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May 27, 2005
Dems Maneuver on Bolton
The Democrats in the Senate are staying on the offense after their filibuster compromise by refusing to allow a quick vote on Bolton's nomination to the UN. Joe Biden requested additional information, which the White House has refused to release. This is very much in keeping with their long term and successful tactic of not providing the Senate or anyone else with information. It is certainly no SECRET that the White House likes to keep SECRETS. How can you argue with success? Anyway, the Democrats feel they can push for a release of the documents after the recent compromise and look better for it. They insist that they are more than willing to accede to an up and down vote as long as the White House releases the Bolton documents. The Dems seem to be attempting to box the White House into a corner. If the White House refuses to release the documents they look like there is something to hide. If they acquiesce, the Democrats score bigtime, even if there is nothing of substance in the material. If there is damaging information, it might give some Republicans enough political cover to vote against the nomination. In those circumstances the Democrats win again.
Posted by Chip Spear at 8:49 AM | Comments (2)
A Great Quote
This doesn't have much to do with PoliticalSports, but it is funny and sometimes too appropriate. Plus it does put a smile on one's face, and that is always a good thing.
"Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies." - Groucho Marx
Posted by Chip Spear at 8:19 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
May 26, 2005
Mac vs. Windows, Dems vs. Reps
Might help us all if we substituted Rebulicans and Democrats for Macintosh and Windows in this interesting article by David Pogue in today's NY Times.
Posted by Chip Spear at 2:35 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
May 25, 2005
World Statistics
I received this in a e-mail from a friend. I am not sure of the source so take it with a grain of salt. However the numbers seem fairly reasonable. If you happen to know otherwise, let me know and I will post them.
If we could shrink the earth's population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all the existing human ratios remaining the same, it would look something like the following: There would be:
57 Asians
21 Europeans
14 from the Western Hemisphere, both north and south
8 Africans
52 would be female
48 would be male
70 would be nonwhite
30 would be white
70 would be non-Christian
30 would be Christian
89 would be heterosexual
11 would be homosexual
6 people would possess 59% of the entire world's wealth and all 6 would be from the United States.
80 would live in substandard housing
70 would be unable to read
50 would suffer from malnutrition
1 would be near death; 1 would be near birth
1 (yes, only 1) would have a college education
1 would own a computer
Is there anything you are doing today that is addressing some of those statistics in any meaningful way? And if it is not relevant, why not? Ever curious.
Posted by Chip Spear at 2:59 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
McCain Keeps Rolling Up Those Points
John McCain has carefully and forcefully pushed himself to the head of the Republican Presidential hopefuls for the 2008 nomination. His latest play to build a compromise for the filibuster issue in the Senate paints him as a stabilizing and moderate face in our increasingly polarized electorate. Coupled with his continued support of the President’s Iraq policies and his statements of belief that G.W. would not have lied to the American people and you have a Republican who comes across as a team player but one who is not afraid to compromise with Democrats if need be. He presents himself as a good Republican who will support the President, most of the time. But he is not one who is owned by the extreme right. Such tactics will serve him well if he manages to win the nomination.
Posted by Chip Spear at 2:49 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 24, 2005
That Rove is Good, Damn It
I went to my high school reunion this past weekend and got into the inevitable discussions about politics. I found, as I so often do, that I was repeatedly on the defensive regarding my political positions or beliefs, which are usually on the left side of the line. The thing that struck me most was not the fact that I was on the defensive, but rather that a good friend of mine, who is quite intelligent graduate of a top Ivy League school, recited Republican positions verbatim. I must say that he does fit the Republican criteria of more than a little middle aged, wealthy and white. He portrayed Republicans as strong and Democrats as weak, ever ready to sell America to the French or Muslim UN delegates and of course, roll over to the terrorists. Then there were the "activist" judges, though no mention of Florida and the 2000 election, and that old standard bearer, taxes. Every word he uttered sounded like it came from Karl Rove's mouth. Those Republicans have been amazingly effective at painting the Democrats as weak, meddling spenders.
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:33 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Whose winning (Iraq statistics)?
