“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane”.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
With the health, and even the lives of under- and uninsured Americans still threatened, it is time to speak up for our families, friends and neighbors.Join us for this vigil, sponsored by Pax Christi Grand Strand and Five Rivers Friends (Quaker) Meeting with other groups invited to endorse as well.
Where:Chapin Park, Myrtle Beach
14th Avenue North and Highway 17 business
When:Wednesday, September 2nd
6 pm-7 pm
Please note:This is intended as a vigil, and not a protest.The City of Myrtle Beach has been informed of our plans.
Signs should have a positive message for change and shouting and debating are not appropriate. Bring candles if you choose. Many of us believe that the Pub lic Option component, as it is currently presented, will not be adequate.Some of us would like an opportunity to prayerfully witness our concern about healthcare,focusing on Dr. King’s words.Some of us are long time supporters of John Conyers’ Enhanced Medicare for All legislation, and endorse H.R. 676, along with 86 members of the House.Join us for this solemn occasion.
"I have to sacrifice me." That is the way one Charleston, SC area resident describes her inability to pay for health care insurance. This documentary short by Edward Faircloth of City Beach Films www.citybeachfilms.com explores the real life experiences of Charleston residents, both those who have adequate insurance and those who don't. Charleston Health Care Stories is a touching film short which premiered August 20th at the Olde North Charleston Picture House as part of a Greater Park Circle Film Society series.
Republicans know the truth is not on their side. Since the beginning of August recess, they've come out with one outlandish lie after another to derail meaningful health insurance reform -- but this one takes the cake.
In a "poll" mailed to supporters, the RNC is actually suggesting that health insurance reform is a Democratic plot to deny health care to Republicans using voter registration data:
This is shameless fear-mongering at its worst -- and it is just a preview of the falsehoods, fabrications and outright lies Republicans will be pushing when Congress returns in September. We must be prepared to fight back hard and respond immediately to these outrageous attacks.
Millions of American families are just one serious illness or injury away from financial disaster. The cost of doing nothing is just too high.
A GOP spokeswoman is now trying to walk back this outrageous fabrication after being called out by the media, but don't let them fool you -- Republicans are ready to say or do whatever it takes to kill health insurance reform.
They may have scare tactics and shameless lies, but we have the truth.
Here's a guest blog from August 3rd of this year by Edward Sebesta. He is one of three editors of the book, "Neo-Confederacy: A Critical Introduction" which is published by the University of Texas Press. The following is a link to the book's description. Book published by Univ. of Texas Press
I have gotten interested in tracking the Birther phenomenon recently. Mostly as an amusing freak show. My mother never allowed us to go to see the alligator boy when when we would visit the State Fair. Perhaps I am compensating in some way.
The neo-Confederate movement isn't monolithic regarding questioning Obama's birth in Hawaii.
The Council of Conservative Citizens, http://www.cofcc.org/, has been covering doubts about Obama's birthplace since early in 2008 at least. I am not surprised, they are very accepting of wild fringe theories. The League of the South hasn't covered it, but they aren't denying it either. This is the link to Tuggle's League of the South blog on the topic. http://www.dixienet.org/rebellion/2009/07/where-was-obama-born.html
I think Tuggle is afraid of offending the birther movement which as I will document here on this blog seems to comprise a lot of his potential base, but he also doesn't want to discredit the League of the South.
I wonder if there couldn't be a contest for the wackiest birther theory. For example, someone could theorize, the REAL Barack Obama was born in Hawaii, but he was replaced by an alien, and they can't release his other birth certificate since it would show some discrepancy and reveal Obama to be an alien. Here you have merged UFO conspiracy theories and birther theories.
According to the Koss poll, break down of opinion on Obama's birth in the South is that 23% don't think he is born in Hawaii, 30% aren't sure, and 47% believe he is born in Hawaii.
The obvious further analysis has been done, since African Americans, Hispanics, and other minority voters by a very high percentage don't believe in birther theories, that means that the percentage of whites in the South who believe in birther theories or have doubts on the President's citizenship may be higher than 70%. This is again another manifestation of popular Confederate culture in the South.
I think you could further argue that southern white democrats largely don't believe in birther theories, so the percentage of southern white Republicans who either doubt Obama's birth or don't believe he is born in Hawaii must be very high indeed.
Nationally the results for the Republicans break down to 42 percent who believe he was born in Hawaii, 28% how believe a birther theory, and 30% who have doubts on Obama's birth.
I think that for a large fraction of the public, they simply can't accept that there is a black president, someone who might call a white police officer's actions "stupid." They are becoming unhinged. Their banal white nationalism is surfacing. The following is my article on banal white nationalism. http://www.templeofdemocracy.com/breaking.htm
I would like to see some other polls to confirm these percentages reported by the Daily Kos poll, I suspect that the percentages of white southerners believing in brither theories would still be substantial.
These high numbers explain why some Republican elected representatives, right wing websites, and broadcast conservatives have pandered to them. I leave you to read who and what elsewhere on the web. Though I should state that some prominent conservatives have spoken out against this. I think some conservatives calculate that the birther movement could pull down conservatism in general. These stories discuss the problem of the birthers for the Republicans. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0709/25625.html
Here is a video of birthers taking over a town hall meeting of a Republican congressional representative: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V1nmn2zRMc It has been viewed at this time by nearly 800,000 people.
When talk radio, Republican congressional representatives, television commentators pander to them, it certainly must embolden the birthers.
Suddenly this birther movement isn't so funny. The birther movement with this extent of public support are no longer a tiny minority of harmless cranks, but a serious threat to the public peace.
