Try Again, Mister President, Try Again

Not only did President Barack Obama use his time at the AFL-CIO to push his healthcare agenda on Labor Day, rather than celebrate the day/event, but he stood in front of the massive crowd (10,000 tickets were distributed for this) and told bold-faced lies. Get the full video and text HERE.

"But I've got a question for them: What's your answer? What's your solution? The truth is, they don't have one. It's do nothing."

The Republicans and some Democrats have been presenting other ideas for the healthcare bill. Additionally, “We, the People” have been voicing our concerns with solutions and answers in person at town hall meetings and at the offices of our elected officials; in protests; and in letters, email and faxes. That, Mister President, is ‘the truth’. Solutions and answers are being presented, you just aren’t listening. The truth is not that no one else has an answer, its that you are not interested in hearing any alternatives. Its your way or no way.

Apparently, we need to remind you, Mister President, that this is the United States of America and you are the elected leader of a constitutional republic. You are not the king, emperor or dictator. It is not a position that allows or entitles you to rule the country by whatever whims you decree.

“I want a health insurance system that works as well for the American people as it does for the insurance industry. They should be free to make a profit. But they also have to be fair. They also have to be accountable."

Your plan does not accomplish this, but suggested changes from others do. If you have read your own bill and know what is says, you know this. If you have not read the bill, you have no business pushing it.

“That's the lesson of this day-that some things are always worth fighting for. Equal pay. Fair wages. Dignity in the workplace. Justice on the job. An economy that works for everyone, because in America there are no second-class citizens. An economy where you can make a living and care for your families. Where you leave your kids something better.

Where we live up to our fundamental ideals-those words put on paper some 200 years ago. That we are all created equal; that we all deserve a chance to pursue our happiness and achieve our goals.
That is the calling to which we are summoned this Labor Day. That is the cause of my presidency. And that is the commitment we must fulfill to preserve the American Dream for all of America's working families.”

That would mean upholding the Constitution and supporting capitalism in this country – two things you have spoken against. A capitalist system works for everyone in that everyone who works can benefit. Those who only want a hand-out do not. If your idea of the American dream is a system that rewards laziness, punishes ambition and hard work, and collapses the entire economic system with entitlements, your idea is flawed in addition to not being in line with the Constitution.

Right now, you are ensuring that what we are leaving our children is not ‘something better’ but debt that even their children cannot pay off. Try again, Mister President. Try again.

Is Honesty Always the Best Policy?

Image via Wikipedia I was commenting elsewhere about my mom being killed by a drunk driver, and it got me thinking about various aspects of the case. One of the things that struck me was how on the one hand I was given total access to the police reports, witness accounts, coroner's report, photos, etc. (An off-duty officer witnessed the incident). On the other hand, I was told multiple times by multiple people, unsolicited, that my mother 'died instantly' and 'didn't suffer'.

The truth is, she died a horrific death and did NOT die instantly.

So, the question becomes, is it better to create a lie or to tell the truth? It ticked me off to no end that I was lied to. I never asked if my mom suffered, or if she died instantly, yet others decided to tell me that 'pretty little lie' despite some of them knowing I had copies of all the reports and photos. Maybe they thought I wouldn't look at any of it, or maybe it was just 'habit' for them to say those empty words to people who have lost a loved one.

I compartmentalize, so for me, lies upset me far more than truth. I can deal with truth - I can review it and work with it and get past it. Lies are another story. Trying to work past the lies frustrates me - I am a person who prefers to deal in truth - even when it hurts. I think lies do far more damage than the truth ever could, anyway.

So, let's supposed I was not the type to compartmentalize. I get told (unsolicited) that my mother didn't suffer, and died instantly. I feel relief and peace that she went quickly and peacefully. Then I go to court or read the reports - WHAM! Suddenly I am hit in the face with the harsh cold reality that she died horribly and not immediately. I would be shattered!

I now give the floor to you: where are you in the truth/lie issue? This isn't about right or wrong - this is just about how other people view it and handle it.

Finding Truth on the Campaign Trail: Which Statements are True and Which are False?

With the latest reports coming out about candidates lying about various issues, its difficult to know what is just political bashing with no basis, and what is verifiable fact.

A few examples may be found in this short video clip from FoxNews with a contributing reporter/researcher to Politifact.Com:



For more information about fact and fiction from and about the candidates, check out Politifact.Com from the St. Petersburg Times/CQ.