Lies About Medicare For All

By Darlene Mitchell February 26, 2020 May 6, 2020 Bernie Sanders, Entitlements, Health Care, Human Rights, Medicare, Mitch McConnell, Republicans, Senior & Elderly Issues, Social Issues

Lies About Medicare For All

By D. S. Mitchell

Drop The Labels

Honest health care policy experts know that the solution to fix the American health care system is staring us in the face, and it is single-payer. Whether dubbed “Medicare-for-All” or an “expansion of Medicaid” through ObamaCare. The solution is easy when labels like “socialism” “liberalism” “progressivism” are ignored. Trump and his DOJ is in court at this very moment trying to invalidate the ACA (ObamaCare). It seems that the more resistance Republicans arouse over destroying ObamaCare the voices for Medicare-for-All grows louder.

Health Care As A Right

The evidence is clear, Americans believe that every person has a right to health care, irrespective of their ability to pay. We as a people, believe that we have an obligation to take care of each other. In fact, there is more momentum for the adoption of a single-payer health care system than at any time in our history.

Scuttle Safety Net

Despite its enormous popularity and unparalleled record of success Republicans are neck-deep in their war against the nation’s health care safety net, whether it is Medicare, Medicaid or the ACA. New Republican proposals have emerged since the 2016 election that would slash benefits for the elderly and leave older Americans at the mercy of the “for profit” insurance industry.

Voucher Plans

When Paul Ryan was Speaker of the House he was extremely vocal in his attacks against both Medicaid and Medicare. He supported a voucher program that would transfer more costs on to seniors and leave them at the mercy of the private insurance industry. Just because Ryan is gone, doesn’t mean that the Republicans have jettisoned that philosophy. The actions to undermine Medicare and Medicaid are ongoing and must be stopped. It is not just about protecting our existing Medicare system, it is about ensuring that every citizen has access to excellent health care as a right. In such a system it definitely works best when “everybody is in, and nobody is out.”

An American Tragedy

It is believed one hundred Americans die everyday from the lack of health insurance. That is over 30,000 unnecessary deaths each year and that number is expected to grow steadily over the next decade. This is an American tragedy.

Republican Tax Scam

The Republican tax scam was hard on American health care. Millions remain uncovered and millions more are losing coverage due to increased cost for insurance brought on by the elimination of the ACA insurance “mandate”. The insurance mandate was a device used by the ACA plan to expand the pool of healthy people in the system to keep prices down.

The Electoral College Problem

By Darlene Mitchell February 23, 2020 May 6, 2020 Democrats, Donald J. Trump, President, Electoral College, Gerrymandering, Republicans, Voter Suppression, Voting

The Electoral College Problem

By D. S. Mitchell

Losing While Winning

I believe whoever wins the most popular votes should become president of the United States. Unfortunately, with the Electoral College system that is not what happens. Twice in the last five elections the candidate that became president of the United States lost the popular vote. Donald Trump, won by less than 80,000 votes in four key electoral college states. He simultaneously lost the national popular vote by nearly 3 million votes.

The GOP Solution

The Electoral College system has become a tool for the Republicans in their effort to lock in one party control of government. Elie Mystal in a recent editorial in The Nation magazine wrote the GOP solution to changing demographics is to “forge a new theory of government where the rule by a white minority can withstand the popular will”. The nature of that effort was clear during Trump’s recent impeachment trial. Republicans desperate to acquit Trump wrapped their arms around a group of discredited legal theories. The Senators embraced a view of executive power and privilege, that ultimately denies our democracy and anoints a king.

Our Primary Responsibility

By Darlene Mitchell February 20, 2020 May 6, 2020 2020 Election, Caucuses, Democrats, Donald J. Trump, President, Political Parties, Politics, Primary Elections, Republicans, Voting

Our Primary Responsibility

By Wes Hessel

We Have A Choice To Make

The run up to the presidential election, this year on November 3rd is two tiered. The last pair of events in the process are the conventions of the two main political parties, where they nominate their candidates for president. Interestingly, the delegates to those conventions are chosen by a system of state primaries and caucuses.

Primarily Choosing Or, Caucus Talk-ups

To clarify the nominating process; most states hold primary elections, a few others hold caucuses. Presidential primary elections are held by the states that have them, with primary elections for state, county or municipal offices. Caucuses however, are “private” events, run by the party whose delegates are being chosen.

