anotherlook

Photo courtesy of CNN.com

After watching “Killings at the Canal” last night on CNN, I have serious issues with the arrest and imprisonment of three soldiers who were charged and convicted of killing, what they perceived to be, four Iraqi insurgents. I have bigger issues with the obvious flaws in the rules of war that have been instituted in a warzone ripe with mixed emotions amongst the Iraqi people about United States involvement. I also have to wonder if these rules of war carry over to the war in Afghanistan as well.

I sympathized with the soldiers’ reasoning for killing these perceived insurgents and the frustration they must endure because of these flawed rules of war as they watch friends dying. According to what has thus far been a reality, after being engaged in firefights for several hours with the enemy and then succeeding in capturing them, those enemy insurgents are released within 2-3 days based on “not enough evidence” to hold them.

I question the rationale of “the rules of war” being imposed on these brave soldiers, some of whom have been deployed to this violent environment not once, not twice but three times. The rule of war that caused this action involves the non acceptance of U.S. service members’ statements of insurgent activity being proof enough to hold captured insurgents.

Instead the detention facility requires at least two witness statements from Iraqis in order for any charges to be valid. Therefore, according to the United States military, of the 87,011 insurgents captured, 76,985 have been released.

Are the rules of war being perceived by American soldiers as putting their life in danger repeatedly by the same people, once captured but immediately released? Out of over 87,000 insurgents capture in Iraq, the majority have been released citing “not enough evidence” to hold them.

If they were truly insurgents, captured in the midst of battle and they were set free, how many of them ended up killing American soldiers after their release? How many times must an American soldier put his life at risk fighting the same insurgents who were once capture but released, once again to wage war and murder Americans in their country? How many American soldiers have lost their lives as a result of setting these insurgents free for “lack of evidence?”

I am dismayed by the sentences these three soldiers received for doing what they have been sent to war to accomplish, rid the Iraqi citizens of the fear as well as the violence these insurgents are creating by eliminating the enemy as these insurgents have become.

As the UN questions the legality of the use, by the United States, of drones citing the fact that these drones, in a search and destroy mission of hunting down terrorist and killing them may violate international law in its indiscriminately killing of innocent people, these three soldiers made a justifiable decision to kill four people after being fired upon and discovering these four Iraqi men in a house containing a small weapons cache, where the barrage of gun fire was coming from.

They did not kill “innocent people” as drones are being cited for doing, they had reasonable assurance that those in the house were guilty of the barrage of gunfire they had endured. They also had reasonable assurance, based on previous experience that if taken in, these insurgents would be released to fight again within a few days. While they played judge, jury and executioner, if they had killed these four men as they were under fire, these insurgents would still be dead but justifiably dead so that would have been ok?

To compare this action with the Abu Ghraib prison incident, as the interrogators attempted to do, is like comparing apples and dogs, there is no comparison. To repeatedly bring insurgents into custody and the following week have to again do battle with them because they have been released, is entirely too much to ask of these soldiers. However to get sentences of twenty (20) years to life for eliminating the enemy is offensive to what I consider justice especially when their commanding officer was the motivating voice of this so called crime.

And that’s the way I see it!!!!

Picture courtesy of Newsweek

Sarah Palin’s new book hit shelves today and already the controversy has started. Is this a book of fact or revenge? Some say it is a little of both. I say Sarah Palin is a joke who would play better on Saturday Night Live, or on any stage, as a stand-up comic rather than as a presidential candidate for the United States of America.

Taking a step back to view the GOP during and directly after the 2008 election, it appears that Sarah Palin was picked by the Republican Party because she was a women and they felt the time was right for a women but only because Hilary Clinton was receiving such a large following based on her gender.

It had nothing to do with her abilities as they attempted to keep her quiet for as long as they could until they realized what a “people magnet” she was and true to their form of using others to get what they want, they used her to galvanize their followers.

