...Because I sure am offended for you.  Yesterday, the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, Pete Stark of California called the "Blue Dogs" in the democrat party "brain dead" for questioning HR3200.  He also went on to say that these guys are "right-wing".  I don't know what representative Stark has been smoking but to call these guys right wing is like calling Hugo Chavez "one of those moderate leaders down in Central America".  If I were one of the "blue dogs" I would be wondering what has happened to my party.  When one of its leaders resorts to vicious attacks because these guys may be attempting to listen to their constituents, you know a party is on the edge of self destruction.  I hope for the sake of the American people, that these slimy tactics aren't effective against this group of people who could make a real difference in the direction of American politics; possibly the beginning of the end of the viral and destructive far left wing of the democratic party.

One of the most compelling things about this great country is the fact that it is so spread out and diverse.  Each region has it's own unique style, tradition and set of values.  It is impossible to imagine a group of bureaucrats in Washington DC crafting a plan of coverage that would apply to everyone in the United States.  What is right for someone in San Francisco isn't necessarily going to be right for someone in Salt Lake City.  The "inside the beltway" crowd have shown time and again just how out of touch they are with the American people.  Health care is a very personal part of a person's life and people want to be in control of their choices. There is no question that changes should be made.  Portability and insurance companies' ability to compete across state lines without individual state mandates would do a lot to improve the current environment.  I really hope that the events of this past month at the various town hall meetings around the country have taught the more reasonable members of congress a lesson (there are some who will always be too arrogant to listen to the people they represent).  It has shown that there is a very real, deep seated resentment of the government's attempts to control our lives. 

Speaking of ironies….A picture of president Obama bicycling with his daughters has emerged from Martha’s Vineyard, and guess what??  He’s not wearing a helmet!  This is a man who practices very risky behavior!!….helmetless bicycling, smoking, hanging out with domestic terrorists…I’d say this is a perfect candidate for rejection under the future health care “death panels”.  But seriously though, I think the picture does illustrate what an egomaniac this guy is.  Irresponsible as he knows it is, to set that kind of example for all of his adoring fans.  He just couldn’t bring himself to risk looking like a nerd in his bicycle helmet.

In a Foundry post for the Hertiage Foundation former DOJ official, Hans Von Spakovsky, points out one of the never-ending double standards in Washington today regarding the end of the “pay for play” investigation of FOO  (friend of Obama) Bill Richardson.  Recall not too long ago the congressional investigations of the Bush DOJ for firing US Attorneys for not pursuing these types of investigations.  Mr. Spakovsky rightly asks, “where’s the outrage”?  As Glen Beck (and Thomas Jefferson) would say, we should “Question with Boldness” a lot that is going on right now at the justice department.  Eric Holder came into his position with an explicit agenda and nothing, including his boss, is going to stop him.  While he lets Richardson off “scot- free”, he is determined to destroy the CIA, an institution that played a vital role in keeping this country safe over the past eight years.  Again…Where is the outrage??

Someone mentioned to me yesterday that the democrats were getting so desperate in the Virginia campaign for governor that they were resorting to their "tried and true" technique of bashing poor old George Bush.  However, it wasn't until I saw the commercial last evening that I realized how pathetic a campaign Creigh Deeds is running.  Bob McDonnell is travelling the state bringing a positive message of how he will improve Virginia and racking up endorsements left and right.  Meanwhile, Deeds makes a feeble attempt to associate McDonnell to a man who has been out of office for seven months.  When are the democrats going to start taking responsibility for the absolute blunders they have made in guiding this country toward recovery?  I hope Deeds continues with his current strategy, because I think Virginians, and Americans in general, are tired of these old attacks.  I'm the first to admit that republicans are very good at snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory, but right now things look very good.

Apparently Howard Dean lived up to his reputation as a straight talker the other day at the Reston town hall meeting.  I'm sure privately a lot of democrats call Dean, Joe Biden, Jr.  When asked why HR3200 doesn't address tort reform, Dean's response was, "“The reason tort reform is not in the [health care] bill is because the people who wrote it did not want to take on the trial lawyers in addition to everybody else they were taking on. And that’s the plain and simple truth,”   That, along with "Moron" Moran's "id check" of one of the angry mob, were just two highlights of the raucous town hall meeting which had about 2,500 people in attendance.

