Cross-posted from an article by Chris Kromm on Facing South
In his speech from New Orleans on the fifth anniversary of Katrina yesterday, President Obama declared that he intended to honor the nation's promise to help rebuild the Gulf Coast:
[W]hile an incredible amount of progress has been made, on this fifth anniversary, I wanted to come here and tell the people of this city directly: My administration is going to stand with you -- and fight alongside you -- until the job is done. Until New Orleans is all the way back, all the way.
(Special thanks to folks from the Institute for Southern Studies for contributing! We welcome guest contributions - just shoot us an email with your username and we'll make sure you are able to post. - promoted by Matt)
Cross-posted from an article by Sue Sturgis on Facing South
President Obama plans to be in New Orleans on Aug. 29 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina -- a prime opportunity to put disaster recovery issues back atop the national agenda.
Obama is scheduled to deliver a speech at Xavier University, the nation's only historically black Roman Catholic institution of higher learning. Weeks before Katrina's first anniversary, then-U.S. Sen. Obama delivered a commencement address to school's first graduating class in the disaster's wake.
The president's trip is being hailed across the Gulf, where a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that a majority of New Orleanians fear the rest of the country has forgotten about the challenges they still face. In an Aug. 17 editorial, the New Orleans Times-Picayune noted that the visit is important both symbolically and practically:
Congressman Charlie Melancon represents Louisiana's Third Congressional District but is seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate so that he can run against David Vitter.
I can't for the life of me figure out why!
On Saturday, Melancon voted in favor of the Stupak amendment which banned any public option money and any insurance program in the insurance exchange created in the healthcare reform bill. The vote on the amendment was seen as a necessity by Speaker Nancy Pelosi in order to get the votes needed to pass the overall reform bill.
But, even with the abortion funding ban language included in the bill, Melancon could not bring himself to vote for the bill. He was one of more than 30 Democrats to vote against the bill. Republican Anh Cao of Louisiana's Second Congressional District provided the sole Republican vote in support of the bill, but Melancon could not bring himself to support either his party or his president and support this legislation.
So, the question is this: Why is Charlie Melancon running as a Democrat for the Senate?
Unless you've been in a cave over the last few days, you know that President Obama will giving a speech on health care reform in less than 10 minutes.
But what you may not know is that Congressman Charles Boustany (R, LA-07)has been picked to give the Republican response to the President's speech. You'd think they'd steer clear of Louisiana Republicans after Governor PBJ's stupendously bad response back in February. But no ... they picked the talented Mr. Boustany.
Here's some background on him:
CongressmanLord Boustany not only tried to buy an English Title of Nobility so he could hang with the Queen Mum ...
but he's also a birther ... ya know, those crazy right wing nuts that are somehow convinced that President Obama is a foreign agent intent on destroying the American way of life. Here's the proof that Boustany's one of 'em:
Lord Boustany is the third Congressman in, at the 0.27 mark:
BOUSTANY: Well, it's certainly being looked at.
STARK: What do you personally believe, I mean -- do you think there's a question here?
BOUSTANY: I think there are questions, we'll have to see.
And if that's not enough to make your head spin about the talented Lord Boustany ...
He's an original co-sponsor of the "death panels" that has lots of folks in Louisiana up in arms. I mean, a Republican doctor in favor of the death panels that'll pull the plug on Grandma?
And he's giving the Republican rebuttal speech to Obama? Stay tuned for analysis after the rebuttal.
In a previous post, I provided an overview of what the House Energy & Commerce Committee says HR 3200 (the Democratic Healthcare Reform bill that includes the public option) will do for each of Louisiana's seven congressional districts.
In this post, we'll look at the cumulative numbers of what HR 3200 will bring to Louisiana individuals, families, businesses and hospitals. These numbers were compiled by going through the district reports and adding up the numbers.
The Committee report shows: the number of small businesses that will get tax credits providing coverage for their employees; the number of seniors who will no longer have to deal with the 'donut' in Medicare Part D; the number of families that the will will help avoid bankruptcy due to the cap on out of pocket medical expenses included in the bill; the amount of money hospitals will receive by avoiding what are now uncompensated care costs; the number of uninsured Louisiana residents who will receive coverage under the bill either through private insurance or the public option; and, the number of households in the top 1.5 percent of incomes that will pay a healthcare surcharge.
This is a wonderful tool for supporters of healthcare reform and the public option.
