Sickened Health Care Debate

As the phony dog and pony show of Obama's Health Care "Reform" continues, we the people are left paying thousands of dollars to the pockets of insurance industry executives. Obama promises a "public option" as a solution, while he and his loyal flock have denied any discussion of real reform or change. Below is a letter I submitted to a VT newspaper because I am sick of hearing the bullshit reform debate.

Dear Editor, the Times Argus,

Last years elections brought the country to a state of hope and excitement for the future of government policies, however the more policy debate emerges it appears to be just like the same old rhetoric of the past. Despite the fact that most sectors of the American and Vermont economy are struggling with the enormous burden of health care cost our political leaders would rather maintain the status quo. The major factor for the high costs is the insurance industry swindle of our money, but if you ask President Obama, another flawed bureaucratic program like Catamount/Green Mountain Care (A Public Option) is the answer. To propagate the faulty notion President Obama has enlisted Governor Douglas to manipulate public opinion rather fulfill his campaign rhetoric of supporting a Single Payer Health Care System.

For those unaware of it, Catamount is a bureaucratic nightmare that has individuals continuously filling out piles of paper work and making countless phone calls to obtain coverage or just to maintain coverage. In a matter of less than a year, my wife and I have had our policy premium costs changed multiple times, removal threatened for not following bureaucratic procedures, and eventually being removed because we temporarily made more money than the months previously. Furthermore, the dental and eye care expenses that we paid thousands for were not covered. The Catamount program is a mere band-aid solution of a systematic failure and for our leaders in Washington or Montpelier to praise programs like it is just another means of delaying the solution.

While debate in Washington is going nowhere with Obama’s flawed ideas, Vermont’s legislative leaders are punting on responsibility. A single payer Health Care System is beneficial for Vermont’s schools, towns, businesses and the economy. If Washington is not going to fix the problem, Vermont must do it. The time for action is now for Vermont to create a Single Payer Health Care System for Washington is only perpetuating the failed Wall Street like insurance based system.

So, while the debate leaves out a viable solution, we Americans are going to continue paying for a system that is all about fraud and price gouging, and the Hedge Fund Democracts will gleefully applaud and pat themselves on the backs for "reform."

Peace
Robb Kidd

"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win." -- Mahatma Gandhi

Obamawellian World

For the last few years we all heard the rhetoric rumbling on and on, on how America needed to change and that with a Democractic President things will change. Well to put it bluntly, we’re waiting…

Now, yeah some things have changed such as that instead of corporations grabbing the Treasury through lucrative subsidies and tax breaks the Hedge fund Democrats have just handed the check book directly over to them. Now that is what I call openness, instead of hiding the corruption, the politicos are now so presumptuous that they do it right in front of everybody’s face and smile while doing it and what for applause. However, the media pundits continue to pound on the idea that America must support big business, while we as individuals continue struggling making ends meat and risk loosing our jobs on a daily basis.

Of the most rhetorical of the change issues is the non-existing Health Care Reform. Most Americans knows that the reason why Health Care is so expensive is that the Health Care industry is over zealous with greed. The Insurance industry monopolizes health care and plays with peoples lives as if they were chattel enslaved on a monoculture farm. Furthermore, the Pharmaceutical Industry profits enormously from federal research and development grants to discover and market new pharmaceuticals. In return those same pharmaceuticals, at exuberant markups, are then sold to the American taxpayers.

Now charged under the guise of change, Obama has asked Congress to introduce legislation to “reform” Health Care. Earlier in the year, “Health Care” forums were on a traveling dog and pony show trumping up the illusion that someone in Washington cares. Americans were supposed to engage in a discussion on how to improve Health Care. The only problem, like the Senatorial hearings, President Obama’s forums were a sham since proponents of a “single-payer” or “Universal” system were shut out the door and left in the barn as if they had they swine flu.

In Washington, advocates protested Senator Bacchus’s Finance Committee hearings on Health Care, and when protesters chanted “we need single-payer now”, he smirked that “what we really need is more police.” The blatant audacity of politicians to ignore large factions of the populace and to then say that they are working on reform is fundamentally flawed. Americans should be outraged but instead there told by CNN and MSNBC that Obama is fulfilling campaign promises by taking Michelle on dates.

So while Americans are lulled into Hollywood like script with frivolous news, we now have a President applauding the Health Care Industry for “voluntarily” agreeing to cutting potential increases of two trillion dollars over the next few years, while simultaneous advocating for mandatory insurance purchase. Most American’s realize that the system is broke, and that the insurance profiteers are bilking the system, but somehow agents of change still want the status quo. So what we have here, is a situation where the industry is practically writing the rules, the president is the cheerleader in chief, and the media is propagating the illusion of reform. This is no difference, than the Oil and Coal Industry having secret energy meetings with Dick Cheney and then creating energy policy.

So, while in an Orwellian world War equals Peace, here in the Obamawellian world Change= The Status Quo. Folks, as I have stated time after time on this page, “meet the new boss, same as the old boss.” Change does not come from a man who is paid by Wall Street to run America. Change did not happen on November 7 and it aint happening anytime soon until we all express our outrage. The illusion will fall like a house cards when we chip away at the lies. Please join me before it is too late.