The White house just came out with their revised 2010 deficit figures and the numbers are incomprehensible.  Every article you see abbreviates the number to say $1.5 trillion.  I decided to write the number out and that's when it really hit me $1,500,000,000,000.  This is "13", count them, "13" figures.  Bill Gates' total worth is roughly $58 billion which is "11" figures.  And remember, this is the amount of money the government will spend in 2010 that they essentially don't have. It would take 26 people as wealthy as Bill Gates to surrender all of their net worth to pay for the United States Government's shortfall for one year.  Don't believe it when the president says that soaking the rich will get us out of this mess.  Every citizen old and young, born and unborn, rich and poor will pay, and pay dearly.  What is even more shocking is that these figures do not include that boondoggle they call health care reform.  The bottom line is that this spending is unsustainable and we the American people need to start insisting that our so-called leaders put the brakes on this travesty.  Government revenues are at a record low as a percentage of GDP.  So what do they do; they spend more money.  You have to wonder if any of these guys took an economics class in college.  Cash for Clunkers, one of the worst-run programs ever to come out of the government; stimulus checks to prison convicts...just a couple of places our hard earned dollars are being spent.  Let's start paying attention America!!!

For the first time in many years a majority of Virginia's voters picked a democrat in the presidential election last November.  We also sent a second democrat to the senate.  Now nine months later I have to wonder if there might be just a little "buyer's remorse".  We have a president who thinks his election gave him the right to take over every sector of our private lives, and a senator who ran as a pro-business conservative, and has pretty much towed the line for Harry Reid.  Yesterday WRVA's Doc Thompson did an "in your face" interview with Mark Warner, and I think it's probably one of the first times he's really faced a tough interview.  Warner has had a fairly easy road in his political career.  I think Thompson's pointed questions about how inattentive Warner has been to his constituents hints of the lack of patience most average citizens are beginning to feel toward these elitist politicians we have sent to DC.  I think the straw that broke my camel's back was last Friday when just before Barry swept the wife and kids off to Martha's vineyard to their multi-million dollar retreat, the White House came out with their revised deficit figures.  Gosh they were only two trillion dollars off!!  OK it's a new administration...I guess there is some on the job training...on HOW TO COUNT!!

I sent the following letter and a copy of this article to every member of the Virginia delegation.  I hope they listen.  This is a very powerfule article.  http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200909/health-care

Congressman

I have enclosed an article that I recently came across that literally changed my thinking on the health insurance debate.  My focus in opposition thus far, has been out of fear of a government take-over, but I admittedly had not given much thought to any real solutions.  I was so busy fighting the fight, it was clouding my objectivity.

Then I read this article and “the light came on”.  This massive problem is never going to be fixed until our leaders start looking at the root of the problem.  The healthcare system must return to being a consumer driven system, as opposed to an institutional based system.

In the attached article by David Goodhill, he writes about his two year journey since the death of his father to figure out why our system is the way it is, and how it could be improved.

His findings and ultimate solutions aren’t easy to come to terms with; but make total sense.   Mr. Goodhill is a Democrat and writes his article from a completely apolitical standpoint.  His solutions are radical and implementation would be long and difficult.  However, his research has been thorough and objective.  His motivation was out of love for his father who died unnecessarily in a state of the art hospital in New York City.

Congressman, I beg of you to read this article and change the conversation in Washington, DC.  This issue is much too important to be decided against the wishes of most Americans just because the Democrats happen to have the votes to get it passed.  I guarantee if it does pass in a partisan way, November 2010 will not be a fun month for the Democratic Party.  I and over half of the voting population will make sure of that.

Virginians have a wonderful tradition of being leaders, and sometimes renegades, in political discourse.  I have sent a copy of this to all in the Virginia delegation.  Gentlemen, get together and join forces to make these changes the correct way.  Let’s put aside political parties, for once, and do this for the American people.  We would be forever in your debt if you could do this for us.

Thanks in advance for your attention to this very important matter.

