I rarely listen to WBT radio in Charlotte, especially since Jeff Katz was let go. However, this morning, quite by chance, I caught the tail end of an interview of Kay Hagan by Keith Larson. Kay Hagan is a Democrat Senator from NC. Larsen did a really good job of forcing Hagan to answer questions about her support of the health care bill and about her not hosting town hall meetings. Senator Hagan provided very evasive and non commital answers. She claimed that she has an open door in her Charlotte office to answer questions from citizens, but when asked when she would be available she stated that she was going to Ted Kennedy’s funeral and had such a hectic schedule that she could not provide an answer as to when she will be available for her constituents.
This is unacceptable!
The Citizen Wells blog will get to the bottom of this and help the NC citizens hold Kay Hagen accountable.
The Charlotte Observer, today, Friday, August 28, 2009, has an article about Kay Hagen and her position on health care reform.
“Hagan held no town hall meetings over the August recess, but she noted that she held open office hours in Sanford this week in which she met in small groups with 50 to 60 residents.”
Sanford is a small city in the center of the state.
Keith Larson was trying to pin down Hagan as to when she would be available in Charlotte, the largest city in the state. He never got an answer.
Perhaps we should demand a town hall meeting from Senator Kay Hagan.
If you are a NC resident, let us know if you want a town hall meeting.
Listen live to WBT radio:
*** More on the real Kay Hagan and her disrespect for her constituents ***
Senator Kay Hagan has time for a Health Care for America Now, a radical Obama controlled organization, town hall, but not time for her hard working constituents.
CW, Thank you for posting Larson interview. You are right, it is the best I have heard.
I am very active here in Wilmington. Kay Hagan will not answer our emails, phone calls, ect. We have tried for weeks to get a commitment from her to visit Wilmington. Finally, we had a mock Town Hall without her. A video was made, and of course, sent to her. No response so far.
Congressman Steve King of Iowa held a town hall meeting recently. Apparently it was civil. After reading an article in the Daily Times Herald based in Carroll, Iowa, I would like to comment on a few statements that he made.
August 26, 2009
“Clearing some air with congressman King”
“King, who thinks Obama is clearly a native of Hawaii, addressed this issue in our interview after the town hall meeting.
Daily Times Herald: Unlike some of the town-hall meetings that are looped over and over again on cable news this one was exceedingly civil. You had some people bring up points that were obviously at odds with your viewpoint. One thing that has happened at some of these town-hall meetings that have been so highly publicized is that people have held up birth certificates and questioned the legitimacy of Obama’s presidency.
That’s not something I’ve ever seen you do, and I’ve actually heard you speak movingly about what it was like being there in January and watching Obama be inaugurated. Obviously some of these people that hold these views about Obama’s legitimacy are conservative.
Would you have any message for them? Do you think Obama’s a legitimate president, that this birther issue should be set side and that those people should move on on the issues?
Congressman King: “I spent my time before the inauguration to look into that because I thought it was the time to do so.
“We discovered working with a small group and their staff in the Library of Congress the microfiche copy of one of the two Hawaii newspapers that published the birth announcement of President Obama on Aug. 4, 1961.
“It was published on either Aug. 10 or 16. I looked at that copy, and we began to play that out on how would that actually be there in many of the public libraries in America if he wasn’t born in Hawaii.
“It almost comes down to, yes, that information could have been sent, but his mother would have had to imagine that she was protecting the interests of a future president in order to do such a thing.
“I don’t think anyone has that kind of clairvoyance, yet alone a young mother, at that time.
“I came to the conclusion that it’s improbable that Obama was not born in Hawaii as he says.
“I just don’t understand why he wouldn’t ask under Hawaiian law that the certificate of live birth, the real legitimate birth certificate, be released to the public. I’ve seen the one that they put out. It doesn’t look exactly like some of the others they’ve used to compare it.
“So I just wish the subject weren’t there. I think he could have avoided the subject if he would have just simply laid his birth certificate out.
“I don’t know what his motive for not doing that would be unless it would be something that is embarrassing, that he doesn’t want us to know, and, otherwise, I think he would have let us know. But he’s the one that has to answer that, and we have core public policy things to move forward on, and that’s not a priority of mine to dig into it.
