posted on March 5, 2004 06:36:42 PM new
I personaly know five people that have become unemployed since bush took office. One in Texas just lost her long time manufacturing job this week.Two of the five have found employment recently after being out of work for nearly two years and one found a job after only a month and one is still unemployed after over a year.Of course the newly unemployed is looking for a job as well. All of them were high paying jobs lost and of the ones that found work only one found a comparable job. The others simply had to make do and make less than half what they made before.Not making ends meet.
Three of them fell off the unemployment rolls long before finding work and one of them is still unemployed and also off the unemployment rolls.Unemployment numbers are meaningless in my eyes.
These are not lazy people nor are they all liberals though none of them will be voting for bush this time around...at least that is what they say.
NAFTA was bush 1's baby but I really wish that Clinton had not signed it...that is the biggest thing I hold against him.
posted on March 5, 2004 09:18:13 PM new
About job loss, just today I watched a C-Span program, Senate hearing on job outsourcing, etc. Men from the Electrolux plant in Michigan (highly profitable plant) just learned the whole plant is going to Mexico. BUT Electrolux just developed some new products and they want the Michigan guys to work the bugs out before they move! What gall. My husband suggests, half seriously, that the Michigan workers sabotage the new products. I guess it'd be tempting.
It's true that corporate America doesn't much care about gay marriage. Corporate America doesn't much care about the average worker, either, in my book.
___________________________________
Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day; teach that person to use
the Internet and he
won't bother you for weeks.
posted on March 6, 2004 09:10:57 AM new
Rawbunzel, if your still here. Remember when they were laying off all those people ( I believe it was 100-200???) at the Expierence Music Project at the Seattle Center, you know that thing that Paul Allen built. Anyway was looking in the Times classifieds, and here is an ad for a couple more people to work at the EMP?!?
(I didn't understand that one, because it was for the same jobs they *said* they were laying off for)
I asked Mike this question, he said, yeah, they let go one person. Then he said it was because of his age!! And Mike is the same age as this guy. I asked what happened to him, he said he got a job in IT over Cinnabon.
My youngest was in banking, loan officer, she had trained in Medical, but went to work for WA Mutual bank. Now, she just 'fell' into real estate, well not exactly RE she is going to be a 'leasing consultant' for one of the huge corps that own a bunch of apts. She's quitting the bank job for this because it pays more
Its not that I don't know a lot of people in RL, I do. I just haven't seen any layoffs with people I personally know. Knock on wood I guess
__________________________________
"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."- Carl Sagan
posted on March 6, 2004 10:07:25 AM new
NTS - Same here. That's why I asked the question. None of the people I know, their friends, family members, their children's friends, etc. have been laid off. I think it's like some here have said before....say something often enough and people will believe it, whether it's true [as bad as] some say or not.
--------
Most of the layoffs we read about are coming from manufacturing jobs...and they're going overseas...agreed. But this is happening because of all our trade agreements, which **both parties have approved of and voted for**. Not because President Bush has done something or not done something.
Our nation is going through a re-evaluation period and beginning to discuss whether these trade agreements were the way we should have gone. Discussing the positive and negatives are healthy. We recognize we're losing jobs to foreign countries. And the 'what' to do about it is what's being quesioned and what concerns so many American's.
But to put the **full** blame on **all** the job loses because they've occured under this administration is a faulty position to hold, especially when it was a Democrat president that signed a bill into being that started this whole process. And not only NAFTA either.
And what do we hear Kerry's going to do to replace all these lost jobs? I've asked several times and have yet to hear/read an answer? Has Kerry said he's going to reverse the NAFTA type trades we currently have? If not, how's he plan on reversing this trend?
I've read economists who say free trade is the only way we will survive. Then there are those like Cheryl's Mr. K who state up front they should all be stopped and some economists agree with his position.
But what is KERRY going to do differently than this President is doing, really is the important question. What direction is he planning on taking this country when it comes to creating jobs?
posted on March 6, 2004 10:21:05 AM new
In your little focused world you don't see job losses so it doesn't affect you so you think it must all be made up.
That is like saying "I don't see any teenagers having sex. Do you see any teenagers having sex? No? Well, that must mean that no teenagers are having sex."
posted on March 6, 2004 10:59:48 AM newThere aren't that many new jobs being created. Do any of you wonder about the future when there is so much outsourcing of jobs now? The "immigrants" from Mexico and South America will work for lower wages so that may have a big effect on remaining jobs. From what I've read they can also get into your universities quite easily and better themselves.