Peace
Robb Kidd

“"Doublethink" means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one's mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them” George Orwell

Real Voices of Change

Today marks the 42nd anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., an event that occurred three years prior to my birth; nonetheless I am sitting here in my home in Vermont, the whitest state in the country, mesmerized that someone had shot him to death. Fourteen years ago, I sat at the site of the assassination (The Lorraine Motel in Memphis), and tears ran down my eyes. I knew right there that Dr. King was a rare man and that a man like him most likely would never step foot in my lifetime. Some have tried to pinpoint other personalities towards his likeliness but all comparisons fall short. So, on this damp April day in Montpelier, Vermont I reflect on the mood and atmosphere of what occurred a few blocks from my home just the other day as compared to the movement with Dr. King.

For those outside of Vermont, the Vermont House just approved legislation to equalize marriage laws for same sex couples. The Vermont Senate approved the measure a week ago with overwhelming support; however the Republican Governor Jim “Nice-Guy” Douglas has vowed to veto it.

During the past week opponents to gay rights used antiquated religious rhetoric to rationalize their opposition. Some claimed Jesus’ name, their religion, or a supposed principle of natural law. However, underlining their opposition is a world invoked by fear. As it was with the civil rights movements for blacks, women, Irish or Italians fear attacked the opposition’s minds and no rational thought could replace their disposition. Like a wild animal threatened by another, all tracks of rationality were removed for fear.

Just a day after the passage of the Marriage Equality bill, I reflect on the life of Dr. King. Passionately, Dr. King stood up and bucked an oppressive system. As much as Dr. King was credited with dismantling a racist and oppressive system, but in actuality it would have meant nothing without having those who stood up alongside him. Countless blacks marched the streets night and day, and sometimes whites joined them to tackle oppression. Supportive whites were ridiculed as being traitors, carpetbaggers, or nigger-lovers just because they stood up for what was unjust. Without the cross race support the civil rights movements may not have persevered.

Hereto in the gay marriage debate, as individuals we have a duty to stand up and support the rights of the gay community. Those in a majority must operate in a manner that is compassionate to all, even for those in a minority. I beg those who witness any forms of oppression to speak out for your voice is needed to help us all get to the mountaintop.

Forty-two years ago, a white man killed Martin Luther King. James Earl Ray they say shot him (supposedly alone). He is not to blame, for we as society are the real culprits for not taking charge ourselves. We as a society should stand up to all forms of oppression, whether it comes from foreign countries, local governments, or friends and family.

As a human, if you live in Vermont or know any individuals who do have them call or email the following Vermont Representatives ASAP.

Governor Jim Douglas
109 State Street, Pavilion
Montpelier, VT 05609-0101
Phone: 802 828-3333 or http://governor.vermont.gov/contact.html

And the ones who voted no in case the Governor does veto, as he has promised, so the Legislature can override it. Six votes are needed to overide. The contact information for legislators can be found here: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/legdir/legdir2.htm

Those Voting no:

Joe Acinapura, R-Brandon Steven Adams, R-Hartland David Ainsworth, R-Royalton Kenneth Atkins, D-Winooski Sonny Audette, D-South Burlington Joseph Baker, R-West Rutland Clem Bissonnette, D-Winooski Carolyn Branagan, R-Georgia Patrick Brennan, R-Colchester Cynthia Browning, D-Arlington Bill Canfield, R-Fair Haven Gregory Clark, R-Vergennes John Clerkin, R-Hartford, Howard Crawford, R-Burke Michel Consejo, D-Sheldon, Tim Corcoran, D-Bennington, Dennis Devereux, R-Mount Holly Eileen Dickinson, R-St. Albans Andrew Donaghy, R-Poultney Debbie Evans, D-Essex Peter Fagan, R-Rutland City Peg Flory, R-Pittsford Robert Helm, R-Castleton Mark Higley, R-Lowell Richard Howrigan, D-Fairfield Ronald Hubert, R-Milton William Johnson, R-Canaan Duncan Kilmartin, R-Newport City Thomas Koch, R-Barre Joseph Krawczyk, R-Bennington Leigh Larocque, R-Barnet Richard Lawrence, R-Lyndon Robert Lewis, R-Derby Michael Marcotte, R-Coventry Norman McAllister, R-Highgate Patricia McDonald, R-Berlin Francis McFaun, R-Barre Town James McNeil, R-Rutland Town John Morley, R-Barton Mary Morrissey, R-Bennington Linda Myers, R-Essex Chuck Pearce, R-Richford Janice Peaslee, R-Guildhall Peter Perley, R-Enosburg David Potter, D-Clarendon Gary Reis, R-St. Johnsbury Brian Savage, R-Swanton Robert South, D-St. Johnsbury Donald Turner, R-Milton Scott Wheeler, R-Derby Phillip Winters, R-Williamstown Jeff Young, D-St. Albans City

Thanks for standing up for the rights of others; in case the time comes others will be there for you.

