"Back to the Drawing Board."
Spoke Thaddeus McCotter, 11th Michigan (R) re the surprise decision for Parker Griffith of Alabama to move from the Democratic caucus to the Republican caucus, and he was unhesitating in saying this is a big deal and a profound new source of energy. Also intriguing was late word that Chris Carney, 10th Pennsylvania was in consultation with John McCain and other Republicans to switch from Democratic to Republican in reaction to the overbearing management of Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer. I mentioned to the congressman, a member of the House GOP leadership, that John Fund had sent me a note about Democratic Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, chair of the House Oversight Committee, and a significant Pelosi lieutenant, who is quoted saying that the Harry Reid healthcare plan does not work with the House bill and that it is time "to go back to the drawing board." Finally we spoke of the reapportionment projections for the next census in 2010 that favor the GOP in Texas and disfavor the Democrats in New Jersey, Michigan, Ohio.
Supreme Court.
Also significant is that University of Chicago law professor Richard Epstein told me Wednesday 23 that he expects the Harry Reid bill, when jammed together with the Nancy Pelosi bill, to face mighty challnge in the courts on the bais of past Supreme Court decisions about utilities and government interference in the right to a return on investment. The important case is the 1989 Duquesne Light vs. Barasch. What I learned is that it is not constitutional to legislate investors out of a return on the basis of stealth price controls and conflicting, destructive mandates. The rush to pass this stew of paradoxes and inventions has turned the Senate into a bad cooking class. The American voters watch and do not approve. POTUS now claims he will get involved in selling the concoction. More recklessly, Bob Casey and other Democratic senators claim they will hold town halls about the bill in the intervening holiday. This promises to be a PR meltdown not unlike Al Gore's delusion of the North Pole..
John, your segments on Climategate with Mark Morano (sp?) and Richard Epstein on Health Care were far and away the two best segments I've heard on your show in months. Please have these gentlemen on again. They obviously have a wealth of knowledge on their respective subjects. You just wind them up and let them run .....
Unlike those who still cling to the slim-to-none hope that this so-called 'health care’ bill will yet be derailed, I do believe something approximating its nomenclature will reach the president's desk in due time. He will sign it, of course. It will represent, at the very least, the camel having gotten its considerable nose under the tent.
I also believe that this particular bill - along with everything else that is advanced by this administration – has been presented under false cover. In other words, 'health care’ is ultimately not about 'health' or 'care'. Instead, it is a cynical attempt by one political party to grow government and to secure for itself a permanent position of leadership within it. You might even say that such intent is laudable and can be expected from any political party worth its salt. The rub is when it's being done by misrepresentation, bribery, threat, and without the support of the voters the party is supposed to represent.
The last election has now turned into a coup. When the people called or sent letters to their elected representatives, they were ignored. When the people held 'tea parties' all around the country in hopes of catching Washington's attention, they were demeaned. When the people confronted their representatives at town hall events, they were shouted down. When people showed up in great numbers on the steps of the Capitol, they were turned back. Eventually, the people would get the message that they are no longer a part of the process.
The times for democracy in our country are dire indeed. But we are not helpless. We need not let our enemies paint us as victims with bull's eyes attached to our chests and backs. We can do to them exactly what they're doing to us: We can ignore them.
When the mailman brings us mountains of forms and paperwork (from the government) for us to fill out and send back, we can simply throw it in the trash - unopened; same thing with any official government mailing bearing the words ‘important’ or 'open immediately' including letters from the IRS. Simply refuse to play; ignore them as they are ignoring us. It has to be done en mass though. If only some of us do it, they’ll pick us off one by one and no one will be any the wiser.
Then, after the weather turns nice again, put out the flag and set up a chair on the front lawn, on your stoop or your balcony. Go out there and sit with your dog (if you have one) and listen to the second hour of Rush on your portable radio. Don't create a disturbance; don't make a spectacle of yourself - just sit quietly on your front lawn in a simple, dignified act of defiance.
If enough people did that, day after day, along every street, in every town, it would scare the bjesus out of our blood-sucking bureaucrats and politicians. Each time they’d see or hear about one of us sitting quietly in front of our houses, it would prick their consciences. Eventually, it would invade their dreams. They need to be reminded every day of their betrayal; their breech of duty. They need to be shown up as rogue. They need to be aware that the possibility of criminal charges lurks down the road.
The jails and armies they’re preparing to counter us will be no match for our silent public vigils; on our own properties (no less). No additional laws or infamous act - short of a Katyn-style massacre - would serve to silence our wordless protest - our bloodless resistence - IF we ever decided to stand together and take our country back.
http://peterkoelliker.blogspot.com/
Merry Christmas to Mr. Batchelor and all his listeners!
It will play out in back rooms. More Dems will say "hey look, we won remember".
There is nothing reformative about this 'health care reform'. It is just some change for the sake of it. I wouldn't mind paying more in taxes if I really knew I was going to get something for it. But there is no earned trust in this administration in particular.
But in better news . . .
Happy Holidays to all the fellow listeners and fans out there. And to you, John, who have really ushered in another golden age of radio. The many and varied shows are outstanding. I hope you are able to get some rest for yourself.
Best of Luck,
Victor S. K.
I echo VSK's wishes and sentiments about the John Batchelor show. Helped me get through 2009, and that's no lie.
Holiday wishes to All!!
(Even Spencer?)
(YES, even Spencer)
The John Batchelor show is now on every night and even has a home in Boston! Huzzah!
Thank you John for working so hard on our behalf. Your show is better than ever. I wish you and your family health and prosperity in 2010.
Thank You Peter,
You hit the nail right on the head.
It's not about Health...
It's not about Care...
It's about POWER and CONTROL.
Mister Traficant (D-Ohio)is out of prison (7 years?).
He's gunning for the IRS and the Justice Dept.
They tempted him with plea deals/early release, it's good to know some men still have integrity.
The Tea Parties are a force to be reckoned with also.
Civil Disobedience will be the thing to do, and I love your "paperwork" suggestion.
I've just retired and my "Cadillac Health Plan" which I've contributed to for 30+ years is in jeopardy, along with my soon-to-appear social security benefits,which I don't really expect to see....I'll be sitting on my front porch...watching...
And these recent political turncoats? Merely self preservation, nothing so noble as far as I can see.
Thank You All for some real Hope in the coming New Year!
Stay Informed!Stay active!