Energetic Open Letter to Mitch McConnell

Now THAT is a letter to a Congressman! You believe he can read that well?

No, but I have faith there is someone in his office who might be able to explain it to him.

That is hoping there isn't a pile for "letters we want to read" and another for "count them, but don't read them because they will annoy us".

His form letter responses say all I need to know about the "count them but don't read" pile. Since he doesn't want to read, I've decided to post open letters so my time won't be wasted.

I once wrote a letter to Oliver North that began with some blatant sarcasm about his "patriotism" and ended with the words "I trust you will go to jail". He sent me pleas for money for years on the assumption that I was a supporter.

Now I say what I mean in words of one syllable. Still it isn't enough.

I once went to a Baptist church, just to hear Oliver North speak. By the time I sat through the Sunday School class (thirty-something-singles - can't mix everyone) I had to attend before the big speaker arrived, I had been insulted to badly I didn't hear a word Oliver said.

I held back for a long time, thinking Oliver North was a framed fall guy. That should give you some idea how fair I try to be. People really have to earn my disgust. Senator McConnell crossed the final line today.

You really are a better person than I am, Sandy.

Yes, these guys don't read letters unless a staffer puts it in the "read" pile. I recently had a problem (my company did) with a federal agency, and our Representative's (Peter Welch) office, after two letters, contributed largely to solving the problem (Bravo!). One of our Senators (one of the few that I have a lot of respect for) finally got involved after the issue was settled and he arranged an investigation, which resulted in a letter (from the agency) that the Sen. forwarded to me along with a letter that mentioned the details of the problem and a "hopes this helps" kind of statement. The letter from the agency completely avoided the issues of the problem, made no explanations about why it occurred or how similar problems could be prevented and mentioned my suggestions (My Sen. forwarded one of my letters) the completely mischaracterizing my easy to implement solutions before dismissing them. Completely worthless. So I sent another letter with concise explanation (don't use my long winded comments as example) of how the problem (for future instances) had not been addressed, and... nothing. Basically it was a simple problem that could be easily fixed with policy change that would save businesses a lot of money and promote economic growth, but nobody addressed that and it got lost (no doubt) in the folder of some staffer. Letters about the usual concerns constituents have about war, the economy, or health insurance get even worse response with the "As you know..." to make it seem like they actually are addressing something. Part of the problem is the size of staff and volume of communications, though.

To get to a little more relevance with Mitch McConnell, just seeing this guys face elicits the same response in me as when I used to see the Bush smirk. He's the ultimate master propagandist, slogan slinger who's living in 1968 and supporting all the lobbyists who love him so dearly for all the "wonderful things he does."

Robert, thanks for taking the time to walk us through your frustrating (and all too familiar) process. I think some of them hope we'll be discouraged and stop trying. Then, they won't have to put up with us. See, it worked with me as far as McConnell is concerned. I click the link and send the "will get counted" letters, but don't stop to personalize anything any more.

In stark contrast, my Congressional Representative, John Yarmuth, often makes himself available to the public, explains his positions in great detail, and listens to those who don't agree. When he's in Washington, his office will do the same.

Yes Sandy, it sounds like you've arrived at the best method of handling this.

Even though my Senator didn't do much (other than an investigation) I know he means well. Mitch McConnell, on the other hand; nobody can convince me he's anything other than evil incarnate.

Sadly, I have to agree with your last sentence now, Robert. For all these years, I gave him the benefit of the doubt on a personal level - until now. Nothing short of a heartfelt, public apology and calling off of the dogs/thugs will reverse that decision.

Oh Sandy to believe he will ever see or hear about this letter.

Wouldn't he have to remove his fingers from his ears and open his eyes for that, Don? I'm not holding my breath.

And Mitch? Another Kentucky voter seconds this opinion. Unlike Sandy, I haven't felt you were a 'good' person, because a good person in a position of such power, representative of one of the poorest states in the Union, wouldn't have voted with the rich and powerful every single time. Wouldn't have promoted policies that keep his constituents from sharing the wealth. Wouldn't have sold us out to Big Money time and time again. Wouldn't have watched us suffer with unemployment, lack of health care, poor education. Wouldn't have sided with King Coal over our beloved mountains.

Now you have proven yourself not just to be greedy, but to be a thug, on the side of thugs. Where are you leading us if not into chaos?

I worked to see you defeated in the last election and I will work to see you defeated at every turn from here on out. I'm fed up.

Ditch Mitch!

(Never too soon to start, Sarah.)

