Friday, August 28, 2009
Farm items for sale
- For Sale: Solid seal skid steer tires, 20” rims, 50 hrs time. Off of Case loader. Call (320) 808-5723.
- For Sale: Alfalfa hay, medium squares, 151-219 R.F.V. Also wheat straw, delivery available. Call (320) 808-5723.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Fox News, NRO, Limbaugh run with "death book" smears
Following false accusations that Democrats' health care reform legislation would institute "death panels" for the elderly, H. James Towey claimed in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that the Obama administration revived a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) booklet on advanced planning directives that would "steer vulnerable individuals to conclude for themselves that life is not worth living," calling the booklet a "death book." As with the death panel smear, conservative media -- particularly Fox News -- have promoted Towey's false "death book" claim, ignoring facts that undermine Towey's rhetoric.
"Your Life, Your Choices" is not a "death book." The booklet emphasizes that "your wishes will direct future health care decisions" and presents preserving one's life "using any means possible" as an option to consider. An August 23 post by VoteVets.org blogger Richard Smith criticized Towey's assertion that "Your Life, Your Choices" presents "end-of-life choices in a way aimed at steering users toward predetermined conclusions," writing: "Really, if the document was really trying to get veterans to pull the plug on themselves, then first suggesting to them that their life should be prolonged at all costs is a pretty stupid way to do it."
Towey's organization is selling "Five Wishes" booklet on end-of-life issues. As Media Matters for America noted, the organization Towey founded, Aging with Dignity, sells "Five Wishes," a booklet that, like "Your Life, Your Choices," is designed to guide people in the creation of a living will. Huffington Post news editor Marcus Baram reported on August 22 that "Towey seems to have his own axe to grind" in criticizing "Your Life, Your Choices" in that Towey "has repeatedly tried to get the government to spend millions to purchase his 'Five Wishes' book," citing "VA sources."
"Your Life, Your Choices" is not a "death book." The booklet emphasizes that "your wishes will direct future health care decisions" and presents preserving one's life "using any means possible" as an option to consider. An August 23 post by VoteVets.org blogger Richard Smith criticized Towey's assertion that "Your Life, Your Choices" presents "end-of-life choices in a way aimed at steering users toward predetermined conclusions," writing: "Really, if the document was really trying to get veterans to pull the plug on themselves, then first suggesting to them that their life should be prolonged at all costs is a pretty stupid way to do it."
Towey's organization is selling "Five Wishes" booklet on end-of-life issues. As Media Matters for America noted, the organization Towey founded, Aging with Dignity, sells "Five Wishes," a booklet that, like "Your Life, Your Choices," is designed to guide people in the creation of a living will. Huffington Post news editor Marcus Baram reported on August 22 that "Towey seems to have his own axe to grind" in criticizing "Your Life, Your Choices" in that Towey "has repeatedly tried to get the government to spend millions to purchase his 'Five Wishes' book," citing "VA sources."
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
More thoughts on Health Care
Workers are now paying $1,600 more in premiums annually for family coverage than they did in 1999. Since 1999, employment-based health insurance premiums have increased 120 percent, compared to cumulative inflation of 44 percent and cumulative wage growth of 29 percent during the same period.
A recent study by Harvard University researchers found the average out-of-pocket medical debt for those who filed for bankruptcy was $12,000. The study noted 68 percent of those who filed for bankruptcy had health insurance. In addition, the study found 50 percent of all bankruptcy filings were partly the result of medical expenses.
Every 30 seconds in the United States someone files for bankruptcy in the aftermath of a serious health problem. All one needs do is to look at the bankrupt GM and Chrysler car manufacturers to see what the crushing cost of medical care is doing to businesses and individuals. GM alone was looking at spending more than $5 billion on health care.
Fixing the health care industry in our nation is in everyone’s interest. For the neo-cons who are interested in helping those who can help themselves, saving businesses money should be of interest to them.
For liberals who want to help those who can’t help themselves, getting these costs under control would raise everyone’s standard of living.
A recent study by Harvard University researchers found the average out-of-pocket medical debt for those who filed for bankruptcy was $12,000. The study noted 68 percent of those who filed for bankruptcy had health insurance. In addition, the study found 50 percent of all bankruptcy filings were partly the result of medical expenses.
Every 30 seconds in the United States someone files for bankruptcy in the aftermath of a serious health problem. All one needs do is to look at the bankrupt GM and Chrysler car manufacturers to see what the crushing cost of medical care is doing to businesses and individuals. GM alone was looking at spending more than $5 billion on health care.
Fixing the health care industry in our nation is in everyone’s interest. For the neo-cons who are interested in helping those who can help themselves, saving businesses money should be of interest to them.
For liberals who want to help those who can’t help themselves, getting these costs under control would raise everyone’s standard of living.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Check out these awesome deals at your local Valu Ford dealer in Elbow Lake
(click to enlarge advertisement)
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