Donald Trump Releases Obamacare Repeal And Replace Plan

By William Teach March 3, 2016 – 8:09 am

Interestingly, the plan includes neither a mandate nor shoots for single payer

(Fox News) After months of promising to repeal ObamaCare, but failing to spell out how — and what would replace it — Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump finally revealed some specifics Wednesday night, including doing away with the individual mandate that requires everyone to have health insurance, an apparent reversal of his previous support for the provision.

Trump also proposes that states take over management of Medicaid and provide incentives to eliminate fraud and waste.

The seven-point plan, posted on the GOP frontrunner’s website, slammed the Affordable Health Care Act, saying it has “tragically but predictably resulted in runaway costs, websites that don’t work, greater rationing of care, higher premiums, less competition and few choices.”

In explaining his plan to abolish the individual mandate, Trump said no one should be required to buy health insurance if they don’t want to. The current law requires everyone to have health insurance, or pay a penalty. That’s an apparent reversal from his “I like the mandate” comment last month during a CNN town hall.

Should citizens be forced to purchase health insurance? No. Many can afford to pay for health care without it. Some people want to take their chances. On the other hand, should health care providers have to provide service to those who cannot pay? There’s the rub, and was kinda the point when conservative think tanks were discussing the need (not advocating for, mind you) for a mandate.

Anyhow, here’s Trump’s plan, which, for all those who are thinking Trump is the next Hitler, Chavez, or Mussolini (interestingly, the Left never compares him to their friends Stalin or Mao), says Congress must do this when a President Donald Trump sends the plan to them. I’m only going to excerpt the beginning portion of each point, you’ll have to hit the link to see it all

  1. Completely repeal Obamacare. Our elected representatives must eliminate the individual mandate. No person should be required to buy insurance unless he or she wants to.
  2. Modify existing law that inhibits the sale of health insurance across state lines.
  3. Allow individuals to fully deduct health insurance premium payments from their tax returns under the current tax system.
  4. Allow individuals to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Contributions into HSAs should be tax-free and should be allowed to accumulate.
  5. Require price transparency from all healthcare providers, especially doctors and healthcare organizations like clinics and hospitals.
  6. Block-grant Medicaid to the states. Nearly every state already offers benefits beyond what is required in the current Medicaid structure. The state governments know their people best….
  7. Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America.

Now, I do have to wonder, is this what he really believes, considering his love of the mandate and socialized medicine, including single payer, per previous comments, or is he simply pandering? Some intrepid reporter should ask, as I’m pretty sure he won’t answer me on Twitter.

Trump goes on to note

Providing healthcare to illegal immigrants costs us some $11 billion annually. If we were to simply enforce the current immigration laws and restrict the unbridled granting of visas to this country, we could relieve healthcare cost pressures on state and local governments.

Let’s not forget the number of ERs closed in California and other states due to illegals using them as doctor’s offices.

To reduce the number of individuals needing access to programs like Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program we will need to install programs that grow the economy and bring capital and jobs back to America. The best social program has always been a job – and taking care of our economy will go a long way towards reducing our dependence on public health programs.

Well, not just a job, but a good paying job.

Anyhow, the plan, such as it is, is very much what Conservatives have been offering for years, especially in the era of Ocare. So, again, pandering, or real belief?

Crossed at Right Wing News.

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The World Could Become Like Mad Max From ‘Climate Change’ Or Something

By William Teach March 2, 2016 – 3:18 pm

Personally, I blame the vast amounts of fossil fuels to produce movies and TV shows from the liberal entertainment industry

‘Mad Max’ Is A Lot Scarier When You Realize That’s Where We Could Be Headed

Two winners at Sunday night’s Academy Awards used their time on stage to warn audiences about the dangers of climate change — and it turns out that science supports many of their claims.