Elizabeth Sullivan, from The Cleveland Plain Dealer, dug up these statistics
3.2 million: Number of Iraqis without reliable electricity
1.4 million: Number of Iraqis without jobs.
24,000: Estimated Iraqi deaths since U.S. troops arrived in 2003
39: Percentage of Iraqi families without reliable drinking water
37: Percentage of families living in neighborhoods with daily shootings
23: Percentage of Iraqi preschoolers who are chronically malnourished
13: Percentage of families with children whose father is deceased
2.5: Percentage of families whose homes have been looted
Source: U.N. Development Program's Iraq Living Conditions Survey 2004, conducted among 21,668 Iraqi households in April and May 2004 and in August 2004.
Posted by Chip Spear at 2:20 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
May 19, 2005
Good Democratic Defense of the Filibuster
This is a good description of a Democratic defense of the filibuster.
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:57 AM | Comments (1)
Tools of the Trade
I think it is interesting to ask yourself how often politicians use fear, hate and anger as a tool in furthering political positions?
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:54 AM | Comments (1)
May 17, 2005
Bush and the Media
President George Bush continues his all out war against critical media. His latest attack against Newsweek for it's report on flushing the Koran, are continuing an effective strategy of slamming anything remotely critical of administration policies. The net effect is making major media outlets hesitant to write or say anything that could jeopardize access to White House sources. An article in yesterday's New York Times described the conflicts occurring in the Corporation for Public Broadcasting with Bush appointees forcing changes on news programs. The hiring of two omsbudsman has also caused consternation at CPB and NPR radio. Each event in itself is not necessarily bad, but taken in toto; with planted White House reporters like Jeff Gannon, hiring of reporters to write stories in support of the administration, intimadation tactics by the White House, attacks by high profile right wing reporters warning people of the anti-American liberal media and you have a very effective strategy to inhibit open criticism of U. S. policies.
Posted by Chip Spear at 4:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 16, 2005
McCain backs Bush vs. British Memo
Senator John McCain said on ABC's This Week, "But I do not believe that the Bush administration decided that they would set up a scenario that gave us the rationale for going into Iraq," Oh really, now how can he prove that? Does he not think that President Bush and his administration are capable of such a thing? I have two words to say in response to that, South Carolina. If you need specifics a quick Google search on "Bush campaign attacks on McCain in South Carolina" will provide you with a sizeable amount of ammunition. John McCain knows the history. He is very aware of what G.W. can and will do. So what is the story here? What is his motivation? He plays the good soldier, as he has in the past and takes another step to 2008. It is a very nice play.
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:57 PM | Comments (1)
May 15, 2005
Left Wing is on the Defensive
It is hard for anyone on the left to not feel they are clearly on the defensive these days. The right, whether it is Christian fundamentalists or hard line neo-con hawks seem to be winning at every turn. Baring some unforseen event Bolton's approval in the Senate is a forgone conclusion. There will be necessary hand-wringing and the like but nothing is stopping that train. The President continues to press his huge tax cut agenda for the upper class, while saddling a massive tax burden on the poor, middle-class and youth of tomorrow. The religious right continues to hammer the judiciary and push ever harder to kill the filibuster. It's demise doesn't seem quite so certain as the Bolton nomination, but it is close. The religious fundamentalists are also making serious inroads in many states to elevate creationism to an equal footing with evolution. Despite intense effort of resistence the President continues to drive his agenda to tragically impair social security. Huge campaign contributors, like the oil, gas, coal and pharmaceutical companies seem to be minting their own money, they are making it so fast. What they want, they seem to get. There might be some Democratic initiatives that are encouraging, but on this particular evening I can't think of any of them.
Posted by Chip Spear at 7:44 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
May 13, 2005
Friday the 13th
So what does Friday the 13th have to do with PoliticalSports? Nothing until I stumbled on this article
Posted by Chip Spear at 7:24 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
May 12, 2005
French and British Politicians deny link to Saddam payoffs (Rant)
British politician George Galloway and former French Interior Minister Charles Pasqua denied U.S. Senate charges that they accepted millions of dollars of oil in exchange for their support. Why is this news? Have you ever heard anyone ever say, in response to accusations, "Oh yes, I did it, I am guilty." Clinton? Bush? Nixon? Who decides to put this garbage in the media?