Just like, after the election, they elected Michael Steele, the first black face of the Republican Party in all the years of its existence, as a black voice of resistance to the black president that had been elected, they chose a woman as McCain’s running mate in an effort to appear to “give the people what they wanted” and promote themselves as “changing with the times.”

They could not have picked a better person for the job because Sarah Palin is symbolic of just who the Republicans are. In my opinion she is a narcissistic self-serving, self-centered, two-faced liar and I have trouble believing anything that falls out of her mouth – a typical politician but more than that she is a prototype of the essence of the Republican Party.

She claims she hates the media for the negativity it shows to her yet she parades around like a media whore every chance she gets and she will provoke the media to keep the cameras rolling on her by continuing the dialogue regardless of how petty the conversation becomes.

She says after the election she wanted to make a statement to the effect that we, as a nation, should rally around the elected president and show our support for him – this after calling him a socialist, among other things, from the start of her being nominated for vice-president.

Her campaign against the President did not stop there however, as she refused Alaska’s share of the stimulus, even as her successor accepted the money offered and she has constantly criticized the current administration and the way they do business.

She rants and raves about the double standards of the media when it comes to men versus women yet she feeds the frenzy by posing on the cover of Newsweek in a sexy pose that encourages the “hot babe” comments as well as the sexist viewpoint.

Although Sarah Palin has not confirmed her plan to run for the Presidency in 2012, she has left the door open, as her eyes beg for acceptance and encouragement, in case the people show her that she is what they want, which she truly hopes they will.

Some are saying she is a symbol of mainstream America which on some levels, especially after witnessing the town halls and tea party demonstrations which some swear are the voices of the totality of the American people, I have to agree with.

However, only to the extent that if you pan the crowds of these functions, you will see that while the face of America has drastically changed over recent years, the sea of faces at these events only symbolizes the America of old and Sarah Palin is symbolic of that “main stream” America.

I say if you always do what you’ve always done, then you always get what you always got. America voted for change and while the more things change, the more they stay the same, Obama is fighting strongly against the “main stream” America described in the above paragraph, the main stream America that the Republicans support, the main stream America that Sarah Palin represents and he is attempting to change what we have been getting in previous years both internally and globally.

Only time will tell how far Sarah Palin will rise politically but I sincerely hope it is not to the level of President of the United States. What we, as a nation, do not need is a petty, vindictive, liar leading this country and I believe that if Levi Johnston had his say, Sarah Palin would be viewed in a different light which is probably why she intentionally left him out of her book.

And that’s the way I see it!!!!

The Global Advantage

Picture courtesy of Ask.com

Picture courtesy of MSNBC

It’s a little bit creepy to see these two pictures side by side. One is identified as Khalid Sheikh Mohammed the accused mastermind of the September 11 attacks on the twin towers in New York, the other is the notorious Osama bin Laden.

There are so many similarities that Mohammed could be an older bin Laden although the vibration coming off the eyes is a little different, the basic similarities are a little surreal. Being housed at Guantanamo Bay as a result of his involvement in the 9/11 devastation, Mohammed will soon make the journey back to New York to stand trial in the city that he will be immortalized for destroying.

Mohammed has confessed to his participation in the 9/11 attack and related how he celebrated the disaster. Called into play will be the fact that many of his “confessions” were as a result of the banned interrogation practice of water boarding which could somewhat, take the edge off the confession.

As a result of a deed he is most proud of, the extinction of the twin towers and all the lives that were lost, he wants to be executed so that he can die a martyr according to his religious beliefs, this as the United States has stated they will be seeking the death penalty for this crime. It seems ironic that he will get everything he desires for the crime of 3,000 souls.

