Obamacare faces the light of day in Supreme Court

Back in early 2010, then Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Congress, they would get to find out what's in the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, after they passed it.  No need to ask any questions now regarding the pesky details and small print in the over 2700 pages of legalese. Just vote yes for it, trust us and you will be pleasantly surprised.

For those legislators saying they couldn't vote if  there were any provisions for abortion or abortion drugs, they were promised drugs/procedures would not be in it.  For those politicians that said they couldn't vote for it if its cost was over a trillion dollars, they were promised it was a bargain at only 987 billion. For those politicians that said they couldn't support this legislation if it increased taxes, they were promised there would be no new taxes, there might be some "fees". Just vote for the bill and all will be taken care of.

Then there were those politicians who said they needed a little something "extra," a little "sweetener," if they were going to put their stamp of approval on Obamacare.  We were treated to a new term, called the Cornhusker Kickback, a concession a Nebraska Senator wrenched out of the deal makers that basically let the rest of America pay for Nebraskans health care. 

Then of course we were treated to the Louisiana Purchase, part deux, which saw Louisiana get an unfair advantage granted to it at the expense of the rest of America in order to insure an aye vote for Obamacare.

The above deals were struck and countless other deals were buried in the 2,700 pages of legislation that were withheld from lawmakers & the public until the last moment before a vote was taken on it.  Nancy Pelosis admonition still ringing in our ears: "You'll get to see what's in Obamacare after you pass Obamacare"

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Well it's been over 2 years since the legislation has passed and to this day it is still unclear what is actually buried in those 2,700 pages, it's as if no one actually read all of it in it's entirety.  It does seem to be a living breathing document in some instances, almost a situational handbook to change and interpret as conditions dictate.

But a few things we have found out is that after 2 years, the price for Obamacare is double what we were  told it would be. We also found out there are provisions for abortion procedures/drugs which many were promised would not be in there.  Nancy Pelosi was asked if she thought the legislation was constitutional and she seemed to act surprised.  Had she even not read all of the 2,700 pages?

Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska, who had said he was firmly against the legislation, until he was enticed to vote for it with a sweetener called Cornhusker Kickback, found it ended his political career and he is now spending "more time with his family" 

2010 saw a backlash against legislators who had voted for Obamacare.  Many of these politicians were thrown out of office by angry constituents who didn't trust their legislators for not reading a bill before voting on it. Obamacare became a rallying point for many Americans to focus their ire on. Obamacare helped spawn the American Tea party, part deux.

26 states and private organizations sued the government in order to repeal this legislation on the grounds it was unconstitutional and violated commerce laws as well as the right of Americans not to be forced to pay for a service.

Finally this week the Supreme Court got to hear arguments pro and con for Obamacare.  By listening to the tone the Justices used to grill the Obama administration lawyers, it was obvious they had problems with the premise of the bill.  The solicitor General himself seemed to be having a very difficult time justifying the large intrusive reach of the government into Americans lives.

If the Supreme Court strikes down the law in its entirety, it will be an opportunity to start over in modifying our health care system in a bi partisan manner. Many major reforms were overlooked in the rush to pass ACA/Obamacare. If the court strikes down only parts of the bill, it may bankrupt the health insurance system.  Many are waiting for the verdict...Many political careers hang in the balance.

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For other points of view visit Carroll Standard: carrollstandard.com

Hot mic catches President Obama making deals on our national security

Just like the Rorschach psychological test takes a snapshot into the real personality and character of the testee, an open mic offers the same glimpse into the person who inadvertently speaks off script into an open microphone.

The latest "hot mic" slip shows again, it's all about the politics.  You can firmly place bets that any strategic moves made by the White house up until Novembers elections, will be made for the best interests of the candidate and not the country.

According to ABC News in  SEOUL, South Korea - At the tail end of his 90 minute meeting with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev Monday, President Obama said that he would have "more flexibility" to deal with controversial issues such as missile defense, but incoming Russian President Vladimir Putin needs to give him "space."

Here is the exact exchange according to ABC News:

President Obama: "On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it's important for him to give me space."

President Medvedev: "Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you…"

President Obama: "This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility."

President Medvedev: "I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir."

It makes you wonder what sort of "December surprises" will be in store for America if President Obama gets re-elected in November.  Instantly a lame duck President, for 4 years if elected, for 2 months if defeated, immune from  pressure to stay on center, he will be free to pursue many of the goals he has had to temporarily give up due to re-election pressures.

