Comments on: What is a Democrat? – **Open Thread** http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/ Sun, 27 May 2012 07:03:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: Word Police http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230935 Word Police Sat, 18 Jul 2009 18:10:48 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230935 A very nice essay, wbboei. And I agree with most of what you have written. I have only one criticism. As a writer, you should have checked to make sure you were using the correct word when referencing Obama being the "antecdote" to Bush. Antidote = 1. a medicine or other remedy for counteracting the effects of poison, disease, etc. 2. something that prevents or counteracts injurious or unwanted effects: Good jobs are the best antidote to teenage crime. Anecdote = a short account of a particular incident or event of an interesting or amusing nature, often biographical. Everyone should bookmark this link: http://dictionary.reference.com Hope this helps. Have a nice day. :) A very nice essay, wbboei. And I agree with most of what you have written.

I have only one criticism. As a writer, you should have checked to make sure you were using the correct word when referencing Obama being the “antecdote” to Bush.

Antidote = 1. a medicine or other remedy for counteracting the effects of poison, disease, etc.
2. something that prevents or counteracts injurious or unwanted effects: Good jobs are the best antidote to teenage crime.

Anecdote = a short account of a particular incident or event of an interesting or amusing nature, often biographical.

Everyone should bookmark this link:

http://dictionary.reference.com

Hope this helps. Have a nice day. :)

]]> By: TeakWoodKite http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230751 TeakWoodKite Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:33:04 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230751 Seattle Moss, what is most distrubing is that this shakedown cannot be sustained. When this house of cards comes tumbelin down I want to be in a position were Darwin is my friend. I recall reading were the collective farms in the former Soviet Union were being bought by international companies who brought in mechinized farming. The people who farmed this land as part of the collective can not compete. They were left with the small potatoes. I am not saying they should be displaced nor given unfair advantage or subsidies, just a fair shot. BO and his circus are international but with out the equipment. Seattle Moss, what is most distrubing is that this shakedown cannot be sustained. When this house of cards comes tumbelin down I want to be in a position were Darwin is my friend.

I recall reading were the collective farms in the former Soviet Union were being bought by international companies who brought in mechinized farming. The people who farmed this land as part of the collective can not compete.

They were left with the small potatoes. I am not saying they should be displaced nor given unfair advantage or subsidies, just a fair shot.

BO and his circus are international but with out the equipment.

]]> By: Seattle Moss http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230742 Seattle Moss Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:45:33 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230742 Thanks teak, We all remember who we were talking to back during those scary days of December. We have only seen the beginning of the shake down in the economy and the elites that are in control now. Mankind sits on the precipice of history. Either we embrace the technology that allows us to be born and support 6 billion people or we turn our backs on our advance and allow mankind to implode and the glaciers to advance which it surely would without the products which act as a barriers to nature that allow people to live. Thanks teak,
We all remember who we were talking to back during those scary days of December.
We have only seen the beginning of the shake down in the economy and the elites that are in control now.

Mankind sits on the precipice of history.

Either we embrace the technology that allows us to be born and support 6 billion people or we turn our backs on our advance and allow mankind to implode and the glaciers to advance which it surely would without the products which act as a barriers to nature that allow people to live.

]]> By: TeakWoodKite http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230738 TeakWoodKite Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:33:19 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230738 Much continued success to you Seattle Moss. I think Bo Pelosi and gang escaped from a certian island and will not be a part of evolution. Much continued success to you Seattle Moss.

I think Bo Pelosi and gang escaped from a certian island and will not be a part of evolution.

]]> By: Seattle Moss http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230730 Seattle Moss Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:51:18 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230730 Obama and his minions fail to understand the central concept of life...Darwinism! Survival of the fittest! In foreign policy Obama has shown a profound weakness and ignorance that emboldens our enemies and ignores the Darwinist concept of peace through strength. Obama's economic policy also ignores Darwinism with a unilateral cap and trade and surcharges on wealth at a time of collapse. As you all know...I'm as hard core Darwinist! Last year when I saw the collapse coming I marshaled my forces to bring business to my manufacturing by approaching the Canadians. Sure enough earlier this year my plant was down 30% in business. With a little positioning and timing I was able to predict the dollar easing in value which has led to an avalanche in orders from the Canadians. Folks..I'm now EVEN for the year running the plant 24/7. The Darwinism part of this...My competition who never thought where the next sale was to come from are down considerably with the real prospect of going out of business. I have been putting the screws on them for many years but this is now the game changer. If this is the case I will gain what's left of their business and buy up their equipment for pennies on the dollar. Obama and his minions fail to understand the central concept of life…Darwinism!
Survival of the fittest!