Earlier this week Governor Kaine announced that the Commonwealth is facing a $1.2 billion budget shortfall for fiscal year 2010.  This is in addition to the $300 million deficit in fiscal year 2009.  The Governor is already hinting that he is in favor of additional tax increases in order to close the gap.  I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm already taxed enough.  It's time for the politicians to start "feeling the pain", and telling their special interests that there is no more money.  Bob McDonnell was very quick to issue a statement that he would "look for every opportunity to be creative in our budgeting, to consolidate state functions, and to implement innovation"..."Our focus must be on supporting policies that will facilitate growth in the private sector, encourage entrepreneurship, and allow Virginians to achieve their dreams, and in so doing, expand our economy."  His record as AG backs up his words.  He understands that the way to grow the economy is not to raise taxes on the very people who will get things going again.  In these very tough times, I feel that electing and tax and spend democrat would be a disaster for the Commonwealth.  Look what it has done to the country on the federal level.

Saturday - Tom Perriello - Lawrenceville - 1pm
Monday - Tom Perriello - Buckingham County - 6pm
Tuesday - Tom Perriello -  Farmville - 6pm
Tuesday - Jim Moran - Reston - 7pm - Get there early - doors open at 6pm.. they will be turning people away - I guarantee
Wednesday - Tom Perriello - Cumberland County - 6pm

As I mentioned yesterday Glenn Nye's appearance at the democrats' Saturday morning breakfast was suddenly cancelled when it was thought that there would be some concerned citizens show up to voice their concern over healthcare - I mean that makes sense, since there have been no town hall meetings to go to.  Now, it appears that the republicans have invited him to their breakfast (he does have Saturday morning free, afterall).  Nye has declined the invitation because he is UNPREPARED. This guy is unprepared to call himself a congressman.  Va Beach needs to elect themselves some real representation.

For the two months since I started writing, I have relentlessly criticized Tom Perriello and given Glenn Nye a pass because so far this year he's had the best voting record of the Virginia democrats.  Well now that's going to change.  As I said yesterday, Perriello has worked harder than anyone this August to get out and listen to his constituents (the question is...will he listen??).  Glenn Nye is avoiding any hint of confrontation.  Since Nye decided not to provide a forum to meet with the people, apparently some were planning to show up at the local democrat breakfast in VA Beach.  So what did they do....They cancelled it....Shame on you congressman Nye.

I just read an interesting article about Barack O'bama's recent town hall in Portsmouth, NH.  Our eloquent president outspoke his audience by a margin of 9 to 1.  First of all, I thought the idea of a town hall was to let the people voice their opinions to THOSE WHO WORK FOR THEM.  But the thing that really burns me about this guy is that he's not a leader.  Leaders listen.  He keeps saying "it's not about him".  When, in fact, it's never been about anything but him.  I've been a member of a public speaking organization called Toastmasters for a few years.  I joined to improve my public speaking skills.  One thing I did not realize, though, was this organization teaches important leadership skills.  The most important aspect of leadership is the selfless art of listening.  Barack O'bama is one of the best "readers" I have ever seen.  I'll give him that.  He'd be a great anchor on one of the major news networks.  Unfortunately, being President of the United States requires a lot more than reading from a teleprompter.

The most recent events regarding the healthcare debate, though it might seem like a victory, could very well be the way the liberals once again "dupe" all others into doing things their way.  The "concession" that was floated this weekend appears to be no concession at all.  Even though it looks as though the public option will be dropped, the alternative, private co-ops will still be funded by the taxpayers, so there will be unfair competition that will eventually lead to an end to private insurance companies.  Republicans are famous for giving in at the slightest hint of a concession from the other side.  I hope everyone who has passionately taken on this fight takes a close look at the facts before claiming victory.

Town halls.
I have been a critic in the past about Tom Perriello's voting record, but I must say he's been working hard during the summer break.  He has held a town hall almost every day.
Today - Boucher is in Dublin at 9am and Perriello is in Charlotte County at 6pm
Tomorrow - Perriello will be in Kenbridge at 6pm
Thursday - Boucher - Abington 9am, Perriello - Lovingston at 5:30
Friday - Perriello - Boydton at 6pm