Those were my exact words about jobs, Linda. Where did I bash President Bush? I was just asking people what they thought. If you are assuming I'm a Kerry supporter you are WRONG, I said I don't fully support anyone.
In fact Trai said the following and that's what I believe.
I think the point that Kiara was making is that no one can be happy with everything any of them do.
I've stated a couple of times already why I started this topic and it's comforting to know that some who support President Bush don't agree with all his policies.
When I read some things that are written the words "blind devotion" come to mind. You seem to be his biggest supporter and nothing is wrong with that. It's just that you come across that everyone else is wrong to even question the President's policies because he knows best. Isn't that a bit dangerous way of thinking?
posted on March 6, 2004 11:19:05 AM new
That's so true, Kiara. It's dangerous to place so much unconditional faith in a politician....especially in one who has done nothing right.
posted on March 6, 2004 11:34:03 AM new
Kiara - I have no problem being a strong Bush supporter. I think that's common knowledge here. I think if he's not re-elected this country is in grave danger. I have posted on the issues I'm not in agreement with him on. The fact that YOU'VE missed them is not my fault.
But I certainly support most of what he stands for....as opposed to the idiot from Mass. who can't take a stand on most issues without change his position according to who he's speaking to. I wouldn't support him if he were a republican.
Just like it's common knowledge, by posts made here, who supports this president and who hates him. I haven't noticed you saying anything positive about our President. So...it works both ways.
I was not trying to assume anything. If it came across to you that way, then I appologize to you. There are many who post here who I don't know how they'll vote, and that includes you [or even if you can vote in the US at all].
Some here agree with some of this administrations policies and not others. I really don't care who leans which way. But I will continue to debate with anyone who I believe is either making untrue statements about him, or who can't be objective enough to see that some things are done by BOTH parties.
I was pointing out to you that I have repeatedly asked this same question and no one has answered. Then in my last sentence I directed the question to you. Asking if you'd like to point the answer out, SINCE NO ONE ELSE HAS.
posted on March 6, 2004 11:43:31 AM new
Kiara - To be more clear....
Those were my exact words about jobs, Linda. Where did I bash President Bush?
Where did I accuse YOU of bashing President Bush in this thread?
I didn't. You, youself, assumed when I said 'his supporters' that I meant you. I didn't say YOU....re-read my post. And if you're not one of his supporters then YOU took it the wrong way.
posted on March 6, 2004 11:47:06 AM new"I have continally asked to be enlightened by anyone on just what Kerry plans on doing to creat more jobs?"
That's what I'd like to know from Bush. He says he'll create 3 million jobs if re-elected. Why doesn't he start NOW? What is he waiting for? When he was running, he said he was going to bring both parties together and unify the country. I've never seen a more split America. I mean, what more does Bush have to do to let you know he's a bs-er?
posted on March 6, 2004 12:05:58 PM new
KD - President's don't *directly* creat jobs themselves....companies do. You know....all the tax incentives/breaks some here scream about corporations getting?
That's what creates jobs...and just like in CA companies leave and go elsewhere when that states taxes get to high.
Just as during the clinton administration he didn't creat the tech boom. New innovations did....a new technology. That created more jobs....but clinton had no hand in that.
And imo, this President HAS been working on job creation....but there are never many jobs when a country is in a recession. That recession started when clinton was still our President. And has continued.
What is President Bush doing about it? What do you think the tax cuts, that many scream about, are all about? Creating jobs. And there is improvement in our economy. But right now it's not creating the number of jobs it always has in the past. Many economists aren't sure why.
All this political BS that we keep hearing about the tax cuts is overlooking the fact that, first; many small businesses - those that hire people when business is up- are the one's that will be paying more taxes IF a democrat [Kerry] comes into office and takes these tax benefits away. They want to raise taxes, cut corporate tax benefits etc. This is not going to create job growth.
