OBAMACARE

[COOPER&BURNETT]

He's out of control.He's acting like a dictator. Read this!Obama announces 15 recess appointments, scolds GOP WASHINGTON – Fed up with waiting, President Barack Obama announced Saturday he would bypass a vacationing Senate and name 15 people to key administration jobs, wielding for the first time the blunt political tool known as the recess appointment.The move immediately deepened the divide between the Democratic president and Republicans in the Senate following a long, bruising fight over health care. Obama revealed his decision by blistering Republicans, accusing them of holding up nominees for months solely to try to score a political advantage on him."I simply cannot allow partisan politics to stand in the way of the basic functioning of government," Obama said in a statement.The 15 appointees to boards and agencies include the contentious choice of union lawyer Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board. Republicans had blocked his nomination on grounds he would bring a radical pro-union agenda to the job, and they called on Obama not to appoint Becker over the recess.Obama went ahead anyway, while also choosing a second member for the labor board so that four of its five slots will be filled. The board, which referees labor-management disputes, has had a majority of its seats vacant for more than two years, slowing its work and raising questions about the legality of its rulings.Overall, Obama's appointments will take place throughout the week, allowing people to make the transition to their new jobs, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said. The news of Becker's appointment drew the bulk of the ire from Republicans."Once again the administration showed that it had little respect for the time honored constitutional roles and procedures of Congress," said Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, Obama's foe in the 2008 presidential election. "This is clear payback by the administration to organized labor."Both Republican and Democratic presidents have made recess appointments, which circumvents the Senate's authority to confirm nominees, when they could not overcome delays. President George W. Bush made more than 170 such appointments in his two-term presidency. President Bill Clinton made nearly 140.Obama had been on record as warning of recess appointments if the Senate didn't act. He followed through at the end of a week in which his political standing was significantly bolstered by the party-line passage of a historic health care bill, a student loan overhaul and a hard-fought nuclear arms treaty with Russia.The White House dropped the news in a press release on a quiet Saturday, with Obama at Camp David and lawmakers home in their districts.The recess appointments mean the 15 people could serve in their jobs through the end of 2011, when the next Senate finishes its term. A recess appointment ends at the completion of the next Senate session or when a person is nominated and confirmed to the job, whichever comes first.Obama filled two posts at the Treasury Department: Jeffrey Goldstein as under secretary for domestic finance and Michael Mundaca as assistant secretary for tax policy. He singled them out: "At a time of economic emergency, two top appointees to the Department of Treasury have been held up for nearly six months."On Becker, Republicans have held up his confirmation for months, saying they fear he would circumvent Congress to make labor laws more union-friendly.Democrats had failed to overcome Republican delaying tactics on Becker's nomination, and all 41 GOP senators wrote to Obama on Thursday urging him not to appoint Becker over the break — to no avail. Becker is a top lawyer at the Service Employees International Union and the AFL-CIO.Labor unions were especially keen on getting Becker installed on the board that is responsible for certifying union elections and addressing unfair labor practices. Under a Democratic majority, the labor board could decide cases or make new rules that would make it easier for unions to organize workers. The board could allow speeded-up union elections that give employers less time to counter organizing drives.The other pro-union lawyer Obama named to the board, Mark Pearce, has not faced opposition from Republicans.The White House says its appointees have been awaiting a vote for an average of seven months.Obama named three people to the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, which has also been operating without a quorum. The Senate's top Democrat, Harry Reid, welcomed Obama's move. "Regrettably, Senate Republicans have dedicated themselves to a failed strategy to cripple President Obama's economic initiatives by stalling key administration nominees at every turn," said Reid, the majority leader from Nevada. Obama and Democratic leaders say he faces more obstruction, in terms of the number of pending nominees and the length of their delay in getting a vote, than Bush did. The hyper-partisan atmosphere in Washington began long before Obama's presidency but remains as entrenched as ever, if not worse, during his term. Already in a struggle with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over a financial overhaul, Obama now has another one over Becker. "The business community should be on red alert for radical changes that could significantly impair the ability of America's job creators to compete," the chamber said in a statement. In February, Democrats fell far short of the 60 votes they needed to push through Becker's nomination. Two Democrats joined Republicans to halt Becker. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Saturday that Obama's move is "another episode of choosing a partisan path despite bipartisan opposition." ___ Associated Press writer Sam Hananel contributed to this story ___

[chum981]

Obama started his presidency with a very softly softly approach, trying to get buy-in from the Republicans. It didn't work that well as the Republicans were more intent on impeding for the sake of impeding, rather than being constructive (in the eyes of Democrats).Now Obama is being more direct to get the job done, and bypassing bipartisanship. And now he seems to be getting more done.I think this is the right approach. He was being criticised for not being an implementer, a decision-maker. But now he is implementing and he is making decisions, like a leader. You can't please everyone. You have to follow your beliefs and do what you think is right.

[Ferrariman]

You can sum this whole thing up very easily. People are creatures of habit and don't like change.

[Frey]

You can sum this whole thing up very easily. People are creatures of habit and don't like change.