Specifically, some scientists say it could be possible for the Earth to one day resemble the arid wasteland depicted in “Mad Max: Fury Road” if we don’t take steps to curb climate change.

photo facepalm.gif

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Posted in AGW Scaremongering, Global Warming | 9 Comments | Trackback URL

If All You See…

By William Teach March 2, 2016 – 1:00 pm

…is a world turning to desert from carbon pollution, you might just be a Warmist

The blog of the day is Victory Girls Blog, with a post on Trump supporters and willful ignorance.

I’m going to do something in this IAYS post I never do: make a statement. I received an email after I had set this post up for a 1pm posting, asking why I picked on Trump so much, and, isn’t that divisive? I make no bones that I am not a Trump supporter, and I think he is not a Conservative. He has some good ideas, and he has some really bad ideas, and I am concerned with his ability to win the General election.

But, here’s the big point I want to make: if you support Trump, you’re more than welcome here at the Pirate’s Cove, just as liberals, even hardcore ones, are. Politics is rough and tumble. People debate and argue and disagree. That’s what makes it fun.

BTW, I’ll reiterate that IAYS posts are open threads, discuss whatever you want.

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Raleigh Remains Calm In Wake Of Akiel Denkins Shooting

By William Teach March 2, 2016 – 10:10 am

All sorts of prayers are being offered or something

(ABC11) People in Raleigh are making their voices heard after 24-year-old Akiel Rakim Lakeith Denkins was fatally shot by a Raleigh police officer who was attempting to serve a warrant on a drug charge.

Since the officer-involved shooting, many have been demanding answers and calling for justice, but they’re also praying for peace.

Well, it’s very easy to have peace: don’t riot. Don’t burn things. Don’t descend into violence.

At 7 a.m. Monday a prayer vigil was held at Vintage Church in downtown Raleigh.

Tears were shed as prayers were said for Denkins’ family and for everyone else affected by his death.

Well, all the people he sold drugs to can probably find another dealer. And the women he beat are probably unconcerned. Why are so many people suddenly concerned about Denkins now, after ignoring his drug dealing, gang activity, violence, and illegally carrying a concealed weapon?

“It’s very important that we send a message to this city and to this world that we’re not going to sit back silently while our people are being shot down while they’re running or unarmed,” said the Rev. Curtis Gatewood with the North Carolina NAACP.

I have to wonder, what happens if it turns out that the gun found was Denkins’, and he was shot because he was a threat?

But, let’s also be clear: if the officer fired without cause, he should be tried in court.

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Say, What Did Super Tuesday Voters Think About ‘Climate Change’?

By William Teach March 2, 2016 – 8:18 am

For the most part, the majority thought nothing of it. Even Democrats tend to find anthropogenic climate change a lower tier issue when placed among other issues. But, Mother Jones thought the issues was big enough to run an article, for which I thank them, because it provides fun blogging material

Here’s What Super Tuesday Voters Think About Climate Change

The subhead?

Ug.

Yup.

Last year, the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication released a nationwide study of Americans’ attitudes toward climate science and policy. In many states—especially the large bloc of Southern states voting on Tuesday—the results were not particularly encouraging.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, scientists are 95 percent certain that human activities are responsible for most of the dramatic warming since the 1950s. But according to Yale’s estimates, that opinion is shared by less than half of adults in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming.

Overall, just 48 percent of adults in the Super Tuesday states accept the scientific consensus.

First, I wish Warmists would pick a consistent time frame. The offer 5. Since 1950, since 1850, since 1980, since the beginning of the 20th Century, and since the beginning of the industrial revolution.

Second, and more important, the Cult of Climastrology has been “spreading awareness” since the 1980’s, especially starting with 1988. Yet, the best they can do is…..48%. As a graphic at the article highlights, the Super Tuesday states with the highest belief that the current climate change (which has seen statistically insignificant warming in over 18 years) is caused mostly/solely by Mankind are Massachusetts and Vermont, with 52%. One would think that these hotbeds of Leftism would poll higher, wouldn’t you? 25+ years of spreading awareness, of beating the drum, of a compliant media helping out, of marches and demonstrations and scaremongering, and this is the best they can do.