I returned from a very relaxing vacation yesterday to some terribly sad news.  A friend of my son  died last week due to complications from surgery.  The young man suffered from scoliosis and was confined to a wheelchair.  The reason I mention this is that I spent most of the day yesterday in the car listening to news channels which had numerous debates about bioethics and "death panels".  Today my thoughts have been about this young man and how he impacted the lives of so many people in our small community.  His value to the people who knew him was great.  His constant smile and positive disposition taught all of us that though a person's body may not work perfectly, they can still make a difference.  This healthcare bill scares me not because of what it says, but because of what it doesn't say.  The way HR3200 is currently structured, it will lead to a single payer system and it will eventually lead to rationing.  Lack of providers and lack of money will assure that.  People like my young friend and my son may end up being the ones "rationed out".  And yes supporters are correct, the bill doesn't say that will happen.  What scares me is that the bill doesn't say that it will NOT happen.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to listen to Bob McDonnell's rebuttal of the president's weekly address, and I must say he hit it out of the park.  He hit on all of O'bama's controversial policies that will be especially damaging to the people of Virginia.  He objectively attacked card check, cap and trade, and healthcare without sounding shrill; which often happens with these types of speeches (think back a few years to Tim Kaine's rebuttal of George Bush's State of the Union).  He was able to give praise to the president on some of his views on education.  In the current climate of partisanship it's refreshing to hear a politician talk positively about the opposing party.  There is no doubt that McDonnell's defining issue is job creation.  So far, he has done a good job in communicating his message on how he will get that done.  Yesterday, he hit the national scene in a very positive manner.

I've been reading a lot of commentary from "regular" people about their views on the healthcare legislation.  I must say that the insurance industry is truly amazing.  They have managed to manufacture opposition throughout the internet!  Everywhere I go members of "the mob" are writing of their outrage.  I was especially interested to see some postings on an AARP site.  There is an out an out revolt of their members.  I believe this organization which was formed to help the elderly has damaged itself beyond repair.  What I love about the posts from our older citizens is that they are educating themselves about the bills and have clear and objective arguments.  They firmly believe that their fight is a matter of life and death.

A new Public Policy Poll says Barack Obama has just a 42% approval rating in Virginia, and a 51% disapproval rating.  Democrats still approve of him 92% (that was some strong kool-aid), and republicans only 3%.  The important number is independents only approve 34%, 54% disapprove.  Frankly, I’m surprised it’s that high.   Deeds probably doesn’t want the president anywhere near him this fall, because only 14% polled said they would be more likely to vote for him if Obama campaigned in Virginia and 37% said they would be less likely to cast a vote for him.

Some very promising words about healthcare from Senator Chuck Grassley, ranking member of the senate finance committee.  Senator Grassley has been making a lot of us nervous about his “negotiations” with the democrats.  He’s not exactly one of the more conservative guys in the senate.   However, he did come out yesterday saying that he believed the public option that the democrats are trying to pass would lead to a Canadian-style single payer system.  He said he would strenuously oppose this plan.  To give Senator Grassley some words of encouragement, call him at 202-224-3744.

Congressman John Fleming of Louisiana is co-sponsoring House Resolution 615 which states that members of congress will be enrolled in the same government-run healthcare plan that the rest of the American people will be forced to submit to after this legislation is passed .  Congressman Fleming, who is a physician, has also co-sponsored the Empowering Patients First Act.  This proposal, which is being totally ignored by the democrats, has four major planks which cover access, private ownership, better delivery of care, and cost containment including tort reform.  Go to Congressman Fleming’s website and check it out.  While you are at it, sign his petition in support of HR615.  http://fleming.house.gov/index.html. 

If you want a good read, try The Federalist No. 57, by James Madison, February 19, 1788.  Every member of our government should be required to read this.  http://www.constitution.org/fed/federa57.htm

The democrats need to get their characterization of the town hall protesters straight.  Barbara Boxer says that the protesters are fake because they “are too well dressed”.  Now Nancy Pelosi has been caught on tape as saying that they are ”carrying swastikas and symbols like that to town hall meetings.”  Put these two women’s brains together and you might get half a brain.  

The Virginia delegation in congress' vote on additional funding for "Cash for Clunkers" went straight down party lines.  This is precisely why even though four of our democrats are so-called "blue dogs", they still need to go.  This is a "feel-good" stupid plan that has been mis-managed from day one.  Ok some people went out and bought new cars this week, but it seems crazy to be forced to destroy perfectly good cars in return just because those are the cars the government doesn't want us driving.

