Obama appoints Leonhart to run DEA

[plantagenet]

Legalize weed for the sick PPL at least!

 

[nomaad]

LOL. If you consider what the OBAMAdmin manged to get passed "health care" you are still drinking the koolaid. What was passed and celebrated is a joke.

 

[Mr. Bongjangles]

LOL. If you consider what the OBAMAdmin manged to get passed "health care" you are still drinking the koolaid. What was passed and celebrated is a joke.

Oh gee, more douchbaggery...

Here's the facts for you... Woo, it all sounds soooooo horrible!

Bet you think IRS men with guns will be enforcing the fine for not having insurance too huh?

Sounds to me like you're the one drinking the koolaid.

I don't even think Obama is that great, but the way you people write him off is just ridiculous.

http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2010/03/19/fact-sheet-the-truth-about-the-health-care-bill/

WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF ENACTMENT

*Insurance companies will be barred from dropping people from coverage when they get sick. Lifetime coverage limits will be eliminated and annual limits are to be restricted.

*Insurers will be barred from excluding children for coverage because of pre-existing conditions.

*Young adults will be able to stay on their parents' health plans until the age of 26. Many health plans currently drop dependents from coverage when they turn 19 or finish college.

*Uninsured adults with a pre-existing conditions will be able to obtain health coverage through a new program that will expire once new insurance exchanges begin operating in 2014.

*A temporary reinsurance program is created to help companies maintain health coverage for early retirees between the ages of 55 and 64. This also expires in 2014.

*Medicare drug beneficiaries who fall into the "doughnut hole" coverage gap will get a $250 rebate. The bill eventually closes that gap which currently begins after $2,700 is spent on drugs. Coverage starts again after $6,154 is spent.

*A tax credit becomes available for some small businesses to help provide coverage for workers.

*A 10 percent tax on indoor tanning services that use ultraviolet lamps goes into effect on July 1.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2011

*Medicare provides 10 percent bonus payments to primary care physicians and general surgeons.

*Medicare beneficiaries will be able to get a free annual wellness visit and personalized prevention plan service. New health plans will be required to cover preventive services with little or no cost to patients.

*A new program under the Medicaid plan for the poor goes into effect in October that allows states to offer home and community based care for the disabled that might otherwise require institutional care.

*Payments to insurers offering Medicare Advantage services are frozen at 2010 levels. These payments are to be gradually reduced to bring them more in line with traditional Medicare.

*Employers are required to disclose the value of health benefits on employees' W-2 tax forms.

*An annual fee is imposed on pharmaceutical companies according to market share. The fee does not apply to companies with sales of $5 million or less.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2012

*Physician payment reforms are implemented in Medicare to enhance primary care services and encourage doctors to form "accountable care organizations" to improve quality and efficiency of care.

*An incentive program is established in Medicare for acute care hospitals to improve quality outcomes.

*The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees the government programs, begin tracking hospital readmission rates and puts in place financial incentives to reduce preventable readmissions.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2013

*A national pilot program is established for Medicare on payment bundling to encourage doctors, hospitals and other care providers to better coordinate patient care.

*The threshold for claiming medical expenses on itemized tax returns is raised to 10 percent from 7.5 percent of income. The threshold remains at 7.5 percent for the elderly through 2016.

*The Medicare payroll tax is raised to 2.35 percent from 1.45 percent for individuals earning more than $200,000 and married couples with incomes over $250,000. The tax is imposed on some investment income for that income group.

*A 2.9 percent excise tax in imposed on the sale of medical devices. Anything generally purchased at the retail level by the public is excluded from the tax.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2014

*State health insurance exchanges for small businesses and individuals open.

*Most people will be required to obtain health insurance coverage or pay a fine if they don't. Healthcare tax credits become available to help people with incomes up to 400 percent of poverty purchase coverage on the exchange.

*Health plans no longer can exclude people from coverage due to pre-existing conditions.

*Employers with 50 or more workers who do not offer coverage face a fine of $2,000 for each employee if any worker receives subsidized insurance on the exchange. The first 30 employees aren't counted for the fine.

*Health insurance companies begin paying a fee based on their market share.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2015

*Medicare creates a physician payment program aimed at rewarding quality of care rather than volume of services.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2018

*An excise tax on high cost employer-provided plans is imposed. The first $27,500 of a family plan and $10,200 for individual coverage is exempt from the tax. Higher levels are set for plans covering retirees and people in high risk professions. (Reporting by Donna Smith; Editing by David Alexander and Eric Beech)

 

[plantagenet]

Obama ROCKS! IMHO!