Trump Impeachment: Agony & Ecstasy

By Tech Help February 4, 2020 April 20, 2020 Adam Schiff, Election Interference, Ethics, Impeachment, Mike Pence, Vice-President, Nancy Pelosi, Politics, Republicans, Voting

The Senate of the United States is about to acquit president Trump of charges brought against him by the House of Representatives

The Republican Senate is about to acquit Trump of 1) abuse of power and 2) obstruction of Congress.

Trump Impeachment:

Agony & Ecstasy

The Agony

It seems the Trump impeachment has been going on forever. The never ending developments, obstruction, ignored reality, AAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!! That’s me screaming. And we unfortunately know, that no matter the evidence the Senate will ignore it. Some days I can’t stand reading all this garbage and have to stop scanning the internet. Apparently, if you’re Republican no matter Trump’s guilt, the offense isn’t bad enough. Voter tampering isn’t serious enough. AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!! That’s me screaming, again.

Phone Call Perfection

The absurdity of the Trump defense that his July 25th, 2019 call to Ukrainian President Zelensky was “perfect,” makes me want to kick a stump but I don’t want to break my foot. Trump’s plot to withhold needed financial aid from a desperate Ukraine had two goals. First, he wanted the Ukrainians to announce an investigation into his political rival, Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Secondly, Trump wanted to implicate the Ukraine in the 2016 election tampering instead of the Russians. Both goals are outrageous and corrupt. Nothing serious enough to have an impeach hearing over. WTF? Sorry, I can’t think of anything more serious than election fraud. Back in a minute, I have to hurl.

Overturn Valid Election

Seriously! Back to AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!! I’m on the back porch, screaming. The Republican idea that the entire Trump impeachment process is to overturn an election is a fairy tale. Why on earth would anyone with a brain think Pence is a prize? We all want to get rid of Trump so we can have someone even worse? I hear this stupid argument day in and day out. I guess I’m wondering why America would want to overturn an election. The Dems could have just ignored all the crimes and waited until the election if that was the goal. Let’s get it straight, Trump was impeached because he’s a cheat, a criminal, and a dumb ass clown.

Loyalty to Trump Not U.S.

What the F! One of the criticisms I have of the House Manager’s prosecution is that no one mentioned that the witnesses against Trump are Republicans. Most of them Trump appointees. Trump is so ‘effn dumb. All of the audio, video and eyewitness testimony has been filed by Republicans. Trump is the kind of boss that would make me spend all my time devoted to malicious compliance. All while looking for a better job. The idea that even being a lifelong Republican isn’t important because your loyalty now has to be to Trump. Trump only. If you haven’t kissed the royal ring, and the royal ass you aren’t Trumpian enough. Seriously, we are looking at cult behavior.

The Ecstasy

Whatever the outcome of the Trump impeachment hearing, this has been an extremely damaging scenario for the president. Day after day new information is leaked to the media pointing to Trump’s guilt and I presume this will continue ad nauseam until he is out of office. I call it the scandal a day presidency. So there is definitely some good with the bad in this whole drama. Sometimes I just think if we just sit back and wait Trump will accidentally confess to something even Republicans believe is impeachable. “Hey, Donald! I found some more rope, you want some?”

Twitter

The Trump impeachment has sent the president’s Twitter account into overdrive. He has been spouting idiocies on his Twitter feed for years but the recent ones are a joy to behold. I enjoy watching him embarrass himself day after day with poor grammar, lousy spelling and idiotic ramblings, When I’m tired and can’t sleep, I read Trump tweets instead of counting sheep. Then when I do fall asleep it’s with a smile on my face. What a moron! By the way, he has tweeted Schiff, Pelosi and Bolton are all “going to pay for their part in the Trump impeachment”. His Twitter feed is full of threats, hate and lies.

Obstruction Shenanigans

His recent admission that “we have all the material. They don’t have the material,” is scary. He is talking here, about evidence. This is an admission of obstruction of Congress. Trump has made obstructing the impeachment process into an art form. It really scares me that the Republicans are willing to aid the president in suppressing the voices of fact witnesses. Especially since they have to throw so many loyal Republicans (Vindman, Sondland, Bolton, Mattis, Kelly) under the bus to protect the President.