In foreign policy Obama has shown a profound weakness and ignorance that emboldens our enemies and ignores the Darwinist concept of peace through strength.

Obama’s economic policy also ignores Darwinism with a unilateral cap and trade and surcharges on wealth at a time of collapse.

As you all know…I’m as hard core Darwinist!

Last year when I saw the collapse coming I marshaled my forces to bring business to my manufacturing by approaching the Canadians. Sure enough earlier this year my plant was down 30% in business. With a little positioning and timing I was able to predict the dollar easing in value which has led to an avalanche in orders from the Canadians.

Folks..I’m now EVEN for the year running the plant 24/7.

The Darwinism part of this…My competition who never thought where the next sale was to come from are down considerably with the real prospect of going out of business.
I have been putting the screws on them for many years but this is now the game changer. If this is the case I will gain what’s left of their business and buy up their equipment for pennies on the dollar.

]]> By: TexasMirth http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230691 TexasMirth Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:18:15 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230691 Carmen - you are absolutely right - on both your points. Now...will someone here please take on Barbara Boxer? What a buffoon she looked like trying to put the Black Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Harry Alford in "his place." This thread's title is WHAT IS A DEMOCRAT? Well, watch Boxer and see how condescension looks coming from that Democrat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FoekBjhtWE&feature=related Carmen – you are absolutely right – on both your points.
Now…will someone here please take on Barbara Boxer?
What a buffoon she looked like trying to put the Black Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Harry Alford in “his place.” This thread’s title is WHAT IS A DEMOCRAT? Well, watch Boxer and see how condescension looks coming from that Democrat:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FoekBjhtWE&feature=related

]]> By: Carmen http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230598 Carmen Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:02:50 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230598 Page 16 of the health insurance bill states that after it becomes law it will be ILLEGAL for private insurers to write ANY new policies! No this is not communisim. You can keep your insurance if you like it. This will not put private insurance out of business. OBAMA IS A COMMUNIST, AND HE IS LYING TO US! Get your heads out of your ass and start marching at the tea parties, and go to Washington on 9/12 with us. Page 16 of the health insurance bill states that after it becomes law it will be ILLEGAL for private insurers to write ANY new policies!
No this is not communisim. You can keep your insurance if you like it. This will not put private insurance out of business.

OBAMA IS A COMMUNIST, AND HE IS LYING TO US!
Get your heads out of your ass and start marching at the tea parties, and go to Washington on 9/12 with us.

]]> By: Jules http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230553 Jules Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:49:19 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230553 Sorry, I am confused about Republicans and management fees. Huh? Also, Social Security is not equivalent to private healthcare by any means. You would do better to compare the private sector to Medicare, though you can't get an accurate read on Medicare admin because most fees are hidden and therefore not accounted for. Also, any figures you do get are not comparable to the private sector due to Medicare acceleration of benefits--meaning senior benefits/claims are HUGE because they are older people and need LOTS of care. Therefore, the admin fee PERCENTAGE looks lower because the claims are so much higher than for the younger people covered under regular health plans. So good luck with that comparison. Sorry, I am confused about Republicans and management fees. Huh? Also, Social Security is not equivalent to private healthcare by any means. You would do better to compare the private sector to Medicare, though you can’t get an accurate read on Medicare admin because most fees are hidden and therefore not accounted for. Also, any figures you do get are not comparable to the private sector due to Medicare acceleration of benefits–meaning senior benefits/claims are HUGE because they are older people and need LOTS of care. Therefore, the admin fee PERCENTAGE looks lower because the claims are so much higher than for the younger people covered under regular health plans. So good luck with that comparison.