“The truth will eventually emerge.” ”
Citizen Wells comments:
Since when does a birth announcement vet a presidential candidate?
Congressman King does question why Obama does not reveal his original long form birth certificate. However, he should demand that Obama do so.
“Daily Times Herald: You have a lot of concern about government involvement with health care. One place where that occurs right now, some would say successfully, others would have issues with it particularly in light of some of the stories that have broken in the last few weeks, is the Veterans Administration. If the government is terrible at running health care, should the services provided through the VA be privatized?
Congressman King: “I think our Veterans Administration does a good job with the health care that they deliver to our veterans. We’ve been expanding the clinic access in the district – Shenandoah and here (Carroll) and up in Spirit Lake. We continue to work on that. The standard that we want is I don’t want to see a veteran drive more than an hour to go to any clinic. That expansion’s taking place, although the Veterans Administration deserves the lion’s share of the credit.”
Citizen Wells comments:
If congressman King believes that the VA is doing a good job of health care, he is ill informed. A cursory examination of recent news reveals that there are major problems in VA hospitals. I personally know someone that was butchered in a VA hospital. I have an aunt that is active with the American Legion and she works with a lot of veterans being processed at a VA hospital. She has told me about many problems that the veterans have.
The VA hospitals have outlived their usefulness. The Government has no business managing healthcare. I am certain that if the VA hospitals were closed and the money guaranteed for the veterans at non government hospitals, the cost would go down and most important, the quality would go up.
“None of the attendees challenged Barack Obama’s constitutional legitimacy as president as has been the case elsewhere where so-called “birthers” have hijacked elected officials’ town-hall meetings to charge that Obama wasn’t born in the United States.”
Citizen Wells comment:
Note the insulting, condescending tone. Using the term birthers for concerned Americans and using the term hijacked for exercising their First Amendment rights.
Congressman King and the reporter require educating.
Thanks to commenter ccwarrior and the Count Us Out blog for the info.
** Update – This was posted by commenter JustMe **
“CW,
the VA is a sorry excuse for health care, especially given the fact the folks that gave life/limb to protect our freedom. My husband, a physician, until earlier this year could see some Veterans in private practice (after jumping through a bazillion hoops). No more! Don’t know exactly what’s changed but know that it has.
Now they have to drive great distances just to be seen in a clinic. Then must drive even greater distances (in the case of our west TX town… they must drive to another state) to have access to a hospital. None of it makes sense.
They are also having difficulty getting their meds. My husband is greatly saddened to see how these people are treated.
If we got rid of the VA system, I bet we could afford to have healthcare for all. The operating costs have to be enormous.
My gardener’s father is a Vet and has cancer. He has had to travel great distances recently just to be seen. He said the VA has written him off and referred him to hospice to die. He isn’t ready for hospice at this point. They also refused to consider a small procedure to put his “elimination system” back together that would have allowed him and his care givers an easier time.”
Question anything about Obama, his past or his policies and you are attacked. Whether you are exercising your Firstment Amendment rights at a town hall meeting or asking simple questions about Obama, like the actor Jon Voight did.
Bishop Harry Jackson: Universal Health Care ‘Reverse Classicism’
From Conservative Black Woman:
“Bishop Harry Jackson Tells The Truth About Healthcare Reform But Liberal Bloggers Are Truth-Resistant”
“Liberal bloggers at Huffpo and blackpoliticalthought (because we are all supposed to think the same thoughts, you see) are busy disparaging Bishop Jackson and accusing him of perpetuating “misinformation”. Matthew Palevsky (Huffington Post) writes “Bishop Jackson continued by picking up on a common misnomer that the right invented and then railed against, spending tax dollars to pay for abortions.” Good grief…I guess Mr. Palevsky and “DAD” (Dumb-AZZ-Donna, the condescending elitist reader), typical Obama drones have fallen for the semantic tricks of President Obama and the leftist demon-crats. Yes, it is factual that the Senate’s healthcare proposal does not specifically mandate abortion but what these deceptive azz-wipes fail to mention is that anytime Congress fails to exclude funding for abortion it is always included. Case and point, for the last 13 years no federal dollars were have been used to fund abortions in the District of Columbia because pro-life lawmakers specifically excluded abortion funding in the DC spending bill — that is until this year. The demon-crats successfully removed the exclusion so now your tax dollars are being used to kill off black babies otherwise known as genocide. Yes, I’m aware that I’m not suppose to follow the ramifications of that through to the logical conclusion because that makes me a “right wing loon” or worse. It fascinates me how this is lost on the “fight the power” “power to the people” types. I guess they trust the government now….because we have a black(ish) president and all.