Maybe we need to make a coloring book that explains the issues to them. Send it with a pack of Crayolas. Hit them on their level and just maybe they will learn something. I mean, we've got to be willing to reach out and teach.

There's a thought. And it's a much better than the one I had this morning when "hitting them at their level" included throwing something at the television and sending Mitch McConnell to the "state of the art facility" he supports in Cuba.

Guarantee, if you send "a package" containing a home-drawn coloring book, and a box of crayons...it will be put on his desk.
Something to think further about?
Wilka

If some of the artists here will put it together, I'll deliver it.

I am thinking Paint by Numbers but my guess neither the mental capacity nor the attention span would be there.

Do you folks not LIKE this guy? You seem awfully um-m-m-m... berative, when you address him... perhaps even verbally assaultive. So, c'mon... 'fess up. You really DON'T like him, do you?

I really, REALLY, REALLY don't like Mitch McConnell. As a person or a politician after this morning.

Sandy, is there a website that shows the "last straw" you refer to as of "this morning?"

I googled him, with the date...
Wilka

I'll see if I can find it, Wilka. It hasn't shown up as a google alert yet.

Here's all I can find so far - the audio is terrible. I'll update if I find something better.

Former Bush strategist Matthew Dowd, who was something of a reliable GOP heretic during the 2008 campaign, offered another off-message moment on Sunday when he warned that the Republican Party was playing with fire on health care.

Appearing on ABC's "This Week," Dowd cautioned conservatives to not go too far in pushing back against Obama's agenda, lest they be blamed for actually preventing people from getting better health care coverage.

"I think the Republicans soon have to be careful of something," Dowd said. "I know Republicans are all patting themselves on the back and saying, "We've got the Democrats on the run, Obama on the run.' I don't think it's necessarily a good political place to be in by November if you've defeated any health care reform."

Dowd's remarks get at a looming reality in the current health care debate. There is a thin line between being credited for stopping the president and being blamed for defeating reform. While a majority of Americans like their current coverage, public polls show that similar or even greater percentages of the public believe the system is broken and in need of fixing.

The Republican Party certainly knows this. In an internal RNC poll, which the Huffington Post obtained and reported, 54 percent of respondents said that America had "the best health care in the world," but 70 percent said the system was "badly in need of reform."

Here, you have a super-awesome example of Repug Mathematics:
54% are for it.
70% said it is in bad need of reform.

By my count...that's 124%.
Pick your number...
Wilka

Numbers, like facts and honesty, mean nothing to them.

Oh, I am so very sorry! I forgot to give credit where credit was due. Copied the comment (above) from the Huff Post (thanks Huffington Post)
I always try to post the link to the source article, so here it is, belatedly:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/09/matthew-dowd-gop-playing_n_254938.html
Wilka

I agree, I can't believe the Republicans are trying to convince themselves that a "majority" of citizens/voters are opposed to a national health care plan.
They were out voted during the election.
Obama voters are not going to be mislead by their lies.
No matter how loud and disruptive they incite their true believers to be.
They are out numbered.

Yes, but like children, they think louder means more. (And also think they can each create six alters on a site like this and we'll count each of them.)

Let us know if you get back more than the form letter on this one, Sandy. It's excellent. I hope it hits the target.

I used to regularly write to Orrin Hatch and (pre-Dem) Arlen Specter. I started out trying to bring to light issues it seemed they were ignorant about. I just got the form emails in return. So I began to ridicule them with (what I thought) was comedy. I thought if they never actually read the emails, maybe someone in their offices would get a snicker. I laid off Specter when he got cancer but I didn't stop writing to Pencil Neck, um, I mean Orrin Hatch until a year or so later. That's sort of like beating a dead horse or whichever metaphor applies.

We really shouldn't let their unresponsiveness keep us from writing. Maybe everyone can post open letters and just send links to their offices.

Funny Vicky,
But I haven't been sure Orin is/was alive either.

This is a very well-written piece, Sandy, and I will be interested to know if you get a response.

Any letter I have ever written to an official was tossed, clearly, to an assistant. A form letter was my reward for my time and effort.

I went back and read your reply to a comment.........I still think you should mail it to him.

Thanks, JustMe. I will send it, and publish his response if I receive one.

Oops. President Obama might be disappointed in me. I received this message from him today regarding visits with my reps: Stay calm and positive. While some are attempting to disrupt and shut down debate, our goal is to engage in meaningful, respectful discussion. Remaining calm, positive and polite while speaking to any staff member is the best way to be heard. Thank them for their time and hard work!