Living in Pakistan at the time of this heinous attack and hatching this conspiracy in the mountains of Afghanistan with al-Qaeda leader and current look alike Osama bin Laden, he enjoys the label of “mastermind of the 9/11 attack” and celebrated with friends as he watched the televised version of the crashing of the twin towers; this even though he furthered his education here on American soil, earning a degree in mechanical engineering in 1986 from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

He prides himself on the fact that in all the years he lived in America, he never touched an American, not even to shake hands. Whether this is true or not, who knows but the fact that it was an accomplishment that he feels is relevant in discerning his contempt for Americans is truly a vicious statement of hate and disgust for Americans in general.

Hate is such an intense and irrational emotion I wonder how anyone can survive carrying such a load with them throughout life. It clouds the mind and erases the true beauty of life. It carries such negativity and yet it thrives so powerfully while motivating so thoroughly that it mystifies me.

To have indiscriminately taken the lives of so many people in one inclusive act and to feel nothing but pride at the accomplishment is beyond my comprehension. War is one thing and though I am basically totally against war, to partake in the terroristic acts that Mohammed took part in is so reprehensible to my way of thinking that it amazes and troubles me as the thought of it cruises through my consciousness. The intensity of hate is sickening and when faced with hate this strong you truly feel the presence of evil.

And that’s the way I see it!!!!

Supernova Long Sleeve Tee

Photo courtesy of MSNBC

As Fort Hood gunman, Maj. Nidal M. Hasan, is charged with 13 counts of pre-meditated murder after years of visible signs of his discontent with serving America, Federal prosecutors seized four U.S. mosques and a Fifth Avenue skyscraper which was owned by a nonprofit Muslim organization allegedly controlled by the Iranian government.

Situated in four major cities across the United States, New York City, Maryland, California and Houston, these establishments have been accused of funneling millions of dollars, yearly, back to Iran in support of Iran’s nuclear program. My question becomes what the hell are we doing in Afghanistan when America is, in effect, allowing money to be made by Iran, for decades, to support their nuclear programs as well as accused, by the United States government of bankrolling terrorism.

More importantly, The United States has long suspected the Alavi Foundation which used a front company known as Assa Corp of being behind this arrangement of earning money in America to send back to Iran.

As I was reading this article on MSNBC this morning and noting how long this situation has been going on, with the blessings of the United States government who has had knowledge of the situation all along, I became appalled at just what this implies on a larger scale.

Could it be that, because of the failed nuclear talks with Iran and the fact that Iran has recently detained and charged three Americans hikers with crimes in Iran, America has decided to press an issue that never should have been happening on America soil in the first place?

According to this article “For two decades, the Alavi Foundation’s affairs have been directed by various Iranian officials, including Iranian ambassadors to the United Nations, in violation of a series of American laws,” this according to U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara.

I am one who does not believe in coincidence and therefore I am having a hard time trusting that this seizure just happened to come to a head at this particular time when the negotiations between Iran and the United States have stalled. Instead, this is no more than the United States blackmailing Iran in an attempt to obtain a negotiating chip in their dealings with Iran to stop all nuclear programs and release the American “hostages” they are now holding.

Even with the timing in question, my question is how could this so called “investigation” of the Alavi been going on for this long without a specific outcome prior to yesterday. Like the article states, “Suspicion about the Alavi Foundation transcends three administrations” where millions/billions of dollars have been earned on American soil in support of not only Iran’s nuclear programs but Iran has been accused of support for militants whom we are sending our kids to fight.

On top of all of this information and in spite of the time involved in the “investigation, the U.S. government is patting itself on the back stating that this is one of the biggest counterterrorism seizures in U.S. history.

I would say it’s a little too late since we have supplied Iran with the funds to create its nuclear weaponry and essentially put this instruments of war in the hands of a man who is violent, vindictive and has demonstrated his hate for America. It is a little too late because it makes the appearance that we are supplying financial support to the very people we are sending our kids off to fight – essentially we, not the insurgents, Taliban or al-Qaeda are murdering our own.

I’m sorry this is very disconcerting but more than that, this whole scenario is un-fucking believable. All I have to say is we need to be getting our troops out of this murderous situation that we have been funding for years. Those people are probably laughing their behinds off at the ignorance of the Americans and pocketing any and all aid we are giving them for use in fighting for their “cause” as they symbolically spit in our faces.