My position is, in time and because the job market always is slow to follow economic growth, there will be more jobs. But this is an election year and that's pretty much all the dems have to use against Bush. So...they play it for all it's worth. [naturally]
Maybe YOU'D like to answer my question about how Kerry plans on doing this. I know you don't agree with how this President is running things. Have you read or heard what he's going to do differently?
posted on March 6, 2004 12:11:23 PM newThat's so true, Kiara. It's dangerous to place so much unconditional faith in a politician....especially in one who has done nothing right.
Helen
ahhhhh yes. So much better to support ANY candidate unconditionally...no matter his position as long as he's a democrat.
Especially since now it looks like your only choice is going to be KERRY....or to not vote at all. And even dems aren't sure what positions he REALLY stands firm on.
But hold that party line, helen....unconditionally.
posted on March 6, 2004 12:16:35 PM new
Linda says
I didn't. You, youself, assumed when I said 'his supporters' that I meant you. I didn't say YOU....re-read my post. And if you're not one of his supporters then YOU took it the wrong way.
Before that, Linda said
You couldn't be more WRONG, Kiara.
Linda, then you went on with your little rant about sarcasm, so yes I assumed you were talking to me as you addressed me. You ended it with Want to enlighten me yourself?
Okay, to be safe here I assume you're not addressing ME but I will say I don't hate President Bush. I don't hate anyone. In fact I've always liked all the US presidents but I will be honest and say that I have never liked Bush. The first thing I noticed about him was that he didn't seem very intelligent. And he always acts so self-righteous and he acts like a tough teenage boy when he talks. "Bring 'em on" is an example. I don't like the fact that he uses his religion to govern the country. Didn't he say that God told him to attack Iraq?
I think he's a dangerous leader and very power happy. I don't agree with the war in Iraq and especially that they went in so fast they didn't even bother to have plans for what has happened afterwards. The blame doesn't lie with the military but with the political leadership.
I think the US is in such a big mess now that it's going to take years to get back on track and I seriously wonder if anyone can do it and I doubt that they even know where to start.
posted on March 6, 2004 12:49:34 PM new
Kiara - This was your comment that I felt was sarcastic....and directed at me.
In your little focused world you don't see job losses so it doesn't affect you so you think it must all be made up. In MY little world? I've very well read on most of the political issues, and just because I hold a different opinion that most here do is no reason for you to state 'in your little focused world'.
Then you went on with your little rant about sarcasm. So I'm not allowed to say so when I judge someone's making a sarcastic comment to me now? I will comment back. And it wasn't a rant.
You ended it with Want to enlighten me yourself? What are you saying here...that questioning someone isn't appropriate now?
"Bring 'em on" is an example. Then I guess you don't like KERRY copying that statement from Bush now either.
I don't like the fact that he uses his religion to govern the country. Didn't he say that God told him to attack Iraq?
No, matter of fact that's another false accusation that other's have also made and I've said "show me his words". He AND CLINTON, being Christians have both made public statements they ask their God for his guidence in making the right decisions/in leading the country. NO DIFFERENT.
And on all the rest of your statements, you just like everyone here are free to state their opinions. Do you really think others haven't read your opinions in the past to draw their own conclusions on how you feel about this President? I personally don't care, as I said above. But when mis-statements are made I will point them out.
Also another point I hope to make clear here is that because you appear to hold the opinion that my support for this President is unconditional [helen's words] but you've said almost the same thing doesn't mean that's the truth. What you see here is mostly areas of debate, argument, about things Bush is doing wrong. Since I support his presidency I respond to those mis-statements.
How I've always selected who gets my vote is by making a list of the issues. The man who supports most of the issues I agree with gets my vote. It's not unconditional nor without serious thought.
posted on March 6, 2004 01:14:16 PM new
Linda, just so you know, I don't mind that you think I'm being sarcastic.
What you see here is mostly areas of debate, argument, about things Bush is doing wrong. Since I support his presidency I respond to those mis-statements.
Linda, there is seldom any debating here at the RT. Everything anyone says about President Bush that you don't agree with is considered a "mis-statement", even when backed up with facts.
There is more talk about the things he is doing wrong because there is very little to focus on about what he is doing right.
posted on March 6, 2004 01:42:12 PM new
Kiara - That's right...it's mostly opinions that are voiced here. But your religious comment was NOT correct. So I pointed it out to you. Now if helen disagreed with that statement she'd be demanding PROOF. But the double standard that runs wild here is that those who lean 'left' can make any outrageous/untrue statement they wish....and no one challenges them.