]]> By: Jules http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230551 Jules Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:39:16 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230551 You are providing anecdotal evidence. So maybe you are not one of the 'most people' I mention. Congratulations, you are one of the lucky ones that the other plan participants pay for when they don't get their money's worth. No company is going to stay in business if they collect $125 in premiums and pay out $500 in benefits for each person. But anyway, my point is that $500 in a year is not a catastrophic loss and technically it shouldn't be insured for. I know some people on the consumer end will find that point debatable because they feel entitled to and enjoy benefits for every little thing...but I don't find it debatable from a technical standpoint. If it can be planned for on an annual basis, it should not be insurable. Basically Vision and Dental are 'feel good' benefits that employers offer to retain workers. They are not really necessary for most people unless small sums are going to throw you into bankruptcy. That could be the case for some I suppose, but probably not if you are fortunate enough to collect a salary from a company that provides benefits in the first place. Also, I can guarantee you no company is really offering coverage, vision or otherwise, 'free of charge'. It is built into their premiums and you might be told it is free as a feel good thing. And I know what I'm talking about on this as it used to be my job to rate these plans. You are providing anecdotal evidence.
So maybe you are not one of the ‘most people’ I mention. Congratulations, you are one of the lucky ones that the other plan participants pay for when they don’t get their money’s worth.

No company is going to stay in business if they collect $125 in premiums and pay out $500 in benefits for each person. But anyway, my point is that $500 in a year is not a catastrophic loss and technically it shouldn’t be insured for. I know some people on the consumer end will find that point debatable because they feel entitled to and enjoy benefits for every little thing…but I don’t find it debatable from a technical standpoint. If it can be planned for on an annual basis, it should not be insurable.

Basically Vision and Dental are ‘feel good’ benefits that employers offer to retain workers. They are not really necessary for most people unless small sums are going to throw you into bankruptcy. That could be the case for some I suppose, but probably not if you are fortunate enough to collect a salary from a company that provides benefits in the first place.

Also, I can guarantee you no company is really offering coverage, vision or otherwise, ‘free of charge’. It is built into their premiums and you might be told it is free as a feel good thing. And I know what I’m talking about on this as it used to be my job to rate these plans.

]]> By: Jules http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230542 Jules Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:05:08 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230542 Your first post implied that the "insurance crooks" were skimming 30%, or that's how I took it. I buy the 10% admin costs because I used to be a senior undewriter for various insurers and that's about right. None of these insurers were crooks to be honest with you. And the rates were highly regulated by the state's department of insurance. These companies weren't raking it in, believe me. All the health insurers went bankrupt in our state with the exception of two. The other administrative costs (by the doctors) are still going to be there with a government plan. How would that go away? There's still going to be tons of paperwork and regulations to contend with. If they're not dealing with insurance companies, they're still dealing with the government. In fact, many docs are quitting/retiring from private practice because the cost of making all their records electronic per Obama's wishes. It is not worth it to them. Your first post implied that the “insurance crooks” were skimming 30%, or that’s how I took it. I buy the 10% admin costs because I used to be a senior undewriter for various insurers and that’s about right. None of these insurers were crooks to be honest with you. And the rates were highly regulated by the state’s department of insurance. These companies weren’t raking it in, believe me. All the health insurers went bankrupt in our state with the exception of two.

The other administrative costs (by the doctors) are still going to be there with a government plan. How would that go away? There’s still going to be tons of paperwork and regulations to contend with. If they’re not dealing with insurance companies, they’re still dealing with the government. In fact, many docs are quitting/retiring from private practice because the cost of making all their records electronic per Obama’s wishes. It is not worth it to them.

]]> By: Common Ground Politics http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230524 Common Ground Politics Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:38:29 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230524 Can you say something positive about your least favorite politician?! http://www.commongroundpolitics.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=47231 Can you say something positive about your least favorite politician?!

http://www.commongroundpolitics.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=47231

]]> By: Common Ground Politics http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230518 Common Ground Politics Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:24:51 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230518 A related discussion: "What is a Liberal?" http://www.commongroundpolitics.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=41762 A related discussion:

“What is a Liberal?”

http://www.commongroundpolitics.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=41762

]]> By: Katmoon http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230442 Katmoon Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:25:49 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230442 FYI Since this is an open thread: July 16, 2009 A letter from the Tea Party Patriots National Coordinator Team: ‘Health Care Freedom Protests’ Set for July 17 Tea party patriots will gather all across the country to demonstrate against ObamaCare. Source: http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/health-care-freedom-protests-set-for-july-17th/ FYI Since this is an open thread:

July 16, 2009
A letter from the Tea Party Patriots National Coordinator Team:

‘Health Care Freedom Protests’ Set for July 17
Tea party patriots will gather all across the country to demonstrate against ObamaCare.