I wonder how many religious leaders fell for President Obama’s “ethical and moral obligation” crap yesterday as he urged them to get behind this abominable plan? Too many I fear. But Obama is right it is a moral obligation. We are our brother’s keeper — so the government should leave it to us.”
Orwellian lies are one of the hallmarks of the socialist left in this country. Earlier today, in an article about SEIU and their so called union constitution, the Citizen Wells blog reported,
“Our nation’s healthcare crisis has touched every kitchen table, every worker, every boardroom, and every patient and continues to grow worse each day. 48 million people in the United States have no health insurance and hundreds of millions more are under-insured”
Please explain to me, how is it possible to have hundreds of millions more under-insured…unless, of course, you are including a great many from other countries.
Yesterday, August 26, 2009, the Citizen Wells blog presented an article about Obama’s ties to SEIU, a group that claims to be a union representing working people.
“SEIU,Service Employees International Union, thugs have been a prominent feature at many of the town hall meetings on health care. Did you ever wonder why they were there. This article from American Thinker on January 6, 2009, months before these town hall meetings, will shed some light on their presence.”
Today, August 27, 2009, a great commenter on this blog alerted us to another article referring to SEIU as the new mafia.
“SEIU, The New Mafia”
“We all have heard about the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) during the 2008 general election. Even more recently, the SEIU was active in being “ushers” at the Tampa town hall meeting on August 6, 2009 sponsored by Florida State Representative Betty Reed (D-Dist. 59) with special guest, Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL), on the topic of healthcare reform. It was no surprise that SEIU members acted on their best, I mean, not on their best behavior when using mafia-like tactics in preventing ANY proud American willing to practice their first amendment right of free speech.”
“Furthermore, the SEIU advocates for illegal alien employment as evidenced by their adopted amendments and resolutions from their 2008 convention in Puerto Rico! Yes, in an economic climate where LEGAL immigrants and Americans are losing their jobs, the SEIU writes “How To” guides for employers if they are subjected to an I.C.E. raid. This would partly explain their behavior at town hall meetings around the country as they do not want the COMMON SENSE voice being heard about some of the issues surrounding the healthcare crisis; i.e. illegal aliens who receive free healthcare at the American’s expense!”
“So, I’ve browsed the SEIU’s 2008 amendments and resolutions and provided specific examples of how their intended goal of promoting jobs in all industries for all people actually has counterproductive practices. On face value, this organization is just the street level thug division of the Organize for America movement which is an extension of the Obama’s 2008 campaign. In fact, I actually feel sorry for SEIU members for being exploited by the liberals to advance their agenda instead of filling their ranks with people that fully understand issues and grasp the severity of their actions.”
Obama’s SEIU Thugs Attack a Black Conservative Outside Russ Carnahan Town Hall.
The following comes directly from the SEIU constitution. There is so much unAmerican, anti business, marxists propaganda there that I had a difficult time deciding what to include.
Resolution # 102a Adopted at the 2008 SEIU Convention
Building Workers’ Strength with Comprehensive Immigration Reform
SEIU members have many reasons to stand united for comprehensive immigration reform.
All working people face lower pay and benefits when some hard-working, taxpaying workers are driven into an underground economy because they are denied legal status.
The political strength of working people is seriously undermined when millions of workers are denied the right to vote because they have no real path to citizenship.
Our primary mission – to unite all working people for a better future – cannot be achieved as long as many workers face exploitation and discrimination.
Our communities are weakened when politicians eager to exploit divisions pass laws that result in workers being denied access to drivers’ licenses and insurance or qualified high school graduates being denied a college education.