If a person doesn't believe that Obama is legally president of the United States, what would be the possible logical consequences for that person. It might be quiet alienation from the government and the cessation of patriotic feeling for the United States of America, but I think that given who the birthers are, they will undertake an program of actions. I think birthers will be embolden by the fact that they are not a tiny fringe group, and in some places in the country a sizable fraction of the public. This could have alarming consequences.
Given the ridiculousness of the birthers arguments, many people seem to view the birthers as a great opportunity for mirth and embarrassment of the Republicans as their pandering to them is caught out, but not as a serious threat. However, just because an idea or belief system is ridiculous, don't meant that it can't be the basis of a major movement or have widespread support. Look at the percentages of people who don't believe in evolution or that the earth is immensely old, and the harassment of the school biology textbook publishers. If a significant fraction of people believe in the birther theories, then the movement is significant and can have real impact.
What are the birthers likely to do next? One thing is that they are forming "citizen grand juries" to indict Obama of various crimes and ask that officials prosecute Obama. Here is an article on these "citizen grand juries" at World Net Daily, a far right website which had been beating the drum for the birther theories. http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=93481 here is a You Tube "citizen grand jury."http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q5VbkAFFpM.
If an attorney for a county or city or some Southern state is in the situation that he or she will certainly lose the next Republican primary election if they dismiss the claims of these "citizen grand juries" what might their actions? If they do dismiss the claims of these "citizen grand jury" and lose the election because of it, what might be the actions of an attorney who won on the basis of supporting the claims of the "citizen grand juries"?
Also, what might be the actions of Republican state representatives and state senators which they fact the 2010 Republican primary in Southern states?
What happens if the birthers decided to send a posse of 100 or more to arrest Obama on their own authority when he is visiting their town or locality? What if they are armed? What if it happens in a town where a very high percentage have birther views? What is the safety of Obama if a majority of the police in that town have birther views? Or the mayor and city council members can expect that by opposing the birthers it will lead to their losing the next election by a sizable margin?
If this birther delusion persists over the coming months, represents a sizable fraction of the Republican base and becomes a threat to Republican office holders winning the primaries, it might be possible that the Republican party will succumb to it, as well as the conservative media. The Republican party has a shrunken base and it and the conservative movement in general is seeking a direction for the future, so it is vulnerable to movements like the birthers.
This birther movement comes at a time of national crisis and stress as unemployment continues to climb and jobless benefits will start running out for millions.
Of course it could be that the birther movement will be laughed off the national political scene and become a marginal phenomenon and largely profit the Democrats by tarnishing the reputation of the Republican party and conservatism in general. However, if it doesn't become marginal, if the Daily Kos poll numbers are largely true, and there is a mainstreaming of the birther movement among white Republican southerners, developments could be quote alarming.
I think it is time for less laughing and more apprehension. Remember what happened the last time in the South when the "Bottom rail was on top."
In the first few months of the 111th Congress, several pieces of legislation have passed meant to address children's issues, including:
Expanding coverage to 4.4 million uninsured children through the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
Protecting state Medicaid and education programs from cuts
Increasing funding for Head Start, Title I education, afterschool, child care, food stamps, and child support programs, in the federal stimulus and 2010 budget
Providing pay equity for single moms
Helping families stave off the foreclosure of their home
Working to reduce child and teen smoking
It is important that we hold our elected officials accountable for how they vote on children's issues. Let them know how you feel about their midterm ranking, and encourage them to adopt policies that will safeguard children throughout our country. Click here to send a message to your Senator today.
218,000 (20.6%) -- Children Living in Poverty 132,000 351,000 (32.5%) -- Children Receiving Government Health Care 10,700 (20.5%) -- 2-Year Olds Not Immunized 62,411 (52.7%) -- 3 and 4 Year Olds not in a preschool, nursery school, or pre-kindergarten program 132,000 (12.5%) -- Uninsured Children 141 -- Child Abuse Deaths (2001-2007) 41% -- 4th Graders below Basic Reading Levels 12,762 -- Child Abuse Victims
South Carolina faces a midyear 2009 budget gap of $871 million, representing 12.7% of the general fund. In 2010, the state has to close a $725 million deficit, 10.5% of the general fund.
Senator DeMint scores a flat zero on taking care of our state's children and Senator Graham scores only a 17. How pathetic.
In an effort to put hundreds of steelworkers back to work and to capitalize on a potential steel market resurgence, ArcelorMittal has offered a third, and final, Layoff Minimization Plan proposal.
In a letter to USW Local 7898 members, union president James Sanderson says the company has drawn the line.
The Company has informed the union that if (the proposal) is voted down the plant won't reopen. In this last proposal, the Company has agreed to remove the language about having the ability to schedule employees 24 hours from the proposal. The Company has also agreed to start the plant back up the next day after the proposal is approved.
Now, those words could not be any bolder. In other words, the employees choose the fate of the mill. They choose to open it back up or to shut it down for good. And with the 24-hour provision eliminated, it's a better proposal already. Let go further...
The start-up process will likely take 6-8 weeks in order to re-supply the plant with materials and equipment. The Company has also agreed to permit 20 employees who are retiree eligible that would like to receive their severance instead of having to wait the required 6 months of being laid off, to do so.
That's 20 retiree-eligible employees who can receive their severance immediately - not after six months. That alone should have 20 votes for the proposal.
I voted for concessions the first time. I stood against concessions the second. This third proposal is being put to a vote and I am voting for concessions - again. I see the writing on the wall. I will not be the one to shut down this plant for good.