I love you, President Obama, for being such a strong, diplomatic, optimistic leader. I hope you will understand that I cannot engage in meaningful, respectful discussion with a Senator who is willing to do the same. That smirky little grin does NOT count for calm or respectful when I know he has condoned the behavior of those who are attempting to disrupt and shut down debate.

Correction: that message didn't come directly from President Obama. It came from Organizing for America - which is even better, since I think McConnell might have used that group as part of his rationale for saying Democrats have no right to complain about hired thugs. I'm off to look for a transcript and see if I remember correctly.

I used to write to Fritz Hollings and get actual responses, once including a handwritten note. Those days are gone.

This is a terrific letter. I'd say you might end up on a watch list, but I have a feeling that, like me, you're probably already on several -- it might take President Obama a while to get around to dismantling them.

What's one more watch list, Kris?

Did my recent remarks about good ol' Mitch in another thread help to trigger this piece, Sandy? If so, I will gladly take credit for getting you to write this, because it is just superb. When you send it to him, why don't you include reference to this article and the comment thread that follows. They probably won't look at it, but I think it would be a good thing if they knew that the truth about this jerk is being published.

You kindled it, Bert. You get credit for preparing me. His appearance on FOX Sunday was the gasoline that set it ablaze.

I will send it to him when I think everyone who wants a say has left a comment.

One quote: "Look, I don't think either side ought to be trying to engage in disrupting meetings, either the Democratic side or the Republican side," McConnell said. "We ought to focus on the issue. And to demonize citizens who are energetic about this strikes me as demonstrating a kind of weakness in your position. In other words, you want to change the subject. Rather than talk about the half-a-trillion dollars in Medicare cuts, let's talk about somebody, in some town meeting, who misbehaved. That strikes me as missing the point."

What kind of nerve does it take for this man to say it looks like those who "demonize" the people who came to obstruct are trying to change the subject?

PASSIVE/FREAKING/AGGRESSIVE, pathetic, nerve is my best guess.

(Note the energy in my all caps?)

Don't bother sending it to Mitch. How about "Letters to the Editor"?

They make me use my real name and address. Doesn't seem like such a good idea with ole Mitch taking a passive/aggressive stand for violence.

You can use my real name and address. Let me know and I'll shoot it to you gmail...I could send it: From a friend in KY---Sandy (Last Name withheld due to fear of reprisal.)
Wilka

I blew this chance already, Wilka. I don't post my letters to editors on the internet. But anyone who wants is welcome to copy my letter and send it in his/her name.

America needs more Sandys.

Thanks, Leo. I'm sending your comment to the members of my family who decided that my cousin (who is just like me) and I have to live on opposite sides of the country.

Great letter, Sandy!

Thank you, Wil. You know, it does feel good to have this much energy.

Not sure how you can find anyone in Congress to read letters when they can't be bothered to read the bills they on which they vote.

Ah, but Mike, that's one other reason I am a Democrat. It's not only possible to find one who will read letters and respond, they also read bills - and only whine when those bills get changed in the middle of the night and they aren't given time to read them - unlike the Republicans who have been crying that they can't read 1,000 pages in a month. My seven-year-old granddaughter can do that.

Which of your representatives have not read bills? What are you doing to put pressure on them or to get them out of office?

I think we give too much credit to the republicans, even thought those who complain might support them.There is big money behind this. Of course the Gop is the big money people's friend. One day the people will realize the truth about capitalism without restraints and the evil that has fomented and paid for around the world.
It surely has stripped the Declaration of its meaning over the years.
Now we have to put to the so called elected officials who's goal is to divide and conquer...just as Washington warned they would do.
I think we have gone too far and as a country we seem to revert rather than progress on several fronts.One is critical thinking, most important honesty. Trivial past time with the news and people's lives.We are slowly descending in to the autocratic fascist minded model. The traits are all there and if I was the president I would make it mandatory for the insurance companies to cover everyone in the country and set standards for premium.
When quality of care will decrease they will all be ready for health reform.

This idiots rather have the companies take the profit rather than use it for those who need care. What a low life American patriot is that?
Beside we are already paying for it and we cannot afford to do it at this rate.

What we do when someone shows up at the hospital? No insurance? Sorry you have to go home and died there.

Thanks, Lea. I appreciate your perspective, especially since you have lived outside this country.