As a result of the U.S. Senate’s failure to pass comprehensive immigration reform last year, we have seen an alarming increase in local laws that target immigrant workers and their families, along with costly deportation raids that make headlines but do not realistically fix a broken system. Deportation threats without reform have pushed undocumented immigrants further into the underground economy, dividing the workforce and driving down wages and benefits for all working people.
When the Bush administration announced a federal attack on undocumented immigrant workers, including a new policy on “no match” Social Security cases, SEIU developed a tool kit and held legal trainings to educate employers and workers on their rights in the event of a worksite raid and/or “no match” letter.
As the federal crackdowns increase, so do state and local laws that target immigrant workers and fuel fear, hate, and division in communities across the country. Legislation in states such as Arizona, Oklahoma, and Virginia that deputizes local law enforcement and empower them to persecute undocumented immigrants will cost billions in taxpayer dollars, but solve nothing.
We will oppose initiatives including guest worker programs if they do not provide future immigrant workers with a safe, orderly, and legal process that includes full protection of U.S. laws and a pathway to citizenship.
SEIU members will continue to help immigrant workers organize to unite their strength with us.
Resolution # 105b Adopted at the 2008 SEIU Convention
Justice for All: Reforming Our National Healthcare System
This Moment Calls for Our Leadership
Our nation’s healthcare crisis has touched every kitchen table, every worker, every boardroom, and every patient and continues to grow worse each day. 48 million people in the United States have no health insurance and hundreds ofmillions more are under-insured, making it difficult or impossible for them to access quality health care;
SEIU will bring its full resources to this fight in the form of national membership mobilization, political action, and local resources to amplify our voice on this issue and be prepared for the real healthcare reform work that begins on November 5, 2008 with a newly elected President and Congress.
3. While we continue to defend employer-based plans that provide quality healthcare for our members, the current employer -based health care system is not a realistic foundation for 21st century health care reform, particularly given the competitive challenges of a global economy.
Further be it resolved:
To win national healthcare reform SEIU members pledge to:
Help to build and grow Healthcare United, an organization of both union and non-union nurses and healthcare workers, and support the work of Americans for Health Care — to speak out with healthcare consumers to help lead the fight.
Resolution # 106a Adopted at the 2008 SEIU Convention
Quality Public Education for All
A high quality, universal public education system is crucial to ensuring equal opportunity for our children. But our nation’s children do not have equal access to a quality public education. The opportunities provided by public schools have been selective and have excluded too many of our children. Millions of children of working families, particularly in lower income communities, do not have access to schools in which all students can thrive.
Resolution # 107 Adopted at the 2008 SEIU Convention
Rebuilding the Middle Class
Commit 50% of the growth budgets and 50% of non-growth staff during the first 100 days of the 111th • Congress toward the passage of Employee Free Choice and healthcare reform.
Resolution # 115a Adopted at the 2008 SEIU Convention
Solidarity with Latin America and the Caribbean
Today, progressive, democratically elected movements continue to grow in strength across Latin America and the Caribbean. Currently Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela are increasingly committed to fighting against poverty and illiteracy and for a more just society.
Resolution # 122 Adopted at the 2008 SEIU Convention
Resolution on the Campaign for the New American Dream
WHEREAS in February 2008, the International Executive Board endorsed Barrack Obama to become the next President of the United States, and since that time SEIU members and leaders from around the country have worked tirelessly in primaries and caucuses from Oregon to Pennsylvania, from Texas to Wisconsin, in Puerto Rico, Indiana, Ohio and other states. We have also built upon our successes in the 2006 Congressional General Elections in 2008 to preserve a democratic seat in Massachusetts, elect a progressive democratic in Maryland and make unprecedented gains in difficult congressional districts against anti-worker candidates.
SEIU will help expand the work of nonprofit entities such as Mi Familia Vota, Strengthen Our Lives (S.O.L.), and The American Dream Fund so that all working people, including immigrants, will be active and united.