The facts are clear to see. We are in a slump. It will take a year or more to get back on the level we were at. I respect the notion of not wanting to give up what has been earned, but there are cases where the good outweighs the bad. This is one of those cases.
We've been idle since July. To the steel industry, that's a big deal. In the free market we live in, this downtime gives our customers the potential to move away from us and find what they need from other steelmakers, with the high probability of going overseas for it. Once we lose our customers, it would be hard to get them back. It's simple business. Our customers depend on knowing that we'll be there through thick and thin. They need that security. If we cannot provide it, they'll move on.
I would much rather be beat on quality - with a chance to fix - than beat on being closed down.
Giving up money on the hour hurts. I can admit that. But, looking at what is out there, our wage decrease would still keep us in a bracket that makes our jobs desirable. We'll still be making decent money. We'll still have health insurance. We'll still have the ability to make more money when profits increase. It's not all doom and gloom.
But it will be if this last proposal is voted down.
We've had Paige Sawyer foaming at the mouth to test our property - for his enjoyment. Do we really want to give this person more ammo to use against hard-working steelworkers? I sure as hell don't. I am sick and tired of having all of us run down by nameless people too scared to say what they write to our faces. How about you?
ArcelorMittal has done fine by me and my family. My union has as well. This situation isn't something people wish for, but it is here. The right decision, in my opinion, is to vote this in and get back to work. We can make our own destiny, but we have to be able to work to do so. Giving the company power to shut us down for good decides our fate - a fate we cannot benefit from.
My occupation is steelworker. I am a proud steelworker. I am a young steelworker. I ask all the elders to consider the fact that this mill is moving into the hands of the younger men. It's not the best decision to close the mill for good when young men are trying their best to achieve what the elders have already.
I ask that steelworkers listen to reason. Leave the pride on the table and think about the future of the Georgetown mill - the ability to provide good, decent paying jobs, security for a family, health insurance that can be depended on and the ability to survive in a town where there's hardly any industry to begin with.
You know, some of you may not agree with my politics. I am fine with that. This situation is beyond you or I. It's about our families. I am voting to keep a job in Georgetown. I am voting to go back to work. I am voting for a chance to make this industry what it used to be. I ask that you do the same.
Georgetown Times columnist John Brock has a scathing column in today's paper about health care. No surprise it's in negative in its tone. However, for such a tenured writer, I am shocked, appalled and downright disrespected by his wordings.
And that's the kind of product President Obama has produced by allowing our sausage-making Congress to come up with a National Health Plan of their own making. Instead of proposing a comprehensive plan of his own, the president allowed the Congress to develop a plan to present to the American people.
And it's looking more and more like the "dogs" won't eat the stuff.
The various proposals covering more than 1,000 pages contain mystery after mystery concerning what the "Health-Care Reform" plan would offer and how it will be implemented. Most members of Congress admit that they haven't even read any one of the three proposals floating around the halls of Congress. Instead, many are reasonably happy because the plans contain enough pork for their respective constituencies; therefore, it initially appeared to be full steam ahead for early passage.
I think that Brock hasn't read the bill(s) either. There's no mystery involved, and it's not even a final document. It can be amended. But, for instructional purposes the bill is available here for everyone's reading pleasure, and in section-by-section analysis.
True contents of the health-care proposals have never been clear but what is becoming abundantly clear is that a majority of Americans do not want any part of a plan that involves the federal government.
Really... I suggest that if you are on Medicare, or know someone who is, please get off of it. You wouldn't want anything that involves the federal government, now would you? And to even sell this nonsense in a county paper is really surprising. Come on, John. Do you not realize Medicare has the federal government heavily involved? I do. I couldn't, and would not, have the heart to tell those on Medicare to get off of it because it involves the federal government.
In mentioning above the proposal, it's pretty clear what it includes - and what others want people to believe it includes. People who probably don't have the ability to research it. You've let me down, John. You use your medium to continue the rhetoric, lies and scare tactics.
In spite of being called "evil-mongers" "mobs of thugs" "right-wing extremists" and even "Nazis" by Democrat congressional leaders, opponents of "ObamaCare" have made their voices heard from coast-to-coast as they exercised their constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech. These vocal ones are not alone.
A recent Pew Poll reveals that 61 percent of Americans think the protesters are behaving properly.
There is also growing unrest over programs like bank bailouts, "Cash for Clunkers" and other unproven "stimulus" spending. The wheels may be coming off of the Obama Bandwagon.
Geez... You must have been in the dark writing this column. It's the only thought I come up with when I see you mention the "cash for clunkers" program and unproven in the same sentence. Here's some light for you... Furthermore, this program is bringing U.S. steel mills back to life. For a person to be so tunnel-driven shows no compassion or capability to look forward to what it's meant to other people.
Fore more truth on health care reform, please visit here.
Congressman Henry Brown and I met for the first time today. I shook his hand, told him my name and emphasized I am here for health care reform. When he went inside Applewood's House of Pancakes, that comment seemed to get lost amongst the rhetoric.
"Most of the people we talked to certainly feel a lot like I do about it. I guess it's just communicating to them that I'm there fighting trying to do all we can to try to be able to keep the health plans we have now," explained Brown.
Hmm... Keeping the health plans we have now. Seems to me Brown wants to keep scaring people with the "government is going to take your health insurance, Medicare, etc." coding that has almost worked to perfection in keeping people in fear.
My friend Goffinet McLaren actually spoke truth on the issue.