What's sad to me is that many of the people supporting capitalism are the very people it is hurting the most. I don't know if they enjoy thinking that other believe they have money, or if they are holding on to that American dream that is only a pipe dream at this point, or if they just aren't capable of understanding how they are being used.

Great point about divide and conquer, too. It's another situation where I am resentful that I have been in a position to support what goes against who I am. I am not a fighter, and hate playing this game that I've been stuck in. But the alternative is divide is to join the bad guys who are determined to destroy this country - and I absolutely refuse.

I think we have to do a little more 'reverting' before we can move ahead. And I agree with you that it will take critical thinking and honesty. I add courage to that list. We have to find the courage to go back and undo cliched living (If you have nothing to say, don't say anything - ignorance is bliss etc.)

I agree with you that the people who would rather have corporations take huge profits while their workers suffer are low lives, but I wouldn't call them patriots (especially the ones who've shipped jobs out of the country).

Dennis Kucinich had a good argument for "we are already paying for it" - I wish people would have listened to him.

You know the depth of my disgust for Mitch McConnell, and I think you have said things completely so even HE can understand it. Some people never grow up though, and if you take away his toys (aka money for his campaign from special interest groups) then he isn't going to play nice any more...@@

I hope he realizes a good dose of what goes around comes around with regard to the Bunning situation (although I'm not sure he's the only reason Bunning decided not to run again).

Indeed! This country would be one hell of a lot better off with more Sandys and fewer "Marilyns"!

I live in Ca,
My U. S. Rep and both my Senators are Dems.
Ok Boxer is a bit crazed, Diane is not exatly liberal, but liberal enough.
But. . .
You forgot to ask him why none, not even one Republican has stood up and publically denounced the "birther" nuts.

and yes, failure to call the "stop the health care plan thugs", exactlly what they are is very bad.
Silly Republicans seem to think we will forget that this is their main goal, as announced.


I love the article. I hope you email it with a link so all the comments show.
We do have the numbers.
We will have health care.

Spartan, Marilyn is a total phony. She is just working the points.

Cena, I sent him a link. Hopefully, he will read my post and the comments, and see your excellent question: WHY hasn't even one Republican stood up to denounce the birther nuts? And the thugs?

My guess would be the same reason they didn't stand up to denounce the McCain/Palin "go kill someone" rallies. Because they believe, like Anne Northup stated publicly, that, "All's fair in love, war, and politics."

I am not sure all is fair when it comes to lies, slander and obstruction of people's rights to the truth. What they are saying is : buyer be aware, if you believe us and we screw you it is your fault for not knowing how bad we are really are. That is the kind of characters that make your hearth sink and wonder what we call evil now days or is it just "relative" to which party you belong to.
The right is supremacist white and the rest of us are just here to serve and place them in power.
Need to send letter to the editor after the letter I read in Wash post/

Lea, decent people know all is not fair when it comes to lies, slander, and obstruction. I wouldn't count Anne Northup among the people who meet my criteria for decent. (I'm disappointed in President Obama for tapping her for the Consumer Product Safety Commission spot. Extremely disappointed.)

I read about her also, not sure what the strategy is....keep her in the fold to avoid her obstruction?

I hope not. If so, that is a terribly disappointing strategy.

Ad by the right in Washington Post.


Dear Fellow Conservative,
In November 1994, a great tide of conservative Republicans swept to victory in races all across America, wresting control of Congress from the stagnant, liberal Democrats and bringing principled, reform-minded energy to Bill Clinton's "big government knows best" Washington, D.C.

I am very proud to have been a part of that historic achievement, unseating the Democrat incumbent to represent Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate. But I couldn't have done it without the difference-making support of the Republican National Committee.

I believe that we are facing a very similar opportunity today.

Across our nation, voters are waking up to the disastrous consequences of Barack Obama's presidency. Americans who were willing to take him at his word when he campaigned as a supposedly "reasonable," "moderate" candidate are beginning to understand what lies behind the media hype and insincere charm.

President Obama and his Pelosi-Reid Democrat allies in Congress are radical leftists determined to remake America into a socialist "utopia."

They jeopardize our future, with activist judges who disregard the Constitution, wholesale takeover of banks, manufacturers, insurance companies and health care, outrageous and unsustainable taxation and spending which saddle our children and grandchildren with trillions of dollars in debt, rising unemployment and inflation, and a foreign policy of apology and dithering in the face of deadly global threats.

A new tide of popular grassroots opposition to the Obama Democrats' senseless policies and insatiable hunger for power is rising across America.