Despite the theatrics at the town hall meetings across the country and across the state, I'm convinced that there is a significant segment of the population open to being swayed by the facts of the healthcare reform legislation and they know they are not getting facts at those town hall meetings from either the audience members or (all too frequently) from the congressman or senator hosting the meeting.
These assessments should be well received by those folks who know that the current system is broken, but have been confused or at least worried by the claims being made against the legislation that will resume movement through both houses of Congress in September.
The Committee's assessments are single-page reports looking at the financial impact of the legislation on each district.
What follows are the highlights of the impact of HR 3200 (which includes the public option) on each of Louisiana's seven congressional districts.
Dah-yum! Says here that the so-called Blue Dog Democrats are raking in political contributions from the pharmaceutical, health insurance and health insurance industries.
McClatchy's Washington news bureau has the shocking news:
As the Obama administration and Democrats wrangled over the timing, shape and cost of health care overhaul efforts during the first half of the year, more than half the $1.1 million in campaign contributions the Democratic Party's Blue Dog Coalition received came from the pharmaceutical, health care and health insurance industries, according to watchdog organizations.
The amount outstrips contributions to other congressional political action committees during the same period, according to an analysis by the Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit watchdog organization. The Blue Dogs, a group of fiscally conservative lawmakers, successfully delayed the vote on health care overhaul proposals until the fall.
The following letter, signed/approved by 24 Louisiana supporters of Senator Mary Landrieu, was hand delivered to her office in Lake Charles today. The letter calls on the senator to support healthcare reform legislation that includes the public option.
• • •
Dear Senator Landrieu:
We write you today as friends, long-time supporters, and concerned Louisiana citizens regarding an issue of great national significance that is critical to the future well being of our state.
In a few days you will be asked to decide whether healthcare coverage will be extended to millions of Americans who do not now enjoy those benefits. As your votes in support of SCHIP and your efforts to support community healthcare demonstrate, you know that people who do not to have access to adequate health care are destined to die younger, suffer many more illnesses and to watch helplessly as their love ones are denied the care that could save their lives or relieve their discomfort. The high cost of health insurance is the main barrier preventing working families and small business owners from gaining access to that care.
Small businesses and large corporations alike are abandoning employer-based health care because of cost. In Louisiana, where the percentage of employers offering healthcare benefits has historically been low, the problem is even worse. Even where coverage is offered, workers frequently cannot afford the premiums to cover their families. The situation will only be made worse by recent cuts in services voted by the Louisiana Legislature.
In spite of the dishonest campaigns being waged to prevent comprehensive national health care from becoming a reality, the overwhelming majority of Americans support it. Surprisingly, over sixty percent of American physicians are also in support of these ends.
We realize the pressure being exerted on you to vote against this program.
The same stale arguments are being made today against the public option that have been made against every progressive endeavor for the last seventy-five years. Social Security was supposed to be the pinnacle of governmental intrusion into our lives. Where would we be today without Social Security? Medicare was another “Socialist” program that was supposed to destroy medical care in our nation. Where would our seniors be without Medicare? The same could be said for the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Acts. All of these programs were passed under Democratic presidents and all of them have changed our nation and our lives profoundly for the better.
The vast majority of your political base in Louisiana is composed of people who stand to benefit directly from enactment of a national coverage plan, specifically the public option.
We believe that the public option — where adults can buy into a Medicare-like program — is the best way to control costs by bringing competition to the health insurance system. In Louisiana, the two largest health insurance providers control 74 percent of the health insurance market. The market has failed us by pricing coverage beyond the reach of too many Louisiana citizens.
A national consensus has emerged that the current system must be changed and that only federal government has the scale and reach to change it. If these efforts are not successful, it may be many years before we have a president who is willing to take the challenge and pay the political price to achieve these admirable ends.
We do not consider this to be an issue of politics or party. This is an issue of the basic right of every American to be able to access quality healthcare without the risk of financial ruin. Access to healthcare should not be a privilege available only to those who can afford private health insurance.
As friends and long-time supporters we ask you to please not ignore the people who have repeatedly voted you into office. We have stood with you; now, we are asking you to stand with us in support of the public option.