"People who are opposed to healthcare say the United States has the best healthcare in the world, well, before people speak, they should check their facts," explained McLaren.
So, after my pleasantries, Brown decided to stay on task with Republican talking points and keep the fear alive. It's no surprise.
These restaurant-style health reform "grillings" are the norm here on the coast. Why? Because they fudge numbers of attendance. Today, people steady flowed out during the meeting. I can assure that those very same people were being counted as attendees of the meeting. This is being done to keep the people thinking the anti-health care reform crowd controls the debate.
They don't.
No one challenged us today. We received support from passers-by. And I also have to thank the people of Applewood's for giving us ice water while we stood in the shadeless sun and heat in front of the business.
The message is ours. Why? Because truth has always been there. We're doing a better job of countering the fear mongers.
Speaking of truth, why not allow me to share truth on Henry Brown. Why is he sending out newsletters to his constituents with the far-right talking points? Because he's repaying favors.
In 2008, Brown received a total of $28,450 from health professionals. That's a lot of dough to be giving someone for, you know, services. What's the service? Well, it's to destroy health care reform by scaring people half to death.
He's doing good work. For 2010, he's already received $6,250 towards re-election.
And when I hear him talk about government waste and how government is bad, I wonder what he thinks of this:
In 2006, his office spent about $177,000 to send out more than 1.25 million pieces of mail —more than any other member of Congress, according to a recent survey by the Associated Press. No other South Carolina Congressman made the top 10.
Furthermore, if government-run health care is bad, then why did he not tell it to these people earlier this week. I guess it's good for them, bad for us. What do you think this sounds like?
Last week, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), Erik Shinseki, announced that combat Veterans in 28 communities across the country, including Horry County, will be able to receive readjustment counseling and other assistance by 2010 at new Vet Centers. After the announcement, Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R-SC), the Ranking Republican on the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, made the following statement:
“I am very excited about Secretary Shinseki’s announcement that a new Vet Center will be coming to Horry County in 2010.
Over half a million veterans live in the First District of South Carolina alone, and serving as a member of the VA Committee in several capacities since coming to Congress in 2001, I have always worked to enhance the VA to meet the needs of each generation of veterans from World War II to our newest veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.
It is essential that we provide convenient and high quality outreach and readjustment counseling to all combat veterans and any new facility where our nation’s heroes can receive such care will only bring us one step closer to our ultimate goal of providing these men and women with the benefits and services they have richly earned.”
Charleston, SC, Aug 20, 2009- Ed Faircloth released his director’s cut of I have to sacrifice me...., Charleston Healthcare Stories, a short documentary film depicting the stories of people living in the Lowcountry who are victims of America’s dysfunctional healthcare system on Aug 20. The video shows how America combines the world’s best care with the worst access system of any industrialized nation. In a city where MUSC does research on cutting edge care, thousands can’t see a doctor for ordinary problems.
The full video is available for public viewing on the high quality online streaming Vimeo service at http://www.vimeo.com/6191866 now.
Healthcare reform proponents in the Charleston area have committed to getting 1000 hits on the film before Congress returns to Washington to resume consideration of the legislation on September 8. Portions of the video may also be seen in this week’s edition of the news magazine program The Savage Report on Comcast Channel 2. It’s available for use at local Healthcare Reform events as well with permission from the Director.
700 thousand people in South Carolina have no health care coverage. Hundreds of thousands of others are so underinsured that the coverage they have pays little or nothing of their medical expenses.
However, statistics do not live with tumors growing in their bodies. People in Charleston are. That story and others can be seen in Ed’s ten minute film.
Ed’s film premiered at the Healthcare Dinner and a Movie night held in N. Charleston by the Greater Park Circle Film Society to a full house of over 70 people Thursday. The premier was followed by the screening of Damaged Care, a humorous, cabaret style show about important healthcare issues. The evening ended with a 30 minute discussion moderated by Dr. James Sears, where differing viewpoints were shared in a serious and civil fashion using a new set of Film Society Discussion rules developed for the screening.
Just before the screening, the audience helped celebrate the birthday of Michael Hawthorne, Repower America's new Lowcountry Community Organizer with a cake and rousing rendition of Happy Birthday. Solar powered candles could not be located, so Mathew just blew out traditional ones. Cajun Connection, a New Orleans style restaurant recently opened in N. Charleston offered complementary cajun dishes during the show.
The event was one of over seven held by Healthcare and Insurance Reform Proponents across the State of South Carolina this week.
Full information on local involvement in the Healthcare Reform effort may be found at http://www.barackobama.com/ now.
"[Town hall mobs are] a toxic brew of racism, a peculiar brand of Christianity and plain ignorance…folks vote against their own best interests just to vote against 'that one!' [President Obama]. I don't think this has much to do with health care…they keep making up crazy accusations to justify what is a profound and scary racial/religious hostility…some look at Obama and see Malcom X. It infuriates them, but they can't admit THAT! Maybe they don't know exactly what's being triggered--but the [GOP/Health Care Industry] whipping them into a frenzy know exactly what's being dog-whistled."
---- Susan Bond, Pastor, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Nashville, Tennessee
There is no "patriotic, red-white-and-blue American" justification for what's happening at town hall meetings meant to discuss--or debate--the merits of health care reform in this country. What we're seeing is the same ax-handle waving rage against change, against fairness, equality and freedom of choice we witnessed at the violent height of the Civil Rights movement. What we're seeing is the devolution of American thought, American expression and the American psyche into a primitive, lizard-brain-state violence.