In the spirit of our great Founders, Main Street Americans are voicing their opposition with a renewed sense of patriotism. Tea Party protests, enthusiasm for less government, and anger at Washington's derisive attitude toward America's bedrock values are growing.

There is real enthusiasm for a truly conservative alternative to the leftist Democrats. And RNC Chairman Michael Steele and I know that our Party can ride that wave of enthusiasm to victory in upcoming elections.

That is why I'm asking you to stand with us as we work to recruit and elect principled, conservative Republican candidates who will work to reverse the Democrats' damage and govern with humility and respect.

Please help us lay the groundwork to win back government for the American people by making a contribution of $25, $50, $100, $500, or $1,000 to join the Republican National Committee today.

The next Republican Revolution starts with you. Please help the RNC support tomorrow's leaders the way they supported me.

Please join our fight today. Thank you.

Sincerely,


Rick Santorum

P.S. America needs new leadership, and we must be ready to provide it. Help us support real conservative Republicans who will sweep to victory and provide the good governance Americans deserve. Please take this opportunity right now to help my friend Michael Steele and the good folks at the RNC support strong, conservative Republican candidates by making an online contribution of $25, $50, $100, $500, or $1,000 to the RNC today. Thank you.

The Republican Party Once the Grand Old Party of the Wealthy Elite.

Is now the very laughable party of Sara Palin. (she is just like us, they say)
Quick with the put-down, but take all the government money you can get.

The Republican Party is now the Party of people on Medicaid, food stamps, WIC, public housing, special education programs, they all call these programs socialists, but all get in line for them.

The party of people who brag about being stupid and consider an education detrimental to being "American."

Tell them they can keep a closet full of guns and you get their vote.


Then there is this part of the letter.

----------They jeopardize our future, with activist judges who disregard the Constitution,
Like that "special" this election only ruling making Geo. W. President.


========wholesale takeover of banks, manufacturers, insurance companies and health care,
Wasn't that Republican Bush/Paulson on their knees begging congress for the TARP Money?

Didn't GM go begging to be bailed out and taken over? No other mfg. companies taken over. This is a HUGE lie.

Lie, NO insurance companies have been taken over, AIG is now part owned by the U.S.A., but that money came from TARP, remember, Bush/Palson,
Yup, Republicans.


-----outrageous and unsustainable taxation and spending which saddle our children and grandchildren with trillions of dollars in debt, rising unemployment and inflation, and a foreign policy of apology and dithering in the face of deadly global threats. ------
------No mention of how the cost of the Iraq war is one half of this debt.
And no mention of the TWO cash refunds Geo W. made to the U.S. taxpayer.
That must have just come out of his own pocket and did not add to the debt.

Their own "voter base" will eat this like gospel word. Do they think even one Democrat will?

I like when Cena jumps on the soapbox ;-)

"That is why I'm asking you to stand with us as we work to recruit and elect principled, conservative Republican candidates . . ."

I wish them luck with that.

Sandy,
You know Karl Rove made up their own dictionary.
LIARS- definition: principled, conservative Republican.

And the cool thing about their definitions is that they apply one definition to themselves and a different one to anyone who isn't like them. For example (just saw this on another thread) when they boycott they are expressing an opinion but if others boycott it is censorship. When they disrupt a public meeting it is energetic citizenship. If others disrupt their public . . . ooops, they hold protesters behind saw horses blocks away.

I was thinking today the republicans have given us 50 years of their ideology and the numbers of wealth accumulation have not changed. 10% of them own 90% of the wealth in America. I can understand a 70/30 but this is the same as 1916, so how did capitalism help the people? All I have seen is tax discount for corporations, subsidies to go overseas with jobs and subsidies for corn syrup making and farmers- not to farm and grants to non-profit well connected, and lower education standards, lack of oversight in the market and deregulation for banks and allow mergers to steal pensions from thousands of workers, and slow on equality, billions to build a military complex and money to subcontractors and growth of government , some non qualified and doing nothing, I know , I live near Washington DC. Let's see foreign policy with disastrous consequences, interfering with other government , clearly against the founders wishes. Policies that are harmful to the environment, aiding Monsanto cronies to be hired by FDA.
Aiding the Pharmaceutical industry to drug its citizen for everything from a headache to
a hangnail , toxic growth hormone in the milk, cancer causing agents to be added to food.
Use of pesticide, ignoring new technology so we could reduce pollution, ignoring crumbling infrastructures including schools, racism by political appointees and police force, job discrimination based on party affiliation, nepotism, infringing on privacy rights, breaking the Geneva convention rules, thinking about using the armed forces on American soil in case of protest...that is fascism....well I can go on for ever, but the republican party needs to be dissolved and remade by some people who have a brain and have read all the declaration papers and have a test in order to run for government job. In fact I propose to gather support that everyone running for office should pass a test on history of the constitution and how to legislate what is best for the country, not the political party.
I think all Obama supporters should start an intellectual revolution and demand changes in the election process for members of congress and length of term with subsequent test to be approved. The process should be supported at their expenses and supporters work in town hall meetings and not be paid for by any tax money.
I would like to see some of the perks gone, especially the redecoration of offices at our expenses. They also have to pay for their health insurance and security taxes like the rest of us.