Source: http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/health-care-freedom-protests-set-for-july-17th/

]]> By: Hillary or Bust http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230376 Hillary or Bust Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:07:27 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230376 It took the propaganda of the 2008 election to wake me up and see that the NWO stuff is true. Obama is a puppet and most definitely expanding on what Bush started. It is so obvious now. My liberal friends can't see it because they aren't paying close enough attention and get swayed by his progressive platitudes. It took the propaganda of the 2008 election to wake me up and see that the NWO stuff is true. Obama is a puppet and most definitely expanding on what Bush started. It is so obvious now. My liberal friends can’t see it because they aren’t paying close enough attention and get swayed by his progressive platitudes.

]]> By: JozefAL http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/27998/what-is-a-democrat-open-thread/#comment-1230373 JozefAL Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:53:12 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=27998#comment-1230373 Just how many times are YOU getting your teeth cleaned per year? When I did have dental insurance and had regular twice-a-year office visits and cleanings, you're right, the insurance premiums weren't cost-effective (I was paying just over $200 a year for the insurance; my twice-yearly office visits and cleanings--without X-rays--totaled $180; that, by the way, was more than a decade ago). HOWEVER, here's where the big problem comes in. Where I now work, all the dental plans available will cover basic procedures (office visits and cleanings and X-rays) from the start but it can take up to two YEARS before things like orthodontia and root canal procedures can be covered, and even then, I would still have to pay as much as 25% of the total cost (or coverage might be limited to a certain amount per year and I'm responsible for any and all costs incurred above that limit). The last time that insurance coverage was offered, the cheapest coverage was about $300/year with a lot of caveats. As to vision insurance, my current insurer (Blue Cross) offers it FREE OF CHARGE if you're buying coverage for yourself and your family; of course, the catch is that it's only available to your minor, school-age children--neither you nor your wife (nor any college-age dependents who ARE covered under the rest of your health insurance plan). Well, that's all fine and dandy, but *I* need vision coverage, and those eye exams are pretty darned expensive. I spent nearly $500 a few years ago to get some glasses replaced because I had to have an eye exam beforehand--the cost of the frames and lenses was responsible for a little more than half of the total. By contrast, after getting vision insurance (which comes to about $150/year), I paid a total of $125 for the exam and a new set of frames and new lenses and my co-pay. (My vision insurance coverage allows me a yearly eye exam and new frames every other year, with no cost to replace broken frames and a small fee to replace damaged lenses. Is that worth $150/year? Considering I've worn glasses basically for my whole life, yeah, it is. And if I could get decent dental insurance for that little, I don't think I'd hesitate to add dental coverage.) Just how many times are YOU getting your teeth cleaned per year? When I did have dental insurance and had regular twice-a-year office visits and cleanings, you’re right, the insurance premiums weren’t cost-effective (I was paying just over $200 a year for the insurance; my twice-yearly office visits and cleanings–without X-rays–totaled $180; that, by the way, was more than a decade ago). HOWEVER, here’s where the big problem comes in. Where I now work, all the dental plans available will cover basic procedures (office visits and cleanings and X-rays) from the start but it can take up to two YEARS before things like orthodontia and root canal procedures can be covered, and even then, I would still have to pay as much as 25% of the total cost (or coverage might be limited to a certain amount per year and I’m responsible for any and all costs incurred above that limit). The last time that insurance coverage was offered, the cheapest coverage was about $300/year with a lot of caveats.
As to vision insurance, my current insurer (Blue Cross) offers it FREE OF CHARGE if you’re buying coverage for yourself and your family; of course, the catch is that it’s only available to your minor, school-age children–neither you nor your wife (nor any college-age dependents who ARE covered under the rest of your health insurance plan). Well, that’s all fine and dandy, but *I* need vision coverage, and those eye exams are pretty darned expensive. I spent nearly $500 a few years ago to get some glasses replaced because I had to have an eye exam beforehand–the cost of the frames and lenses was responsible for a little more than half of the total. By contrast, after getting vision insurance (which comes to about $150/year), I paid a total of $125 for the exam and a new set of frames and new lenses and my co-pay. (My vision insurance coverage allows me a yearly eye exam and new frames every other year, with no cost to replace broken frames and a small fee to replace damaged lenses. Is that worth $150/year? Considering I’ve worn glasses basically for my whole life, yeah, it is. And if I could get decent dental insurance for that little, I don’t think I’d hesitate to add dental coverage.)

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