Comedy Gold

The Trump impeachment is comedy gold for the late night comedians As you can see, I’m trying to keep a good sense of humor until the next election. Trump isn’t going to be removed from office until then. Hopefully, this is Trump and his Republican followers last hurrah. We will have to wait for the last laugh until Trump is out of office and the Congress has been cleansed of the Trump cultists, but I believe it is coming. I know most Americans can’t keep focused on anything for more than a week, but I am hopeful that, on this issue, the issue of Trump’s character will be the major topic in the 2020 election. There is a price for ignoring the 63% of Americans who wanted witnesses called and documents presented. The majority of Americans wanted to see an actual trial. Vote and make sure we, the People, have the last laugh.

The Trump Impeachment Trial

Now we come to the impeachment trial phase and Republican obfuscation. Republicans say they have no need for documents or witnesses. They heard the House testimony and it’s not enough. They’re going to acquit Trump. With that in mind, new evidence, such as the phone records by Lev and Igor and Bolton’s book revelations are being blatantly ignored. So annoying. Join me in my prayer that Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul and Lindsey Graham develop anal warts.

The Fallout

Republicans are playing with impeachment fire. The arrogance of the Republican lawmakers is alarming. They are literally willing to ignore, and in some cases bury the evidence, but the public is not. Since 51-56% of Americans believe Trump should be impeached and removed from office the Republicans risk losing their Senate majority in the upcoming election. All in all this could be a very good year for Democrats and November may give them the House, Senate and the Presidency. If we don’t F it up!

David L. Shadrick is a regular contributor to Calamity Politics.

A Veteran’s Day Message

By Tech Help November 11, 2019 May 17, 2020 Ethics, Lies and Corruption, Politics, Ukraine Gate, War and Conflict

“I am a patriot and it is my sacred duty and honor to advance and defend our country irrespective of party or politics.” -Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman

A Veteran’s Day Message

By David L. Shadrick

Veteran’s Day

So today myself and many other Veterans will dress formally, honor the fallen and eat all kinds of free food. Happy Veteran’s Day! Of course, I say the last part in jest. This year there is another kind of hero and they are under attack. I’d like to talk about these heroes. These men and women who need to be remembered and supported today.

Victims of Rhetoric

Veteran’s Day is a time to set aside political differences and celebrate our fallen heroes. Strangely enough, I want you to honor some of the stanchest conservatives of all time. POW John McCain, Ambassador and Bronze Star recipient William B. Taylor, and purple heart winning veteran, Lt Col Alexander S, Vindman are under attack from all sides of the conservative spectrum. Of all things, they are accused of being secret liberals out to overthrow the Trump government.

Not Your Cup of Tea

While these men that I ask you to show support and respect for are not people I’d expect to see voting my agenda, they are heroes. Their patriotism cannot be denied. They were wounded, suffered untold tragedy and came out the other side. It doesn’t matter to me what their political leanings may be, they need our support on Veteran’s Day, and every day that follows.

Betrayal

As a veteran myself, the idea that loyal Conservatives would be attacked and demeaned by other Conservatives is scary. Suddenly, it’s not did you vote Democrat, but did you vote for the correct Conservative. Any Conservative appointed by Bush or Reagan, is now not loyal enough for our criminal regime. Happy Veteran’s Day from the Trump administration!

Support

As you celebrate your Veteran’s Day please keep these heroes in your thoughts. They have been betrayed by their command. They have proven and continue to prove their patriotism and bravery every day. Send tweets and posts. Pick up the phone and call your Representative. Whether you agree with their politics, or not, no one should ever question their loyalty. Stop the personal attacks on the impeachment witnesses.

Veteran’s Day Itself

I just want to stress the importance of Veteran’s Day itself. This isn’t just a three-day weekend for veterans. I don’t know any veteran who hasn’t lost a friend. Even though I never saw combat, I served overseas. I lost friends. Friends that stayed in the service after I got out and ended up not making it home. Friends like Airman Jacobson.