Lea, I see frequent references to the belief that the wealthiest Americans are Republicans and that all liberals are living in the street with their hands out, but that doesn't prove true among the people I know. Do you have a source with verified numbers? I know wealthy Democrats who don't mind helping others, and conservatives living for handouts.

I think this is the image that conservative leaders continue to promote because, for some strange reason, their base soaks it up and votes against their own best interest with hope that by doing so they have either fooled others into thinking they have more than they do, or they are ensuring they won't have to pay any taxes if they win a lottery or chase down that facade of an American dream.

I second this suggestion: I think all Obama supporters should start an intellectual revolution

Sandy, I was not clear, them does not stand for anyone in particular.
The percentage of wealth holders versus the other% of people. There are more categories withing those percentages. My point is not much has changed , the system is designed to make it happen. For one I read that the trickle down effect does not happen because rather than invest in creating businesses many use their cash to purchase more assets, like real estate , apartment buildings, commercial buildings to collect rents versus put the money back in the economy to create jobs. What we need is more manufacturing, production to employ people in specialized industries.
You can only grow so much and the idea that an economy grows continually at the same rate is not doable.
Most common sense people know they have to save some for the rainy -slow years not get in debt for war making purpose.

Thanks for clearing that up. But darn, I was hoping you had some numbers or a source so I could stop shaking my head when I see or hear that implication.

I agree with your description of trickle down and why it doesn't work, and think we are seeing the proof.

Transcript of the program

Did everyone else notice that when these "town hell" meetings first erupted, it was reported that the majority of angry people yelling, taunting and screaming were associated with the right?

And then only after there was a full week of so-called "liberal media bashing" of "concerned conservatives" did the right wing talking nuts Hannity and Limbaugh do a flip flop on everyone and point the finger at lefty liberals showing up at town hall meetings "inciting violence" and starting the whole thing in the first place.

I was very disappointed in the tactics to begin with and then was even more disappointed in the unethical strategy to distance themselves from the culpabilty

That's how they operate, Douglas. It's disgusting. You can bet, most of the time, when conservatives point a finger, they are projecting their own guilt onto others or they have planted a Joe the Plumber in an attempt to make it look like the other side has done something wrong.

A tool right out of the Karl Rove playbook on how to re-frame any political discussion.

You got it, Spartan. Turdblossoms have infected more than Gather.

A marvelous letter, Sandy, but I do not believe that logical arguments, or reason, or appeals to fairness and decency will have any impact upon Mitch McConell.

Sadly, I agree. I don't think he wants to buy back his soul.

Oh, it never ends.

Most embarrassing McConnell statement made at the London town meeting:

He concluded, “Those are three steps we can take tomorrow without fundamentally changing the finest health care in the world.” Guess he doesn't read anything.

And another gem this week: "The Democrats are “sticking it to seniors with cuts to Medicare,” Mitch McConnell declared.

Since I live in a state where a former champion body builder is governor, I get a profound feeling of schadenfreude when I read about McConnell. He's the equal of CA senatorial greats George Murphy and S. I. Hayakawa.

Actually I'm not too happy with my present senators but only because they're a bit conservative for me. :)

Nippy, you have my deepest sympathy (empathy) for your Governor. But I can't spare much for your Senators. I hope you understand.

Sen. Mitch McConnell's No. 1 idea for fixing what ails our health care system is to limit the rights of those maimed by medical malpractice.

Especially important in light of the 2% or so malpractice awards represent in the total cost of health care.

Don't you know it, Nippy? This is so embarrassing (not to mention scary).

The National Practitioner Data Bank found the average U.S. malpractice payment for 2008 was $326,000, “the smallest on record”– hardly a runaway jury award. Eighty percent of that money went to those with significant permanent injuries such as quadriplegia and brain damage, needing health care the remainder of their lives and having enormous medical expenses. These are junk lawsuits?