Posted by Chip Spear at 10:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Why the Filibuster matters
Many, if not most, laws are inacted to protect the weak, or minority from the powerful. Civil Rights, labor, environment and health laws are prime examples of this. Throughout history in many circumstances and cultures a majority has used their political and/or military power to control, repress and oftentimes kill minorities or groups who did not agree with them. The filibuster has been used in American politics from the early days of our country's birth. See a short history at the U.S. Senate web site here.
Imagine a worse case scenario, where a President is either a member or a close friend of religious extremists, an American Taliban type group. Many American liberals feel we currently have such a situation. He rewards his "partners" with more than a couple nominations to the Supreme Court. His party controls both chambers of government, ensuring appointment if there were no filibuster and only a majority was required for appointment. These individuals, like members of the Taliban in Afghanistan, are closed minded, dictatorial, reactionary, paranoid people who make decisions based on their religious beliefs. They are able to swing a large number of Court decisions in such a way that many former rights are changed, so much so that our country becomes a religious state, dictated by a powerful group of spiritual fanatics.
Is this farfetched? Perhaps, but perhaps not. Many stranger things have happened in other places throughout history. Our current actions indicate we are not immune from human foibles.
Posted by Chip Spear at 7:10 AM | Comments (2)
May 11, 2005
Kim Jong Il, Why Negotiate?
Imagine for a little while here that you are Kim Jong Il, grand poohbah of North Korea. Your picture is everywhere. Your subjects worship you as a God, or at least they act like they do. Your only care for them is how they might facilitate you path to glory. You kill them if they look at you funny. Your palaces are grand while your subjects have nothing. Why should you care? They are the real little people. Meanwhile, the world looks at you as a maniac, an unruly and out of control crazy. You think they are stupid. To acquire more power you develop nuclear weapons. You lie, you cheat, you sell drugs, you counterfeit any currency you can, especially American and cheat on any agreement that some country is stupid enough to make if it is expedient. Again, why should you care? You get away with it every time. You look at everyone with utter contempt. The current powers of the world are scrambling, attempting to rein you in and control your maniacal tendencies. They really, truly think they can reason with you. They are afraid you will upset all their delicate diplomatic balances. Oh, too bad. The Americans are terrified that you will use that bomb to attack South Korea. They are also fearful that the Japanese might re-build their dormant military. The Chinese, though nervous, seem willing to accept your move, figuring you aren’t stupid enough to attack them. In addition, the Chinese see this as a way to counter American influence in the area. More opportunity for them if the Japanese and South Koreans began to break away from the U.S. Likewise the Russians also see opportunities. If you play your cards right, a nuclear arsenal makes you a powerbroker in the region, an equal at the table of world affairs. Act just crazy enough and the Americans might really think that you’d use a nuclear bomb against the South if they attacked. Why negotiate? Why would you care about American aid for your subjects, who you could care less about, when you would become a major player on the world stage? Who would have thought? You are scoring big on this one.
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:36 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
May 10, 2005
Oil, Gas and Coal Score Big With Court Decision
The NeoCons, Oil, Gas, Coal, Cheney and Bush all won big today with the Appeals Court ruling in favor of the administration and their closed door Energy Task Force meetings. Any way you look at it, the Environmental interests lost big time. It served to reinforce the Administrations policy of a supply side energy policy. Given a choice between supply side, and conservation and development of alternative energy sources, the current administration has made their preference abundantly clear.
Posted by Chip Spear at 8:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The President Scores Big in Georgia
There are days when being the President of the United States is one hell of a job. You go to a foreign country, hundreds of thousands of people gather in a huge square to cheer every sound you make. You deliver a speech telling every person in the country how wonderful they are. An inspiration to the world, you say. People scream in adoration. No critics, no doubting media, no nasty Democrats to spoil your day. You look fabulous on television when the home folks see you standing in front of all those fans. It is also hard for any American not to look past whatever personal feelings he or she may have about the President and not feel a certain sense of pride and awe that the people of Georgia have joined us in our grand experiment of democracy however imperfect it may be. Wow, it is better than a ticker tape parade in NY City. The President does absolutely nothing and he scores big, nationally and internationally. The Dems will have a hard time launching any counter offensive to that.