Sincerely yours,
Mike Stagg, Lafayette Sally O. Donlon, Lafayette Dr. Mike Robichaux, Raceland Deborah Langhoff, New Orleans Stephen Handwerk, Lafayette Angelique LaCour, Covington Barbara St. Romain, MSW, LCSW, Lafayette John St. Julien, Lafayette Edna D. St. Julien, Lafayette Phillip Arleigh Lank, Lafayette Mark Lastrapes, New Orleans Michelle Vega, New Orleans Robert J. Guercio, Lafayette Anna K. Guercio, Lafayette Charles St. Romain, LCSW, Lafayette Rebecca Chaisson, Lake Charles Joanne Pettit, Mandeville Daryl Pettit, Mandeville Adrienne LaCour, Covington Karen E. Keller, MS, Lafayette State Representative Juan LaFonta, New Orleans Lauren Lastrapes, New Orleans Dr. Douglas de Mahy, Lafayette Marie de Mahy, Lafayette Andrea Loewy, Lafayette
Let the record show that the extreme partisanship of Governor Bobby Jindal emerged in full bloom in the second year of his term as governor.
Sure, there were the vetoes of funding for projects favored by legislators who had crossed him in some way; the ham-handed attempt to replace a BESE board member who had the temerity to think for herself (and still supported Jindal on most issues, but not ALL issues).
But, an item in The Sunday Advocate's Inside Politics column lays bare how Jindal's careening ego, combined with his ambition to become a national Republican standard bearer, are leading to some pretty petty political decisions even by the standards of this administration.
The American Medical Association (AMA) — GASP!!! — has endorsed the healthcare reform legislation proposed by Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives according to the Associated Press:
The American Medical Association on Thursday endorsed a liberal health overhaul bill that includes a public insurance option, a bold step for a traditionally conservative group with a checkered past on health reforms.
In its strongest action yet signaling support for President Barack Obama's vow to reform health care, the nation's largest doctors' group sent letters to three House committees behind the bill. The letters, signed by AMA's executive vice president, Dr. Michael Maves, said the AMA appreciates and supports what is being called America's Affordable Health Choices Act.
This is an historic shift. The AMA opposed the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid in the 1960s. It's conference of delegats gave President Obama a lukewarm reception when he addressed their convention earlier this summer.
"I don't represent the big oil companies, the big pharmaceuticals or the big insurance industry. They already have great representation in Washington. Its the rest of the people that need representation." - Senator Paul Wellstone, Democrat, Minnesota
The debate on healthcare reform is intensifying in Washington and across the country. This is not a debate taking place in the abstract.
Louisiana stands to benefit greatly from reform — if the final package includes the so-called "Public Option." The public option is a proposal by President Obama to offer working-age Americans the opportunity to buy health insurance coverage similar to coverage currently available to those over 65 through Medicare.
Health insurance companies oppose this, saying that the government will ultimately drive them from the field; that they won't be able to compete. The public, according to polls, is not buying that argument. Various polls report public support for the public option to be running 70 percent and higher.
That probably has something to do with the experiences those with insurance have had with insurance companies over the years. The insurance companies have not endeared themselves to the American public through their arbitrary denials of coverage, refusal to pay claims, and general ripping off of consumers and businesses over the years.
President Obama's speech was ambitious: energy, health care and education? The first two derailed our last two President's agendas. And he wants to take both of them on in the same year? You know, Governor PBJ was right in one respect ... Americans can do anything.
Governor PBJ's address was awful. In every respect. Tone, delivery, and message.
The tone and delivery was that of a kindergarten teacher talking to 5 year olds. I don't know what the hell he was thinking using such a tone, but he made people feel like they were being talking down to.
As for the message ... every single of the things he said Republicans were for - cutting taxes for working families and small businesses, as well as a new tax credit for home-buyers - were in the bill passed by Congress and signed by President Obama this past week.
I don't understand how Governor PBJ is against the federal government making an order for $300 million worth of hybrid vehicles. It will create/save American automaker jobs, cut down on the pollution released into the atmosphere, cut down on the oil needed to run it, AND save gas money for the federal government.
High-speed rail? Again, creates jobs, as the lines will have to be laid, the cars will have be manufactured, and conductors will need to be hired, and it will spur investment along the routes. And the money the workers make? They'll SPEND it.
About that $140 million for "volcano monitoring." I don't know where the Governor got that ... possibly from his imagination. But as the Governor of the state that was devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, he should have a wee bit more compassion for those that live near volcanoes.
If I were Governor PBJ, I wouldn't be crowing about the fact that the Louisiana Legislature, along with Governors Blanco and Jindal, cut taxes for the past six years. It shows a lack of foresight, a failure to look beyond the next election ... as we now have to deal with a budget shortfall of nearly $2 billion.