If you can not perceive this as a very real possibility as both Iran and Afghanistan’s elections were both subjected to fraud, deception and violence, I feel sorry for your incompetence but more importantly for the troops who have given their lives for the madness we have created.

And that’s the way I see it!!!

Walgreens Tampons with Biodegradable Applicator Super 40ea.

Photo courtesy of MSNBC

To all the troops that have served and are serving this country, the United States of America, I wish you a safe Veterans Day but more than that I write this corny poem in support of your mission for I know that freedom is not free and peace is nothing more than an allusion.

To all the troops in foreign lands, I applaud you
And give verbal acknowledgment for all you do.
But also by the swelling of my heart in pride,
Thankful that you are on our side.

I cheer for you and wish you well
I pray that you will never fail,
Stay safe my friend until the end
You are brave and strong, loving and kind
And never are you far from my mind

Your sacrifices, and they are many, are known
As you set, just the right tone.
You are willing to lay down your life and fight
For what you believe in your heart is right.
In darkness and the light
You survive conflict and blight.

For all the troops who served their time
You are like a permanent ray of sunshine
Brightly shining in memory of wars gone by
Those who have left us, like twinkling stars,
Shining brightly in the midnight sky

To all of you, I admire you, trust in you
And care that, in the moment or for the moment
You are willing to give your life in atonement
For injustices and wrongs that have been done,
Too brave to run, no battles do you shun.

You lend aid to those who know only struggles and strife
You keep us safe and stand for what is good, in this life
And though your sorrows are great, in my heart you rate
All the recognition of this date
So let me, among many, say

Happy Veterans Day!!!

May God cover you with the armor of protection
And keep those who mean you harm at bay until the next rotation.

Stay Strong, Fight The Wrong And Make It Back To Where You Belong

And that’s the way I see it!!!

Heart of a Champion

Now that the Christmas holiday season is almost upon us, “holiday trees” will be on display. However, I was born and raised in America where the politically correct holiday trees were once called Christmas trees; where the birth of Christ was celebrated by scenes of baby Jesus laying peacefully in a manger.

In today’s world, here in America, the phrase Christmas tree is a no-no and scenes of the birth of Jesus are sometimes prohibited in public places. It seems more relevant to make words such as black/white Americans, Democrats, Republicans, conservatives, liberals, left wing, right wing, as well as all other words that create mental and economic divisions, prohibited from usage.

It is a travesty that based on the influx of foreigners and the vocal complaints of atheist that my right to view, in public places, the celebrations of the birth of Christ that have been tradition in America for centuries, has been limited. It is ridiculous that, to appease those who give voice to their objections to this traditional celebration, their voices carry more weight than those who enjoy the symbolism of Christmas decorations in the country that has always been their home.

No longer is it politically correct to say Merry Christmas, but you are forced, depending on where you work, to say Happy Holidays – a statement that is inclusive of the different celebrations that occur during this time.

Tradition is tradition because it has happened for years, over time, with meaning and symbolism. Tradition becomes a custom, a ritual. The definition of “tradition” is a long-established action or pattern of behavior in a community or group of people, often one that has been handed down from generation to generation. So it is with the way Christmas is/was celebrated here in America and it irritates me to have witnessed, over the recent years, the forced changing of words and symbolism to appease others.

It’s one thing to welcome all who want to come to American and make it their home but to allow for the breakdown of tradition is both offensive, controlling and a little over the line especially in light of the fact that in America we do not necessarily demand that you dress in American clothing, speak “only” English or eat only American food. What gives you the right to destroy what is and has been tradition in America.

To attempt to display all countries religious or traditional decorations would create a busy, cluttered display and while you have the right to decorate your space, your home in any manner you choose, in America, for generations, the decorations have been based on American beliefs which have been displayed in public places and called specific things such as Christmas Trees.