I will continue to do so with any mis-statements that are made here.
I also will continue to ask 'what would Kerry recommended doing in this case?'.....since no one appears to care whether some of his positions are the same as Bush's [gay marriage, etc] or whether he offers no solution at all.
posted on March 6, 2004 01:45:34 PM new
Kiara - There is more talk about the things he is doing wrong because there is very little to focus on about what he is doing right.
lol...not true at all. This board has more lefties than righties, is the reason....but in the real world at least 1/2 the country thinks he's doing a fine job.
I do agree that there is little or no debate on this board when it comes to the two front runners in this election. People on this board just like in the real world are very split on this issue.
No one will change anyone's mind no matter what. You ask what can or will Kerry do as far as gay marriage, Iraq problem, jobs.
There you would have to ask Kerry as I have no idea what will come out of this in the end. But once this election is over I have no idea what Bush will do either.
They all promise the moon but once in office they all seem to have a short memory.
Problem is that they can say what the voters want to hear but its another story to actually deliver the goods.
All presidents are hampered by what they can
actually do if they're not restricted by trade laws or Congress in passing laws, whatever. No one wants to upset the political donor's lobby as this could be political suicide.
posted on March 6, 2004 02:39:19 PM new
Trai - Thank you for your comments, I do appreciate your take on this.
there is little or no debate on this board
I agree.
just like in the real world are very split on this issue. Yes, I again agree.
No one will change anyone's mind no matter what. I also am aware of that. But when someone accuses a candidate of saying/doing something I know is not true. I'm going to say so. Hope an opposing opinion is still allowed here.
will Kerry do as far as gay marriage, Iraq problem, jobs. There you would have to ask Kerry Here I don't agree. I see too many blaming this President for things they say he's done wrong. And that's okay, as you say...that's their opinion. But I also think it's fair to question why they are deciding to elect a man who's positions they can't even support.
I have no idea what Bush will do either....etc. That's true to a degree, but with President Bush we know what stands he's taken and we can individually judge whether they were right or wrong. With Kerry his campaign statements are much different from his voting records. So, for me, it makes it a lot harder to believe what he says.
All presidents are hampered by what they can actually do if they're not restricted by trade laws or Congress in passing laws, whatever. Agreed that may be the case sometimes. But with a Congress and a President from the same party, more can be changed that when they're from two different parties. And like with Mr. K, at least he's honest about what changes he'd work to bring about.
Thanks for you comments. I'm almost sure you don't mean that I shouldn't be allowed to present the other side of the issues here though - to argue my values/beliefs/morals/or to present what I see as a better choice, are you?
posted on March 6, 2004 02:46:00 PM new
I guess that differences are what make democracy work- I consider myself an independent and often split the ticket when I vote- BUT- I am not a great Kerry fan and even less a Geroge Bush fan- I fell that he and the policies his cronies have pushed down our throats are going to haunt us forever- There was no reason to invade Iraq other than his VP's ties to Haliburton and oil-Sadamm was an evil dictator- there are evil dictators all over the world but they don't have the oil reserves Iraq has-
posted on March 6, 2004 03:21:42 PM new I'm almost sure you don't mean that I shouldn't be allowed to present the other side of the issues here though - to argue my values/beliefs/morals/or to present what I see as a better choice, are you?
Fly at it, you have the right to express your point of view just like anyone else. I listen and ponder over different views.
May not agree with some but thats o.k. We all look at the world through our own eyes.
posted on March 6, 2004 07:02:59 PM new
Here you go Linda ....
From John Kerry.com
Use Government Contracts for U.S. Workers. Some states have begun outsourcing government contracts. For example, New Jersey has outsourced government services to help move people from welfare to work. The idea of using taxpayer dollars to send entry-level service jobs overseas to administer a program aimed at finding domestic entry-level service jobs for welfare recipients makes no sense. John Kerry believes that U.S. Federal contracts where possible should be performed by American workers. He will direct his Cabinet Secretaries to look at procurement policies and assure wherever possible Federal contracts are not being outsourced overseas.
Stop Giving Government Contracts to Corporations Breaking the Rules. John Kerry will also make sure the Federal government does not give lucrative contracts to companies that have a record of accounting fraud – like WorldCom – or are moving offshore.
