Regarding the "Affordable Care" Act...Here are some facts from a wise young man (under 35 so yeah, he's young, it's all relative)

Obamacare is now the law of the land (actually the Constitution should be viewed as same but we'll talk about that another time). Yay!!! Health care for all, and only the rich are going to suffer. Boo! Not true...

Here's a couple of facts for ya...It is estimated that Obamacare will add $1.79 per hour to the cost of each employee. If employers choose to pay the mandated fine rather than spend the $1.79 it will cost them $.98 per hour per employee. As many as 1/3 of companies in the U.S. are considering canceling health coverage for employees as they can't afford it. Dozens of very large businesses have already announced layoffs in anticipation of increased health coverage costs. AND, if you don’t have health insurance you will be fined AND the IRS will withhold your tax refund…Awesome.

Now, some will say all that is 'theory.' Here are some facts from a wise young man (under 35 so yeah, he's young, it's all relative).
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"Please, if anyone reading this has seen their family insurance premiums decreased by $2500 over the past 4 years, I would like to hear your story.  Who is your provider? Do you work for a large company? Small company? Self-employed? I’m trying to get a sampling from my 250+ FB friends. Anyone seen their premiums decrease? Benefits increase? I want to know what industry you work in and how it has improved. Let’s have an adult discussion, no politics, just facts please.

I couldn't stand the suspense so I just went and looked at a pay stub from 2009. In '09 (before my employer had a chance to push Obamacare costs onto its employees) we were paying $141 every 2 weeks, 26 times per year that is $3666. My last paycheck 2 weeks ago we paid $210. 26 times a year that comes out to $5460. That is $1794 out of pocket difference just for the premiums. In addition, we have since lost our copay plan, now instead of paying flat rate per visit, we pay $1k minimum deductible per family member per year. After that we pay 10% of all costs. Additionally, our ER visit costs have gone up, RX co-pays have doubled, dental and vision have both increased proportionately also. I understand how inflation works, I understand things are going to cost more over time, don't need an economics lesson, but this is NOT inflation, this is insurance companies pushing the smothering costs of Obamacare onto its clientele. Still waiting for someone to inform me how this new health care plan has helped anyone. 

In '09 (pre-Obamacare insurance costs) it cost us ~$450 to have our second child. That’s, OB visits for 9 months, 5-day inpatient for both mom and baby (including c-section) and post-care visits. If we had that same baby today it would cost us over $4k out of pocket. Math majors, that is a 1000% increase. Still waiting for someone to show me the silver lining. I’m not seeing it.

My angle is always to win people with facts, arguing the politics of socialism vs free enterprise falls on deaf ears, we should all know that by now. Showing people how much real $$ something actually costs a hard working family may actually have more sway. Listening to Obama brag about how has he met all/most of his objectives in the recent debates really set me off. Don’t pee on my shoe and tell me it's raining! I’m well educated, I have a high paying job,Ii own all my vehicles, I have owned a home for all 11 of my adult years, I have ZERO consumer debt, and somehow even given all of that, I still can't pay for fuel to put in my car and I routinely have to choose between taking my child to the doctor’s office or putting food on my table. 

Tell me how redistributing wealth has helped anyone in this country. If people want handouts, come to church. At our church we freely give. Let the government protect us from terror, let the people take care of our own welfare. Let big bird pay for his own cable network, I’ll pay for the NFL network if I want to watch the NFL!"

True that.

If it is to be, it's up to me, and you.

“We are five days away from fundamentally transforming the United States of America.”

Barack Obama, 2008

When candidate Obama said that five days before he was elected President four years ago, most of America didn't even pay attention. And we have suffered for it. A lot of people think the President has come up short (or failed if we want to be honest about it) because he is inexperienced and doesn't know what he is doing. I disagree. I believe he knows exactly what he’s doing…He is working on the ‘fundamental transformation’ of America, just as he promised; he is looking forward to the day when we won’t recognize this country anymore because of the ‘change’ he is working to bring about. Michelle Obama said about her then-candidate husband:

“Barack knows that we are going to have to make sacrifices; we are going to have to change our conversation; we're going to have to change our traditions, change our history; we're going to have to move into a different place as a nation."

Our current President seeks to ‘fundamentally transform America’ away from a Constitutional republic to something else he deems better. But, we MUST ask ‘fundamentally change’ INTO WHAT? Has our past been so bad and our foundations so flawed? What has made America what she is? Are we smarter than the rest of the world? Are we more creative? Are we more disciplined? Are we physically more imposing? WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES US THE ENVY OF THE WORLD, THAT MAKES PEOPLE IN IMPOVERISHED COUNTIRES WANT TO COME HERE RATHER THAN SOME OTHER IMPOVERISHED COUNTRY? WHAT IS IT?...WHAT? It's the founding, first principles....The 'recipe' if you will.