With that in mind, let me be the first to say it in this post – Merry Christmas to all!!! For me it will always be Merry Christmas, Christmas trees and so it should remain in American culture.

And that’s the way I see it!!!!

America The Last Best Hope 1

Photo courtesy of AP

November 7, 2009 is a date like November 4, 2008, a date I will always remember. After what seems like an eternity of debate, but has really only been about half a century of the health care reform being brought to the table; after angry Town Hall mobs and the Tea Party Express shouting out their hatred of more government control; after lies told by Republicans to keep the madness of the opposition going and finally a bi-partisan vote of ONE Republican and 219 Democrats voting “yea” on the legislation, the health care/insurance reform act was finally passed on the House floor last night.

While some are saying it was a narrow margin of votes, I say the vote was won with two votes to spare which for me means the cup was not half full but the cup runs over the rim. Republicans, true to their form, refused to take part in what they claim, is a bill that neither meets the objectives of a “reform” nor serves the needs of the public, in addition to being way too costly for the government.

Still citing a complete government takeover of the health care system and sticking to their irrational lies, Republicans were not happy with the outcome of the vote. Like spoiled children used to getting their way, they criticized the vote and those responsible for voting yea but their words held little meaning since the gavel had been dropped, ending the mundane debate they had dragged out for longer than necessary.

Although there were 39 Democrats that did not vote positively for this bill, my hope is that the proof of the public’s favoritism for this legislation will be demonstrated in the 2010 election, by replacing the dead weight presently in Congress and definitely not re-electing these childish Senators who have shown they will stoop to any level to get what they want rather than working for the best interest of their constituency.

Principle is a standard of moral or ethical decision-making and while Republicans as well as the 39 Democrats that voted against this legislation may convince themselves that it was principles that kept them from voting for the legislation, they have indeed confused the terms self and selfless as this vote was not a vote for self interest but a vote for selfless interest.

I congratulate those brave and compassionate Senators who stood their ground and voted positively for this legislation, especially the one rational Republican from Louisiana who crossed party lines and became part of a constructive “history in the making” for the American public; those who were not intimidated by the insurance companies.

In the final hour Republicans were still attempting to push a bill that served no real purpose directed at the main objectives to what health care reform should have included. According to congressional budget analysts the Republican bill would not have aided in closing the ranks of the uninsured and only vaguely reduced costs for those who presently have insurance. This is a strong indication that Republicans are out of sync with reality having no real clue as to what “reform” truly meant in this instance.

I applaud those who saw the need to get to the core of the health care crisis rather than slapping a band aide on the problem and hoping it would heal itself in an effort to keep the money rolling into their own pockets; those who selflessly pursued what was best for the people; those who took a chance at change.

And that’s the way I see it!!!

Baby Jogger City Micro Single In Kiwi

Photo Courtesy Of MSNBC

While some are calling the recent election in Virginia and New Jersey, where Republicans won major elections to high offices, as a setback for the Obama Administration, I call it a return to status quo, a return to business as usual. People call for change but the average person is afraid of change and this election proves that point, if nothing else.

Others are saying these elections are a statement directed solely at Obama and the concept of how people want their country back; that they want a better economy as well as a stop to government spending.

My question becomes “back” from whom? It seems obvious to me that one election changes nothing when it comes to how far down we have fallen and though Obama in no way caused the fall – it was in fact the Republicans that were in office for the previous eight years, through government spending – I’m not sure if that reality makes much difference to those who voted to put Republicans back in charge.

Clearly, Republicans have run this country for the previous eight years. They have run this country to the brink of financial ruin yet, Republicans are what the people are accustomed to and in spite of the efforts made by Obama to institute change, these elections are indicative of the fear Americans have of change.

More than anything these elections demonstrate that unless people get out and vote in the masses that took place during the presidential election, things will easily revert back to what it was. This election demonstrates that change is a scary thing and that most will stick with the devil they know as opposed to knowing another way. This election could even demonstrate that of the candidates being voted on, those who voted chose “the best man for the job.”

