gdunn45's Blog

gdunn45 Commented on TPMDC Saturday Roundup by Eric Kleefeld

2009-08-16T11:37:34Z

The GOP is trying to make the case that they are the defenders of the First Amendment right to "free speech".

They are trying to spin that anyone who doesn't allow screaming, shouting, talking over, disruption and chaos is against "free speech".

If it takes hold, they can go on and blather about how Democrats, liberals, etc. are against "free speech".

The irony is they don't care (and neither does the Corporate media) about "free speech" or they would have given equal air time to those who were against the Iraq war.

gdunn45 Commented on Anti-Health Care Reform Protester Encourages Physical Violence, Use Of Firearms by Brian Beutler

2009-08-07T22:39:10Z

This is being a classic bully--which the anti-reform movement as a whole is a bullying movement. When the Dems and supportive groups start to respond to bring some kind of order, the nuts have to respond with a greater threat.

gdunn45 recommended Obama Arrested Attempting to Break into White Power Structure by Cheesemoose

2009-07-23T20:32:16Z

gdunn45 Commented on Obama Arrested Attempting to Break into White Power Structure by Cheesemoose

2009-07-24T09:48:23Z

Unfortunately, this is hilarious! Reid needs to go!

gdunn45 Commented on Reid: No Vote On Health Care Before August Recess by Brian Beutler

2009-07-23T18:02:15Z

Miss Hathaway, that is priceless!

gdunn45 Commented on Inside Jim DeMint's Alternative Universe of Political Discourse by Eric Kleefeld

2009-07-23T18:00:44Z

JadeZ--you are absolutely correct. The Republicans have been the party of the racists since the Nixon Southern Strategy. When Reagan gave his kickoff speech at Philadelphia, Mississippi, no one should have been surprised that that was the outreach of the Republican Party.

gdunn45 Commented on Reid: No Vote On Health Care Before August Recess by Brian Beutler

2009-07-23T17:46:17Z

I am beginning to think there are probably 10-15 Senators who truly are in the "Democratic Party." The rest are DINO's representing corporate interests.

gdunn45 Commented on C Street Rebranding: GOP Cheaters Need Our Discreet Counseling! by Zachary Roth

2009-07-21T00:06:32Z

Perhaps we need to change Samuel Johnson's quote to:

"Christianity is the last refuge of a scoundrel."

gdunn45 Commented on AHIP Ad Buy Supports 'Bipartisan Solution' For Health Care by Brian Beutler

2009-07-21T00:02:22Z

But this is a short term solution. The way that people are losing their health care in the USA is basically an epidemic (pardon the pun). Eventually, and without reform, in a very short time-frame, there won't be enough people willing to pay the exhorbitant costs just to have healthcare.

What they are doing is very shortsighted. If they continue this track, they will not exist. In effect, due to their greed, the whole US healthcare system may come crashing down in the near future.

I think the AMA has finally realized that point.

gdunn45 Commented on Obama's New Health Care Strategy: Divide And Conquer? by Brian Beutler

2009-07-20T23:55:14Z

I agree, the Democrats (at least most who support health care with a public option) will not be toast. However, those who join the RW Republican nut jobs will be.

President Obama, is in a win-win situation on health care. Either it gets done in an acceptable manner or the Right Wing Republican nut jobs defeat it.

How are THEY going to explain to all the middle class citizens who have been losing their health care, can't afford the monthly fees and may have been kicked out due to a pre-existing condition about their GREAT victory?

If Republicans can't see that this is their Waterloo, they are crazier than I realize.

gdunn45 Commented on EFCA Compromise? Moderates To Embrace Labor Reform...Without Card Check by Brian Beutler

2009-07-18T19:51:35Z

It may look "like a win", but I believe it is a big loss. To shorten the time before an election still means, "employers can intimidate and fire you in a shorter period of time." Big frickin deal--score one for corporations.

Binding arbitration is great--if you can get the intimidation factor out of the hands of corporations--but, this language really doesn't do that--score another one for corporations.

If employees do not have a right to card check--this is a loss for union organizing.

Also, corporations will now just start doing their propaganda and intimidation continuously. I would bet Wal-Mart already has their play book written up for this scenario.

gdunn45 Commented on EFCA Compromise? Moderates To Embrace Labor Reform...Without Card Check by Brian Beutler

2009-07-17T14:23:55Z

Sorry, WCG, I don't believe you support unions. This false canard of "union intimidation" is getting tiresome. Nice try, though.

The whole point of Card check is to level the playing field. Currently, even if 100% of employees sign a petition to join a union, corporations get two months to intimidate the employees.