This Youtube video of the town hall meeting in Kingman, AZ on August 22, 2009, hosted by representative Trent Franks, is a must see. What is compelling about this video is the US Army veteran that served in Iraq speaking the truth about our presence there, media bias from the likes of CNN and the fact that the Iraqis voted for the first time. The Army veteran also lauded the US Constitution as the law of the land and went on to praise George Bush as a much better commander in chief than Barack Obama.
Representative Franks held another town hall meeting last night, August 25, 2009. If a video surfaces from that meeting, please forward the info.
“I don’t know this guy, but I want to say thanks. And to all those who serve in the the United States Armed Forces, thank you. You sign your lives away for the freedom of others. There are no greater heroes in this country.”
The Trent Franks town hall meeting on Saturday, August 22, 2009, in Kingman, AZ is stirring up a lot of controversy. According to the Mojave Daily News, Franks was reported as saying:
“Franks said there was not enough evidence that Obama is not an American citizen. He did say there was a lot of conflicting evidence of Obama’s citizenship and that he was considering filing a lawsuit, the only congressman to do so. Franks asked why the president did not simply produce a birth certificate.””
The Citizen Wells blog has reported on the town hall meeting as well as further comments coming from representative Franks office.
A comment was posted by a citizen from AZ:
“I have emailed Rep Franks several times,…. and He has responded to me each time….by email and also snail mail letter. Pretty much saying that obama has been vetted and all is in order. MAYBE we should email him some info to WAKE UP his mind a little bit. You prepare what you want and I will make sure he gets it. I will email it and I will also send him a certified letter. WHAT do you think? (I also emailed Sen Mccain,…. but never received any response at all)”
Today we received this comment from travelbugs:
“I just got off the phone with Congressman Franks office. He said that he did not say he would pursue a lawsuit, but rather that he would pursue looking into this. I also explained that it is much more than the long form birth certificate. I further stated that he had to simultaneously ask for the college records and passport records to be opened up to fully understand the depth of this. The staffer said they have been flooded by calls today about the birth issue and he took my message down, in great detail, and promised to pass it along to the Congressman. Everyone needs to call and relay this same information. He can get a fake birth certificate, but he cannot forge the passport and college records as well. These elements are critical to bringing about the truth!”
Politico is now reporting the following:
“Franks in July: Obama ‘born in Hawaii'”
“A month before Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) told a town hall audience that there is not enough evidence that President Barack Obama is a natural-born citizen, he told an interviewer that he believes Obama was “born in Hawaii.”
According to the Mohave Daily News, on Sunday, Franks told a town hall audience in Kingman, Ariz., that there is conflicting evidence as to whether the president was born in the United States. According to the report, the Republican congressman called on Obama to produce his birth certificate and threatened to sue the president over the issue.
But in July, when a camera crew from the liberal blog FireDogLake approached Franks to ask if he believed the so-called birthers, who dispute whether Obama was born in the United States and would therefore be ineligible to serve as president, Franks made his anti-birther position pretty clear.
“I believe Barack Obama was born in Hawaii, stayed within the United States and, therefore, is a constitutionally natural-born citizen of this country,” Franks told the blog’s Mike Stark.”
I, Citizen Wells, today, August 24, 2009, submitted a request to meet with Trent Franks. I will keep you informed of what comes of this.
So, representative Trent Franks, what is your position on Obama’s eligibility and not presenting a legitimate birth certificate? Your constituents and the American public want to know.
Yesterday, the Citizen Wells blog presented an article about a town hall meeting hosted by representative Trent Franks of Arizona. Here are some exerpts:
“The other main issue dealt with numerous speakers questioning Obama’s birth certificate and why there wasn’t an investigation into whether he is a naturalized citizen. One woman said a newspaper announcement of his birth in Hawaii was not sufficient. Another asked how he could have a passport without a birth certificate.
Franks said there was not enough evidence that Obama is not an American citizen. He did say there was a lot of conflicting evidence of Obama’s citizenship and that he was considering filing a lawsuit, the only congressman to do so. Franks asked why the president did not simply produce a birth certificate.”