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:44 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 8, 2005
Ford and GM bonds dropped to junk status
As a young boy I looked at Ford and GM as the Gods of the business world. My grandfather used to sell buses for GM and my uncle had a Pontiac dealership. I can only remember one car that my parents bought that was not a Pontiac. My Grandfather had a new Cadillac every year and my grandmother always had a nice Pontiac, at most two years old. I was so attuned to car sales that I would check every year at the car sales ranking to see if Pontiac was catching up to Ford and maybe, just maybe it would one day pass Chevy as the best selling car in the United States and the world. Boy, have those times changed.
My first car was a Chevy Impala convertible that my uncle had in his lot. What a wonderful car, unfortunately I didn't know much about cars and my father was fairly non-existent. There was a little problem with adding oil that I missed and the car died. Since then a German or Japanese company built every car I owned. American cars became big and sloppy to me and to many others in the U.S. I realized they were poorly made, stuffed with accessories that often broke, and generally fell apart long before their overseas competition. And this was at least twenty-five years ago.
One would think that they would have gotten their acts together and started to compete, but they haven't. Ford and GM moved into the minivan and SUV market where they could make big profits and not have to compete with the Japanese and Germans. They fought every attempt at Federal safety standards citing expense, and they have lagged behind in developing new technologies for innovation, fuel economy or alternative energy engines. From a design standpoint their cars are pretty boring. That is not to say that a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry are flashy, but you know when you purchase one that it will run for 200,000 miles. Now the price of oil is very high, people are looking for alternatives to expensive SUVs. Ford and GM left the market to the competition. I don't want to dismiss the financial burden that their companies have with their retirees benefits, but they have made some very serious errors for a very long time. We are the most technologically advanced country in the world, at the moment. You would think that these companies could have developed a set of cars that were at least as good, if not better than Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, BMW, etc. They have no one to blame except themselves. They have been idiots and are clearly getting their clocks cleaned in this game.
Posted by Chip Spear at 10:02 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Interesting analysis of North Korean situation
I found this interesting analysis of the political situation in North Korea. It certainly provides more information than one normally finds in the mainstream American media.
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:11 PM | Comments (0)
Who's winning, US or the Axis of Evil?
A few years after G.W. identified the Axis of Evil I think one should ask, "How are we doing?". A quick review indicates things are not so good. Our military is completely bogged down in Iraq. It is extremely questionable whether the current "government" will be able to establish sufficient internal stability to both allow the U.S. to leave and itself to survive. If the Iraqi government does not survive, whatever emerges is not going to be pretty to our little eyes. Iran, nuclear power and weapons here we come. How is the U.S. going to stop them from developing nukes? Economic sanctions? Oh, those sure work? They certainly brought down Castro rather quickly. Why would the Iranians agree to give up their program when the U.S. is tied up in Iraq? The government, like all governments is interested in maintaining power. That government is not threatened by the U.S. or its European allies in the slightest way. Are they going to acquiese because they are nice guys. They want to expand their power and influence, not shrink it. I would say they are doing just fine. And then there is North Korea, seemingly about ready to test a nuclear bomb. There are not many people in the world happy about that except Kim Jong Il and his friends. The North Koreans have managed to develop a bomb despite threats from the U.S. It has refused to negotiate, managed to extract enough foreign aid and trade to maintain control of the military and necessary elite groups. The government has been very successful at making many promises which it does not keep. The International community has agreed to many demands, not all, but enough to allow the government to remain in firm control of its country. People and countries don't change unless they absolutely have to and North Korea doesn't have to. In sports terms its offense is marching down the field and we don't know how to stop it.
The Axis of Evil appears to be ahead in this game. Both Iran and North Korea are moving steadily to their goals, ready to score. The U.S., on the other hand, is having an extremely difficult time mounting an effective defense. And even in Iraq the game is definitely in doubt.