This election could demonstrate, as well, that we the people are still looking to politicians to change our lot in life; to lead us, individually to prosperity; to ease the burden that unemployment has caused. The economy is on the upswing, as predicted by Obama. When he originally said that things would get worse before they got better this too has occurred. Getting back on solid ground will take a while because the process is a process which hinges on layers of success.

As sad as it is, big business is the foundation and once they get on solid ground to the point they feel comfortable with sharing the wealth with “we the people” rather than their business partners, by once again hiring and in the case of financial institutions, lending, then we the people begin to have confidence in the system and we begin to spend more.

Once we begin to spend small businesses begin to prosper, as small businesses begin to prosper more jobs become available and the cycle begins in earnest leading to a stronger economy. Patience is the key to waiting, something Americans are proving they do not have a lot of; as is being demonstrated by the unrealistic belief that Obama had a magic wand that would instantly be waved and all things would magically go back to the way things were. Since that did not happen in the ten months allowed we have seen a shift in alliances as this elections may have even demonstrated.

Obama is not a dictator and therefore can not change major policies, such as health care or the closing of Gitmo or anything else of major importance, without the aid of Congress. Congress has proven they are nothing more than the proverbial cement block attached to the purposed progress, which holds down transformation in the tide waters of change sweeping the coast lines of financial security of this country.

Ten months is not enough time to have accomplished much when you have opposition holding back policy changes on the levels that have occurred since Obama has been in office and even those things that have been accomplished are not without criticism and skepticism as to whether they have played a critical part in the slow turnaround of the economy.

Ten months is not enough time to have given people back jobs that have been lost through mismanagement, excesses, greed, corruption, self-interests and bad business policies, however with all of the bonuses that have been given out, salaries for a number of employees could have instead been paid, but that is not how it works and although the ball has been pushed and is rolling in the direction of improvement, jobs are the last in a list of steps that must be taken before the economy’s improvement is felt by those who need it most.

The recovery will take time and the past ten months have shown that the implementations set in motion by Obama have at least a chance of stabilizing the shaky economy. Ten months is not long when compared to eight years of Republican rule which lead us to where we are today. I’m just saying, don’t read too much into the politics that just occurred with the 2009 elections because possibilities still exist to the contrary of how this election is being “analyzed.”

And that’s the way I see it.

Picture Courtesy of CNN Justice

Empathy is defined as the ability to identify with and understand somebody else’s feelings or difficulties. The lack of empathy is exactly what was displayed earlier last week-end, at Richmond High School, as a 15-year-old girl was brutally gang-raped outside a California high school homecoming dance.

Richmond High was the scene to one of the worse displays of total lack of empathy imaginable, as not only was this 15-year-old girl gang-raped but she was beaten unconscious while at least ten people took turns raping her and ten others watched and offered no help, but instead video taped the cruelty on their cell phones to show others.

Now this comes on the heels of the senseless beating death of Derrion Albert, who was beaten to death in a “mob-mentality” free for all, in broad daylight on the streets of Chicago with grown-ups driving by and doing nothing to break up the madness.

Even as people are showing righteous indignation over both of these tragedies, you have to ask yourself, what part does society at large play in the lack of empathy shown in both of these cases as well as many more cases of violence kids today are participating in. It is all too easy to place the blame on the parents but truth is parents are not the only culprits in the raising of children in today’s world.

You have rappers, rapping about the street violence giving verbal praise to the madness, rapping in a manner that puts females on a level that encourages disrespect and the iPods as the means to blast this nonsense in the ears and consciousness of the kids, on a continuous basis, indoctrinating them into the world of violence that you see being displayed more and more often.

You have video games that take you to higher scores by beating down and killing computer generated people on the imaginary streets. You have police officers beating people down in the real streets as onlookers are denied the right to jump in and stop the madness for fear of getting beat down and arrested as well.