As far as concessions to Russia, he has already given them more than they could ever dream.  President Obama, presided over our final manned space flight in the Space Shuttle and now we pay the Russians whatever they decide to charge to send our Astronauts to the Space Station.

Just how many more "concessions" are we going to make to the Russians, before they play nice with us? We already stopped deployment of our missile shield in 2009 in part of Europe for a vague  promise that the Russians would put pressure on the Iranians to stop development of their nuclear weapons quest. How is that working out for the world?

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Syrian President Assad is slaughtering his own citizens in the streets of his country with the help of Russia.  The Russians have sent in special forces, armaments and technology, brazenly without fear of repercussions from the USA. Meanwhile Syria's neighbor, Israel, is being forced to restrain itself by the Obama administration.

Of course you hear not a peep of protest from the Russians now that oil is steadily hovering around the 107.00 per barrel mark, a crippling price for the world economy.  The Russians are reaping windfalls of dollars from their oil industry, while President Obama and his windmill/solar panel administration put roadblocks on our energy industry. It makes you wonder how many more Solyndra-like fiasco's are in store for us in an Obama 2nd term?

Would there ever be a budget under a 2nd term President Obama? Our nation has not even had a budget for the last three years of his term, it is unprecedented for our country not to have a budget. Also unprecedented is our nations credit downgrade and a spiraling, out of control 16 trillion and growing national debt.

What sort of Supreme Court Justices would a 2nd term president Obama appoint to the nations highest court?  Justices Kagan and Sotomayer offer a glimpse into what a 1st term President Obama would select, unfettered by re-election pressures, who would he choose?

In the meantime social issues such as free birth control pills, Viagra for men, an unfortunate shooting of a young black man in Florida, a trumped up "war on women", gay marriage and religious "freedom"  take center stage.  Just where the politicians want us to be focused.

The most unique gifts: Time capsules in American and world history: lifemagforsale.com

For other points of view visit Carroll Standard: carrollstandard.com

A Romney- Rubio GOP ticket would be devastating for Obama-Biden

Mitt Romney s incredible organizational skills have made all the difference in this campaign season. These skills have kept him at the top of the field in the GOP Presidential race.  None of the other candidates have the same built in political infrastructure in the remaining states to surmount Romney s lead in delegates.  None of the remaining GOP candidates can match Romney s financial firepower, the mother's milk of politics, as the race heads towards delegate rich states.

Fresh off his impressive win in Illinois, Mitt Romney is counting delegates and taking names...for Vice President.

Knowing  Mitt Romney is a planner and strategist of great accomplishment, it would be impossible to think that he hasn't  thought of who he would select as a running mate if he secures the GOP nomination.  In fact, I would suspect he has already thoroughly vetted who his choices would be, since an accomplished businessman-Governor,  knows that preparation and perspiration are keys to success.

Of course there is still a long way to go and you can never count anyone out in politics, but it doesn't hurt to speculate. The recurring name that keeps surfacing for the Vice president position, is Senator Marco Rubio.
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Senator Rubio is a hugely popular rising star in the GOP, he swept his way into office as a straight speaking, principled candidate, who is a favorite of the Tea Party and appeals to millions around the country regardless of party affiliation. His appeal as a youthful  face for the GOP would be a draw for millions of younger voters who can identify with him.  Not only would Senator Rubio, by virtue of his personality and charisma add a huge new dimension to the Romney ticket, it would deliver the all important state of Florida. 

He also knows what the tyranny of communist regimes bring, both his folks are Cuban Americans, so he has a great appreciation for what America stood for.  He is a Catholic and an American of Cuban descent, with massive appeal to the millions of Hispanic voters who will play a key roll in the upcoming Presidential campaign.

With three years of President Obamas leadership the nation is struggling and people are looking for change. Governor Romney s great experience in the private sector as well as his experience leading a state as its chief executive, will put him in a unique position to turn the country around and make it into the job creating juggernaut that it can be. 

If Governor Romney secures the GOP Presidential position, the most devastating Vice President for the Obama campaign, would be if he chose Senator Rubio.  Articulate, principled and honest, he is able to speak extemporaneously, without the need for a teleprompter,  he could easily carry the message to all 50 states. 