And, let’s not forget that a recent poll found that 91% of Americans aren’t worried about Hotcoldwetdry.

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Posted in Collapsing Science, Global Warming | 5 Comments | Trackback URL

NY Daily News Wins Best Media Meltdown Over Trump’s Big Super Tuesday

By William Teach March 2, 2016 – 7:55 am

Many in the media are having meltdowns over Donald Trump’s big Super Tuesday, which brings him much closer to the GOP nomination. Up to this point, it’s been more of a hissy fit. And the NY Daily News wins for best meltdown, as written by Special Snowflake Meg Wagner

The complete guide to fleeing President Donald Trump’s America

For folks across the nation, the election of Donald Trump would make America grate — again.

The mere thought of President Trump taking the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2017, has already led to threats from U.S. citizens that they would leave our red, white and blue borders behind if The Donald reaches The White House.

The tycoon-turned-politician won at least seven states on Super Tuesday, putting him one step closer to the White House, and his critics — and they’re plentiful — are one step closer to the border.

Since declaring his candidacy last June, Trump has insulted everybody from John McCain to Pope Francis, from Mexicans to Muslims to Megyn Kelly.

Left-leaning Americans have been threatening to leave the country since Trump announced his candidacy last summer with a hate-filled, derogatory speech in which he called Mexicans rapists and drug dealers. (snip)

Here’s a Daily News cheat sheet on moving your feet before First Lady Melania puts on her dancing shoes for the inaugural ball.

That’s right, the article, as written for an uber-liberal paper, is all about advising liberals how they can leave America. The photo at the top of the article is pretty ugly, and features the subhead

Don’t wanna live here if this spray-tanned, megalomaniacal, compulsive liar is elected to the highest office in the land? Don’t worry, neither do we. Take a look at all your options if Donald Trump is (God forbid) wins the presidency.

But, the front page of the paper takes the cake.

And, just make sure they are clear on how they feel about America, the article includes this line about emigrating to Mexico

Love Americans, but hate America? Mexico could be your new home.

This is shortly followed by details on how to move to these other countries, which, humorously, makes sure you know you will need proper documents, a work visa, a job, and

If you want to go one step further and become a citizen of another nation, get ready for a long road. That requires a lengthy legal process that starts with a temporary visa that turns into permanent resident status.

Wait, you mean these liberals can’t just pick up and illegally enter the recommended countries and demand citizenship? The countries won’t comply? Well, that’s weird.

Try the ultimate Trump protest

Since the start of his campaign, Trump has griped about immigrants entering the U.S. illegally. The boldest American escapees may want to consider the truest form of Trump dissidence: Running across the border without a visa.

(Note: the Daily News does not endorse illegal immigration.)

Actually, the NY Daily News has supported legalizing illegal aliens. They just had to put that little disclaimer in to avoid lawsuits from any liberal dumb enough to try being an illegal in other countries, which will get them deported, at a minimum, and thrown in jail before being deported otherwise. Anyhow, go for it, liberals! You hate America, head on out.

Crossed at Right Wing News.

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Say, Why Does Donald Trump’s Support Keep Expanding?

By William Teach March 1, 2016 – 2:53 pm

An interesting answer to the question, provided by James Holman at The Washington Post

Many readers would probably be stunned by some of the people who are secretly supporting Trump and don’t want to admit it on the record. His coalition includes not just rock-ribbed conservatives and God-fearing evangelicals but Ivy-League-educated professionals. Some realize he’s not actually that authentically conservative and look the other way. Some, who fancy themselves moderates, admire the businessman’s malleability. Yesterday, as an example of someone in that vein, former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert (who lost to Ted Cruz in the 2012 Texas Senate primary) endorsed Trump. Others just like to jump on bandwagons and back winners.