‘Fundamental Change’….What does this really mean? He wants to ‘change the recipe’ that has made America the most prosperous, most generous, most benevolent, most liberating nation in history….

Let’s think about it like this:

If you want the cake in the picture you have to follow the recipe on the box. You can say you want the cake in the picture, but if you ‘fundamentally change’ the recipe you won’t get it.. You will get something else…And we’re seeing the results of the attempts of the administration to change the recipe. And the results are not good.

If you are happy with direction the country is headed, you should vote for President Obama and all candidates nationally and locally that identify with his agenda. If you feel we need a change in direction, you should vote for Mitt Romney and all candidates nationally and locally that identify with his agenda.

If it is to be, it's up to me, and you.

We Need and Want a President Who Will Act in the Best Interests of the Country...

I issued the following 'warning' on Facebook 11/1....

Hello my FB friends:
Just a heads up....Knowing that a lot of folks haven't voted yet I'm gonna be posting daily regarding the upcoming elections until Nov. 6th (election day if you haven't heard). Hopefully you will find my astute musings profitable (unless you're against profits then feel free to re-distribute them as you see fit. Oh wow, I just posted today's). As the day draws near some may be a little more pointed than previous posts, but let's make a commitment now to remain friends, agreed?

Stay tuned, and stay patient, it's almost over.
Love love,
GB

Here we go…..

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Originally posted Jan 15, 2012...Just a reminder:

I posted October 25, 2011:

President Obama is traveling the country proudly saying “If congress won’t act, I will.” Mr. President, you are not a king, you are not a benevolent dictator, you are bound to operate within the framework of the constitution in concert with the other two branches of government and you cannot 'act on your own.'

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I posted November 2, 2011 as a follow up to the Oct. 25 post:

“If congress won’t act, I will.” Well, here we go...President Obama has signed 5 Executive Orders in the last week alone. He is circumventing Congress. And he is being encouraged to do so. Here is a quote from Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr: “I hope the President continues to exercise extraordinary constitutional means, based on the history of Congresses that have been in rebellion in the past. He’s looking administratively for ways to advance the causes of the American people, because this Congress is completely dysfunctional." Mr. President, just because the majority of Congress have different ideas about policy than you do does not give you the right to by-pass them AND the Constitution. By your actions you are abandoning your responsibility, your reason, and have shown your utter disrespect for the Constitution, our national institutions and the rule of law.

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Posted Jan 15, 2012:

And today, ‘the beat goes on:’ President Obama just appointed Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and three members to the National Labor Relations Board, using the ‘recess appointment’ rational, even though the Senate has met every three or four days over the holiday period and therefore is not in recess. As House Speaker John Boehner said "This is an extraordinary and entirely unprecedented power grab by President Obama which will have a devastating effect on the checks and balances that are enshrined in our constitution." The President feels he was justified in the appointments, calling the pro forma sessions "gimmicks."…

This is just the latest evidence of President Obama’s blatant disregard for the Constitution (overuse of Executive Orders, the Individual Mandate in the healthcare bill, acting independently/without Congress in the Libyan involvement, etc. etc.).

Here’s the problem: President Obama thinks ‘he knows best’ and we need him to ‘act on our behalf’ as he sees best even if it means going outside the limitations of the Constitution. It’s no mystery why our President is sympathetic to many of the world’s dictatorial regimes, for based on his recent actions, it appears he desires to be a dictator.

Mr. President, we don’t need or want a dictator. We need and want a President who will act in the best interests of the country rather than in the best interests of his party and fringe support groups, a President who will adhere to the vows taken to uphold and adhere to the Constitution.

And we are going to fire you.

Just sayin'...

The root determines the fruit….

Who does this sound like?

This person thinks that to bring about the desired society one needs to “excoriate  big business, blast Wall Street and “greedy” millionaires, lambast GOP tax cuts that “spare the rich,” attack “excess profits” and oil companies, perceives the Catholic Church as an obstacle to the vision of the ‘preferred state’ while repeating the mantra of the need for “transformational and fundamental change” while moving "forward."

The root determines the fruit….If we said the above words and thoughts were President Obama's we would be correct. BUT, what we need to know is that he came to these positions and views while learning from the man that, in his own memoir, he calls simply “Frank” to whom the thoughts above are actually attributed to. “Frank” is Frank Marshall Davis a card-carrying member of the Communist Party USA, cited by the Associated Press as an “important influence” on Obama, one whom he “looked to” not merely for “advice on living” but as a “father” figure.