The most unique gifts: Time capsules in American and world history: lifemagforsale.com

For other points of view visit Carroll Standard: carrollstandard.com

Biden booed in St. Patricks parade, indicates deep trouble for Obama - VIDEO

Joe Biden and his crew running at the Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day parade

Team Obama had designed to piggy back on the popularity of the huge St. Patrick's Day parade in Pittsburgh and turn it into a campaign photo op for their political purposes.  Obama supporters had even spread through the thousands of onlookers along the parade route handing out  "I heart O'Bama" signs, so they would be displayed prominently on national news. They dusted off  and quaffed Vice President Joe Biden, to headline the parade.  Biden, in the eyes of Obama campaign strategists, was the perfect choice to represent the Obama administration in this all important state. Joe is a native Pennsylvanian and has always represented himself as a regular working class guy. 

But something went horribly wrong for Biden as he wended his way through the streets of Pittsburgh.  The generally jubilant, cheering crowd celebrating the St. Patrick's Day parade, suddenly turned to boos, when the Vice President turned down Stanwix Street. Cheers faded into jeers as the crowd laid eyes on the 6 term Senator turned Vice President.

It seemed there was a pent up demand from the crowd to be able to show in person to the Obama administration, just how displeased they were with the Obama policies. 

Any positive political cache Obama strategists thought they were going to get from this parade,evaporated as Biden passed by the hostile crowd. But being the trained political veteran that he was,  Biden continued to smile as he passed between the gauntlet of unhappy constituents.
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There were some positive photo ops of Biden passing through supporters that day, with the "I heart O'Bama" signs in the background, but what is making national news and filling the airwaves are the sensationalized videos and photos depicting the unhappy crowd.

Perhaps the Obama campaign strategists, should have taken into consideration the large segment of Irish Catholic citizens who feel offended and betrayed by the Obama administrations decision to force Catholic institutions to pay for abortion procedures and contraceptives.

On the other hand, the crowd might still be smarting by some of Joe Bidens famous "gaffes" directed at them.  Like when he called certain American citizens "terrorists" for not supporting Obamas economy breaking budget requests. Or when he promised America the almost 1 trillion Obama stimulus was going to create 500K new jobs per month, or telling American citizen rapes and murders would increase if Republicans didn't pass Obamas "jobs" bill....Are citizens starting to catch on?

American citizens don't feel the "love" from this administration when they go to the service station and fill their cars up with fuel that has doubled in price since Obama/Biden took office. Contrary to the Administrations claim that unemployment has dropped to almost 8.3%, this doesn't account for the millions of Americans who were dropped off the unemployment rolls as their benefits ended.

Recent pols show 67% of Americans are not in favor of the administrations health care bill that was pushed through in a non partisan manner and they want it repealed, if the Supreme Court doesn't do it first.

With these raw feelings of anger and disappointment gnawing at them, many Americans feel they rarely get a chance to be heard by this administration, so when the opportunity arises.....they don't hesitate to use it.

The most unique gifts: Time capsules in American and world history: lifemagforsale.com

For other points of view visit Carroll Standard: carrollstandard.com

Looking back, it was a life well spent, says Gerry Adams

Gerry Adams has been at the spear point of the movement for a free and united Ireland for much of his life. But Irish history is awash in stories of those who seek to right injustices ingrained into society for generations.  Change is not accomplished without push-back. For those that are called upon to sacrifice for a greater good, much sacrifice is required. Sometimes you make choices in the heat of the moment or as conditions dictate in order to further your goal, those choices can bring unforeseen consequences. Sometimes your motto is, the enemy of my enemy, is my friend.

Regarded as a freedom fighter by millions around the world for the great changes he has brought to Ireland, this recognition has not come without high cost to himself and those around him.  Today Gerry suffers from pain caused by bullet wounds and the health effects from imprisonment in harsh conditions.

The imprisonment was not only designed to keep him away from a struggle he fervently believed in, but also designed to break his spirit.  Gerry's struggle also resulted in the loss of friends and family and created bitter enemies along the way.


In this fourth and last part of my interview with Gerry Adams, we discuss choices made during his lifetime and his belief in the vast power of the Irish people to see the peace process through.

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Read 1st parts of interview here:

From soldier to statesman Gerry Adams made his mark


US civil rights movement inspired Gerry Adams

Gerry Adams say British have illegal, immoral and illegitimate claim to part of Ireland

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I asked Gerry about the tumultuous past of his life.  Looking back in retrospect, would he have chosen a different route?