A comment was posted by a citizen from AZ:
“I have emailed Rep Franks several times,…. and He has responded to me each time….by email and also snail mail letter. Pretty much saying that obama has been vetted and all is in order. MAYBE we should email him some info to WAKE UP his mind a little bit. You prepare what you want and I will make sure he gets it. I will email it and I will also send him a certified letter. WHAT do you think? (I also emailed Sen Mccain,…. but never received any response at all)”
“I just got off the phone with Congressman Franks office. He said that he did not say he would pursue a lawsuit, but rather that he would pursue looking into this. I also explained that it is much more than the long form birth certificate. I further stated that he had to simultaneously ask for the college records and passport records to be opened up to fully understand the depth of this. The staffer said they have been flooded by calls today about the birth issue and he took my message down, in great detail, and promised to pass it along to the Congressman. Everyone needs to call and relay this same information. He can get a fake birth certificate, but he cannot forge the passport and college records as well. These elements are critical to bringing about the truth!”
I, Citizen Wells, today, August 24, 2009, submitted a request to meet with Trent Franks. I will keep you informed of what comes of this.
Here is a notice of the next town hall meeting hosted by representative Franks. It was taken from his website:
“UPCOMING TOWN HALLS
Questions? Comments?
Join me for a Town Hall meeting near you:
Aug 25: Maricopa County hide
Time:
5:00 – Congressman Franks will host a screening of “33 Minutes,” a half hour film about America’s missile defense in a new missile age.
6:00 – Congressman Franks’ opening remarks, town hall question & answer session
Location:
Community Church of Joy
21000 N. 75th Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85308
(Located just north of Loop 101 on the west side of 75th Avenue. Meeting will be help in the worship center, in the main sanctuary.)
In August and September, Health Care for America Now and our partners are making sure Congress hears from voters all across the country. Join us. Host a house party. Plan a rally. Visit your Members of Congress’ town hall meetings. Rally. Make your voice heard. Take action. Pass health care reform.
Don’t let the Obama controlled organizations keep you from voicing your concerns.
US representative Trent Franks of Arizona, conducted a Town hall meeting, Saturday, August 22, 2009, in Kingman, AZ. Health care reform, national defense and illegal aliens and even fraudulent ACORN were discussed. However, what was most interesting about Trent Franks’ comments was his questioning Obama on not producing a birth certificate and indicating he may initiate a lawsuit. I am not certain if representative Franks really understands the eligibility issues, but at least he understands that there may be a problem.
Here are three action items for us to address:
1. Make certain that Trent Franks understands the serious eligibility issues surrounding Obama as well as his complete hiding of his past.
2. Encourage Trent Franks to initiate a lawsuit and provide data and resources.
3. Let Trent Franks know that we will support his efforts to represent the American people and uphold the US Constitution.
Here are some exerpts from the Mojave Daily News:
“Franks goes on the attack
Sunday, August 23, 2009 12:01 AM CDT
PACKED HOUSE: U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, from Arizona’s 2nd District, held a town hall meeting Saturday in Kingman discussing issues ranging from health care reform to President Barack Obama’s citizenship. JIM SECKLER/The Daily News
Congressman critical of Obama’s policies”
“KINGMAN – A big, boisterous crowd largely supported an Arizona Congressman, who lambasted the Democratic president and his policies.
Rep. Trent Franks, a Republican representing Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District that includes Mohave County, held a town hall meeting Saturday afternoon at a jammed-packed Kingman church.
Franks started the town hall off by showing a half-hour video on the country’s missile defense system. The movie warned of threats of a missile attack by rogue nations such as North Korea and Iran and the need to protect the country with a missile defense shield.
Franks then criticized President Barack Obama on every issue starting with the president’s lack of understanding of the threat by terrorists to launch an attack against the United States. The conservative Republican also said he voted against the federal stimulus bill and the Cash for Clunkers program, which he said benefited foreign car makers. He also said it would take 34,000 years to pay off the debt that Obama is accruing.”
“The other main issue dealt with numerous speakers questioning Obama’s birth certificate and why there wasn’t an investigation into whether he is a naturalized citizen. One woman said a newspaper announcement of his birth in Hawaii was not sufficient. Another asked how he could have a passport without a birth certificate.