Anti-health care reformers carrying "Obama is a Nazi" and "No Socialized Medicine--We're Not Russia!" posters, carrying hunting knives and loaded weapons--some of them semi-automatic ones--and screaming "Death Panels!", are not patriots. They're a tragically misinformed mob, incited to violence by pols and lobbyists who stand to lose big money when reform robs them of obscene profits. Screamers don't want information. They certainly don't want civil discourse. Their Nazi, socialist, you'll-lose-your-doctor and death panel memes are all disinformation-based, fed by ignorance, fueled by hatred. These are the same folks who insist on believing their president is an alien, illegally elected and illegally serving this country.
Most of them believe what they want to believe. They are, thankfully, a minority. But they are a mindless, dangerous minority. They are sudden converts to Constitutionalism. They "want their country back" And they want it exactly as the Founders defined it in the 18th century. They want THAT Constitution.
That Constitution takes us back to this:
* It is legal and entirely American to own kidnapped African American slaves. They are slaves, they are only 3/5 human, and they have no rights. Surely, none of them could ever legally serve in Congress. Or as POTUS.
* It is legal and entirely American to cheat Native Americans out of their land, to force them from it; by violent means, if they resist.
* It is legal and entirely American to deny women the vote--or any voice in governance--altogether.
One armed cretin carried a poster reading "It's time to water the tree of democracy". Such a patriot. That's only a part of Jefferson's quote, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." But, hey--he meant no harm, sporting that loaded gun and a call for bloody violence. He's no terrorist. He only espouses the same Jefferson credo that Tim McVeigh wore on his favorite T-shirt. You remember government-hating Tim: the home-grown terrorist; the Oklahoma bomber responsible for the deaths of 126 innocent Americans, some of them babies and small children, in 1995.
That's where unleashed mob rage leads.
Those of us who support health care reform aren't screaming disinformation or packing heat. We reject the use of Jefferson's words. Like our president, we look to another source and embrace another credo:
"Heal the sick, cleanse the leper, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." -- Matthew 10:8
U.S. Senator Jim DeMint continued to attack President Obama and Democratic lawmakers Wednesday for their efforts to improve health care in this country. DeMint even goes as far as to confuse the public by saying that if it passes without Republican support - or "American support" - it's going to hurt the president. If I recall, we are all Americans -Democratic and Republican. DeMint =Distortion.
About 600 people, not the 1000 being reported by others, attended the town lunch meeting while more than 40 people protested DeMint's plan and his stances toward the president.
Our demonstration was peaceful and we accomplished each and every goal we set. Fact sheets were handed out to dozens of people, we did not engage with the radical right-wingers who attempted to engage us - and it was only TWO men that countered us. That alone spells victory, especially in Republican-dominated Horry County.
We went through proper steps of notifying the Myrtle Beach City Police Department and the Myrtle Beach city manager to brief them on what was planned and to follow laws in the city.
The Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse, where DeMint's meeting was held, came out to the area we were standing in and provided the demonstrators free water. Twice. I want to publicly thank them for their gratitude and compassion in doing such a simple yet noble thing.
Health Care for America Now and Democracy for America sent in materials for us to use to display our pro stance for health care reform in this country. We primarily used fact sheets from President Obama and "Setting the Record Straight," a Web site set up to counter the falsities and myths about health care reform.
Our appearance at this event is a foundation for the rest of the debate. It's time we build on what we've started to do - right the ship. It's time to stop letting the far right define our message. They do not speak for us.
"This state is not going to be portrayed as 100 percent anti-health reform,'' Sanderson said. "There are hundreds of thousands in this state who are jobless. They don't have health care.''
And the far right doesn't even care about telling the truth to begin with:
“These people don’t have the right information,” said protester Jamie Sanderson,” if they want to argue government take over or government health care then I’d tell him get off Medicare, if you want to fight one thing don’t be so hypocritical and just pick one issue.”
We plan to be at Congressman Henry Brown meeting in Pawley's Island Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. If you would like to join us outside, please do so. We plan to be there around 9:30 a.m.
Friday, August 21
The Waccamaw Neck Republican Club will hold a special meeting with Congressman Henry Brown.
Applewood House of Pancakes
14361 Ocean Hwy
Pawleys Island, SC
The meeting will start at 10 AM. Congressman Brown will provide an update on legislation in Washington.
We will be meeting in the parking lot at the Pawleys Island Food Lion at 10 a.m. Wednesday to carpool to the Jim DeMint meeting in Myrtle Beach. Hope to see you all there.
As another school year approaches, my three children embark on another step in the state’s public education system. For that, I am proud of what it offers. I am also happy that I stood for acceptance of stimulus funds for our public schools.
I want to share my experience I had with Maryville Elementary and their open house held August 14, 2009.
My youngest was excited to see who her new teacher was going to be this year (and still sad her teacher from last year had moved to another school). We visited the classroom and the teacher greeted us with happiness and eagerness to make a great a impression. The classroom was already set up for the first day: Name tags on the desks, notebooks and pencils neatly set up and their books neatly placed in cubby holes. It was a pleasure to see such attention to detail.
The family and I left the classroom to meet with teachers from the past and other friends visiting their teachers as well. I ran into a teacher I had as a child during my years at Kensington. I told him how much his teaching, his attitude and his determination meant to me during those early years. I applauded his dedication to the current generation and encouraged him to have a great year.
I also ran into a teacher I had my fifth grade year. She was a sight to see. For about 28 years, she’s been providing an excellent education for children, even me. I asked her to stay until my child got to fifth grade so she could have her. She said she would continue to do it as long as the love is there. She also told me she gets more happiness out of seeing her students grow up and succeed in life because she treats them as her children as well.
