Health Care Reform & Abortion, New Hate Crime Law & Gay Rights

Michigan Democrat Bart Stupak has been making news with his proposal to block federal subsidies from going to any private insurance plans covering abortion. A law in place since 1976 prevents federal money from funding abortion. The health care reform bill currently under review does not contain the explicit prohibitions Stupak is looking for.

It seems to me subsidizing a plan covering abortion would be acceptable under current law, as federal money would not be directly funding abortion. A woman covered under a subsidized private insurance plan could, if she chose, terminate her pregnancy. The federal money pays for insurance, not the procedure itself.

Another point, how involved should the government be in dictating what a private insurer can and cannot cover? I’m not saying the government should stay out of what private insurers cover. If subsidies are paid to insurance companies, they should provide good policies. Since I do not trust the companies to do so, the government may have to step in to ensure the companies do. However, I am much more concerned about insurers not covering a procedure or condition than about covering one.

Stupak is a Democrat, but his conservative abortion views remind me of one of Rush Limbaugh’s arguments against the auto bailout — the government is going to tell the auto companies what kind of cars to build, when the auto companies know best. How different is it when the government tells insurance companies what not to cover. This discussion could ramble for pages, so I’ll leave it at that.

In other news the College Democrats of Wisconsin, with all their wisdom, praised President Obama’s signing of a hate crime bill covering gays and lesbians calling it “the first step toward equal civil rights for the LGBT community.” I’ve said it before, but this only serves to continue the perception that gay people are different, thats why we can’t let them get married.

I’ve heard (and said) that the motivation for a crime shouldn’t matter when determining the punishment. Then I realized our judicial system determines the degree of a murder charge based on intent (essentially motivation). I still think the hate crime law is a step backward for gay rights, but now I need to sharpen my argument. Thoughts?

Dave Westlake Lying…Again

Dave Westlake just issued a press release with the title “Feingold says bill doesn’t spend enough” referring to the health care/insurance reform bills in Congress. Westlake was referring to Feingold’s support of a public option in a health care reform bill. One thing about Westlake is certain: he doesn’t let honesty or facts get in the way of anything that will get him attention.

In the press release Westlake cites several polls thats show Americans oppose several health care options that are not and have never been in any of the bills currently in Congress. Then he attempts to tie our fine Senator to these options. Shameless.

Westlake then manages to insult Feingold’s Control Spending Now act, which would reduce the budget deficit by $500 billion over 10 years, by implying that figure is insignificant when compared with a health care reform bill. Shameless.

Why does Westlake word his press releases to make it appear Feingold said something he didn’t? The voters he is going for with these cheap shots don’t read press releases. They vote for people because they wear blaze orange at campaign events. Don’t lie to us Dave, we’re smarter than that.

Westlake puts tired GOP “big bad government” rhetoric over the health of American citizens. Senator Feingold looks to cut government waste and keep citizens healthy.  Easy choice.

A Race in the 31st Senate Dist: Ed Thompson vs. Kathleen Vinehout (Plus: Talkin Bout Taxes)

Yesterday Tomah Mayor and former Libertarian candidate for Governor Ed Thompson declared his candidacy (as a Republican) for the 31st Senate district seat Kathleen Vinehout currently occupies. I heard rumors last week so I’m not surprised, just excited for this campaign to get underway. It will be a good show.

Ed Thompson is a straight-shooter, and I like that. I don’t like the “Wisconsin’s economy is tanking and the state is losing jobs because of taxes” rhetoric in his press release. I just don’t buy it. Taxes in our state are never going to be the lowest in the nation, because Wisconsinites enjoy our quality of life. However Thompson raises one good point–the legislature needs to watch new taxes in this economy. Especially if the Dems want to stay in power.

As for the accuracy of the rest of Mayor Thompson’s statements, a study by the Workforce Alliance projects 426,000 mid-level job openings in Wisconsin by 2016. Mid-level meaning education exceeding a HS diploma, but less than a college degree (essentially tech school). This includes skilled manufacturing jobs, the type right-wingers claim are leaving Wisconsin in droves. (Note: Workforce Alliance appears to be an advocacy group for exactly the kind of education its study claims WI will need)

Sen. Kathleen Vinehout is a wonderful, progressive Senator, she’s got my vote. Check out her speech at Fighting Bob Fest. Ed Thompson still has the website from his 2002 gubernatorial campaign up, so check that out before it becomes Ed for Senate.

