Since When Did Americans Stop Rooting For the Little Guy?

Since When Did Americans Stop Rooting For the Little Guy?

That’s what the whole “debate” on Health Care Reform makes me wonder about. It made sense to me that Americans went ape sh%t when CEOs and Executives of companies like AIG got greedy and tried to line their pockets even further with bonuses. Yet when the CEOs of the Giant Health Care Corporations try to do the same thing, we let them cry poor and win?
Something else must be going on here.
When you do a little bit of digging, the answer becomes clear rather quickly. For every lawmaker in Congress, there are about six lobbyists pushing their health care priorities, according to a Bloomberg News investigation released ten days ago. That's about 3,300 registered health care lobbyists working Capitol Hill, outnumbering and constantly swarming 100 senators and 435 congressmen.
Bloomberg also examined new lobbyist registrations since July 1 and found that, on average, three lobbying organizations per day, many headquartered on Washington, D.C.'s K Street corridor, are lining up to lobby Congress on health reform.
After reading that you can see why it looks like Americans might not be rooting for the little guy (themselves in this case). This is because Billions, and maybe eventually Trillions, of dollars will have been spent to scare Americans, and subsequently kill Health Care Reform.
Whether it’s lobbying Congress, running scare Ads on TV, or paying to bus protestors to Town Hall Meetings, Goliath has started to thwart any momentum David seemed to have going.
But all hope is not lost. If you recall, less than 10 months ago many people and Large Corporations said that a Black man with a funny sounding name getting elected to the Highest Office in the Land was impossible. Well, score that one David: 1 Goliath: 0.
Getting Health Care reformed doesn’t have to be all that different than the election. People need to take a little time out of their busy lives to, number one, educate themselves on what Reform actually means.
A poll by the Associated Press last week highlighted what a big problem this actually is:
(Here is a link to the article): http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hfODLR0wl7aBmaQ38Za6eyzLJ9hQD9A6AE0G2
THE POLL: 45 percent said it's likely the government will decide when to stop care for the elderly; 50 percent said it's not likely.
THE FACTS: Nothing being debated in Washington would give the government such authority. Critics have twisted a provision in a House bill that would direct Medicare to pay for counseling sessions about end-of-life care, living wills, hospices and the like if a patient wants such consultations with a doctor. They have said, incorrectly, that the elderly would be required to have these sessions.
House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio said such counseling "may start us down a treacherous path toward government-encouraged euthanasia."
The bill would prohibit coverage of counseling that presents suicide or assisted suicide as an option.
Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia, who has been a proponent of coverage for end-of-life counseling under Medicare, said such sessions are a voluntary benefit, strictly between doctor and patient, and it was "nuts" to think death panels are looming or euthanasia is part of the equation.
But as fellow conservatives stepped up criticism of the provision, he backed away from his defense of it.
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THE POLL: 55 percent expect the overhaul will give coverage to illegal immigrants; 34 percent don't.
THE FACTS: The proposals being negotiated do not provide coverage for illegal immigrants.
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THE POLL: 54 percent said the overhaul will lead to a government takeover of health care; 39 percent disagree.
THE FACTS: Obama is not proposing a single-payer system in which the government covers everyone, like in Canada or some European countries. He says that direction is not right for the U.S. The proposals being negotiated do not go there.
At issue is a proposed "exchange" or "marketplace" in which a new government plan would be one option for people who aren't covered at work or whose job coverage is too expensive. The exchange would offer some private plans as well as the public one, all of them required to offer certain basic benefits.
That's a long way from a government takeover. But when Obama tells people they can just continue with the plans they have now if they are happy with them, that can't be taken at face value, either. Tax provisions could end up making it cheaper for some employers to pay a fee to end their health coverage, nudging some patients into a public plan with different doctors and benefits. Over time, critics fear, the public plan could squeeze private insurers out of business because they would not be able to compete with the federal government.
It's unclear now whether Obama is committed to the public option. He described it recently as "just one sliver" of health reform, suggesting it was expendable if lawmakers could agree on another way to expand affordable coverage. Now the White House is emphasizing his strong support for it.
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THE POLL: 50 percent expect taxpayer dollars will be used to pay for abortions; 37 percent don't.
THE FACTS: The House version of legislation would allow coverage for abortion in the public plan. But the procedure would be paid for with dollars from beneficiary premiums, not from federal funds. Likewise, private plans in the new insurance exchange could opt to cover abortion, but no federal subsidies would be used to pay for the procedure.
Opponents say the prohibition on federal money for the procedure is merely a bookkeeping trick and what matters is that Washington would allow abortion to be covered under government-subsidized insurance.
Obama has stated that the U.S. should continue its tradition of "not financing abortions as part of government-funded health care." Current laws prohibiting public financing of abortion would stay on the books.
Yet abortion guidelines are not yet clear for the government-supervised insurance exchange. There is strong sentiment in Congress on both sides of the issue.