A third teacher I had at Maryville took in the fact that “I was all grown up” and she was witness to my children moving through the school. It was a heart-touching moment to because I really enjoyed my early years and am truly happy the teachers who stood by me then stand by my children now.
And you know what? They stand behind yours as well. These teachers look forward to seeing the students come back, giving life back to the lonely halls and classrooms. They prepare the majority of the summer for the “big” return. They get joy out of seeing children learn and absorb information.
An assistant principal was hurrying by me with other parents, eager to show them their child’s teacher and classroom. He saw me standing afar and jokingly said I must be tired already of being here or something to that effect. I told him I never get tired of being here and enjoy this as much as my child does. He smiled, walked away happy with a pep in his step. He should. His job does mean something to me and it should me something to all of you.
Eventually, we had to leave. After about two hours, we’d seen new faces, old faces and remembered the ones who weren’t there anymore. We saw smiles, hugs and an enthusiasm to get back to learning in the public school system.
Personally, I saw my childhood reflection in the eyes of the teachers who had me before. I saw the admiration from my teachers who had me as a student. I saw the happiness in their eyes – because they see one of their students doing good things.
I saw their eagerness to get started with a new year with children of today in order to recreate magic as they have year after year after year.
This year is going to be tough. Teachers have been let go. They have been moved to other schools. They have been moved to different grades to teach. Schools have to deal with what they have. But I want all teachers at Maryville and the entire Georgetown County School District to know this: You have support for what you do. You have encouragement to continue producing high-quality education in a “minimally adequate” system – a system we are working hard to change. You have an ear any time you need to voice concerns. You are not alone. We, as parents, as activists, are here to support you in each step of the school year.
I applaud all the public school teachers for teaching in this country, this state and this county specifically.
And from experiencing what I did today, I know our children are in good, nurturing hands.
There will be civil protesting taking place during Senator Jim DeMint's town "lunch" in Myrtle Beach. While attendees pay to get their brainwashing from the senator, we'll be outside to offer the truth on health care reform. We plan to be respectful and will do so even in the face of adversity.
Liberals are alive and well, progressives are fighting hard and we are Democratic people with a backbone. I encourage others who are like-minded to join us. Details will be emerging over the weekend in regards to further planning - so stay tuned.
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.
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.
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.
Join Obama Supporters for a Better Breakfast Monday
From William Hamilton:
Senator Jim DeMint, who has promised to "break" President Obama as our representative in the US Senate, has scheduled his first Town Hall meeting for Monday, August 17, at 7:30 at the Daniel Island Club, at 600 Island Park Drive, on Daniel Island, Charleston. I won't be going, but if you want to you can email slindbergh@homesc.com to RSVP.
If you want a breakfast that won't turn your stomach, I'll be at Alex's Restaurant on Coleman Blvd. in Mt. Pleasant at 7:30 a.m. Monday morning for a plate of Lowcountry shrimp and grits ready to discuss health care and a better world with whoever wants to talk about it. They've got WI-FI so we can look at the bills and other web content live.
You don't have to swallow what DeMint is attempting to feed our Country. Come have a positive breakfast for health care.
I am asking - urging - people in our area to make plans now to attend Jim DeMint's town hall meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2009, at the Sea Captain's House in Myrtle Beach. It is scheduled to start at 12 p.m.
I am requesting we make a visible presence. Here's some information on what we need to do:
Our ability to put the extremists into perspective helps us frame our narrative. We should be prepared to respond to the other side, but we don’t need to be reactive or feel pressure to answer their accusations point by point. Instead, we should treat them as agents of the insurance lobbyists who want to maintain the status quo. We can dismiss their radical rhetoric by circling back to the basic things that we know most people care about—affordability, access, and quality.
Bring more people than the other side has. Their side will be smaller but noisier. You must bring enough people to drown them out and to cover all our bases so as to marginalize their disruptive tactics. You don’t want to get into a screaming match, but it must be obvious to everyone—including press—that you represent the majority.
Be more visible than the other side. Bring more signs and leaflets, and whenever possible, post your signs all over the place so that you visually out-perform the other side. Make sure you have people holding signs in every place where a TV camera is likely to be and that next to every right wing sign, there’s one of your signs with your message.
Interrupt them when they get disruptive and refocus the meeting: Line up a number of people who feel comfortable interrupting and prepare them with statements like:
Excuse me, I came today to listen to Representative XXX explain how this bill is going to make health care more affordable for me and my family. We’re being gouged by insurance companies that just want to make more profits while we struggle to keep up with premiums and co-pays. Representative, how are you going to fix that?”
“I’m retired and can’t afford my prescription drugs because I’m on a fixed income. Representative, how is this bill going to affect me?”
“I want to hear the Representative speak. He’s the one voting on the bill. Representative, how will this bill help people who already have insurance at work?”
“What I’m worried about is how we’re going to keep the insurance companies from continuing to charge people more for being sick and keep them from taking away coverage when we need it most. What’s the plan for that?”
It’s a race all right. And very dark horse, Corporate Cash, is beaten into a foaming-at-the-mouth, win-or-die burst of speed by his whip-wielding, far-right-handed jockey. Greater Good, still in the running, is hampered out of the gate by crazed fans of Corporate Cash who’ve thrown themselves on the track, hurling threats, waving posters featuring epithets like “Kill Hitler’s Horse!”--some of them packing heat. There’s violence in the air.