 

[plantagenet]

Obama is dah big dawg now! He has made more progress in one year than George W did in eight years!

 

[nomaad]

Ha. You are funny. You think that the only criticism of this lame-ass health care reform comes from the right. I am an anarcho syndicalist. That's a hell of a lot more socialist than Obama will ever be accused of being.

Where in there does it say how much they will pay of the treatment costs from the ass-rape you are receiving from the henchmen of the Healthcare industry? You think you're getting the carrot, but you are getting the stick. The left of US politics is still to the right of center. Tho Obama/Emmanuel admin is the single biggest bamboozlement of anything progressive in American politics.

I have lived in a number of European countries and enjoyed their health care systems and even that of a country with socialized medicine in the developing world... both of my children were born in that system. I know more about universal healthcare in real world scenarios than most americans. I have more than a decade of experience in various socialized healthcare systems and have been able to critically compare them to amrican healthcare. I grew up in a family of healthcare professionals and worked inmany drs offices as a young adult... I dealt with billing and insurance comapnies as part of these jobs. This is the basis for my comparisons.

I thank you for quoting from the admin playbook... However, nothing you quote from any source I have read (and I have read as much as I could on the subject as it has developed) will paint the US' celebrated health care reform as any less of a joke in the face of what I have seen and experienced elsewhere in the world.

For The United States, I guess its something. But tell a guy in France that what they have now is going to be replaced with what we just "passed" here and there would be a bloody revolution.

 

[Mr. Bongjangles]

Ha. You are funny. You think that the only criticism of this lame-ass health care reform comes from the right. I am an anarcho syndicalist. That's a hell of a lot more socialist than Obama will ever be accused of being.

Where in there does it say how much they will pay of the treatment costs from the ass-rape you are receiving from the henchmen of the Healthcare industry? You think you're getting the carrot, but you are getting the stick. The left of US politics is still to the right of center. Tho Obama/Emmanuel admin is the single biggest bamboozlement of anything progressive in American politics.

I have lived in a number of European countries and enjoyed their health care systems and even that of a country with socialized medicine in the developing world... both of my children were born in that system. I know more about universal healthcare in real world scenarios than most americans. I have more than a decade of experience in various socialized healthcare systems and have been able to critically compare them to amrican healthcare. I grew up in a family of healthcare professionals and worked inmany drs offices as a young adult... I dealt with billing and insurance comapnies as part of these jobs. This is the basis for my comparisons.

I thank you for quoting from the admin playbook... However, nothing you quote from any source I have read (and I have read as much as I could on the subject as it has developed) will paint the US' celebrated health care reform as any less of a joke in the face of what I have seen and experienced elsewhere in the world.

For The United States, I guess its something. But tell a guy in France that what they have now is going to be replaced with what we just "passed" here and there would be a bloody revolution.

LOL you're blowing hot air.

Half the stuff in the bill is about stopping the "assrape" you speak of.

Is it perfect? Nope.

But nothing you say speaks to the reality of what was passed, just a big rant about the american health care system.

The Obama administration, weather you care to recognize the facts or not, got a whole bunch of shit passed in this bill to rope in the more brutal practices of that system.

But yea, keep trying to dismiss the facts with catchy bs and your life story, its real convincing.

 

[Learningfirst]

Not much to say as I'm not surprised at all at this politicians Point of View, Intolerance and his choice to remain blissfully ignorant. IMHO I would think that his lack of interest regarding any studies is due to his belief that the truth will come out. It's apparent that he doesn't want the truth - more to his comfort zone: he would rather be a Fascist and a Dictator in the Country that is supposed to represent Freedom.

I am not American; and in this instance I am truly grateful that I was born in Canada. I tried to e-mail a politician from a country in which I've no weight. Simply because it is wrong. The easy and pre-written letter from NORML is great, however they do not give you the options to be from another country, province and such.

I only hope that those here who are from there; do the right thing. I am really convinced that my gov won't loosen the reigns on MJ until yours does. Please make yourself heard - I thank you all for doing the right thing.

Peace

 

[Learningfirst]

Hope there wasn't a rant not worth reading: I just smoked one and I get a little heated when I get into politics.

 

[nomaad]

I don't think its hot air. I agree that what's passed in this bill does something to ameliorate the evils intended by the health insurance industry, but at the same time locks us into a long future with the same companies that have never cared about our health and bilked the public in their time of greatest need and desperation.