So as you can see, people taking time to educate themselves and their friends and family on what actual Reform would entail is quite a big deal. If that can be done, a similar strategy to the 2008 Presidential Campaign can be enacted. Getting normal Americans to inform themselves and then use that information to educate others around them. An educated and active Public is a nightmare for the large Health Care Corporations and their lobbyists. So in turn, it is also the best chance for Real Health Care Reform.

Mark "Marky Mark" Grimaldi
Executive Producer
The Leslie Marshall Show
"The Only True Democracy In Talk Radio - Of, For and By The People"
www.lesliemarshallshow.com

Former President Clinton and North Korea...

Barack Obama didn't do it. GW Bush didnt do it.  Hilary Rodham Clinton didnt do it, but her husband did. I'm not talking about cigars, a blue dress or a woman named Monica. I am talking about two women. The release of two women. The pardon of two women and those two women are Laura Ling and Euna Lee.  For those Bill Clinton haters, this will be a tough pill to swallow. Without notifying the media, without cameras rolling and completely of his own doing; Former President Bill Clinton met with Kim Jong Il in North Korea this week and after exhaustive talks, a "special pardon" was granted and as simple as one snapping one's fingers, Laura Ling and Euna Lee will be released and will return home to their families, their country and their freedoms.  Now there are those that will always think of Bill Clinton as the impeached President.  There are those that remember the 8 years of his Presidency with fondness due to a thriving economy and for the most part, a time of peace for America.  A time when the world loved us. And a time, whether you loved or hated him, you couldnt move when he spoke because you were captivated by his enthusiasm and charisma as a speaker.  I met former President Clinton in 1992 during a Health Care Summit at the White House. As a nationally syndicated radio talk host who had just taken over for Tom Snyder at Daynet on the ABC Satellite Radio network, I had been invited with others in my line of work.  I remember a very large ( in more than name!) talk host who said "When you meet him, you just can't hate the guy" and although I harbored no hatred toward this President, quite the opposite, the big talk host guy was right. President Clinton has an energy about him that no other President has had during my lifetime.  Honestly, I have never met a person whose hand I have shaken and actually felt the energy coming through. His smile is infectous. His words are powerful.  And he, no matter how polarizing a figure he might be in our politically divided nation, he is still respected and viewed as extremely powerful throughout the world.  Many times during the past 8 years under the Bush Administration, I would hear my conservative counterparts blame Bill Clinton.  The bad economy? Clinton's fault.  9/11? Clinton's fault.  Terrorism? Clinton's fault.  No national healthcare plan? I think you get the point.  It's almost as if right wing conservative Republicans love hating the man.  So it makes me wonder. How will they hate him now? How will the right turn this heroic act into something heinous?  Will they say Hilary is ineffective as Secretary of State because her husband had to do her bidding? Or that President Obama used former President Clinton?  Perhaps that President Clinton needed attention and to be in the limelight? I can hear it now.  And I'll be there to debate that point as a talking head on the t.v. talk shows.  President William Jefferson Clinton might have his faults, he might have been impeached; but he held the position as leader of the free world for eight years. He was loved and highly respected, his words commanded attention and obviously they still do.  President Clinton once said he admired former President Jimmy Carter's work in a humanitarian capacity post presidency and he wanted to follow in his footsteps.  I believe with this one gesture, this one magnificent victory, President Clinton has done that and more. As an American, I am proud of my former President. As a woman I am greatful. Thank you President Clinton, for reminding us of all the good you continue to do for our nation.   Leslie Marshall The Leslie Marshall Show "The Only True Democracy in Talk Radio – Of For And By The People" www.lesliemarshallshow.com

Is President Obama more secular than religious.