"First of all Ed" I do not look upon myself as a historic or pivotal figure, I look at myself as a small part of a much bigger whole, no way unique."  Gerry went on to say: "We're blessed with a huge team of people, some of us have come through a lot of hard experiences together and that has forged a continuity and history, through the good as well as the bad"

Gerry then said: "I can't see me doing a lot of other things, if I had the chance, but I didn't....I have no regrets"

"There may be individual issues and matters and events, that I may have regrets about-just in terms" But summed it up with: "But it is a life well spent"

Gerry continued: "When you are able to bring about the type of seismic changes which my generation have been involved and hopefully a lot will be continued in the upcoming period, then much will be accomplished peacefully" 

Through his life's prism, Gerry was able to share his feelings on how peaceful change can be brought about:  "I have huge confidence in people" he said. " But through all of this I have learned we have to listen a lot, we have to talk a lot and be very proactive in listening to those who oppose our views."  "We must be able to peacefully persuade them to the vast possibilities for them in the future."

A chara

The most unique gifts: Time capsules in American and world history: lifemagforsale.com

For other points of view visit Carroll Standard: carrollstandard.com

Gerry Adams says British still have illegal, immoral and illegitimate claim to part of Ireland

One thing you can say about Gerry Adams, is that he has an unshakable and fierce determination to see the peace process through to create a new and united Irish Republic. There is nothing he is not well informed about when it comes to the Good Friday Agreement and the infrastructure built around it.  He speaks with surety and a certain steel tone when he voices his view for the future of Ireland and doesn't mince words when he expresses his feelings regarding the fairness of what unification will bring to the people of Ireland

In this the third segment of my interview with Gerry Adams we talk about the future of Ireland's reunification and how his political party,  Sinn Fein, meaning "we ourselves," is gaining more popularity.

Sinn Fein is gaining greater power in Ireland, polls show it is the 2nd most popular political party at this time. I asked Gerry what his opinion of that was: "Opinion polls are opinion polls," he stated. "They are only a snapshot in time, the poll that really counts is the one on election day." He went on to say: "We (Sinn Fein) see our way as a better path for the people of Ireland, particularly our ideas to help the economy which is flat at this time."

Gerry said: "We see the current government, as not much different from what they replaced, same basic economic policies which are hurting the middle and lower classes disproportionately."  You can't cut your way out of a recession, you must grow your way out." "The current government is spending a tiny fraction on job creation and stimulus, yet at the same time paying billions to bondholders of banks....banks whose actions could be described as criminal."

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Read parts 1 & 2 here:

From soldier to statesman, Gerry Adams made his mark


The US civil rights movement inspired Gerry Adams
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He told me: "Sinn Fein has brought forth proposals to reduce the deficit, which don't include the dire consequences to the most vulnerable in our society" Gerry then went on to describe a very evocative scene which occurred a couple of weeks ago at expos for  employment abroad in Dublin and Cork: " Ed, it was sad to see the thousands of mostly young, well educated, trained Irish people, having to leave the country in order to get work.  We have seen this too often in our past-we need them here at home." I told Gerry that's why my family left and came to the States for a better life and to get work.

Then we talked about the future of Ireland and the chances of getting north and south united again.  "Getting rid of partition is a good and patriotic thing to do.  The British still have an illegal, immoral and illegitimate claim to part of Ireland," he said  "I believe we can have Irish Unity in our time."  "We have transcended partition, not entirely, but by the infrastructure of the Good Friday Agreement we are getting closer.  When a majority of the people wish for unity it will happen."

To illuminate some of the great sea change happening in Ireland, he shared that he was "quite taken by a Sinn Fein event last month in Derry".  "A Unionist speaker was invited to attend and in the audience were up to 200 from the unionist movement, it was all very peaceful and respectful"...."Ed, you couldn't have imagined that sort of thing happening 5-10 years ago in the mood and spirit this was conducted.  "The more we do of this the better for all."

But Gerry said "the Diaspora have a huge roll to play in all of this." This island's in transition, the south because of its economic condition and the north because of the peace process, we're looking for a way forward and the Diaspora can help."  "There was never a time when Republican policies are more needed than now."

Gerry said: "The great Patriot Theobald Wolfe Tone believed in the unity of Catholic and Protestant together in the center"  Then Gerry finished with: "We want a new Republic, a new Ireland where people can travel by choice-not forced.  We want rights and entitlements that all free countries have. But we must have unification so we can have our Republic."