So, the current system provides corporations the "freedom" to intimidate and fire employees who may support the union. Some kind of "freedom" for the employees. Corporations are not democratic institutions and will fight like hell to keep it that way.

Unfortunately, the Democratic Republicans in the Senate have agreed (or rather, were bribed) by corporations to deny working men and women in this country any level playing field to further democracy in the workplace and a voice at work.

gdunn45 Commented on Will Wal-Mart Cash In Support For Health Care Reform To Crush EFCA? by Brian Beutler

2009-07-03T18:09:56Z

I would leave it up, but change it to an opinion piece. I had the same thought when I read that Wal-Mart teamed up with the Center for American Progress and SEIU--that there probably was some kind of deal to dilute or kill the EFCA.

But, that is my opinion, I have no sources to cite it. Just that Wal-Mart would prefer healthcare (even if they have to pay something for it) than being unionized.

gdunn45 Commented on Poll: Overwhelming Majority Of Americans Support Public Insurance Option by Brian Beutler

2009-06-23T00:31:39Z

Part of my job is to deal with health care companies and discuss what the benefit package that employees where I work will receive.

Pretty much since 2001, it has been cut backs or employees pay more out of their paycheck (which is, in my opinion, a tax), more co-pays and a bigger out of pocket deductible.

So, employees are paying more and in some cases, getting less. What isn't being reduced is the profits of the health care industry.

We should all have single payer or a public option that truly makes the private sector compete. Because in all my dealings, one thing is sure, the private sector is not competing and has basically rigged the system in which we will continue to receive less health care or pay a lot more to continue receiving it as long as the Healthcare Industrial Complex continues to make their $$$.

This greed is short-sighted, however, because eventually, the middle class will be gone and the poor can't pay and the rich will go to Canada or Europe to get medical care. So, the whole greedy system will collapse on itself if they don't change.

gdunn45 Commented on Watching Out for the Details in Healthcare, and How Hard the White House Pushes for Them by Robert Reich

2009-06-09T12:25:32Z

The "tax on benefits" does not impact the employer and goes directly on the "income" employees "receive" for having such a benefit. It is a passthrough tax to an employee receiving benefits, ie--the tax is on the employee, not the company.

The government currently taxes life insurance as a "benefit" that employees receive. I believe this was passed under Bush, but this year the IRS has mandated that you actually know you are paying this tax and is reflected on your paystub.

In the past, Companies could "hide" the tax, even though you were paying for it just as an "added cost" of your life insurance.

Both Republicans and corporations love this idea of employees paying for the benefits they receive. This has been pushed by Republicans for a long time.

gdunn45 Commented on Sonia Sotomayor And GOP Obstruction Efforts: The Bigger Picture by Brian Beutler

2009-05-27T10:03:47Z

This is an excellent article. It makes sense that the Republicans goal is to try to make the government ineffective when they are not in power. It is a logical extension of government not "working for the people." This is why they try to destroy government when they are in power (see Thomas Frank's book "The Wrecking Crew.") to prove the government sucks. As Frank has pointed out it sucks because Republicans are in power.

In summary, Republicans in power=destroy government, Republicans out of power=try to make government ineffective.

gdunn45 Commented on Anatomy Of A Sotomayor SCOTUS Whisper Campaign by Brian Beutler

2009-05-07T12:23:46Z

Not "intelligent enough-to serve on the Court". Look at some of the justices the Republicans have put on the Court. I don't think they can question "intelligence" after some of their picks.

gdunn45 Commented on Why Specter Did It -- And Had To Do It by Eric Kleefeld

2009-04-28T17:15:20Z

I agree. If Specter doesn't want to support EFCA as a Democratic Senator in a blue collar state, he should be voted down in the Democratic Primary.

This move is about Specter saving his behind!! What guarantees that he won't switch back after the 2010 election?

gdunn45 Commented on TPMDC Morning Roundup by Eric Kleefeld

2009-04-23T13:50:38Z

I have to agree with you. The Democrats are considering using a process the Republicans used while Bush was in office for an issue that is beneficial to the USA--if it works correctly, not only will more people get treated and receive preventative care, but healthcare costs should decrease.

So, it makes sense. The Republicans response--Let's do something CraZy!!! The people will love our CraZy response!