You have the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court, talking as though empathy on the bench, therefore empathy in the world, is something that is not tolerated in decision making. You have Social Services and legislation telling you how to discipline your children not truly understanding that some kids you can talk to, some kids you can punish by taking toys and television away, you have some kids that only understand when you yell at them and still others who straight need their behinds whipped at an early age because each of us is different.

Then there are those kids who just do not get it until they experience it for themselves. Sometimes that experience teaches them and sometimes that experience makes it worse because it is too late after the experience happens.

Despite the fact that I am horror-struck by what I see kids taking part in today this lends credence to my statements that what society perpetrates it perpetuates and until you recognize your shortcomings and change your ways how can you expect anything differently from those you attempt to raise into thinking, feeling adults.

Yes, you can punish these kids by trying them as adults but the truth is that prison does not deter crime – isn’t that obvious at this juncture? Shut those kids away for life without getting to the core of what lead to the behavior and what purpose does it serve society at large?

While those you lock away may not be able to commit a crime on the streets again there still remains the attitude and the influences that allowed this criminal behavior to flourish and there will be others that follow this path of chaos and violence.

And that’s the way I see it!!!!

Supernova Sequence 2 CLIMAWARM

With all the debate swirling around the “public option” in the health care reform sometimes I wonder if this is being used to cover up something more sinister than giving the public an option.

Yesterday, Majority Leader Harry Reid announced a public option, which would allow states to “opt out” if this option was not something their state would need. My first thoughts on this “opt out” feature, was that states with a large population of minorities, lead by Republicans, could suffer the consequences of no public option.

Yet, on another level, this could bring into play accountability and influence political votes by the people. According to the “polls” there is a high percentage of the American public that is for the public option. If Governor’s refuse/opt out of the public option and the overwhelming percent of the public, in that state, prefers the public option this could affect re-election of the Governor making those who lead the state more accountable.

This is a tricky trigger because obviously the insurance industry has money which has fueled the opposition to the public option in the first place. Money wins elections especially when it is “freely” given and it is obvious, as well, that politicians will accept money when offered with no moral compass involved.

Secondly, I wondered if the public option, opt out, was final, that is, if a state chose to opt out, could they, at a later date choose to engage the public option under different leadership? Still another question is if a state preferred to choose a plan of co-ops would the same rules of “pre-existing” medical conditions hinder people from joining these co-ops.

The public option, with the “opt out” clause is shaky at best, however the important question is will it prove to be a legitimate way to include the controversial public option into the health care/insurance reform on the table? Already, the lone Republican who was on board, Senator Olympia Snowe, sates her disappointment in the inclusion of the public option.

As far as my limited knowledge but common sense tells me, the public option is the only option, I have seen on the table that has the potential to reduce insurance costs and add competition to the insurance industry, something most will agree is a necessary component of any health care/insurance reform legislation.

Some are suggesting calling the “public option” by another name and both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz have indeed come up with different names for the policy as a means to alleviate opposition. Pelosi suggested “the consumer option” where Representative Schultz has suggested “competitive option” as the name for the legislation.

Called by whatever name, the intent and the function would still be the same so what’s the point? I say it is time for Americans to stop allowing politicians and big business to tell us what is right for us, in a manner that hides the fact that it is more right as well as profitable for them, something that has been proven time and time again.

I say it is time to stop debating the public option and begin debating the means to make this option workable since one basis for rejection seems to be the poorly run government system of Medicaid/Medicare that is now used by millions today.

The debate, regarding the public option, as well as a number of other provisions, are expected to be under way for weeks to come even after the debates that have been going on for years regarding health care/insurance reform.

What the outcome of these pretentious debates will be is anyone’s guess. Though we are closer than we have ever been in making a decision on this important issue, the saying “close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades” seems to be relevant here.

And that’s the way I see it!!!!!

Spyware Doctor con AntiVirus