This is true. However, this is more than "change." A lot of people who voted for Obama didn't even think that 1/6th of our economy would be swallowed up by the government.They also didn't think that the national debt would reach 90% of GDP by 2020. It will if current spending levels aren't slowed drastically and quickly.

[jcm8002204]

For Effectiveness, Obama (and his administration) does get an A+....he said what he was going to do, and thus far has delivered....They are transferring wealth from those that create it to those that do not...a true, death spiral recipe.....Remember the Three Legs of his campaign:Health CareEnergyEducationConsidering the recent HealthCare Bill also contain the government's total absorbtion of Student Loan Program (yes, now the Govt, except for ONE bank in North Dakota) will be administering ALL STUDENT LOANS....I'd say he's 2 out of 3 so far...I wonder as doctors drop off of the radar screen due to the Health Care initiative, if these loans will focus particular medical undergrads into a specific practice area...say those that are showing dramatic shortages ???....Amazing...a circle has no beginning or end.....Cap and Trade (the ENERGY leg) will be next. They've already begun quietly thru the Bureau of Land Management....where they've cancelled leases from a multitude of companies wishing to do simple geo-exploration on thousands of acres of govt-owned land....EPA also being employed....Think we're hurting now....those here on the WS that still drive your Scarabs better hope WellCraft comes out with some Hybrid version that runs on Hope & Change.....As I said, November can't come fast enough.....

[jcm8002204]

...Now Obama is being more direct to get the job done' date=' and bypassing bipartisanship. And now he seems to be getting more done.....[/quote']Congress has now breached the processes of reconciliation...tough to understand, however an option that has been used in the past....never for anything as sweeping as HealthCare.....but now that they've pass that...I'm sure that Cap and Trade will be rammed through the very same way...and I'm betting that happens well before November...The "REPEAL IT" mantra quite frankly is a weak campaign fight song...It says what you're against, not what you're for….but it’s that seems the party line..for now.I assure you, if anyone thinks a 3rd party will be legitimate..just look what happened when Perot stuck his hat in the race .... You'll guarantee a 2nd Term in 2012....Its a bad storm forming....I seriously think many many deep pocket individuals will simply expatriate themselves and leave for ... for oh, i duuno, Somewhere further South..Somewhere where the water's warm and the drinks are cold, and I don't know the names of the players..(nice ending reference..huh ?

[Frey]

The 15 appointees to boards and agencies include the contentious choice of union lawyer Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board. Republicans had blocked his nomination on grounds he would bring a radical pro-union agenda to the job' date=' and they called on Obama not to appoint Becker over the recess.Obama went ahead anyway, while also choosing a second member for the labor board so that four of its five slots will be filled. The board, which referees labor-management disputes, has had a majority of its seats vacant for more than two years, slowing its work and raising questions about the legality of its rulings.Overall, Obama's appointments will take place throughout the week, allowing people to make the transition to their new jobs, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said. The news of Becker's appointment drew the bulk of the ire from Republicans."Once again the administration showed that it had little respect for the time honored constitutional roles and procedures of Congress," said Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, Obama's foe in the 2008 presidential election. "This is clear payback by the administration to organized labor."On Becker, Republicans have held up his confirmation for months, saying they fear he would circumvent Congress to make labor laws more union-friendly.Democrats had failed to overcome Republican delaying tactics on Becker's nomination, and all 41 GOP senators wrote to Obama on Thursday urging him not to appoint Becker over the break — to no avail. Becker is a top lawyer at the Service Employees International Union and the AFL-CIO.Labor unions were especially keen on getting Becker installed on the board that is responsible for certifying union elections and addressing unfair labor practices. Under a Democratic majority, the labor board could decide cases or make new rules that would make it easier for unions to organize workers. The board could allow speeded-up union elections that give employers less time to counter organizing drives.The other pro-union lawyer Obama named to the board, Mark Pearce, has not faced opposition from Republicans.The White House says its appointees have been awaiting a vote for an average of seven months.Already in a struggle with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over a financial overhaul, Obama now has another one over Becker. "The business community should be on red alert for radical changes that could significantly impair the ability of America's job creators to compete," the chamber said in a statement. In February, Democrats fell far short of the 60 votes they needed to push through Becker's nomination. Two Democrats joined Republicans to halt Becker. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Saturday that Obama's move is "another episode of choosing a partisan path despite bipartisan opposition." ___ Associated Press writer Sam Hananel contributed to this story ___[/quote']This guy is trouble. Obama and the Dems want to pass something called the "Employee Free Choice Act." It is nothing of the sort. The upshot of this is, they want to take away secret ballots for union elections.Since they couldn't get it out of the Senate, they're counting on this Becker guy to do it without any of us having something to say about it.This is so radical and un-democratic that even fmr. Dem Senator/Presidential candidate George McGovern is against it and can spell it out much better than I can:

He even wrote an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal if you want to learn more:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124165379013293871.html

[Frey]

Here's a funny parody of "American Pie" to lighten the mood:

[COOPER&BURNETT]

Here's a funny parody of "American Pie" to lighten the mood:

Good points and postings everyone.The funny song was good too.

[cageyJG]

to a rap that expresses how I feel.