The plan that Governor PBJ advanced - all tax cuts all the time - as the GOP plan is, like Governor PBJ himself, cautious. It is a half-measure that will alleviate the pain of those who are wealthy. They'll have to learn to make do without the million dollar bonuses to which they've become accustomed ... so Governor PBJ wants to throw them a bone by cutting their capital gains taxes, which will give them a little extra spending money for their Botox treatments, yearly vacations and luxury cars.
What it won't do is alleviate the suffering of those recently laid off; those who have to declare bankruptcy because of their insurmountable medical bills; those who want to go to college, but can't afford to. That's because Governor Jindal and the Republican Party do not believe that government should help those people.
"Government can't do everything, we were told, so it should settle for taking care of the strong, and hope that economic ambition and charity will do the rest. Make the rich richer, and what falls from their table will be enough for the middle class and those who are desperately trying to work their way into the middle class."
But what absolutely floored me is that he invoked Katrina as a reason to doubt the ability of government to fix a problem. I just wonder if he remembers exactly which political party controlled all three branches of the federal government at the time. I'll even give y'all a hint. It sure as hell wasn't the Democrats.
The Politico reported a leaked passage from Governor PBJ's Republican Response to President Obama's National Address tonight: (hat tip to Daren):
A few weeks ago, the President warned that our nation is facing a crisis that he said 'we may not be able to reverse.' Our troubles are real, to be sure. But don't let anyone tell you that we cannot recover - or that America's best days are behind her.
Gee, that's right, Guv ... Americans can do anything. If YOU LET THEM. But you don't want the government to spend $300 million on hybrid vehicles. You don't want the federal government to jumpstart the green revolution that will save our economy, and create American jobs, as those jobs can't be exported, because you're stuck in the 1990's Republican frame that government is TEH EVIL.
He's also extremely careful and calculated, personality traits that come out during even the most mundane activities, like taking pills. Jindal, who has a background in biology, medicine and public policy, never follows the directions on prescription medicines. "I always just take half the dose," he says. "I'm very cautious."
And that cautious streak in ya, Governor, is the reason you're stuck in that 1990's Republican frame of government being the problem. This time, however, half-measures like cutting the capital gains tax won't cut it. The private sector is looking out for itself ... paying their top people obscene bonuses for failures, and you want to give the top people more money? No, sir ... the answer is that the government must once again, save capitalism from itself.
What Americans expect from Washington is action that matches the urgency they feel in their daily lives -- action that's swift, bold and wise enough for us to climb out of this crisis.
Because each day we wait to begin the work of turning our economy around, more people lose their jobs, their savings and their homes. And if nothing is done, this recession might linger for years. Our economy will lose 5 million more jobs. Unemployment will approach double digits. Our nation will sink deeper into a crisis that, at some point, we may not be able to reverse.
President Obama didn't say that we couldn't reverse the damage done by you and your Republican colleagues up in Washington, Governor. (And yes, you voted for all those tax cuts and economy stimulating bills put forth by the Bush Administration when you were riding herd on being the 432nd (out of 435) most effective Member of Congress back in the day). He said, if we do nothing ... then we may not be able to reverse it.
Even a Rhodes Scholar like yourself, Governor, ought to be able to read that one correctly. The question now, Guv, is whether you will change that line to reflect reality. Or whether you'll stay in your Faux News bubble.
(Pertinent question ... though I really wonder how many Louisianans will tune in during Mardi Gras Weekend. Unfortunately, this will be the only post on the Kingfish this weekend, since my computer will not arrive until Monday. Until then, have a happy and safe Mardi Gras weekend!
- promoted by ryan)
. . . what do you think you would ask Gov. Jindal? Well, it is going to happen as David Gregory has announced that the Louisiana governor will be a guest on MTP this Sunday.
One of the hot topics that Gov. Jindal and his co-guest, Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida will be facing is whether to accept all, part or none of the funds coming to their states through President Obama's economic recovery and stimulus package.
But beyond questions relating to that topic, if you were sitting in Gregory's chair, what would you like to ask Gov. Jindal?
I can't wait to read your questions. I am sure there will be some good ones.
Cross-posted from an article by Sue Sturgis on 
The debate on healthcare reform is intensifying in Washington and across the country. This is not a debate taking place in the abstract.
