Special Session Update: GOP legislators trying to run out the clock?
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: I had an opportunity to speak with some of our Democratic legislators over the weekend about the status of negotiations on the state budget. In short, "it doesn't look good." There will be a pro forma session of the Legislature to comply with the rules on Monday, but there are no other … Read more
Nixon and Ehrlichman: our failed health care system and how it all began
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: For those of you who appreciate history, I ran across this link to a bit of history about our failed heath care system and how it all began. Damn you Nixon and Ehrlichman! The Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia provides this transcript and audio of a discussion … Read more
Is access to health care a fundamental right?
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Is access to health care a fundamental right expressly or implicity guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution? Short answer: No. And neither is a public education, I would hasten to add. There are two types of governmental action which will cause the U.S. Supreme Court to depart from its usual "rational basis scrutiny" … Read more
“The hottest places in Hell”
by David SafierA few days ago, a friend of mine granted faint praise to the recently deceased Robert McNamara, saying, at least he understood the Vietnam War wasn't winnable militarily, something others around him didn't grasp. I disagreed with my friend. McNamara deserves great blame, not muted praise, for seeing the situation clearly yet keeping … Read more
Health Care PR man condemns on insurance industry
by David SafierIf you missed this on Bill Moyers' show, a high ranking PR man with the insurance industry quit — wasn't pushed out, quit — because he could no longer promote the industry in good conscience. He talks quietly and calmly about how the industry works. If you only want to watch 3 minutes, … Read more
Religious protection in school bill signed
by David SafierThe feel good bill of the session, protecting students' right to religious expression in schools, was signed into law by the Accidental Guv. In theory, the bill does nothing, since as its proponents admit, "it simply codifies protections federal courts already have upheld for students." But it's going to scare the bejeezus out … Read more
Help Giffords do the right thing
by David SafierAfter today's health care rally at TCC, I talked with one of Giffords' people. I identified myself as the BfA blogger who was rapping Giffords' stand on health care. I was called "disingenuous" for my posts. I bristled, raised my voice a few decibels and explained how genuine my concerns are. In a … Read more