On "The O'Reilly Factor" last week, I was asked if the President is more secular than religious. Some examples are his not yet selecting a church to worship on Sundays, covering the religious symbols behind him at Georgetown University when he spoke there and the Pentagon not allowing a military jet fly over at the "God and Country" festival, etc.
I'm amazed that in a country that prides itself on Separation of Church and State that we even have these discussions. Although religion certainly does play a part in politics; just look at GW Bush's win in the state of Ohio over Kerry; that isnt what America elects a President to do. I dont care if, where, when President Obama goes to church or why. Faith is a very personal thing in my opinon.

And to use our hard earned tax dollars in a recessive economy for a fly over at a festival!?!!! I dont care that they've been doing that for 42 years! That is a clear case of pork barrel spending. I want my tax dollars going toward areas of improvement for our country. I want our military fighting terrorists whether in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan or here at home; not part of some dog and pony show at a festival.

The Pentagon clearly stated the festival's website was Christian and although most Americans dont like to admit it, we might have judao christian roots; but as Bob Dylan says, the times, they are a changin'. The U.S. is a melting pot not only of different political ideals, race, various ethnicities and cultures, but various religions.

In addition to Christianity and Judaism, there are worshippers that are Muslim, Hindu, Buddhists, Parsi's, BaHai, Wicken, Kabbala, Christian Scientists, Scientologists, Hari Krishna.....just to name a few. The President has it right as does the Pentagon. Dont favor one religion over another, keep the practice of seperation of church and state...well...seperate....and dont waste Americans tax dollars on festivals especially when many have lost their jobs and possiblty their homes

Leslie Marshall, Host
The Leslie Marshall Show
"The Only True Democracy In Talk Radio - Of, For And By The People.
"http://www.lesliemarshallshow.com/

The Real Deal With North Korea

Many Americans know the name Kim Jong Il, but not Kim Jong Un. Well they should know the latter soon. At least that’s the way North Korean Dictator Kim Jong Il would like things to go. That’s because Kim Jong Un is his 26 year old son, and chosen successor. Kim Jong Il had at least five children with three women; three sons and two daughters. Kim Jong Un, 26, is the youngest with his older brothers being 38 and 28. This very young age and lack of political experience may explain why the North Korean Dictator is acting crazier than ever lately. His recent stroke and health problems have forced him to reveal his successor earlier than he probably would’ve liked. Now he is trying to leave his son a Nuclear-Armed North Korea. Something he believes would give 26 year old Kim Jong Un instant credibility despite his age.

There is only one known photo of Kim Jong Un outside of North Korea, and it is from when he was 11 years old. Not much is known about the future Dictator. Intelligence reports say that the North Korean successor is very much like his father. “We picture a charismatic young man, authoritarian, politically astute and precocious and ambitious,” said Cheong Seong-chang, a researcher at the Sejong Institute, near Seoul. “We picture Little Kim Jong-Il.”

North Korea’s intentions may be to create nuclear weapons in order to garner respect for their future leader. They may have no intention of actually using them. However, the United States and its Allies in the United Nations cannot take that risk. Not with Kim Jong Il at the helm. Making matters worse, the North Korean Dictator may be planning to launch a missile towards Hawaii in early July, some Intelligence Reports have cited. The missile most likely would not reach Hawaii, but just the act of firing a missile toward the United States is a message in and of itself. It would be extremely difficult for the United States not to react with some measure of its military if that occurred. Even if it was just to shoot the missile down. And who knows what reaction that would conjure up from North Korea’s Kim Jong Il.

