Hmmm. I'm sure my faithful readers are on the edge of the seats wondering just what I think of this "compromise"; gee, Ronald is constantly talking about government scope creep: I wonder what he thinks about the Democrats raising Medicaid eligibility and lowering the age of eligibility of Medicare to 55 years old? Especially when he just recently pointed out states (which have to balance their budgets) are struggling to maintain their existing share of Medicaid costs--and that Medicare is already over $30T in unfunded mandates with virtually no reserve? What does the Mayo Clinic, a not-for-profit organization praised by Obama ("Look at what the Mayo Clinic is able to do. It's got the best quality and the lowest cost of just about any system in the country") think of this scheme? It would "accelerate the financial ruin of hospitals and doctors around the country."
Do I think it will increase the government market share of health care expenditures to more than its current 46%? And what about a government agency (OPM) managing an exchange, with the private sector walking on eggshells: if the private sector cannot keep Americans from getting older and using more health care dollars as a consequence of aging, the government is going to crack down on the evil private sector with its fearsome weapon of the public option to impose fiscal discipline. Yeah, you heard that right: The same Democratic Congress and President that just set a world record for deficit spending think they have the moral authority to criticize the private sector for failing to keep the lid on prices...After all, it's not like the 46% of government spending competes with the private sector for scarce medical resources...
OK, OK. Maybe you think I'm dithering on whether I like a back room deal among Democratic senators--where somehow CSPAN's cameras aren't working, contrary to candidate Obama's vows. For the record, let me say--I don't like it. As for the so-called moderate Democrats whom bought into this nonsense, I think Harry Reid must have slipped some snake oil in their coffee.
Mayor's Race in Houston: Some Comments
Having lived in Houston for 7 years, I noted with some interest the current race to succeed Mayor Bill White, a term-limited incumbent currently seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. It appears that some conservative groups are rallying behind an older black candidate, former city attorney Gene Locke, against Annise Parker, whom has been city controller and a member of the city council. Annise Parker also happens to be a lesbian. The AP quotes a UH political scientist whom compares the status quo to last year's unusual alliance between blacks and conservatives that reaffirmed the traditional definition of marriage in California.
I do know probably like many cities, Houston does have an area dominated by the gay community (Montrose); I just made a mental note to keep my distance. I'm been highly critical of the gay "marriage" issue (and most recently, the election of a Christian gay bishop whom is in a nontraditional relationship), but let me make myself clear: I know homosexuality is a natural disposition for a number of people and also occurs in other animal species. I don't have a problem with Ms. Parker being in a committed relationship or disagreeing with the positions I've taken. As far as I'm concerned, Ms. Parker is a highly qualified candidate whom should be considered strictly based on her public policy positions and experience. Generally speaking, I don't think that one's intimate life should be a relevant consideration (with some basic exceptions, e.g., Senator Baucus' nomination of his girlfriend Melodee Hanes for a US Attorney position, Bill Clinton's sexual indiscretions with a White House intern, Congressmen making passes at pages, and the palpable hypocrisy of former Governor Spitzer whom hired call girls after a career of busting prostitution rings.)
These attacks on Ms. Parker, suggesting her primary motivation for being mayor is to have a platform to promote a militant gay agenda, seem unfair and presumptuous. I have not researched her career, but it appears that the issue has only been raised recently and anti-gay activists would not have to resort to innuendoes if there was a substantive record of activism in her public service. (To his credit, Mr. Locke is distancing himself from these unauthorized, reprehensible campaign initiatives.)
This discussion should not be viewed as an endorsement of Ms. Parker (although I have to admit it's novel to hear of a Democrat whom is against irresponsible spending). I hope that Houston will elect its next mayor based on his or her own merits, not fear, uncertainty and doubt.
Political Cartoon
IBD cartoonist Michael Ramirez points out the fact that the Democrats' 2009 agenda was NOT known to the American people when they went to the ballot box last year.
Christmas Musical Interlude: Bob Seger's "Little Drummer Boy"
1970's/1980's rock icon Bob Seger gives a brilliant interpretation of the traditional favorite, which makes its second appearance in my countdown to Christmas.
