I’m pretty puzzled why House Democrats are going the route of using the “Deem and Pass” procedure to pass the Senate’s version of the health insurance reform package + the sidecar bill to “fix” it. Seems like they just looo-ooove to hand the Republicans brickbats to clobber them over the head with. And one that sounds like “Demon Pass”? Are […]

I find myself seething with frustration at two of the people I admire most in the realm of progressive issues and politics: Michael Moore and Dennis Kucinich. Watching Countdown on MSNBC last night brought it all to a head. I listened to President Obama tell the story of Natoma Canfield, a woman priced out of the health insurance market only […]

In case you’re ever talking to Bart Stupak or someone else concerned about the abortion language in the health insurance reform bill, simply commend their attention to pages 118-124. I have put them into a convenient pdf file HERE. It falls collectively under a section titled: “SPECIAL RULES RELATING TO COVERAGE OF ABORTION SERVICES — PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF […]

Let’s start with a visual: Sorry, Mr. Beck. Jesus preached social justice. Then there’s this: Pro-life group urges Congress to pass Senate health care bill Twenty-five pro-life Catholic theologians and Evangelical leaders yesterday sent letters to members of Congress urging them not to let misleading information about abortion provisions in the Senate health care bill block passage of sorely-needed reform. […]

One of the most frequent claims I hear from people opposed to health insurance reform is that “we can’t afford this” and “this will our raise taxes”. The fact of the matter is that this country can’t afford not to do this. What’s more, not only does this not cost the country more, it actually will cost us LESS, lowering […]

It must be tough being an MI-07 Republican these days. After organizing a “CODE RED!!!” protest against Rep. Mark Schauer, they ended up being out-numbered by Schauer supporters at least five-to-one on the day of the event. I think this sign says it all:Michigan OFA Director, Garrett Arwa and friend Yes, folks, it was “CODE RED!!!” “On the verge of […]

First off, let me say that if I could, I would grab Bart Stupak by the lapels and shake him silly for his obscene obstruction of health insurance reform and his inflicting his religious views on the rest of the country. I find it offensive and enraging and, as a Michigander, he’s a tragic embarrassment to me on this issue. […]

It’s starting to look like the Republicans are finally seeing the handwriting on the wall with regard to health insurance reform. The signs are everywhere. First we have the Club for Growth’s “Repeal It!” campaign. In this campaign, they are urging their candidates to sign the following pledge: “I hereby pledge to the people of my district/state to sponsor and […]

Last August, a health care protest rally staged in front of the offices of MI-07 Representative Mark Schauer brought out Jackson County Commissioner Phil Duckham with a swastika sign. You can read more about that in my Huffington Post article. This Thursday, another such rally is scheduled. So the question is: Will Phil Duckham stage a repeat performance? A counter […]

This is Thelma Meyer, photographed last fall just after she turned 93 years old by my wife Anne, one of Thelma’s many grandchildren. Thelma passed away last week after complications resulting from a hip-breaking fall. Thelma Meyer was one of the most inspiring liberals I have ever met. Thelma, or “Nana” as her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids called her, was […]

Last week in the middle of a huge blizzard, my wife and I had the distinct pleasure of attending the opening of the “Nano, Micro, Macro – A matter of scale” art show at the Duderstadt Center on the campus of the University of Michigan. This remarkable art show features work from three very different artists. There’s A. John Hart […]