The good news for the U.S. and South Korea is that both China and Russia are pressuring North Korea to reengage in talks. A statement issued by Chinese President Hu Jintao and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev pressed for a peaceful resolution of the Korean standoff and the "swiftest renewal" of the now-frozen six-party talks involving their countries as well as North and South Korea, Japan and the United States. Another good sign is that top U.S. and Chinese military officials will meet next week to discuss North Korea and maritime conflicts with the aim of improving cooperation between Beijing and Washington, the Pentagon said on Friday.

It is in the best interest of all parties involved if North Korea comes back to the table and ceases their crass military actions. In the meantime, President Obama has the right attitude and approach on the situation, and seems to have hit the proverbial ‘nail on the head’ while speaking at the White House with the South Korean President by his side: Obama said that, in recent years, North Korea's provocations have been "rewarded" as Western countries offered fuel, food and loans in exchange for promises of good behavior that are eventually broken.
"We are going to break that pattern," Obama said. North Korea "will not find security or respect through threats and illegal weapons."

Mark "Marky Mark" Grimaldi
Executive Producer
The Leslie Marshall Show
"The Only True Democracy In Talk Radio - Of, For And By The People."
http://www.lesliemarshallshow.com/

Health Care Legislation... "Now or Never??"

The President says we need to have health care legislation passed now, this year or it will never happen. My vote is, (call me Pollyanna!) it will never happen. This is not a negative reflection on the President or my party, the Dems. This is an opinion based on reality.

Reality: there are six health insurance lobbyists per senator.

Reality: if the u.s. government forces the private insurance companies to lower their rates, (which they will if the government expands Medicare or has a seperate plan for lesser cost), then you know what flows down hill and some how, some way, someone will have to pay. That means the doctors. This will reduce the quality of care and ability for doctors to spend the time to give the proper diagnosis. Also malpractice insurance is not addressed in the current reform proposals nor are the pharmaceutical companies who have their lobbyists and their billions as well.

It would take much more than 4 years to fix this problem, and, in my opinion, more than the 6 months we have left in 2009 to draft legislation specific enough to address everyone's needs. Example: If you pay blue cross $1000 a month for health insurance and the goverment's plan costs you $200; but to offset that cost, you have to pay more for your prescriptions, or any dme (durable medical equipment), or xray, or hospital stay, etc. you pay the same or more in the long run. And how does everyone get covered? If you cant pay for the government plan, you're in the same boat.

If the current mortgage/rent prices arent adjusted, how will a small business owner be able to afford to offer this for his/her employees, or even their own families? And if the issues which drive these health care costs through the roof, other than the ceo's at United Health Care, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, etc's greed, arent addressed? What are we left with? We saw what happened with the auto industry when they sacrificed quality for quantity; they failed, miserably.

Those are auto BODIES...what about human BODIES? If the abuse of litigation in our nation against doctors, the cost of pharmaceuticals, the need for extensive tests for a doc to cover their butt against litigation, the ability for docs to actually treat their patients, medical personnel making decisions at insurance companies or for the government as opposed to greedy bureaucrats, our abuse of the emergency room, ambulances, etc., until that is addressed, we're doomed. Just my two cents....uh, I mean $12 for a couple of Tylenol (which i'm sure you'll need after my gloom and doom philosophy of our nation's healthcare!)

Leslie Marshall, Host
The Leslie Marshall Show
"The Only True Democracy in Talk Radio - Of, For and By The People."
http://www.lesliemarshallshow.com/

Newt Gingrich better be careful what he wishes for...

