SOME LOOSE-ENDS Just a few things gnawing at me as we continue to wade through a quagmire of ideological rants and lies. Here goes: The Affordable Care Act (ACA)---Sure the website for the federal exchange has been slow, and has glitches, but this law will be with us for generations, if not centuries into the future, so lets get over it, since we are only 3 weeks in. Even Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Facebook have had major disruptions and glitches to service over the years with new tech launches, and those guys are the smartest in the business. The ACA (which is what it should be called, not Obamacare, because once people are using it, and signing up for affordable, non-employer based insurance, the GOP will never again call it Obamacare), will finally allow, in the wealthiest nation in the world, the fact that healthcare and well-being are a RIGHT, not a privelege. Also, by the way, I have terrific healthcare coverage, but decided to check out the federal exchange anyway (Christie vetoed New Jersey setting up its own exchange as New York did so successfully), and when I could not log on initially, I simply called the 800 number, and guess what, in 48 seconds, I got to speak with a real live person, Cariza Grey, who was knowledgeable and helpful, and spent 20 minutes going through the log-on process ( which included NO questions about health issues or medications taken) and then was able to communicate plans that were available, with monthly premiums and deductibles, as well as, doctors and hospitals that were in the network. I am deciding whether to keep my current plan, or move into one on the exchange, but I have several months to decide. Once Americans can easily check on coverage, the way they can now look for car insurance, their sense of security will be felt, nationwide. So let the GOP rant and rave, since this is all theyve got---The new healthcare exchanges are here to stay. Next on my loose-end list is Governor Chris Christie. The big guy will easily win the November governors election. He has gone virtually uncontested by Barbara Buono, who is a wonderfully qualified candidate, but has no major Democratic leadership support, who would have made a fine governor, in another time and place. As we all go to the polls, keep in mind a few things about Christie: Unemployment in NJ is 2.3 points higher at 9.5%, than the nations 7.2%---For all his bluster, his job creation in the state is poor, at best. His record on education, environment, infrastructure, gun control, gay rights, minimum wage, healthcare/Medicaid, womens rights, and even the handling of Hurricane Sandy victims insurance claims, has been dismal, at best. My God, he even spent $24 Million to run an October special election for the U.S, Senate, so that he wouldnt have to be on the same ballot as Cory Booker, for fear that too many Democratic supporters would show up for the November election for governor. Christie is a spin-specialist who manhandles the press and opponents, with great agility, so much so, that the NJ Democratic party apparatus has pretty much handled him with kid-gloves. Theyre afraid of him and to a large part, that is why he appears to be a strong leader. He seems so in control, that voters just think hes terrific. But scratch below the surface, and you can find factual proof that his leadership is slip-shod and ineffective. This goes for his compatriots in the Republican Party in NJ. Not only should we not support Christie, neither should we support other GOP candidates who stand for regressive policies, and backward thinking. One of my North Arlington High School fellow students, Steven Paris, has a sister, Susan Paris Kane, who is running for State Assembly in the 10th Legislative district, which includes Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant, Toms River, Manchester, and Brick. As I understand it, Susan is a progressive, who is fighting a Republican crony of Chris Christie. I believe that voting for Democrats, who support equal rights for all, believe in science, economics, and math, who want universal healthcare for all citizens, who believe that government can invest in our environment and infrastructure, and create jobs, DESERVE OUR VOTE. If you live in this district, please consider vothing for Susan Paris Kane. And my last loose-end is the latest spate of gun deaths in the U.S., the most recent being a 13 year old, who took his fathers AK-47 to school, with 400 rounds of ammo, and seriously wounded students and killed a 45 year old teacher, who tried to protect students from being shot, and gave his own life. The irony is that this teacher, Michael Landsberry, had a medals of valor for his tours in Afghanistan, where he fortunately was not killed or wounded, only to be killed in a U.S. school in Nevada. It is galling to me that the GOP thwarted all meaningful gun control legislation after the deadly school killings at Sandy Hook Elementary. The gun-loving Republicans would not allow background checks to focus on criminals and mentally ill, a ban of assault weapon sales, and an end to the manufacture of ammunition clips above 10 rounds. And the gun deaths keep occuring every single month. And the U.S. citizenry is so numb to the gun death tallies, that it has once again become, business as usual. I end many of my blogs saying that it is all of our responsibilities to vote for political leadership which is caring, fair-minded, and progressive. I again say VOTE RESPONSIBLY for those who fill the halls of Congress, those who inhabit Governors mansions, and yes, even those who become members of state districts legislative assemblies. The future of this country is dependent on the right people managing and running our towns, cities, states, and country. TAKE YOUR VOTE SERIOUSLY. BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THIS COUNTRY.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 23:07:12 +0000
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