Consumers “Right to Know” on Call Center Workers. In today’s economy, consumers increasingly use the telephone or Internet to buy goods and services, inquire about transactions and bills, and get technical support or other information. More than 70 percent of customer interaction occurs in call centers and an estimated 6 million Americans work in call centers. In recent years, many call centers have shifted operations overseas, to places like India, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The US has lost 250,000 call center jobs since 2001. John Kerry wants to keep jobs on the booming call center market here in America, and help provide a measure of security for telephone and Internet consumer transactions. He believes that consumers should have a right to know where they are calling. The Federal Trade Commission enforces standards to ensure commercial compliance with “Made in USA” labeling. Kerry believes a “consumer’s right to know” should also apply the same principles of disclosure to telephone- and Internet- mediated customer service transactions.
End Every Single Tax Credit That Gives Corporations Breaks for Moving Jobs Offshore. John Kerry will close every single loophole that gives companies incentives to move jobs abroad, including stopping American companies from setting up virtual headquarters in foreign countries just to avoid paying U.S. taxes and stop tax breaks for companies that move jobs abroad.
Part of a Real Plan to Create Real Jobs
A Tax Credit to Create Manufacturing Jobs. Bush has done nothing to end incentives that encourage companies to move abroad. John Kerry supports a corporate rate reduction for manufacturers who produce goods in the U.S., and he has proposed a new jobs tax credit to encourage manufacturing companies to stay and expand in America.
More Jobs in Small Business. Bush is proposing to cut the Small Business Administration by 25 percent. John Kerry has a plan to make it easier for small businesses to get capital and loans. He also has a health care tax credit for small businesses and a comprehensive energy plan that will help businesses cut costs.
Jobs Through Energy Technology. Bush’s energy plan is a handout to big oil and fails to invest in the innovative energy technology of the future. John Kerry has a plan to invest in renewable energy and technologies that will create 500,000 jobs and make energy more affordable for businesses.
Enforce Trade Laws to Protect American Workers. George Bush supported cuts to trade enforcement, even though we need more enforcement to stop the drain on manufacturing jobs. John Kerry will crack on countries that violate trade agreements and will take action when American industries are hurt.
Make Sure Americans Can Compete in 21st Century Economy. In the 21st Century economy, many jobs will require a college degree or beyond. That is why John Kerry has a plan to make college as universal as high school with a tax credit on the first $4,000 of tuition for each year of college.
Kerry Unveils Plan to Create Manufacturing Jobs During Visit to NH Factory
October 21, 2003
For Immediate Release
SALEM, NH -
John Kerry today unveiled an agenda to revitalize the manufacturing sector in America and bring back the jobs lost during the Bush Administration. During a visit to National Aperture, Inc. in Salem, New Hampshire, Kerry called for a new direction from the current Administration and a policy that include tax cuts to create manufacturing jobs, investment in research, development and new technology, better trade enforcement and help with rising health care costs.
“Of the more than three million jobs lost since this Administration took office, two and a half million have been in manufacturing. In New Hampshire alone, the toll has been one out of every five manufacturing jobs—vanished without a trace. Today, manufacturing employment is at a more than fifty year low,” said Kerry. “I believe manufacturing in America can come back and shine as never before. But it won’t happen with the failed policies of the past. We need a President with the courage to fight for our economic future.”
“Manufacturing employment has fallen each and every month of the Bush Administration. Month after month, the job losses roll on,” said Kerry. “The problem is not just that this President’s policies are unfair or that they have driven us back into the days to deficits, debt, and doubt. The problem is that his policies just haven’t worked. And George Bush isn’t facing up to it.”
John Kerry plan to restore and revitalize the manufacturing sector of our economy includes:
Providing New Tax Cuts to Create Manufacturing Jobs in America and Closing Loopholes that Reward Moving Jobs Overseas. Kerry proposed a new jobs tax credit that would refund the payroll taxes for two years for any new employees hired at a manufacturing company and closes loopholes giving tax incentives to move jobs offshore
Invest in Research & Development and Give Tax Incentives to Help Industries Upgrade and Better Train Manufacturing Workers Double funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership that helps small and mid-size manufacturers stay competitive. The Bush Administration has proposed a 90% cut.
Increase and Better Enforce Our Trade Laws to Assure America has a Level Playing Field
Provide Relief for Manufacturers that Provide Quality Health Care and Pensions.