Medicare’s administrator told Congress in 2005, that malpractice litigation accounts for only 0.6 percent of U.S. health care costs, and medical liability accounts for less than 1 percent of the country’s health care costs with “the vast majority of victims receiving no compensation whatsoever.” From journalgazette

But a spokesman for Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is skeptical [Re: White House Web Site Launched To Battle Health Reform Rumors] "the new website will turn around public opinion on Obama's vision for health care. 'Do people really want to watch videos of people they don't know telling them how great a program is that they already disagree with?'" he said (Jackson, 8/10).

Yes, we do want to hear from WE THE PEOPLE, who seem to know more about this than you, Senator McConnell, and most of us do not disagree with the plan. Wake up! \\

I've got to admit that the logic isn't clearly visible there. :)

I listen to people I don't know telling me about stuff all the time. Sometimes I've already made up my mind and I listen anyway. Heck, I read the entire quote from MM.

Even though he posed it as a question, I was so offended, once again, by his speaking for the people that I didn't give this as much attention as I should have. I am one of his people, and know many more of his people, and he does not speak for us.

I've watched so many videos and looked at so many sites that I'm not sure if the site he is speaking of is the one that contains personal accounts/sob stories. If so, this comment is particularly offensive. The personal accounts/sob stories might not give us the information we need to sit at the table and draft the bill (that's not our job, anyway, it's HIS) but they do give us a clear picture of what is going on out here and show us the need for reform. Some people who have good insurance might not know how others are living. Anyone, Senators included, who doesn't want to be bothered watching, hearing, or reading those accounts is - well, worthless.

And intelligent, concerned people should want to hear from the White House about proposed bills and issues whether or not they know the speaker.

Came back to giggle at, "I read the entire quote from MM." I'm tempted to post a video and see how you do with that.

Well said Sandy. Great letter.

Thank you, Baby J. I haven't heard a word back from him yet.

McConnell says Cap and Trade is NOT the answer. "At the end of the day it wouldn't have impact on the problem, this is designed to deal with climate change, a lot of countries that we compete with globally are not going to do this. India and China are certainly not going to do it."

McConnell says he will continue to fight against the Cap and Trade bill for Kentucky.

Sandy - you haven't changed a bit, and I'm glad to see it.

Thank you, Gisela. You've changed into a lovely golden G. I like it!

From Espo's August 18 AP article:

"While both political parties believe we need to reform our health care system, particularly in the areas of cost and access, Americans are rightly skeptical about the administration's approach to overhauling everyone's health care and about the more than $1 trillion price tag. Moreover, Americans are concerned about funding new government programs through massive cuts to Medicare and taxes on small business," he [Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky] said.

FactCheck.org: "The claim that Obama and Congress are cutting seniors' Medicare benefits to pay for the health care overhaul is outright false."

From FactCheck.org's August 14 article, "Seven Falsehoods About Health Care":

False: Medicare Benefits Will Be Slashed

The claim that Obama and Congress are cutting seniors' Medicare benefits to pay for the health care overhaul is outright false, though that doesn't keep it from being repeated ad infinitum.

The truth is that the pending House bill extracts $500 billion from projected Medicare spending over 10 years, as scored by the Congressional Budget Office, by doing such things as trimming projected increases in the program's payments for medical services, not including physicians. Increases in other areas, such as payments to doctors, bring the net savings down to less than half that amount. But none of the predicted savings -- or cuts, depending on one's perspective -- come from reducing current or future benefits for seniors.

The president has promised repeatedly that benefit levels won't be reduced, reiterating the point recently in Portsmouth, N.H.:

Obama, Aug. 11: Another myth that we've been hearing about is this notion that somehow we're going to be cutting your Medicare benefits. We are not.

Is he wrong? Not according to AARP, by far the nation's largest organization representing the over-50 population. In a "Myths vs. Facts" rundown, AARP says:

AARP: Fact: None of the health care reform proposals being considered by Congress would cut Medicare benefits or increase your out-of-pocket costs for Medicare services.