Frank Marshall Davis was a pro-Soviet, pro–Red China communist. His Communist Party USA card number, revealed in FBI files, was CP #47544. He was a prototype of the loyal Soviet patriot, so radical that the FBI placed him on the federal government’s Security Index. In the early 1950s, Davis opposed U.S. attempts to slow Stalin and Mao. He favored Red Army takeovers of Central and Eastern Europe, and communist control in Korea and Vietnam. Dutifully serving the cause, he edited and wrote for communist newspapers in both Chicago and Honolulu, courting contributors who were Soviet agents. In the 1970s, amid this dangerous political theater, Frank Marshall Davis came into Barack Obama’s life and ‘mentored’ him for years.

It is startling how various elements of the Obama administration’s agenda directly reflect Davis’s columns advocating wealth redistribution, government stimulus for “public works projects,” taxpayer-funding of universal health care, nationalizing General Motors and more.

Enough to make a fella say “hmmmm,” dontcha think?

Just sayin’…..

It is widely agreed that the most important issue this political season is the economy….I disagree, and here’s why….

This is an opening salvo in what might well become a series of posts…Stay tuned.

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Earlier this year President Obama said income inequality is “the defining issue of our time” and it is widely agreed that the most important issue this political season is the economy….I disagree, and here’s why….

In order to have a proper perspective on all of the dysfunction we are seeing in government, the selfishness we so often hear from 'rich and poor' in discussions on the economy, the narcissism we see in the occupy all streets movement, to understand why 'socialism' will never work, to grasp why our culture is becoming less wholesome and decent on a seemingly daily basis, etc etc etc, you have to reject the idea that mankind is basically good....Don't agree? Look around! I often say that ‘the first man ever born murdered his own brother and it’s been pretty much downhill ever since.’

The problem IS NOT that some are rich and some are poor. The problem IS NOT that some have more than others. The problem IS NOT the rich. The problem IS NOT the poor. Part of the problem is the currently rapidly increasing thinking that the poor are poor BECAUSE of the rich, but that IS NOT the problem. The problem IS…..wait for it….We are SELFISH. There it is and it’s as simple as that. Humans are SELFish, SELF-seeking, SELF-promoting, SELF-preserving.

How many of us have had to teach our kids to be selfish? Uh,nobody!  Case closed, but I have more to say….:)

Lots of people have joined the ‘fairness’ bandwagon and it has been a frequent theme in statements from President Obama who clearly thinks the very roots of our nation are ‘unfair’ and is set on fundamentally transforming America into his vision of what it means to be 'fair.' That sounds good, but it begs the question “what is ‘fair’ and who determines it?” And, once we face the fact that we are basically selfish people, this whole idea of ‘fairness’ becomes a fallacy. Does ‘fair’ mean we should all 'have the same?' Does ‘fair’ mean the person who works hard should not be allowed to enjoy the fruit of their labors but instead have to underwrite those who will not work? Does ‘fair’ mean there should never be winners and losers? Does ‘fair’ mean gifted, creative, industrious folks should not use their gifting to their advantage? Does ‘fair’ mean those who pay their student loans should now pay the loans of those who won't pay? Does ‘fair’ mean those who don't pay their mortgage should be bailed out by those who do? Does ‘fair’ mean we should all drive the same cars, use the same light bulbs, eat the same food, etc. etc. etc.....

No matter how much we try and eliminate ‘unfairness’ from society it will never work because of our selfish hearts and desires. The old, antiquated (tongue firmly on cheek as I type) Bible has something to say about all this. This passage from James in The Message version sums it up pretty well:

James 4, verses 1 and 2…Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.

The above describes why some folks are willing to take from others just because they want or think they deserve. Why so many are willing to embrace the ‘class warfare’ rhetoric pitting rich against poor. Why many cry ‘unfair’ against any and all that don’t acquiesce to their misguided demands and why Occupy Portland protesters can steal a car and wreck it with no remorse, can carry around loaded guns and threaten people, can shut down Port union job sites, can ruin public property, can damage businesses, can perpetrate violence against the police….All in the name of ‘fairness’ when in reality (in my opinion) it’s nothing more than a bunch of spoiled brats who, rather than get a job, are happy to live off of our tax dollars and use products provided by the same ‘evil, unfair corporations’ they say they hate.

Ecclesiastes, chapter 5, verses 8 thru 10 also speaks to this all…”8 If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still. 9 The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields. 10 Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.

Now, some may say I am ignoring ‘justice’ when discussing this topic in this way. No way, for ‘justice’ and ‘fairness’ are not synonymous. Fairness is simply lack of favoritism, justice is making sure folks are treated the same according to established rules, laws or moral standards. For example, it is not fair for the government to take one group of people’s resources and give them another group of people simply because someone has given the receivers a ‘special designation’ (favoritism) and justice should be administered should this be attempted in disregard of established laws…Like that example…..:)

Definitions….