Political hack Newt Gingrich had better be careful what he wishes for.  In addition to calling House Speaker Nancy Pelosi "a trivial politician, viciously using partisanship for the narrowest of purposes, who dishonors the Congress by her behavior." And saying she's "the big loser, because she either comes across as incompetent, or dishonest." Gingrich also said he wants the House to investigate how much Pelosi knew about waterboarding and other controversial practices the CIA used on prisoners.  Despite the fact that I believe Gingrich is just trying to find any kind of distraction right now as only 21% of Americans currently define themselves as 'Republicans,' I think there should be an investigation.  Not only so the real truth can come out, but also because how could the House investigate only Pelosi, and not also investigate what Bush, Cheney and the rest of their administration not only knew and said, but also what they ordered to be done? Think about it.  If you open up an investigation against Pelosi to find out what she knew and when she knew it, how could anyone trying to be fair not investigate Bush, Cheney and the rest of their administration?  Let this next one sink in as well; if Bush, Cheney and Pelosi are all investigated on the subject of waterboarding and torture, who do you think will be in more hot water by the time the investigation is over?  The people who ordered these things done?  Or the person who heard about what was done after it had already taken place?  That's a no-brainer in my book.  So I think this is a great idea, investigate them all.  Leave no rock unturned.  In the end, not only may Newt Gingrich wish that he hadn't opened his mouth, he may have also fired the "starting pistol" that begins the race to investigate Former President Bush and Former Vice President Cheney. Mark 'Marky Mark' Grimaldi The Leslie Marshall Show "The Only True Democracy in Talk Radio - Of, For and By The People." www.lesliemarshallshow.com

John Edwards Cheated!

John Edwards cheated, his wife Elizabeth now knows as does the world. A lot of women are dogging her because she's standing by her man; and I was one of them. That was until I had children.

Look, I was one of the women in America who didnt see a problem with what Lorena Bobbitt did to her husband John. Cut it off and dump him! But now that I have children; and have a family member who survived adultery and have grown up a bit...ok, not much, but a bit....well, I changed my mind! And that a woman has the perrogative to do!

Listen, unless we're in someone's relationship, we dont know what goes on behind closed doors. Elizabeth and John have a history together, children together. She has battled and may continue to battle cancer and even face death. It's easier for a man to find a new mate, and easier for a man to find a new job or career. Elizabeth's job/career has been making John Edwards into the man he is today. He was poor and is now rich. They survived the death of a child together, and having lost my own son 5 years ago, let me tell you, if your marriage can survive that, it can survive anything.

Now dont go thinking "Leslie, you've gone soft on us girl!" Adultery is wrong. And believe me, if my husband cheated, not only would I never trust him again, he would rather I left than the hell I would put him through while staying with him!

But back to Elizabeth Edwards....here is where I think she's wrong...

a) she believes her husband cheated just once and just that one time with that one girl....yes Elizabeth there is a Santa Claus!
b) She says she doesnt know if the baby the woman John Edwards slept with is carrying is his.....has this woman ever heard of DNA!?! She should FORCE her husband to prove his claim that he did not father this child! and
c) I think the saddest thing about all of this is, when Elizabeth and John married, she told him she didnt want a ring, or money, she just wanted one thing from him: for him to be faithful, his fidelity. John Edwards couldnt deliver. He couldnt deliver this to a woman who stood behind him when he was a struggling lawyer, on the campaign trail for the Senate and for the White House as V.P.

Although some of you may feel Elizabeth is the loser here, it is clearly John that's the biggest loser of all, and I'm not talking a t.v. show to lose weight my friend. Sex is sex, but loyalty, well now, that's something you just cant find much of nowadays. And we wonder why 54% of all marriages end in divorce? Marriage isnt the sacred institution it once was....I guess the next question is why....is it our lack of "family values?" (gulp- did I say that?!?) or society's placing a lack of importance on this institution?

One thing I am sure of, it doesnt matter whether it was between a man and a woman, or a man and a man, or a woman and a woman...betrayal is just that, and since Elizabeth was the victim here, she needs to be the one to decide on how she will punish her perpetrator for his crime. I just hope she realizes that the ball's in her court now and I think it's about time that John Edwards supports Elizabeth for a change.

Leslie Marshall

The Leslie Marshall Show
"The Only True Democracy in Talk Radio – Of For And By The People"http://www.lesliemarshallshow.com/