The more that Republican elites express alarm, the more a swath of these folks think that Trump might be just the change agent that’s needed to nuke Washington. Remember, most grassroots activists believe these D.C. politicians and talking heads are part of the problem. When I was in Alabama on my five-day road trip through the SEC Primary states, a local official came up to me, asked me to turn off my tape recorder and whispered that he was supporting Trump. Over the past few days, I’ve spoken with Republicans in the same boat from Minnesota and Massachusetts to Texas and Tennessee.

Interesting points, part of which explains why so many rock solid conservatives have gone for Trump.

From Massachusetts, for instance, The Post’s Ben Terris argues that Trump is the favorite because he’s perfectly channeled the voice and spirit of a loudmouthed sports fan from the state. “People follow politics here like they follow the Patriots or the Red Sox. They want to know a politician is a fighter and has their back,” state Rep. Geoff Diehl said.”

At the end of the day we have to remember that the GOP must take the White House back. Principles are great, but, we’re talking politics.

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If All You See…

By William Teach March 1, 2016 – 1:00 pm

…is a field that would be perfect for a solar farm, you might just be a Warmist

The blog of the day is The First Street Journal, with a post on Foreign Policy 101.

That’s Michelle Ryan, another British actress.

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Warmists Trot Out “Hairy Nose” From Pollution

By William Teach March 1, 2016 – 10:30 am

Here’s another case of taking a legitimate environmental issue which has serious implications for the health of living creatures, including humans, and linking it to Hotcoldwetdry. Also, it’s just weird

(BBC) Air pollution in China is no laughing matter, but one campaign group hopes its bizarre new film will provoke both laughs and action among urban Chinese.

“Hairy Nose” depicts a bleak future where people have evolved lengthy nasal hair to filter out the smog.

It ends with a warning that if people don’t change their ways, pollution will change them.

The charity, WildAid, told the BBC they wanted people to stop waiting for government action to fix the problem.

“We wanted to find some humorous way to talk about the very serious problem we are facing,” said WildAid’s China representative, May Mei.

https://twitter.com/aestas_f/status/704581827764224000

You can see the video at the link. And, you know, China does have a serious air pollution problem, and, yes, a lot of it is from the use of oil and coal. But, the problem is not CO2, it is the other things that are being released. Of course we get this

Ms Mei said WildAid wanted to tell people to stop waiting for the government to take action on pollution and climate change, and instead come up with their own creative ways to be more green.

That’s how you take a legitimate issue and make it stupid.

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Posted in AGW Idiocy, Environment, Global Warming | 2 Comments | Trackback URL

Obama To Meet With GOP On Filling SCOTUS Vacancy, Forgetting One Thing

By William Teach March 1, 2016 – 8:16 am

Can you guess what that one thing, which is pretty big, is?

(Reuters) U.S. President Barack Obama will press Senate Republican leaders on Tuesday to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, despite Republican vows to not to act on anyone he nominates.

Obama is slated to speak at 11:30 a.m. EST (1630 GMT) with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the Republican head of the Senate Judiciary Committee Chuck Grassley at the White House.

Doesn’t he have to actually nominate someone, first? It’s a rather necessary component in the process.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said on Monday that Obama was committed to having a serious discussion with the lawmakers about his “constitutional responsibility” to appoint a successor to Scalia and how he would like to see the process play out.

“We’ll have to see if Republicans are also committed to that kind of serious conversation,” Earnest told reporters at a briefing. “Maybe they won’t be, and if they aren’t, then maybe it will be a shorter-than-expected meeting.”

I hope McConnell and Grassley realize this is, most likely, a setup. Rarely does Obama bother talking with people in Congress, even those in his own party, and, when he does, it tends to be a set up, in one form or another. They should simply tell Obama to go ahead and nominate someone, and leave it at that.

Oh, and if he fails to show up on time, they should walk out.

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