I am so sick of the media and all those over-paid talking heads thinking each election victory means the demise of losing party. The election of Barack Obama did not end conservative thought and power any more than the recent Scott Brown victory means the death of progressive thought.
Opposing political persuasions have been winning and losing American elections since 1776, and neither end of the spectrum is ever going to triumph for longer than a decade. Americans are far too fickle to stay with one thing for very long.
The GOP right IS struggling for some form of identity - are they tea-bag nut jobs or reasonable Goldwater Republicans? Pat Robertson crazy or Bob Dole normal? Michelle Bachman looney-tunes or Christine Todd Whitman educated? They've got their hands full, but they aren't going to disappear because the Dems have control of Congress.
And the Democrats must learn to stick to their progressive guns, instead of letting one little GOP victory get their panties in a twist. They need to stop using GOP talking points and focus on what is moral and right about liberal values. But in the meantime, progressives all over America are not giving in because a conservative took Ted Kennedy's seat.
And on a universal healthcare note:
On March 1st, the General Assistance healthcare plan in Minnesota is coming to an end. We will have thousands of low-income folks barred from receiving any subsidized healthcare. Headlines this week said "hospitals and law enforcement are bracing for the impact". This is thanks to conservative Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who is "balancing" the budget on the backs of low and moderate income families. Property taxes are through the roof because he has cut state aid to pretty much everything.
My hours at work were put back to 20, which makes me eligible for benefits again, BUT with the reduction in hours comes, of course, lower pay and a lowered amount the district will put toward my premium. So, get this, it will cost me $200 per month plus my entire paycheck to keep my benefits! Yes, I will OWE my employer $200 a month for my health insurance. Now if that's not crazy, what is? I'd rather pay that in taxes for a single-payer universal plan that covers everyone.
6 comments:
We've got most all the important things in this country bass ackwards.
It's all pure craziness!
But Mnmom, that just makes too much sense and will never do.
Hubby loves your pictures in this post.
OMG, that is so crazy. Seriously. There has got to be a better way in this country.
That is so ridiculous. A month after i bought my house, we found out we had to take mandatory unpaid leave almost every month before July. Looks like I'm giving plasma now. Grrrr.
I really think you need to share your story with Al and Amy- they need to have your story when they fight for healthcare reform. Its just not acceptable that you have to owe them money just to provide care for your family.
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