Greater Good has been the favorite to win the race all season, but a crafty PR campaign in favor of Corporate Cash may spell doom for Good’s support among health care reform fans. How do you stay on track with a frenzied mob in your face? Hate-sport always foments a louder fan base than reason.
It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out the facts are on the side of Greater Good:
* About 14,000 Americans a day are losing their health insurance.
* A million American families are bankrupted by medical expenses every year. Most of us are one catastrophic illness away from losing everything we own.
* Between 2000-2007: Health Insurance Company profits rose by 428%; premiums for coverage went up 87%; the top ten insurance companies posted profits of $2.4 billion in 2000...their profits in 2007 had risen to $12.9 billion.
* In 2007, CEOs of the top ten publicly traded insurance companies collected a combined $118.6 million in compensation. This translates to an average annual salary of $11.9 million per CEO. And that would be an annual salary 468 times larger than the average American worker pulled in ($25,434).
* Insurance execs make mega-profits by rejecting applicants due to pre-existing conditions and/or family history, by rescinding coverage after disease is diagnosed, by raising rates and co-pays on the sick.
Health insurance has become a greedy, price-gouging service for the healthy or wealthy American only. Sick folks? Do not apply; and we can deny your claims or dump you any time we decide you might be a threat to our wildly spiraling profit margin. We’ll ration your care as we see fit. You don’t get this rich paying out claims to losers.
Facts are facts. Simple, sane logic mandates serious health care reform in this country.
But there’s a lot of private wealth riding on the Corporate Cash horse. Enough wealth that there’s plenty to spend in an effort to kill off Greater Good. The HealthCare-Industrial Complex has been spending about $1.4 million a day on Capitol Hill to stop any real reform at all. When you’re making billions, what’s a few tens of millions?
“Death Panel” fear-mongers are hollering “The government will pull the plug on Grandma!” to scare folks into violently rejecting reform. Others scream that reform will end Medicare or that a public option will mean the rationing of health care.
Here’s what the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) says in response to those claims:
* There is no provision of any piece of legislation that would promote euthanasia of any kind.
* Medicare will not be ended, and no benefits or services will be cut.
* No legislation in Congress would mandate the rationing of care. Period.
The hot-button, anti-reform threat du jour is certainly the “Government Death Panel Will Kill Ya” claim. Where did a stinking lie like that begin? Who first made such a claim, twisting coverage of the consult cost for a Living Will into a Death Squad Knocking At Your Door? Who stood to profit from using that particular scare/hate tactic to defeat humane health care reform?
Her name is Betsy McCaughey. She’s a GOP supporter/contributor. She’s also a health company executive with deep financial roots in the current health care industry: Cantel Medical Corporation and the biotech company Genta. There’s no profit in reducing the cost of health care for Betsy and others like her.
And if you believe what they’re telling you, honey, your money’s on the wrong horse.
Ran on Wednesday, August 12, 2009, in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, this editorial states the obvious truth:
The law limited increases in assessed value to 15 percent every five years. That means the owners of quickly appreciating property such as waterfront homes and homes in trendy subdivisions will pay a lower share of taxes than other homeowners.
Act 388 was a hastily passed law that was aimed at appeasing taxpayers angered by rising property taxes. It was not well thought-out. It has eroded the local control of city, county and school budgets. It has benefited wealthy homeowners by allowing them to pay taxes on less than the full value of their homes. It replaced stable property tax income for local bodies with unstable state funding. It has been a disaster.
Kudos to the newspaper for actually seeing the truth. However, others saw it at the beginning of the year:
The sales tax increase was supposed to raise the roughly half-billion dollars schools used to collect from homes, and state economists predicted that the sales tax would raise enough to fund extra property tax relief.
Instead, there's been a growing shortfall every year, totalling $143 million since Act 388 was approved in 2006.
I have urged my state legislators to follow the editorial's lead and repeal Act 388.
The health care reform debate has taken a turn for worse in this country. With angry mobs of people shouting over lawmakers, pushing and shoving other people and being directly rude in the process, I see why it's becoming harder and harder to inform the public of the truth. So, allow me to disband the myths and the obvious direct disregard of the truth by sharing it here - without people shouting at or over you as you read.
Let's start with the Family Research Council's ad portraying abortions over surgery for senior citizens. If there ever was a scare tactic, this would be one of the best. The ad suggests you'll be forced to pay for abortions. In fact, none of the health care overhaul measures that have made it through the committee level in Congress say that abortionwill be covered, and one of them explicitly says that no public funds will be used to finance the procedure. Furthermore, none of the bills call explicitly for cuts in Medicare coverage, much less rationing, under a public plan. Currently, private insurance companies make their own decisions on whether or not abortion is a covered procedure.It'snot merely "tradition" that keeps taxpayer-funded health care from paying for abortions. It's the law, starting with the 1976 Hyde Amendment, which prohibits public fundingof abortions through the Medicaid program except in cases of rape, incest or life endangerment. For more truth on this, please visit http://factcheck.org/2009/07/surgery-for-seniors-vs-abortions/.
We then have people scaring others by saying they'll be forced into the public option. This is not true. It is frightening to think that the government could force you from your current health coverage plan, especially if you are satisfied with the service. Democratic lawmakers have directly addressed this issue and have a clause written into the legislation ensuring that Americans currently covered by insurance policies will not lose their coverage with the installation of health insurance reform policies. They don't want to take anything from you – they just want to make sure those without insurance have the ability to provide health coverage for their families. According to a July "Truth O Meter" statement on PolitiFact.com: "The House bill allows for existing policies to be grandfathered in, so that people who currently have individual health insurance policies will not lose coverage."