JOHN KERRY OUTLINES COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO RESTORE MANUFACTURING SECTOR
Criticizes President Bush for Standing By While Jobs Are Lost
Since the beginning of the Bush Administration, more than 2.5 million manufacturing jobs have been lost – an average of nearly 80,000 a month. The Bush Administration has not cracked down on countries that violate trade agreements or undermine American exports by manipulating their currencies. They have not stopped the incentives that encourage companies to move abroad. And thanks to their reckless fiscal policy, Japan and China are now the largest holders of U.S. debt, giving them more leverage over our economy. John Kerry is outlining a four point plan to revive manufacturing in the United States.
(1) TAX BREAKS TO ENCOURAGE MANUFACTURERS TO STAY IN THE U.S. AND TO CREATE NEW JOBS.
Stop Incentives to Move American Jobs Abroad. John Kerry will save jobs by ending the unpatriotic practice of U.S. corporations moving jobs offshore (known as inversions) to avoid paying their fair share of taxes and assure these inverters don’t get government contracts or any other perks or incentives from the government.
A New Manufacturing Jobs Credit. John Kerry supports the Crane-Rangel-Hollings legislation, which provides a corporate rate reduction to manufacturers who produce goods in the U.S. He has proposed a new jobs tax credit (payroll taxes for two years for additional hires) to encourage manufacturing companies to expand in America.
(2) STRONG ENFORCEABLE TRADE THAT WORKS FOR AMERICA.
Assure Trading Partners Play by the Rules. Some nations have consistently violated agreements by the World Trade Organization, such as taking unfair actions to block U.S auto companies from selling in their markets. This Administration has not used the available remedies to crack down on these violations and help U.S industries, John Kerry would.
Stop Countries from Manipulating Currency. John Kerry believes we must use the full force of the World Trade Organization to take on countries, such as Japan and China, that are manipulating their currency to undermine U.S. exports.
Enforce and Strengthen Intellectual Property Protections. In the 21st economy, the U.S. relies more heavily on international partnerships and joint ventures. Intellectual property protections are essential in this environment so that companies can share their technology without losing control of it.
Break Down Barriers in Key Export Markets. This Administration has done little to open key export markets in places like Japan and Korea. For example, auto exports to Japan are still essentially blocked by complicated rules. John Kerry would use the available tools, including Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, WTO remedies, and diplomatic measures to open these markets.
Review Existing Trade Agreements and Require New Agreements to Contain Labor and Environmental Standards. John Kerry will also order an immediate 120 day review of all existing trade agreements to ensure that our trading partners are living up to their labor and environment obligations and that trade agreements are enforceable and are balanced for America’s workers. He will consider necessary steps if they are not and he will not sign any new agreements until the review is complete. John Kerry will also not sign any new trade agreements unless they contain strong labor and environmental standards.
(3) ASSURE A STRONG MANUFACTURING SECTOR FOR THE FUTURE.
Tax Incentives and Subsidies to Develop Energy Efficient Products. Kerry will create hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs by investing in the new energy opportunities of the future. His plan provides tax credits and subsidies to manufacturers to develop new energy efficient automobiles and appliances.
Double the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). We know that the MEP helps make American manufacturers competitive. Yet this Administration has proposed to cut it nearly 90 percent. John Kerry has proposed to double funding for the MEP and he would make it easier for small manufacturers to get loans and encourage investment by getting rid of capital gains tax for equity investments.
Assure Better Training and Retraining Programs for Manufacturing Workers. To keep the manufacturing sector strong, America needs a workforce with cutting edge skills, training, and knowledge. Kerry would: (1) assure adequate Trade Adjustment Assistance to help workers transition; (2) encourage students studying high-tech fields to work in the manufacturing by repaying a portion of student loans if they do; and (3) encourage better math and science instruction in our schools.
(4) RELIEF FOR MANUFACTURERS THAT PROVIDE QUALITY HEALTH CARE AND RETIREMENT.
Supporting a Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit That Rewards Retiree Coverage. Kerry believes a prescription drug benefit should relieve employees from high drug costs by counting retiree coverage toward any cost-sharing. In the current benefit it does not.