I asked Gerry about his past and the tumultuous occurrences and tragedies, if he had the chance would he have made the same choices.  We'll get his answer in the final upcoming segment


The most unique gifts: Time capsules in American and world history: lifemagforsale.com

For other points of view visit Carroll Standard: carrollstandard.com

The US civil rights movement inspired Gerry Adams

In this second installment of my interview with Gerry Adams, we discussed the powerful feelings evoked by the brave actions of founders in the US civil rights movement and the effect it had on his thinking. In the first installment we discussed the Boston College Tapes and the pardoning of the 5,000 Irish soldiers who deserted their posts in World War II, in order to go off and fight the Nazis.

As our discussion continued, Gerry mentioned what turbulent times the world was swept up in during the 60's and 70's, those great social changes occurring around the globe as people struggled for equality.   "The Kennedy Brothers, John and Robert said it best,  life is unfair, but how you resist and act about it,  is key."  Of course the assassinations of Americas leaders of change, the Kennedy Brothers and the Reverend, Martin Luther King Junior, in the midst of the great civil rights movement,  just added to the surrealism and turbulence of those days.

At that point I asked Gerry if he had seen the new George Lucas movie, Red tails, which was about the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II depicting black airmen breaking the race barrier.    Our conversation then focused in on a personal note that affected Gerry's life and in turn struck a bond between Gerry and the United States.
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Read more about Red Tails and Americas fight for equality below:

George Lucas film "Red Tails" proves race still a factor with Hollywood elite

Red Tails, from a unique American perspective

Marin Luther King Monument is a tribute to Americas greatness

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 Gerry shared:  "I remember reading 40 years/50 years ago about this woman who refused to sit at the back of the bus, Rosa Parks was a hero of mine", he said.  He continued " Mine was a generation who became politically and socially inspired by these courageous people."   I was a founder, although junior member of this great movement, who modeled ourselves after the US civil rights movement. We even borrowed the anthem We Shall Overcome". 

Gerry was moved by these courageous acts and took note of how change can be brought about peacefully.  Rosa Parks bravery to be the first to defy an unjust law, designed to keep her as a 2nd class citizen, made an impression on Gerry. He didn't forget these courageous Americans as he struggled with Ireland's own brand of inequality at the time and worked to help bring about change to his country.

When Gerry was invited to the United States to meet with US leaders as the peace process started, he requested a meeting with a most inspirational US citizen, Rosa Parks.  He said " I was delighted to meet her and brought with me a small presentation from the people of Ireland." 

As America became more involved in the peace process under the Clinton Administration, President Clinton sent his top emissaries over to Ireland to meet with leaders. Gerry said: "During these times there was still a lot of turmoil over here just trying to get the peace process passed and approved"  Clinton sent his very close friend and powerful ally, Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown, to help in this endeavor.

Ron Brown, who happened to be a black American could make much happen with his influence in the Clinton Administration. Being the personality that he was, he and Gerry instantly hit it off, and Ron asked Gerry: " Tell me what I shouldn't ask you to do?"  Gerry replied back without thinking: " Just don't ask me to sit at the back of the bus".  At that instant a powerful bond of trust and understanding was forged between the two men, that stretched across the ocean.  They both understood the importance of what their undertaking was and from that moment forward, there was great support and cooperation from the United States in the efforts to bring a just and fair society to Ireland through non violent means.

Tragically, Ron Brown was killed in a plane crash soon after, but the bond that had been formed between him and Gerry was transferred to the rest of the American administration from then on.  America has stood shoulder to shoulder with the Irish people to help them attain equality and fairness and to bring economic growth to the country.

It's always interesting to look back on life's twists and turns, to put your finger on a defining moment.  Of course it is always much easier to do that in the relative ease and comfort that 20/20 hindsight affords you.  While you're in the midst of crashing through your challenges, sometimes it is rare to get that clarity.  But the Rosa Parks moment spread ripples throughout the world, which are still reverberating.

Next we will be discussing why his party, Sinn Fein is becoming more powerful in Ireland. We will talk about the changes that have come about as the result of the Good Friday Agreement and how this will lead to a united Ireland, sooner rather than later.


The most unique gifts: Time capsules in American and world history: lifemagforsale.com

For other points of view visit Carroll Standard: carrollstandard.com