Posted by Chip Spear at 7:26 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 7, 2005
Why are you a Democrat?
Explain what makes you think the way you do about government. What should it's role be with regard to schools, roads, the environment, education, civil rights, resources, health care, etc? The role of the military, I assume, is a given.
Posted by Chip Spear at 8:20 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Why are you a Republican?
Explain what makes you think the way you do about government. What should it's role be with regard to schools, roads, the environment, education, civil rights, resources, health care, etc? The role of the military, I assume, is a given.
Posted by Chip Spear at 8:16 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
May 6, 2005
Proof of Bush lies regarding Iraq war
Thanks to Bad Attitudes for directing me to this article on TomPaine.com about a whistleblower who disclosed proof of Bush lying about why we went to war in Iraq. I wonder how much traction this will have with the mainstream media?
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:35 AM | Comments (0)
Curious results in my search of definitions of Dems and Reps
I searched through Google to find definitions of Republicans and Democrats. In doing so I was struck by an overwhelming number of Republican type sites who used very derogatory definitions of Democrats. Perhaps it was my own subjective view, but I did not notice the same when searching for Republican definitions. Yes, there were some negative Democratic definitions of Republicans, but no where near as many. What is going on here? What is the intent?
Posted by Chip Spear at 8:57 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
What is a Democrat?
From the Democratic Party Platform.
"Our vision is simple. We want an America that gives all Americans the chance to live out their dreams and achieve their God-given potential. We want an America that is still the world's strongest force for peace and freedom. And we want an America that is coming together around our enduring values, instead of drifting apart.
"Today's Democratic Party is determined to renew America's most basic bargain: Opportunity to every American, and responsibility from every American. And today's Democratic Party is determined to reawaken the great sense of American community."
"That is what today's Democratic Party offers: the end of the era of big government and a final rejection of the misguided call to leave our citizens to fend for themselves -- and bold leadership into the future: To meet America's challenges, protect America's values, Democrats believe all people should be able to pursue their goals whatever their religion, race, ethnic background or sexual orientation. In the sixties, Democrats fought for civil rights, but the battle is not yet over."
Democrats realize that all Americans should have the opportunity to pursue an education regardless of the economic situation they are born into.
The right for people to express their beliefs and advocate their ideas is paramount in a democracy. Though as unique people, we will find some ideas repugnant, the First Amendment is vital to the free exchange of ideas and should never be violated.
A Democrat believes that the environment must be protected from those who will exploit it for their own means. It is economically irresponsible to push the nation into debt to support the comforts of the wealthy. osystem. Its destruction is our destruction.
Taxes should not be used to increase the gap between the very wealthy and the very poor in the United States. Giving tax breaks to the rich while placing more burdens onto the shoulders of the poor is wrong.
The government must protect workers from exploitation. This includes making sure that employees receive a livable wage, work in a safe environment, and have an active roll in the corporation.
Health care is an essential part of life and well-being. This is not a right only reserved for the content in society, but for each and every American.
The Woman's Right to Choose is fundamental to equality between the sexes. No one or no government agency should interfere with reproductive rights.
The government should not endorse or favor any religion above another. To do so, isolates and intimidates those who follow a faith other than that of the majority. The First Amendment guarentees all Americans the freedom of religion, and, consequently, the freedom from religion.
As a result, the government cannot use public funds or public institutions to advocate or display the religious beliefs of any particular faith. All cultures are inherently equal and unique. People should be able practice their traditions and feel pride in their background. Each culture, in turn, adds diversity to America."
Posted by Chip Spear at 8:55 AM | Comments (1)
What is a Republican?
From the NJ GOP:
I Am A Republican Because...
I BELIEVE the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person's dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility must be honored. I BELIEVE in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, sex, age or disability
I BELIEVE free enterprise and encouraging individual initiative have brought this nation opportunity, economic growth and prosperity.
I BELIEVE government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn.
I BELIEVE the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations and that the best government is that which governs least. I BELIEVE the most effective, responsible and responsive government is government closest to the people.
I BELIEVE Americans must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative ideas to meet the challenges of changing times.