Now, let's discuss the myth that says seniors will be forced to die early. What a distasteful agenda to push, don't you agree? Let's see the truth. The House bill does include language that offers senior citizens free counseling meant to answer any possible end-of-life questions they may have. The counseling is voluntary and will provide professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate information to seniors on such issues as will preparation, medical power of attorney, resuscitation wishes, and other matters. That's it. And what is wrong with offering people such services in a time of need such as this?
Jon Keyserling, general counsel and vice president of public policy for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, which supports the provision, said the bill doesn't encourage seniors to end their lives, it just allows some important counseling for decisions that take time and consideration.
In regards to the "mandatory" assertion, PolitiFact.com reported: "For his part, Keyserling said he and outside counsel read the language carefully to make sure that was not the case. 'Neither of us can come to the conclusion that it's mandatory.' he said. 'This new consultation is just like all in Medicare: it's voluntary.' 'The only thing mandatory is that Medicare will have to pay for the counseling,' said (Jim)Dau."
Jim Dau is the national spokesman for AARP, a group that represents people over the age of 50 that has lobbied in support of the advanced planning provision.
Congressman Henry Brown wrote to me, stating he cannot support legislation that "rations" health care. The legislation being debated does no such thing. But I can tell you this, Congressman Brown. Americans' health care is already rationed, by the private health insurance industry.
Private insurance companies ration care to Americans every single day. They reject applications based on pre-existing conditions and family history. They rescind coverage after an illness has been diagnosed. Their premiums and deductibles are so high that millions of Americans are forced to delay care or declare bankruptcy due to high costs. Now, you tell me. Wouldn't you like to have your relatives with pre-existing conditions covered? Wouldn't you like to rest at ease knowing that you or your loved one is able to get the health care they need?
According to a May 2009 Lake Research Poll: "Half (52%) of families with a person under 65 who has had a cancer diagnosis say they have had difficulty paying for health care costs. Additionally, close to half (47%) of those currently receiving cancer-related care has had difficulty affording care."
Finally, I want address something else Congressman Brown has written me. He says the government will come between you and your doctor.
"As Congress embarks on efforts to improve our nation's health care, please be assured that I will stand for patient-centered care and against the kind of 'one-size fits all' care that comes when the government intrudes between you and your doctor."
The private health insurance industry bureaucrats are standing between you and your doctor right now. They hire outside firms to determine how much you might cost them. Private insurance companies make decisions on who does and does not get health care based solely on how much they value your life. And Brown accepts donations from the health care industry, so I guess he's in support of this intrusion.
There's a lot more out there, so I have actually compiled a "resource" center for all people who want the facts compared against the lies: http://jamiesanderson.wordpress.com/resources/
Please use this and share it amongst people who have legitimate questions and want real answers, not the screaming and shouting and the "I want my country back" nonsense being spewed at these town hall meetings.
"Charleston Health Care Stories " is a new documentary which premieres on August 20th at the Olde North Charleston Picture House as part of a Greater Park Circle Film Society series. The documentary short, produced by Edward Faircloth, features real Charleston area residents with real health care related stories.
Dinner and a movie! We have made arrangements with EVO to reserve spots for moviegoers at dinnertime, followed by two films and a community discussion.
Damaged Care: The Musical Comedy about Health Care in America
Written and performed by two physicians, Greg LaGana, M.D., and Barry Levy, M.D., Damaged Care: The Musical Comedy about Health Care in America has been performed in 27 states. The show, now in its 13th year, has been featured in The New York Times, and on CNN Headline News, ABC Nightline, PBS HealthWeek, the Joey Reynolds Show on WOR Radio nationwide, the Healthy Living program of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, the front pages of the Boston Globe and the AMA’s American Medical News, and elsewhere.
We will also present the local short film Charleston Health Care Stories by Ed Faircloth, who will be present during the discussion.
Progressive Healthcare Movie Night set for Aug. 20
North Charleston, SC- "Damaged Care," a musical comedy film about the state
of health care in the United States and "Charleston Healthcare Stories," a
new documentary short by Mt. Pleasant resident Edward Faircloth, will be
presented at 7:30 p.m. for a Progressive Dinner and a Movie Evening at the
Olde North Charleston Picture House (1080 E Montague Ave.) on Thursday,
August 20.
Participants may begin the evening with dinner across the street at Evo's
Pizza (1075 E Montague Ave), starting at 6 pm .
Tickets for the movie will be available at the dinner or at the theater box
office, which opens at 7 pm. There is a suggested donation of $2 for
members of the Greater Park Circle Film Society and $5 for non-members.
Faircloth will introduce the final edit of his short documentary, shot at
health care reform meetings in the Charleston area in June, and then talk
briefly about the challenge of documenting a sensitive political and
personal issue with his subjects following its showing.
The main presentation, Damaged Care: The Musical Comedy about Health Care in
America is a filmed version of a musical cabaret written and performed by
two physicians, Greg LaGana, M.D., and Barry Levy, M.D., which has been
performed in 27 states. Musical Numbers include Another Outbreak of Us
Superbugs, Doctors in Cyberspace and The Spare Parts Blues
After the main film, there will be a brief post-film discussion and then the
audience is invited to gather for libations at The Mill.
Those planning to have dinner are requested to make reservations with EVO
Pizza (843) 225-1796), noting they are with the film.
Interested persons can RSVP for this event through the Greater Park Circle
Film Society's Facebook Page. For more information go to