Fairness:

Marked by impartiality and honesty; free from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism…Gary B. simple interpretation: Where integrity and honesty rule and no one is favored over another, rich or poor. Same opportunities but no guarantee of same outcomes.

Justice: 

The maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments; The administration of law, especially the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity; the quality of being just, impartial, or fair…. Gary B. simple interpretation: Obey and uphold the law without partiality.

Part 1 ending now…

Just sayin’…..

Just Sayin'....It's Time....

Back on January 30, 2012 I posted on Facebook “Speaking in metaphorical terms, ‘fruit’ can be defined simply as the ‘outward manifestation of inner workings or convictions.’ So, (for what they’re worth) in the days to come I’ll be sharing some of my observations on ‘the fruit’ and ‘the root’…”…..Just a guy, sharin’ his thoughts…

Well, since January, though I have posted some thoughts about the current administration, I’ve been holding off on sharing more of my thoughts about our President and some of his ‘less than forthright’ answers to questions about his past; the fruit of his present actions; and how his past relationships and interactions are actively shaping his hopes for our future. And before you tell me to be more tolerant and that rather than criticize our President I need to pray for him please know I do pray for him and want him to succeed because I want the country to succeed. But, facts are facts and we need to look at some….

President Obama has shown us, by his actions over the past 3+ years that he really is quite serious about what he calls the ‘fundamental transformation’ of America. Just this past week he said we wants another 5 years to ‘recreate America.’ Huh?

Folks, it’s time we all take a serious look at the man occupying the office.

First of all, let it be known that I am not a ‘birther’ so please withhold any comments regarding that particular issue. Our President was elected in accordance with our laws and processes so at this point it doesn’t matter where he was born and raised, that cow has left the barn. Having said that, it is interesting that the president who campaigned for a more “open government” and for “full disclosure at all levels” has been less than open in many important areas and about many important things. Pretty much anywhere/everywhere one looks into our President’s background you find sealed records, scrubbed websites, altered documents, deception and unanswered questions. I mean, if a guy will make up a ‘composite girlfriend’ for his own autobiography what else does he need to embellish/cover up/try and eliminate?

For example:  

• Our President will not unseal/release his elementary and/or high school records
• Our President will not unseal/release his passport records
• Our President will not unseal/release his Harvard record
• Our President will not unseal/release his Columbia University record
• Our President will not unseal/release his Occidental College record
• Our President will not unseal/release his college financing records
• Our President will not unseal/release his legislative records from the Illinois State Senate
• Our President will not unseal/release his scheduling records during those State Senate years

Also, isn’t it interesting how the same ‘lame stream’ media that can dig up important facts about Mitt Romney (did you know that once, 30 years ago, he drove with his dog in a secure car-top kennel or that once, 50 years ago, he engaged in a high school prank…DISGRACEFUL!) refuses to dig into any of the above nor will they look in any serious way at the following:

• Our President’s relationship with domestic terrorist Bill Ayers and his wife
• Our President’s relationship with the shady Rev. Jeremiah Wright
• Our President’s relationship with his mentor, the avowed communist Frank Marshall Davis
• Our President’s relationship with his radical ‘Czars’ and other radical staff/cabinet members
• Our President’s relationship with the SEIU labor union and the SEIU’s association with the violent aspects of the Occupy Whatever movement
• The fact that our President himself says he ‘sought out’ Marxist professors while in college
• The fact that our President himself says he enjoyed his interaction with others at the ‘Socialist Conferences’ he attended while in college
• The fact that our President himself says while in high school he drank heavily, experimented with drugs enthusiastically and ‘did a little blow’ when he could afford it
• The fact that while our President rails against ‘the rich and the Wall Street fat cats’ he sure enjoys hobnobbing with them and taking their money
• Will not further examine these words from Michelle Obama spoken during the 2008 campaign (emphasis and parenthetical words added by me) :
• “Barack knows that we are going to have to make sacrifices; we are going to have to change our conversation; we're going to have to change our traditions, change our history; we're going to have to move into a different place as a nation."
• “Barack Obama is the only person in this race who understands that we have to fix our souls. Our souls are broken....I am married to the only person in this race who can heal this nation.”
• “Barack Obama is going to demand that you shed your cynicism. (He’s going to demand) That you put down your divisions. (He’s going to demand) That you come out of your isolation. (He’s going to demand) That you come out of your isolation, that you move out of your comfort zones. (He’s going to demand) That you push yourselves to be better. (He’s going to demand) That you engage. Barack will never allow you to go back to your lives as usual, uninvolved, uninformed.”

That’s enough for now. Just sayin’….

Some Facts....

Here are some interesting facts regarding the current administration....Don't shoot the messenger.

Just sayin'.....