I say Democrats "Go For It!" But there is one huge obstacle which you pointed out--Harry Reid. Nuff said.

gdunn45 recommended Gingrich: Obama Waging "War Against Churches" by Eric Kleefeld

2009-04-02T19:53:12Z

gdunn45 Commented on Gingrich: Obama Waging "War Against Churches" by Eric Kleefeld

2009-04-03T13:03:45Z

You are right, and Newt and The Right will portray this as the "War on Religion." However, the proposal limits the amount of tax deduction for any charitable donation to anyone qualified charity, not just the right wing organizations or churches. Or did I miss that?

Shouldn't they be happy that George Soros can't deduct 35%?

gdunn45 Commented on Gingrich: Obama Waging "War Against Churches" by Eric Kleefeld

2009-04-03T10:50:47Z

Unfortunately, many rightwing "christians" will believe Newt. So, let me get this straight--rich "christians" will refuse to donate money to your cause or church because they will get less of a tax write off? If people claim they are "christians" and then give less because they don't get enough of a tax write off--they are not Christians--money is their god.

Which, for the most part, is true with rightwing "christians." They claim to love God and Jesus, but really love money and power and do most anything to get it.

gdunn45 Commented on Levin: Detroit & Wall Street Held to Different Standards -- But We Can't Dwell On It by Elana Schor

2009-03-31T10:14:17Z

GM and Chrysler "have been unprofitable for decades." NOT TRUE. They were extremely profitable in the 1990's, which was the last decade. GM also made profit in 2002 of $3.1 billion and 2003 of $1.2 billion.

http://www.themanufacturer.com/us/content/1971/General_Motors_profits_slightly_down_in_fourth_quarter?PHPSESSID=d494d7ba04e58b221715dfdd4683f5b4

gdunn45 Commented on The Double-Standard Question Haunting Today's Detroit Announcement by Elana Schor

2009-03-30T16:49:11Z

Yes, I have to agree. When someone says they are "pro-labor" then attack the UAW, it is an oxymoron. The UAW has been taking concessions for a long time now. I don't know who this "working class aristocracy" is, is it the ones who make approximately $50K a year and get decent benefits? Isn't that a minimum we should want for anyone in the USA?

Shoot, the UAW has been making the right decisions and taking all the cuts (until the Obama Administration) to keep GM propped up.

gdunn45 Commented on The Importance of Being Franken by Brian Beutler

2009-03-28T00:10:31Z

I'm not holding my breath waiting for Senator Reid to get any kind of backbone soon. If he does actually seat Franken, that will be a miracle.

gdunn45 Commented on Bachmann Blasts Obama's "Economic Marxism," Calls For "Orderly Revolution" To Save Freedom by Eric Kleefeld

2009-03-27T16:59:53Z

Even though this seems crazy, there may be a point to it. There is something called the "Overton Window" created by Joe Overton, formerly of the Mackinaw Center of Public Policy (a rightwing thinktank).

The premise is the more crazier you present your policy positions, the farther you will move down the line to actually get these positions (I would suspect, as long as you have power). Unfortunately, I think this "window" has worked since the groundwork for what occurred under Reagan, Bush and Bush II started long before them with McCarthy and Goldwater.

So, this might be a corollary, that when you are out of power, you say the craziest things about your opponent to try to prevent the "Window" from moving to the left.

Link to Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overton_window

gdunn45 Commented on Steele On Rush Flap: "It's All Strategic" by Eric Kleefeld

2009-03-26T00:04:24Z

You may make sense to the rightwing nuts who may actually think this way. But, would it matter since most Americans know that we have a biracial President currently who is extremely competent?

It also doesn't seem to fit since the rightwingers are pushing Bobby Jindahl.

gdunn45 Commented on Specter: I'll Vote No on Employee Free Choice Act by Elana Schor

2009-03-25T14:49:44Z

"The proponents of EFCA seem to believe that the only possible reason why more workers aren't unionized is because it's not easy enough for them to do so."

This statement is so true. It's kind of weird to base your dissertation here on a premise which is true, but you assert is false. Being in numerous organizing drives in which most lost after more than 70% of the workers signed cards, the reason was "it's not easy enough" because Companies get to hold their employees hostage with threats, intimidation and coercion for 6-12 weeks prior to a "secret ballot" election.

Your summary is patently false, because an overwhelming number of Americans not only support the idea of unions, an overwhelming number of Americans would join a union tomorrow if it was easy enough to do.

http://www.aflcio.org/joinaunion/voiceatwork/efca/10keyfacts.cfm

gdunn45 Commented on SEIU and Change to Win React to Specter by Elana Schor

2009-03-25T13:20:02Z

Read your link, I think this link gives a more balanced viewpoint;

http://www.beyondchron.org/articles/SEIU_NUHW_Battle_Shifts_To_NLRB_6648.html