Controlling the Cost of Health Care - Saving Workers Up to $1,000 on Health Care. We need to stop the spiraling cost of health care to assure our employers can stay competitive in the global economy and so families can afford health care. Kerry has proposed a new 'premium rebate' pool that will give employees up to $1000.
Cutting Greed to Bring Down Rx Prices. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) process hundreds of millions of pharmaceutical claims, giving them lots of leverage. Kerry’s plan would require transparency rules to clearly show what PBMs receive from the industry.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on March 6, 2004 07:59:52 PM new
Kiara, I have always enjoyed good sarcasm.
I am SO sure that my 56 year old sister would love to be an auto mechanic.LOLOLOL
Those 5 unemployed are just in my family. I do know even more that have been unemployed in these last couple of years but I only counted family. The fellow across the street has been laid off twice. One down the block lost his house to foreclosure because he lost his job.There's more that I know of but I am not going to list them all...Linda doesn't belive it anyway... Most of these people are in their fifties...that is why they can't get any jobs I suppose.We are solidly middle class. It is the middle class that is suffering the most right now and anyone past 45 better hope and pray they do not lose their job around here either.How can they expect people to work into their 70's when no one will hire them?
NTS, that awful building of Paul Allans? I hate that thing. Looks like a giant crumpled pop can dropped from the sky. That does happen a lot, lay offs designed to get rid of the older workers.I've seen it up close and personal myself. Sad .Older workers need to make house payments too.
Linda, I have always been an independant. I've told you that over and over. But I do not like bush and will vote against him no matter who is running. I do not like ashcroft, Cheney , Perle or any of his other re-run cohorts. The only way to get rid of them is to get rid of bush. I feel this country is in grave danger if bush is re-elected. He has done so much to destroy our reputation around the world.He is a pathetic piece of work and he lies and lies and people on the right eat it up. He has done nothing to help the job market and even though a president cannot make jobs the climate they create in the country with their policies can. He has terrible policies. Of course this is JMHO and nothing for you to take seriously as I am sure you won't. I don't care.
I am mad at bushs policies. The country is too divided and it seems to me that everyone is walking around with a cloud over them. The joy has left the faces of the people I see.
I am not fond of Kerry either I wish almost anyone else would win the nomination for the democratic party.Still he is better than bush and co.
posted on March 6, 2004 08:11:00 PM new
Rawbunzel, LOL! I was afraid you may have liked it, and been offended by my calling it 'that thing' LOL, but it is fugly! (talking about the EMP) I loved Hendrix music, but this thing is awful!
I am sorry that the people you know have lost their jobs. I'm at a loss as to what to say on more people losing their jobs because of Bush ( I understand, you don't like him, looks like at least 1/2 don't either) but I don't blame the unemployment 'rise' on him.
As you know as well as me, its expensive anywhere in the Seattle area to live..... was downtown and in the north end today, and we both went 'you know, I love Seattle, but would love to get out' the traffic, the prices, and yes, sometimes the people... Mikes the one that complains the most, he says the people are have this 'nose-in-the-air NW thing going' LOL!!!!!! sometimes I do see that, but then I haven't lived anywhere else this long to compare
oooops went off topic, sorry
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"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."- Carl Sagan
posted on March 6, 2004 08:30:16 PM new
NTS...now that's funny! I can't think of anyone that thinks that building is lovely to behold. Yes ~ Hendrix was great but the EMP sucks.The colors are as bad as the style.Bleech.Can't believe they actually let him build that monstrosity.
My daughter and her husband moved out to Edmonds and we would like to move out north further so we can be closer...now that I have a grandson... My son is getting married soon as well and they also live out north so I am starting to feel like we are too far away.BUT it is too expensive and crowded here local so we'll either have to move a lot further north or move out of state.Since all my family except the one sister is here I do not want to move away.
As for the nose in the air thing...I've heard of it before but since I was born and raised here I guess I don't notice it. Everyone seems friendly to me....but I don't know any different.
posted on March 7, 2004 01:00:40 PM new
Thanks fenix for those articles - Found this opinion of some of Kerry's positions.
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Is John Kerry A Liberal?
by Rob Kaper, Mon February 9, 2004 5:15pm PST
op-ed: Neil says John Kerry is a liberal, and I have to agree. I think even John Kerry agrees, according to his 100 Days to Ruin America plans:
Issue: National Education Trust Fund:
Kerry's position: We will make a new deal on education if Washington is going to mandate something for our schools, then the funding should be mandatory.