To be sure, Obama hasn't always thought that Medicare "savings" could be accomplished without actual cuts in benefits. Last fall, his campaign ran two television ads accusing Sen. John McCain of wanting "a 22 percent cut in [Medicare] benefits." The basis for the ads was a newspaper article in which a McCain aide said the Arizona Republican would cut Medicare costs. But the aide said nothing about cutting benefits, in fact quite the contrary. We called the claim "false" when Obama made it against McCain, and it's still false now when Obama's critics are making the same accusation against him. [FactCheck.org, 8/14/09]

FactCheck.org: "Congress isn't proposing to cut [Medicare] benefit levels." According to an August 18 FactCheck.org article, "None of the 'savings' or 'cuts' (whichever you prefer)" to Medicare in the House bill "come from reducing current or future benefit levels for seniors." From the article:

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the House bill would result in "savings" of $219 billion after all increases and decreases are netted out. The House bill would trim projected increases in payments for hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and others, including home health care providers and suppliers of motor-driven wheelchairs. But it also proposes what CBO estimates is a $245 billion increase in spending for doctors, by canceling a scheduled 21 percent cut in physician payments. None of the "savings" or "cuts" (whichever you prefer) come from reducing current or future benefit levels for seniors. [FactCheck.org, 8/18/09]

AARP says idea that "Health care reform will hurt Medicare" is a "Myth." From the AARP's "Myths vs. Facts" on health care reform:

Myth: Health care reform will hurt Medicare.

Fact: None of the health care reform proposals being considered by Congress would cut Medicare benefits or increase your out-of-pocket costs for Medicare services.

Fact: Health care reform will lower prescription drug costs for people in the Medicare Part D coverage gap or "doughnut hole" so they can get better afford the drugs they need.

Fact: Health care reform will protect seniors' access to their doctors and reduce the cost of preventive services so patients stay healthier.

Fact: Health care reform will reduce costly, preventable hospital readmissions, saving patients and Medicare money.

Fact: Rather than weaken Medicare, health care reform will strengthen the financial status of the Medicare program.

Bottom Line: For people in Medicare, health care reform is about lowering prescription drug costs for people in the "doughnut hole", keeping the doctor of your choice, improving the quality of care, and eliminating billions in waste that is causing poor care and medical errors. [AARP, accessed 8/18/09]

MEDIA MATTERS!

OINK! OINK!

Senate version of the fiscal year 2010 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act

included in the pork:
* $21,900,000 for two projects funding chapels: $14,400,000 by Senate Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee member Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) for a chapel center at Fort Campbell (last year, four senators and three representatives got $630,000 for this project), and $7,500,000 by Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ted Kaufman (D-Del.) for a chapel center at Dover Air Force Base.

$5,000,000 by Senate Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee member Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) for a chemical demilitarization project at the Blue Grass Army Depot. Sen. McConnell explained on his website that the funding will ensure “the safe disposal of the chemical weapon stockpile at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond, Kentucky.”

Mitch McConnell's Top 20 Contributors to Campaign

Rank ↓ Contributor ↓ Total ↓ Indivs ↓ PACs ↓
1 Kindred Healthcare $115,200 $105,200 $10,000
2 Elliott Management $113,500 $113,500 $0
3 UBS AG $110,750 $90,750 $20,000
4 Brown-Forman Corp $104,550 $67,050 $37,500
5 UST Inc $96,600 $66,600 $30,000
6 AT&T Inc $92,400 $45,900 $46,500
7 General Electric $92,100 $57,100 $35,000
8 FMR Corp $81,400 $56,400 $25,000
9 Peabody Energy $78,100 $65,600 $12,500
10 Blue Cross/Blue Shield $75,750 $31,750 $44,000
11 Citigroup Inc $65,200 $50,200 $15,000
12 Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp $62,399 $27,400 $34,999
13 Humana Inc $61,200 $46,200 $15,000
14 GlaxoSmithKline $61,100 $28,100 $33,000
14 Ashland Inc $61,100 $33,600 $27,500
16 United Parcel Service $59,550 $24,550 $35,000
17 JPMorgan Chase & Co $59,475 $29,475 $30,000
18 BAE Systems $55,800 $23,800 $32,000
19 Eli Lilly & Co $55,550 $30,550 $25,000
20 Blackstone Group $55,400 $41,400 $14,000

This table lists the top donors to this candidate in the 2007 - 2008 election cycle.

I sent the same letter (exact) to Mitch McConnell and to John Yarmuth telling them I would prefer single payer but will settle for a strong public option that doesn't sell out to the insurance companies. My response from Mitch McConnell said, "In your correspondence, you expressed your opposition to a government-run insurance plan, sometimes called a "public plan option". I said NO SUCH THING - EVER, TO ANYONE.

My response from Congressman Yarmuth indicated he had read my letter, comprehended what I had written, and counted me on the correct side. The difference is amazing.