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Discussion: The Rose Garden and White House happenings: What does 2024 portend?

That’s not universal health care. 
Universal health care is when everyone in a particular nation is covered by public health policy and care - free or low cost if necessary - especially in order to keep population health costs down. Because this encourages the practice of preventive health care, rather than ‘just in time’ or (even worse) the treating of adverse health events only and only when citizens can afford it.

I’m proud to point out that, depending on circumstances, UK and US citizens visiting Australia can access our universal health programs as visitors to the country. Not in all cases, but some. And you don’t have to attend a hospital for most things; a friendly neighbourhood general practice should be able to assist you. 
For my cancer treatment, I just paid busfares. 
With my current broken arm, which required ambulances, surgery, 24 hours in hospital, multiple scans and X-rays, and physical therapy, I’m just paying busfares. 
What’s wrong with universal health????

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Discussion: The Rose Garden and White House happenings: What does 2024 portend?

mtierney said:

My favorite senator, Chuck Schumer, has decided he has been off our screens too long, so,  he opts to cancel the dress code in Congress, allegedly in deference to one member who continues to dress like a slob (his words) because it was easier during his recovery period. Most reasonable people had little problem with his appearance, considering the multiple physical difficulties involved into returning to his duties.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-senators-shorts-and-americas-decline-fetterman-dress-code-boebert-79b8f2aa

What has happened to our public image? Folks traveling by planes these days look grubby — but then again, after enduring the trials and tribulations at airports, anger and despair probably contribute to the grunge look. 

Even in churches, “Sunday Best” is often substituted for clothes which are multi-purpose everyday wear, sometimes looking more suitable for poolside attire. My personal opinion is that when women no longer had to wear head coverings, it was the beginning of the end of dressing for respect.

Which brings to mind this disrespectful turn of events with the dress code in Washington and I was pleased to see this column  by Peggy Noonan….

“It was within this recent context that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer did something that isn’t in the same league in terms of shock but nonetheless has a deep institutional resonance. He quietly swept away a centuries-old tradition that senators dress as adults on the floor of the Senate. Business attire is no longer formally required. Mr. Schumer apparently doesn’t know—lucky him, life apparently hasn’t taught him—that when you ask less of people they don’t give you less; they give you much, much less. So we must brace ourselves.”

Seeing our president, wearing swimwear during his many vacations this summer , was hard to not see..and  not a good image for the leader of the free world.

when congresspersons are giving their dates hand jobs in a crowded theater, I don't think we need to get all upset if a senator casts a vote wearing a hoodie. 

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Discussion: Bob Menendez is Corrupt

paulsurovell said:

Kyle Jasey, CHS grad and son of retiring local Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, announced his candidacy against Menendez in August:

https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/kyle-jasey-son-of-assemblywoman-is-running-for-u-s-senate/

https://www.jaseyforjersey.com/

I believe that our current representative’s multiple scandals make him unfit to serve

But of course inexperienced nepotism is the absolute last thing that we need.  

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Discussion: The Rose Garden and White House happenings: What does 2024 portend?

mtierney said:

Try to really imagine a universe in which each and every individual receives medical care —  free, mostly, but those who can pay in,  I imagine, will be complaining. 

Why should it not be an aspiration for every person to have access to health care? 

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Discussion: Bob Menendez is Corrupt

He's got to resign so we can get someone in to have a head start next year.  I nominate Sheena Collum.

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Discussion: The Rose Garden and White House happenings: What does 2024 portend?

mtierney said:

And so it goes….Ironically, just a few months ago, attending a play, a movie, or going to school was considered life threatening and subject to “policing” and the wearing of masks. Covid is still with us — a friend who attended the 9/11 events came down with it a couple of days later —he had been vaccinated and recovery was rapid. However, what is happening now is uncontrolled and possibly uncontrollable. 

It is hopeful that the President seems to have noticed and is contemplating ways to slow down the masses seeking to enter with more requirements and agencies and countries to get involved. Am I a pessimist — or a realist— to feel it is way too late for more paper shuffling?

Covid’s return and the migrants are separate issues.

If one of your “sources” is telling you otherwise, they’re lying to you. 

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Discussion: The Rose Garden and White House happenings: What does 2024 portend?

mtierney said:

Only held first meeting last month..one of the goal is universal health! UNIVERSAL!

https://migrationnetwork.un.org/civil-society-and-governments-meet-first-regional-forum-un-network-migration-latin-america-and

This is not the first meeting of the IOM, which was established in 1951.

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Discussion: The Rose Garden and White House happenings: What does 2024 portend?

Peggy Noonan of all people should realize that at some point in US history the elected stopped wearing wigs. 

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Discussion: Post-Tropical Storm Ophelia

Ophelia is going to be a massive rainmaker; slowly decaying tropical systems like this almost always are. Expect this to persist around the area through Monday, as there’s nothing to push it out of the way. Wouldn’t at all be surprised if this outperforms forecasts in terms of rain production. 

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Discussion: The Rose Garden and White House happenings: What does 2024 portend?

mtierney said:

I am reporting hard facts only, don’t kill the messenger, it doesn’t solve or alleviate the immigration problems, unless it truly makes bystanders feel better?

Edited to add:the US-Mexico border, the deadliest land route for migrants, according to the International Organization for Migration recent report, at least 686 deaths were recorded there last year.

More from that report:

“These numbers reflect the fatal consequences of the lack of safe and regular mobility options. IOM works with governments and stakeholders in the Americas to develop regular, safe and dignified pathways for migrants. Addressing the root causes of irregular migration, enhancing humanitarian assistance, and providing better protection for vulnerable groups are essential steps in safeguarding the lives of migrants seeking a safer future.”

The report also says the 686 recorded deaths were a 6 percent decline from the previous year (though still high compared with even earlier years).

If it’s all the same to you, mtierney, I’ll try to stick with fact messengers who pick up the context, too, and don’t let themselves get carried away so easily, or so eagerly.

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