I BELIEVE Americans value and should preserve our national strength and pride while working to extend peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world.
FINALLY, I believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.
Posted by Chip Spear at 7:29 AM | Comments (1)
May 4, 2005
U. S. Torture - Some Questions
We saw accounts of torture emerge from Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, then accounts and rumors spread about torture by U. S. troops in Afghanistan and Guantanamo. More stories surfaced about people, supposedly dangerous, spirited off to "friendly" countries for interrogation. The government decides, or someone high up in the government decides who and what is a threat. No one is allowed to examine the evidence. When it is your daughter, who was sitting in a college classroom, who disappears, is this still alright? I find it odd that all this happens without the knowledge or acquiesence of rather high ranking authorities. Am I to believe that this sort of thing suddenly emerged in several locations without some type of coordination. And it was all started by Lynndie England and her friends? Wow, that is amazing.
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:27 PM | Comments (1)
May 3, 2005
Danger Zone - Killing of an Italian Agent
My Granddaddy said to me when I was quite young, "Son, if you are in a dangerous situation, don't be stupid." I wasn't near the shooting of the Italians, and I don't know too many of the specifics, other than what I have read in the media, but I feel that if I was driving a car on the road to the Baghdad airport, where bombs explode and bullets routinely kill people on a regular basis, I would follow my Granddaddy's advice. I would assume that sometimes people with the best intentions make mistakes. I would make absolutely sure my own intentions were clear in order to minimize whatever mistakes the "other guys" might make.
So what seems to be going on here is typical politics. I don't see how the Italian government could accept the findings of the U.S. unless the Americans admitted total wrongdoing. One can ask, "What would the Italian government gain from its own citizens by agreeing with the U.S., as opposed to contesting the report?" By standing up to the Americans the government establishes its independence, solidifies its identity, creates some distance from an unpopular war, gains bargaining chips with the U.S. on the world stage, and still allows itself the opportunity to be a good guy and not leave Iraq, depending how the game progresses. They would seem to have more options by opposing the report instead of accepting it. The facts don't really seem to matter.
Posted by Chip Spear at 6:57 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Social Security - History
This site provides information on the history of Social Security, including the various changes, like financing. See how the country addressed its problems in the past and compare to today's tactics and proposals. See http://www.ssa.gov/history/briefhistory3.html
Posted by Chip Spear at 12:43 PM | Comments (1)
Social Security - Questions
Social Security seems to be the order of the day, at least in my mind. I need to ask myself a couple of questions then find the answers. G. W. says that he wants to fix Social Security. If this is so and he doesn't want to destroy it, why doesn't he fix it in much the same manner as was done in the 50's, 60's and 80's? I have been trying to find specifics on those "cures" but haven't found anything yet. Some articles I read indicate that if the tax cuts for the wealthy are rolled back and the money targeted for Social Security the problem would be solved. And the problem with this is? Too many media outlets have suggested that Bush wants to destroy SS. Is this true? Do people really agree? Is this what they want? Every person in this country already has or can have as much in the way of private investment accounts as they want. I thought the point of SS was to provide a ironclad safety net. The idea of private accounts seems to negate that. Am I wrong? The money in the private accounts is more at risk, isn't it? That does not seem to be a secure net. On the other hand if he is looking to destroy SS, then there is no need for the net. Do away with it. Once implemented the private accounts method would essential end high income support for SS, since those people have so little stake in the system. And if you subscribe to Paul Krugman's numbers in yesterday's NY Times, the middle class would get screwed, so they would probably waffle in their support of the plan. It would seem that little effort would be required to end the entire program. We could very well have lots of stories of little old ladies eating cat food to stay alive. Is this what we want?
Posted by Chip Spear at 7:24 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
May 2, 2005
Poverty-Medicare, Social Security
Via Nicholas Kristof, NY Times, 5/1/05 - In 1966 29% of Americans over 65 and 18% of children were living in poverty. Due to Medicare and increasing benefits the numbers changed so that by 2003, 10% of elderly but still 18% of children were living in poverty.
Posted by Chip Spear at 7:19 AM | Comments (3)