why should we give them the opportunity?

If you were living in Michigan near Standish how would you feel knowing that terrorists are being transfered to where you live? Would you feel safe, would you feel your child is safe? I know that I would not feel safe, and if I had kids I would worry about them too. So in my opinion Guantanamo should stay open and not be transfered to the US.