Like I said, this is going to be a great race. I can’t wait to see Vinehout and Thompson debate (neither can Vinehout). And when Vinehout wins next November, I hope this means the return of “Don’t Blame Me, I Voted For Ed” bumper stickers.

Term Limits

Yesterday WisOpinion linked to a letter in the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune by Jeff Tyberg about term limits for Wisconsin legislators. The letter reluctantly proposed allowing longer terms for the Assembly and Senate (extending Assembly terms to four years and Senate terms to six) if total terms of office were capped at a single term. This is a terrible idea — for democracy and good government.

First, term limits already exist, as the author noted. After two and four years, members of the Assembly and Senate must win an election if they wish to return to their seat. If a constituent approves of the work their representative has done, the constituent most likely wants that representative to return to office. If the constituent disapproves, they will vote for someone else.

Second, unless Assembly elections were to be staggered (which would violate either the authors theory of a four year maximum term or create chaos when determining who gets serve a couple extra years without facing election), Wisconsin would have a brand new Assembly every four years. That is ninety-nine people in charge of drafting the budget and laws of the state who have zero experience doing so.

I understand Tyberg’s misgivings about lifelong politicians. His state and federal representatives have each been in office 40 years. But in the fall of every even-numbered year the people of these districts mark ballots in favor of their continued representation. Who is the government (don’t forget, term-limits would ultimately be imposed by the government) to decree a candidate (meeting age [another story] and residency requirements) invalid?

Tyberg himself has been a candidate for both the Assembly and Congress. Candidates have ran on platforms of term-limits before, and when that term was up, recanted their earlier declaration (I’m thinking specifically of Gil Gutknecht). Is it because once they became legislators, they realized the value a senior legislator provides their district? Possibly. Or maybe Tyberg is right and they are just corrupted by lobbyists. But lobbyists don’t vote, constituents do.

I’m not saying the system is perfect. Power comes from money and lobbyists have the money. I’ve written on the value of incumbency in an election, and it might not be fair.
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I’ve got a lot more on this, but I just got word my laptop is up and running again so I’m going to get it. Regular updates return tonight!

Terrence Wall Found Another Loophole

One Wisconsin Now issued this press release today exposing another loophole likely Feingold opponent Terrence Wall is using to shift the state tax burden onto you. Classifying land containing the remnants of a pumpking patch as agricultural, Wall is saving thousands of dollars in taxes. The pictures are great.

Also, my hard drive has bit the dust, hopefully regular updates will return in a few days.

UPDATE: Kohl’s to Move Distribution Center/Mercury Marine Scammed Fond du Lac

UPDATE: Badger Blogger fulfilled my prediction, although their post went up hours before mine. I haven’t seen every paper yet though, I’m holding out hope.

Kohl’s announced today its Menomonee Falls distribution center will close next year. The stores serviced by Menomonee Falls will then be serviced by Kohl’s newest DC in Ottawa, Illinois. Despite no evidence Kohl’s moved for reasons other than logistics, Wisconsin conservatives will use the move to claim the state is a “tax hell.”

In related news the Institute for Wisconsin’s Future released a report today on Mercury Marine (owned by Brunswick Corporation) scamming taxpayers for millions. The report backs up my earlier claim, essentially that Mercury Marine scammed taxpayers for millions. [FYI- Despite a statement of non-partisanship, IWF admits to a left-leaning agenda]. I am now of the opinion that the threat to move the Fond du Lac plant to Oklahoma was nothing but a bluff to elicit the concessions of labor, which Mercury Marine ultimately received. The report makes no mention of this, but there is really no way to know.

Regarding Kohl’s, I’ll be keeping an eye on the opinion pages tomorrow, and letting you know if I’m right. If I’m wrong you’ll have to figure that out yourself.

Regarding Mercury Marine, read the report. Brunswick Corporation’s behavior was (and still is) appalling.

Dear Obama, Your Gay Rights Record is Getting Worse

I know Mr. President, you have a lot on your plate with this health care reform thing. I also know your administration doesn’t want to hear from another blogger on this topic, but its important. You told the Human Rights Commission on Saturday you were working with Congress and the Pentagon to end “don’t ask, don’t tell,” but you didn’t say when. Mr. President, you are the Commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Issue an Executive Order allowing gays to openly serve, then work with Congress to pass a law mandating that policy.