Op-ed: America already spends fortunes on education. It's not the funding that is the problem, it's the results. Only a liberal would think spending more money solves everything.
Issue: National Service
Kerry's postion: We will fight to allow students to earn four years of college tuition in exchange for two years of national service.
op-ed: John Kerry's plan will require mandatory national service for high school kids and enlist a million Americans in service a year. Mandatory service isn't freedom. Only a liberal would even dare to propose communism where rewards can be earned by mandatory employment by the state.
Issue: End of the 'Era of Ashcroft'
Kerry's position: Immediately after the election, John Kerry will name a new Attorney General whose name is not John Ashcroft. Because God forbid we'd do something about terrorism. Before you let our guard down, Mr. John 'The Liberal' Kerry, where are the examples of the "all-out assault on individual rights"? Other than your own proposed mandatory service, that is.
Issue: Energy Independent
Kerry's position: Kerry will also put forward a plan to make the U.S. energy independent of Middle East oil in ten years and create 500,000 jobs by investing in energy renewable sources, such as ethanol, solar, and wind.
op-ed: If alternative energy sources were profitable or necessary, the free market would already have developed them. If not, they can only exist with government funding. Only a liberal would insist knowing better than entrepreneurs and demand that tax payers share his vision. And never mind we're probably not allowed to drill in Alaska or Texas either.
Issue: Rejoin the Community of Nations
Kerry's position: We will immediately declare the Bush policy of unilateralism over and work to rebuild our shattered alliances all across the globe.
op-ed: Did I miss the memo were the US left the UN? The UNSC unanimously signed resolution 1441, there are 38 coalition partners in Iraq and even Germany is helping us in Afghanistan.. only a liberal and an extreme idiot would call US actions "unilateral".
Issue: Affordable Health Care
Kerry's position: John Kerry's first major proposal to Congress will be a realistic plan that stops spiraling healthcare costs, covers every child in America, and makes it possible for every American to get the same health care as any Member of Congress.
op-ed: I have to wonder how immediate previous issues were if this will be Kerry's first, but I'm somewhat curious to see how he will succeed to give Americans more for less. There is no miracle plan that covers more and more Americans at fewer and fewer costs. If there is going to be a Kerry presidency, this will be his first major failure.
Issue: Reward creation of Jobs
Kerry's position: We will work to reward companies that create jobs by helping with health care costs, a new manufacturing jobs tax credit and new assistance for small businesses.
op-ed: Read: we will make government bigger with more bureaucracy and raise taxes. The amount of jobs will be more important than the total GDP of the country, even if it means employing people to do nothing. It worked for Soviet Russia, after all. Smirk.
Issue: Create a Middle Class Economy
Kerry's position: We will fight to repeal the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans so that we can invest in education and health care.
op-ed: Equality over opportunity. How liberal can you go, John Kerry?
Issue: Cut the Deficit In Half
Kerry's position: We will put forward a budget to restore fiscal sanity, eliminate corporate welfare, and cut the deficit in half in four years.
op-ed: So we get a list of issues that require more spending than is the case under the Bush administration, cripple the economy by taxing those who are able to invest in it.. and somehow the deficits will melt away like snow in the sun? Maybe I was wrong. John Kerry is not a liberal, he's Santa Claus.
Issue: End Influence Peddling
Kerry's position: We will reinstate the five-year ban on lobbying so that government officials - like Bushs former campaign manager and FEMA director - cannot cash in by peddling influence.
op-ed: Dude, you're a representative. You're supposed to be influenced. Only a liberal would enforce his own will. Or take Chicom donations.
John Kerry a liberal? Let me sleep on it.
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though none of them will be voting for bush this time around...at least that is what they say.
that Paul Allen built. Anyway was looking in the Times classifieds, and here is an ad for a couple more people to work at the EMP?!?
but I will say I don't hate President Bush. I don't hate anyone. In fact I've always liked all the US presidents but I will be honest and say that I have never liked Bush. The first thing I noticed about him was that he didn't seem very intelligent. And he always acts so self-righteous and he acts like a tough teenage boy when he talks. "Bring 'em on" is an example. I don't like the fact that he uses his religion to govern the country. Didn't he say that God told him to attack Iraq?