Jacobson

For me I always think of Airman Sara Jacobson on Veteran’s Day. After my eight years in the Army, I drove a cab for awhile. Jacobson was often one of the MP’s who checked my shuttle going in and out of Goodfellow Air Force Base, San Angelo, TX. She was nice. She was funny. She was nineteen years old. She and my ex-wife were good buds. I literally saw Sara Jacobson 5 days a week for a year and a half, before she deployed. They named the South Gate at Goodfellow in her honor, after a roadside bomb killed her in Iraq. I’m crying while I write this. I can’t help myself. Pardon my melancholy.

Final Thoughts

Today will be a good day. I mean I’m going to Denny’s for breakfast, Olive Garden for lunch and Golden Corral for dinner. Enjoy the three-day weekend, they don’t come often. Just pray for our heroes under attack, for the ones we have so tragically lost and those yet to come. Remember to thank a veteran. Just as importantly, remember the service of those you may disagree with politically. We all know there are no liberals or conservatives on the battlefield.

MITT ROMNEY FINALLY SPEAKS OUT

By Darlene Mitchell October 4, 2019 May 18, 2020 Election Interference, Ethics, Mitt Romney, Politics, Ukraine Gate, Voting, Whistleblower Complaint

By D. S. Mitchell

This is the strongest reprimand I have seen from any GOP Senator. It took awhile to wrestle the rebuke from the Senator, but he looked in the mirror and knew he could not continue to remain silent. Thank you @MittRomney for your strong words.

KOCH BROS: Corruption & Hypocrisy

By Darlene Mitchell September 3, 2019 May 18, 2020 Charles Koch, Conservatism, Domestic Policy, Ethics, Politics, Social Issues

By Trevor McNeil & D.S. Mitchell

Kernel of Truth

The old adage that “only the good die young” was confirmed with the death of David Koch at the age of 79. David Koch, and brother Charles, formed the two-headed demon that led one of the most unethical and unprincipled companies in modern memory. Which is saying something with the likes of Enron as competition. Though, to be fair, like them or hate them, no one at Enron, as far as is known, used their vast fortune to fund and push for extreme hard right libertarian political ideology of small government and anti-regulation to transform U.S. government policy.

The Company We Keep

A group of hard Right, hyper-“patriotic”, pseudo-Christians emerged with the Obama election. These folks identified themselves as the “Tea Party”. They were a cranky group of hustlers and howlers who seem to think the parable goes “turn the other cheek; and then pull a Glock”. A bit of a turn on the standard evangelical prayer group.

News That Bites: Try A Little Kindness

By Tech Help August 18, 2019 May 18, 2020 Bigotry, Conservatism, Dali Lama, Democrats, Social Issues

Try A Little Kindness

By David L. Shadrick

Hello and welcome to Calamity Politics and “News That Bites” with David Shadrick and Calamity Clown. Calamity has stood us up. She sent me a note scribbled on the back of a Nancy Pelosi fund raising letter telling me she intended to spend the afternoon curled up in Bernie Sanders’ lap, while he reads his “Medicare4All” plan aloud.

It Ain’t Easy

This is probably the hardest article I have ever tried to write. It shouldn’t be that hard to simply remind everyone that we all need to be a little bit nicer to each other. As the world around us experiences the chaos that is existence, we need to remember to take a few extra minutes to embrace kindness, as a life choice.

Reserve Your Condemnation

When I do fundraising I often times have to remind volunteers not to become agitated or angry when someone doesn’t make a donation, or worse, is disrespectful. I remind them that there are so many charities begging for money; and people have limited resources. I know what it’s like to be on a fund raisers platinum mailing list.

THE FATAL FLAW OF CONSERVATISM

By Darlene Mitchell July 3, 2019 May 18, 2020 Conservatism

JUST MY OPINION:

The Fatal Flaw Of Conservatism

By T. K. McNeil

Divided Amongst Itself

It is a fact often observed, but no less true, that America is a divided country. What is often lost is that it has always been this way. A degree of partisanship is at the very basis of a healthy democracy. Otherwise, everyone might as well vote for the same person or party, like Russia. For democracy to be at its very best there needs to be a choice with a clear difference. There is, however, a fatal flaw of Conservatism.

Fatal Flaws

What people are taking note of in America today is just how stark the differences have become. Political disagreements and street protests often devolve into fatal violence. This despite the clear weaknesses of the ideals of liberalism and the more subtle but fatal flaw of conservatism.