What you shouldn’t do Mr. President? Don’t sign the bill passed by the House expanding the definition of hate crimes to include crimes committed based on the victim’s sexual orientation. That legislation only serves to further the notion that gay people are different and should be governed by different laws than straight citizens (like the one about marriage).

Like I said President Obama, I know you’re busy with health-care and Afghanistan and all, but ending “don’t ask, don’t tell” might prove a welcome distraction. The media focus will be off health care reform for a while. The right-wing lies will slow to a crawl. Use the distraction wisely though, as it won’t last long. Allowing gays in the military won’t be a big deal. When the initial shock wears off, everyone will be talking about health care and Afghanistan again.

Another upside? You can tell the pundits that say you haven’t accomplished anything to shove it.

On MSNBC’s Obsession With Michele Bachmann

The evening opiners on MSNBC are aggravating me with their devout coverage of all things Michele Bachmann. I agree with Chris Matthews, Ed Schultz and Keith Olbermann; Bachmann makes maniacal statements on a regular basis. But the constant coverage only serves to elevate her name recognition on the national level, essentially increasing her influence, at least within the GOP.

I am not the only person noticing the MSNBC hatefest of Bachmann. She’s noticed too. Wednesday, while I was busy watching Olbermann’s wide-eyed call for health-care reform, Bachmann was on The O’Reilly Factor. Bill called out MSNBC on the excessive attention the network has been paying Bachmann, who then compared unnamed hosts on the network to stalkers.

Rep. Bachmann has no reason to complain about the attention. If the left-wing media hadn’t picked up on and attacked her crazed statements on anti-Americanism in Congress, she wouldn’t be the darling of right-wing media she is today. She has Olbermann and company to thank for her many cable news appearances.

The left would be better served by dropping the constant coverage of every dumb statement Bachmann makes, that puts her in the spotlight at least once a week. The pundits cover her so heavily because she’s an easy target and they’ve got time to burn. I’m guilty of the same thing, and I guarantee this won’t be my last post with a Michele Bachmann tag.

“That’s hypocrisy, and it’s wrong” -David Shuster

I hate that guy.

Wisconsin Right to Life Weighs in on AB 458

Pro-Life Wisconsin doesn’t have a monopoly on dumb ideas about AB 458, which prohibits school districts from “abstinence-only ” policies in human growth and development classes. On Wednesday, Wisconsin Right to Life weighed in on the bill as well. The highlights;

Unfortunately, AB 458 would require that students be taught about a number of activities that could endanger their health and could result in a growing number of teen sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancies and abortions.

WRTL believes that condom use endangers health. WRTL believes birth-control pills lead to pregnancy and abortion. Where does logic like this come from?

Also, a possible Feingold opponent is going wear blaze orange at all campaign events. After pledging “no gimmicks.” Good luck Westlake, you’re going to need it…

Countdown with Keith Olbermann’s Special Comment on Health-Care Reform

After viewing the Countdown: Special Comment on health-care reform, I take back some of the nasty things I’ve said about Keith Olbermann, but he’s still a demagogue in a nice suit.

Olbermann’s proposal of free health clinics in the states of the holdout Senate Democrats? The image of sick constituents lining up for health care instead of angry constituents shouting “read the bill!” may cause the Senators to rethink their positions and do the right thing. (Sidenote: Rachel Maddow refered to the idea as clinics in state capitals but Olbermann refered to Butte, MT when mentioning Baucus, neither the capital, his hometown or current residence as far as I know) Who said “Canadians may have to wait in line for health care, but at least they have a line to wait in?”

Olbermann’s personal accounts of recent hospital visits were particularly moving. Long story short, he has lots of money so he bought the best doctor money could buy for his father, ran into an old acquaintance selling his farm to pay medical bills, and feels guilty about it. I had someone very close to me spend a lot of time in a hospital but the insurance always covered everything, leaving me free to focus on things such as impending mortality. I may have been too young and dumb to have considered the cost anyway. Either way, at present I cannot imagine the ordeal involving financial struggle as well.

I spent most of the show working on another post and reading the news, did anyone actually spend the entire hour staring deeply into Keith’s eyes? If so, tell me how you felt afterward.