As far as I am concerned the only bill that is not a complete sell-out to the health insurance industry (to whom the entire republicodemocrat eatablishment is beholden to) would have been one with a strong PUBLIC OPTION. Anything less is, in my opinion, a joke.

 

[grow2bfree]

Here is the form letter response I received from one of my Senators.

May 12, 2010

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dear Mr. xxxxxxxxxx:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the nomination of Michele Leonhart to be the director of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
The use and availability of illegal drugs is a major concern of mine. I am a strong advocate for drug programs and initiatives which aim to reduce and treat drug use. I believe it is important to prosecute criminals implicated in drug use and distribution to the full extent of the law in order to keep them off our streets.
The director of the DEA plays a vital leadership role in combating illegal drug trade and use. Ms. Leonhart has served as the Deputy Administrator of the DEA, and has been nominated to be the Director of the DEA by both President Bush and Obama. Ms. Leonhart's nomination is currently under review in the Senate Judiciary Committee, and I will pay close attention to her nomination hearing. Rest assured, I will remember your opposition if her nomination is considered by the full Senate.
Thank you again for contacting me on this important matter. To learn more about my work in Congress, I encourage you to visit my online office and sign up for my e-newsletter at http://www.lincoln.senate.gov. I am proud to serve the citizens of Arkansas in the United States Senate and hope you will not hesitate to contact me whenever I may be of assistance to you.
Sincerely,



Blanche L. Lincoln

Translation: We will listen to the voice of the people...then we will totally ignore it. In layman's terms "Thank you, but F@#$ You anyway. Oh, and don't forget to vote for me."

 

[B. Friendly]

yes we can
what a load of shit, i can smell from this side of the border

 

[IE2KS_KUSH]

LOL that's funny cause I'm getting tired of reading posts from clueless Obama haters.

Well, I don't think "obama haters" = clueless, but maybe you know something I don't, but yeah, I know there is a never ending shiticane of shit wind of people that hate obama and talk about what he sucks at the most. I don't know what to tell you let me check the ol' 8ball here and see....
hmm...
shake shake...

will people stop talking about how much they hate Obama?

8Ball says, "not likely"

It can't be that everyone that hates him is clueless? hmmm.....?

I am sorry, but you probably won't see any sudden drop off in
posts about how people totally think obama blows goats...
Just hang in there he won't be president in a couple of years then it will be on to bigger and better things
lol

fuck the Obama admin and fuck the dea. leonhart can polish my knob.

Agreed, right there with ya, not gonna worry about if the gov. will ever get their heads out of their ass or not, I don't care, I am gonna do what I do, do it well, enjoy it, and do it as long as I want until I retire, when I will continue to do it! Fuck'em anyway.

Ha. You are funny. You think that the only criticism of this lame-ass health care reform comes from the right. I am an anarcho syndicalist. That's a hell of a lot more socialist than Obama will ever be accused of being.

Where in there does it say how much they will pay of the treatment costs from the ass-rape you are receiving from the henchmen of the Healthcare industry? You think you're getting the carrot, but you are getting the stick. The left of US politics is still to the right of center. Tho Obama/Emmanuel admin is the single biggest bamboozlement of anything progressive in American politics.

I have lived in a number of European countries and enjoyed their health care systems and even that of a country with socialized medicine in the developing world... both of my children were born in that system. I know more about universal healthcare in real world scenarios than most americans. I have more than a decade of experience in various socialized healthcare systems and have been able to critically compare them to amrican healthcare. I grew up in a family of healthcare professionals and worked inmany drs offices as a young adult... I dealt with billing and insurance comapnies as part of these jobs. This is the basis for my comparisons.

I thank you for quoting from the admin playbook... However, nothing you quote from any source I have read (and I have read as much as I could on the subject as it has developed) will paint the US' celebrated health care reform as any less of a joke in the face of what I have seen and experienced elsewhere in the world.

For The United States, I guess its something. But tell a guy in France that what they have now is going to be replaced with what we just "passed" here and there would be a bloody revolution.

Well you are just batshit crazy my good buddy! Just joking, whoa, that's some shit right there. Can't says I agree w/ you but I understand what you are saying.


But really, I ask again, who is surprised? Really? Jeezus, it amazes me everytime something like this, the Holder, etc...the people that realize for the first time "oh no's!" lol
Really! lol

And of course the real hard core hope and change guy, you just keep hoping for change their lol....