[maynard]

The New "Health Czars"..courtesy RB

[Frey]

This parody of Sinatra's "New York, New York" get's me in the mood for November.

[timm525]

Dr. Posts sign on door. "If you voted for Obama, seek urologic care elsewhere. Changes to your healthcare begin right now, not in four years."Click ---> hereMOUNT DORA - A central Florida urologist has posted a sign on his office door warning supporters of President Barack Obama to find a different doctor.The notice on Jack Cassell's Mount Dora practice says, "If you voted for Obama, seek urologic care elsewhere. Changes to your healthcare begin right now, not in four years."Cassell told the Orlando Sentinel on Thursday he wasn't questioning patients or refusing care, because that would be unethical."But if they read the sign and turn the other way, so be it," he said.Cassell, 56, also provides Republican reading material in the waiting room — probably not a risky move, given that Mount Dora's 10,000 residents and the surrounding area lean heavily conservative. Above a stack of GOP health care literature, a sign reads: "This is what the morons in Washington have done to your health care. Take one, read it and vote out anyone who voted for it."A spokeswoman from the Florida Department of Health, which licenses physicians and investigates complaints, said Friday there was no law prohibiting Cassell from advertising himself this way."Because there is no statute, there would be no grounds for a complaint," spokeswoman Eulinda Smith said. "It would be legally deficient,"A University of Florida professor said Cassell is walking a thin line between free speech and professional obligation. William Allen, a specialist in bioethics, law and medical professionalism, said civil rights protections can prevent patient discrimination. But the law only provides for race, gender, religion, sexual orientation and disability — not political opinion.Allen said Cassell may be within his rights if he doesn't quiz patients about their politics and hasn't refused to see anyone."(He's) trying to hold onto the nub of his ethical obligation," Allen said. "But this is pushing the limit."Cassell has been practicing in the area since 1988. His wife, Leslie Campione, is a lawyer and GOP candidate for the county commission.Cassell says most patients have been extremely supportive, though three had complained."They know it's not good for them," Cassell said.

[Tony D.]

Hooray for the Doc!

[Richie Rich]

Hooray for the Doc!

Agreed.Of course' date=' as expected, the sleazy liberal media have already labeled him a "Nazi". So much for "inclusion", which means if you agree w Obama you are included, if you disagree with his policies, then you are a "Nazi":Here is where they are spewing their hate:http://www.buzzfeed.com/heidland/urology-nazi-no-medical-care-for-you-gna

[maynard]

http://www.buzzfeed.com/heidland/urology-nazi-no-medical-care-for-you-gna

Right out of the Marxist playbook..read "Master's of Deceit"-J. Edgar Hoover if you have any doubts...

[maynard]

Right out of the Marxist playbook..read "Master's of Deceit"-J. Edgar Hoover if you have any doubts...

[I]Here's what it looks like...I own a copy!

[Richie Rich]

...

[maynard]

hate to say I told you so...its only 25% in Hungary!Obama Economic Adviser Says U.S. Should Consider 'Value-Added Tax'NYPost.comA value-added tax is a national sales tax that, like state and city sales taxes, would be collected by retailers. Acknowledging it would be a highly unpopular move, White House economic adviser Paul Volcker said Tuesday the United States should consider imposing a "value-added tax" similar to those charged in Europe to help get the deficit under control.A value-added tax is a national sales tax that, like state and city sales taxes, would be collected by retailers.Volcker, a former Federal Reserve chairman, told a New York panel on the global financial crisis that such a tax is "not as toxic an idea as it has been in the past.""If, at the end of the day, we need to raise taxes, we should raise taxes," he said.He also said that Congress might also have to consider new taxes on carbon and energy.A White House official asked for comment, said, "The president has passed historic tax cuts for middle-class families and continues to push for more tax cuts. The president is not proposing to cut the deficit at the expense of middle-class families."The value-added tax suggestion was immediately met with outrage by Republicans."It shouldn't surprise anyone that the Obama White House would advocate a European-style tax to help finance their European-style government health-care plan," said Brian Walsh, a spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee.

[Frey]

If they repeal the income tax, I wouldn't have a problem with this. If they keep it and add the vat tax, there's gonna be a freakin' revolution.

[COOPER&BURNETT]

Let's hope the conservatives can vote this down. lets hope.

[Frey]

Let's hope the conservatives can vote this down. lets hope.

As long as they stay together' date=' they will. This just in........If you're a convicted rapist/cild predator/sex offender, you can get viagra from the federal government under ObamaCare:http://www.rollcall.com/news/44956-1.html:thumbsdown:

[Maria714]

http://www.rollcall.com/news/44956-1.html

Oh this is just beautiful....just what they need, more encouragement.

[COOPER&BURNETT]

http://www.rollcall.com/news/44956-1.html

Good Grief.

[maynard]

If they repeal the income tax' date=' I wouldn't have a problem with this. If they keep it and add the vat tax, there's gonna be a freakin' revolution. [/quote']Remember...FDR said that income tax would only be for the rich (sound familiar?)and would only be temporary. Only those making $30,000 a year (rich) were going to pay it...