Franks said there was not enough evidence that Obama is not an American citizen. He did say there was a lot of conflicting evidence of Obama’s citizenship and that he was considering filing a lawsuit, the only congressman to do so. Franks asked why the president did not simply produce a birth certificate.”
“Franks also called Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now fraudulent and said it should be investigated by the U.S. Attorney General. He also said the organization was committed to hurting the country and blamed the organization for requiring sub-prime loans that led to the country’s economic downturn.”
I am not certain if the people were quoted correctly or not regarding the use of the words “citizen” and “naturalized citizen.”
We must make certain that Representative Franks understands the difference.
**** UPDATE ****
I just received this from a AZ citizen:
“I have emailed Rep Franks several times,…. and He has responded to me each time….by email and also snail mail letter. Pretty much saying that obama has been vetted and all is in order. MAYBE we should email him some info to WAKE UP his mind a little bit. You prepare what you want and I will make sure he gets it. I will email it and I will also send him a certified letter. WHAT do you think? (I also emailed Sen Mccain,…. but never received any response at all)”
I certainly hope that Trent Franks did not utter words to placate his audience.
Obama recently made a deal with the Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers Association, PhRMA. That will come as no surprise to you. However, this story was covered by the Huffington Post and CNN. That may surprise you.
From The Huffington Post, August 13, 2009:
“Internal Memo Confirms Big Giveaways In White House Deal With Big Pharma
A memo obtained by the Huffington Post confirms that the White House and the pharmaceutical lobby secretly agreed to precisely the sort of wide-ranging deal that both parties have been denying over the past week.
The memo, which according to a knowledgeable health care lobbyist was prepared by a person directly involved in the negotiations, lists exactly what the White House gave up, and what it got in return.
It says the White House agreed to oppose any congressional efforts to use the government’s leverage to bargain for lower drug prices or import drugs from Canada — and also agreed not to pursue Medicare rebates or shift some drugs from Medicare Part B to Medicare Part D, which would cost Big Pharma billions in reduced reimbursements.
In exchange, the Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers Association (PhRMA) agreed to cut $80 billion in projected costs to taxpayers and senior citizens over ten years. Or, as the memo says: “Commitment of up to $80 billion, but not more than $80 billion.”
Representatives from both the White House and PhRMA, shown the outline, adamantly denied that it reflected reality. PhRMA senior vice president Ken Johnson said that the outline “is simply not accurate.” “This memo isn’t accurate and does not reflect the agreement with the drug companies,” said White House spokesman Reid Cherlin.
Stories in the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times last week indicated that the administration was confirming that such a deal had been made.
Critics on Capitol Hill and online responded with outrage at the reports that Obama had gone behind their backs and sold the reform movement short. Furthermore, the deal seemed to be a betrayal of several promises made by then-Sen. Obama during the presidential campaign, among them that he would use the power of government to drive down the costs of drugs to Medicare and that negotiations would be conducted in the open.”
“The deal, as outlined in the memo:
Commitment of up to $80 billion, but not more than $80 billion.
1. Agree to increase of Medicaid rebate from 15.1 – 23.1% ($34 billion)
2. Agree to get FOBs done (but no agreement on details — express disagreement on data exclusivity which both sides say
does not affect the score of the legislation.) ($9 billion)
3. Sell drugs to patients in the donut hole at 50% discount ($25 billion)
This totals $68 billion
4. Companies will be assessed a tax or fee that will score at $12 billion. There was no agreement as to how or on what
this tax/fee will be based.
Total: $80 billion
In exchange for these items, the White House agreed to:
Marine Veteran David William Hedrick, lets congressman Brian Baird have it at a town hall meeting in Clark County Washington, on August 18, 2009. Watch this great video:
“I, David William Hedrick, a member of the silent majority, decided that I was not going to be silent anymore. So, I let U.S. Congressman Brian Baird have it. I was one questioner out of 38, that was called at random from an audience that started at 3,000 earlier in the evening. Not expecting to be called on, I quickly scratched what I wanted to say on a borrowed piece of paper and with a pen that I borrowed from someone else in the audience minutes before I spoke. So much for the planned talking points of the right wing conspiracy.”
Citizen WElls 