Eric Cantor's office has done a study of all the republican districts in the country.  It gives the by-the-numbers impact the democrat healthcare plan will have in each of the districts.  This is good ammunition to educate people of the damage this plan will do on the local level.  Here's the link:
http://republicanwhip.house.gov/blog/2009/08/by-the-numbers-the-impact-of-the-democrats-health-care-plan.html

Today I wrote the following letter to both of our senators because I was in shock to hear of the  new flag@whitehouse.com.  If you haven't heard about it, definitely read further.  It's really quite unbelievable.

Dear Senators Webb and Warner

I am writing to you because I am very concerned about a report that I heard today about a posting on the White House website. 

“There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care.  These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation.  Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.”

It is basically asking people to “tell” on others who are talking in opposition of the health insurance reform plan.  Gentlemen, I would hope that you agree that this sounds like an attempt to intimidate people, which in turn is a denial of our first amendment rights.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

I think both of you have seen the polls and there is tremendous concern over this bill by a majority of the American people.  I’m sure the president and everyone in congress would be much more discriminating if they were being forced to take part in the plan that has been set forth.

I beg of both of you to 1) urge the president to stop these strong- armed tactics, and 2) to really look at  lower cost, non-public plans, even if they were not introduced by someone in your caucus.  The US government doesn’t have the money or the wherewithal to administer a public plan, and you the leaders of our government know it.  The “Cash for Clunkers Plan” is a perfect illustration of how the government is totally inept at running any kind of program.  You are allowing this thing to be rammed down our throats and now we can’t even debate it in the open for fear of being ratted out to the president.  Is this America??

Everyone needs to go to Bob Goodlatte's link http://www.bobgoodlatte.com/nofedmed/
It's an open letter to Senators Webb and Warner asking them not to support health insurance form in it's current state.  Goodlatte is conceding that the numbers are not in our favor in Congress, and it may take the Senate to get this thing right.

Come one come all!!  Jim Moran is planning a Town Hall meeting with none other than “Crazy” Howard Dean in Reston on August 25^th.  The location is the South Lakes High School auditorium, 11400 South Lakes Drive.  This could be a fun event.  You may even get the opportunity to see Dean blow a gasket.  Doors open at 6:00pm; meeting will be from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.  They will start turning people away when the auditorium is full.  We need a lot of people who have educated themselves on this bill in attendance.

I’ve searched on all of the Congressmen’s websites and have not found a lot of information on other individual town halls.  Given the films I have seen on other town hall meetings, I can’t say that I blame them.  My recommendation would be to call the office.  I have heard that there are some congressmen who are actually planning these meetings, but not opening them to the public.  This should not be allowed.  See telephone numbers below:
Robert Wittman – 1^st District

Yorktown - 757-874-6687

Glenn Nye-2^nd District

Hampton Roads – 757-326-6201

Bobby Scott – 3^rd District

Interestingly enough, Scott is hosting a couple of SBA symposiums in an attempt to promote himself as friend of the small businessman. On his website these are listed as his town-hall meetings.

Newport New – 757-380-1000

Randy Forbes – 4^th District

Chesapeake - 757-382-0800

Tom Perriello – 5^th District

Charlottesville - 434-293-9361

Bob Goodlatte – 6^th District

Goodlatte has members of his staff attend monthly meetings at the following sites.

City or Town	Meeting Place	Day of Month	Time
Amherst	Amherst County Administration Building, 153 Washignton St, Small Conf. Room	1st Tuesday	9:00-10:30 AM
Buchanan	Town Hall Located on Main Street	2nd Tuesday	10:30-11:30 AM

Bridgewater	Municipal Building 201 Green Street	1st Tuesday	11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Buena Vista	Circuit Courtroom, City Hall 2039 Sycamore Avenue	3rd Thursday	11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Broadway	Council Chambers, Town Hall 116 Broadway Avenue	2nd Thursday	9:00-10:30 AM

 Eric Cantor – 7^th District

Glen Allen - 804-747-4073

Rick Boucher – 9^th District

Abingdon – 276-628-1145

Frank Wolf – 10^th District

Herndon - 703-709-5800

Gerry Connolly – 11^th District

Annandale - 703-256-3071