Peace
Robb Kidd

“In Germany they first came for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me —
and by that time no one was left to speak up.” German anti-Nazi activist, Pastor Martin Niemöller

Rocking The G20, is Wall Street Next ?

As the so called G-20 summit convenes in London, many converge to show their disgust in the economic policies of International Bankers, Corporate Hedge Funders, and the Governmental Tools of those interests. In America, instead the news dominates the further illusions of basketball furry and who will win the Final Four.

I am quite pleased that today, tens of thousands took to the streets of London. Unlike here, that is much more than what can be said about any political display in America. (There are some minor exceptions, such as in VT yesterday three hundred protested the Governors arbitrary job cuts, and tomorrow hundreds are expected to attend the Vermont House vote on Marriage Equality for Gays and Lesbians.)

However, America’s political dissent is dictated from above and as citizens we are told the ambiguous rhetoric that diffuses us into believing “Vote your Voice" as true democracy. Instead in reality, America has well financed spokespersons of Wall Street, The Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Detroit, and other heinous industries telling America what the priority is and what should be bailed-out and stimulated. Well maybe, if America was not so captivated with their #$%@ basketball game, we would not be in this dire of a predicament.

Part way around the globe today, our fellow man and woman protested the purveyors of global capital, the ones who had already royally flushed the planet down a black hole, while America sat castrated from the Wall Streeter in Chief Obama’s illusion of hope. Folks it is time we stop sitting around waiting for the false notion of hope and be in the streets speaking about revolution. People in London spoke out today, so where are they in D.C., or where are they on Wall Street? The times are a changing, but only upon your actions will they truly change.

Peace
Robb Kidd

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Albert Einstein

Marriage Equality Now

As a heterosexual married man, I feel there is no place for anyone’s personal beliefs infringing on the rights of others. This is why I support the Vermont Legislature in granting equal rights to same sex couples. Marriage in Vermont is a personal commitment between two people that has a number of legal repercussions.

Many religions dictate the parameters of marriage. These parameters should have no bearing on the state’s guidelines. According to my birth raised religion, I am not married because my wife is not of the same religion; however Vermont still recognizes our marriage. My choice to marry someone of a different religious background does not exempt me from my civil rights to marry. Likewise, the state of Vermont should recognize the marriage of any two consenting adult regardless of their background and lifestyle.

Furthermore, recognizing equal marriage rights will be an economic benefit to Vermont. Last year, when my wife and I got married we contributed over ten thousand dollars to the Vermont economy from our guests lodging and other wedding related expenses. Weddings are a lucrative business in Vermont. Residents of other states flock here for their special day. Does Vermont want to exclude the influx of valuable dollars because of personal discriminatory values?

Passage of the Marriage Equality Act is smart economic policy and is morally the right thing to do. During the civil rights movement the Supreme Court struck down the policy of “separate but equal”, so hereto the legislature can easily remove the barrier on equality by passing the Marriage Equality Act. I am proud that Vermont Legislators are breaking away from stereotypical fears and moving Vermonters closer to peaceful coexistence.

Peace

Robb Kidd

“They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself” Andy Warhol

ps: The above is a letter I submitted to the Times Argus. All persons need to work together to create a just and harmonious society, not just when their rights or liberties are threatened.

ASSCRACKING

Hey, I want to invite all the people that I have not been in touch with to join my new anti-social network, its called Asscrack Book. If you have nothing better to do with your life but to tell me that you are crapping on the toilet, throwing up on the floor, or peeing in your neighbors BMW then AssCrack Book is the site for you.

Be forewarned that AssCrack is not a substitute for real live insults, being a jerk-off, or just being a plain fucking asshole. Instead you should go out into the real world, and leave this anti-reality cyber cesspool.

Peace
Robb Kidd


“There are only two reasons to sit in the back row of an airplane; either you have diarrhea, or you're anxious to meet people who do” Henry Kissinger

Yes We Can Recover ?

Well all the analysts are still prescribing to the failed economic philosophy of corporate greed while the majority of Americans are faced with severe economic pressures.

Jobs have been disappearing for years, heath care costs went up rapidly and housing went so far past peoples pay, so it is almost insane that Congress is in a panic "stimulate" the economy now when in reality the system has been broken for years.

Sorry to burst everyone's bubble, but this not an exclusive issue to trash Bush and the Republicans for these issues have been ignored for 28plus years and before now little talk has been mentioned about fair wages, universal health care, or affordable housing. Hey, it's still really not being talked about, just bank bailouts,roads and bridges, mortgage relief, and energy development(I would say clean, but coal and nuclear is not clean). Corporate greed has been the central point, and unfortunately the federal government is trying to keep that system afloat, maybe when the system based in reality and not hope or greed, I will believe. So until that time, C'est La vie.

Peace
Robb Kidd

“The whole of the global economy is based on supplying the cravings of two per cent of the world's population.”

Bill Bryson-American writer