In any event, I am not trying to hate or anything, honestly read the whole thing and it made me laugh and smile, all yous guys are cool and I am glad I got to read the thread w/ all the different posts, obviously I have my own opinion but I am not dogging anyone else, just being a smart ass and really enjoying the thread and sharing my thoughts..

 

[danimal7]

Skip,........Ron Paul is for free trade and prosperity , and Ron Paul can not be bought for any amount. RP has always voted according to the constitution , if he was "for or owned" by "big biz" like you say . Then I ask you Skip how can RP have a 20+year track record of no special interest , and upholding his oath ........

Skip , you are obviously an intelligent guy, and from you statements about RP I can tell you have not taken an objective ,unbiased look at Paul

Skip ,I'll ask you another one, how can RP be for "big biz" when he is anti-war, anti-bank , pro alternative health & education?? and in case you didnt notice Paul is against "big govt" too , which in this day and time is one and the same as "big biz"

 

[danimal7]

Obama is dah big dawg now! He has made more progress in one year than George W did in eight years!

LOL...the U.S. wont even exist as we know it in 10 years thanks to the bought up congress and puppets like bush and obama

remember the USSR..... now the states of the former S.R.

 

[danimal7]

Ron Paul is a Republican, so how's that voting 3rd party?

If he's such a Libertarian, let him run with the Libertarians, not the Republicans, otherwise you'll just git more of the same, despite his agenda. Remember Obama's agenda? How much has he lived up to that? Don't think Ron Paul will be different. He's for big business, big time, just like Obama.

As far as this new DEA drug czar, Obama has lied to us again. Who the fuck is behind this ongoing federal push for prohibition anyway? It's not the people, nor Congress. So once again it is our two-party system kow-towing to the demands of certain big business who are the only ones to lose if cannabis is legalized.



It's clear to me that the Obama administration is going to fight legalization tooth and nail, and this appointment proves it. So it's going to be the Citizens of California, Oregon & Washington vs. the Federal Gov't if we legalize it at the state level. Are we ready to fight the Feds on this?

Skip , i thought you might be interested to know that Ron Paul cites Rosa Parks and Gandhi as 2 of his major roll models...because of their .-" non-violent resistance "
against govt

 

[CarpeLibertatem]

Hey guys, longest lurker in history just gettin' goin'...
danimal, agreed about Ron Paul. An honorable man indeed. As far as Ron and Big Business, if the implication is that he is bought and paid for like the rest of 'em, I'd have to disagree on that one. I think his record proves he cannot be bought. He is pro market and AGAINST corporatism/fascism(isn't this big business?), which is what we are sadly. And yes he is a "Republican"... but in reality, running as a libertarian would yield nothing, as he knows from experience. PAUL/NAPOLITANO 2012!!!

and if you guys are unfamiliar with Judge Andrew Napolitano, listen to him get fired up about the
Columbia, MO raid...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XmjNxKOQvg

please don't judge him by the network his show is on.... SCREW Fox! Napolitano is fucking solid imvho....
sorry if this is in any way off topic, but i think you guys should see it....
(was gonna post it in News but i guess i need 50 posts)

 

[HydroManiac]

A third party can't win the presidency because there is not enough electoral votes for another party to be able to win. We don't have free elections not until anybody can win the popular vote and become president are we even a free country and the only way this is ever going to change is if we stand up and fight and I don't mean write your lowlife congressman or senator maybe it's time to pick up a gun instead.Maybe it's time for a 2nd civil war to take our country back from the corporations and lowlifes that control our country they will never give it up without a fight I am willing to die to fight for a free America is anybody else willing to die to or is it to hard for anybody to see past their bigscreen tv to do something about it come on people we need to stand up and fight!!!

 

[SpasticGramps]

LOL. Obama is kicking ass?? Yeah, he is kicking everyone's ass up and down main street while selling a pack of lies to everyone.

He's a self-serving corporatist puppet for the banks. Should we expect anything else?

Don't make fun of him though or he'll drop a bomb on you with his UAV drones he loves to use so much to blow up kids in Afghanistan and now Pakistan.

Yep, he's kickin' ass and taking names. LMAO. To bad it yours.

 

[basspirate]

Agreed Spastic. I just keep getting sicker and sicker every time I hear about what Barry is doing in office. So many of us had hopes that he wasn't going to turn so far opposite of what he said he was. Of course he's a politician, but /damn/ he's really sticking it to the little man.

What the fuck happened to the Barak Obama of 2004?