Changes
to Watch For Government spending is going up. William Niskanen, chairman of the libertarian Cato Institute, notes that in the past 50 years, "government spending has increased an average of only 1.73 percent annually during periods of divided government. This number more than triples, to 5.26 percent, for periods of unified government." Employee Free Choice Act This bill would effectively eliminate secret ballots by allowing unions
to be certified when a majority of employees sign the cards now used
to check interest in voting on union participation. Previously employers
could reject this method, forcing a secret ballot election. The legislation
would also prohibit "unilateral" raises or improvements to
working conditions to head off union organizing. Freedom of Choice Act This proposed legislation would create a federally guaranteed "fundamental
right" to abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. In essence,
FOCA would abolish virtually every existing state and federal limitation
on abortion, including parental consent and notification laws for minors,
state and federal funding restrictions on abortion, and conscience protections
for pro-life citizens working in the health-care industry-protections
against being forced to participate in the practice of abortion or else
lose their jobs. Extension of Jobless Benefits This bill would extend jobless benefits for those out of work from the
current __ weeks to something beyond, possibly another 90-180 days. Reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine for Radio The doctrine, which was pronounced unconstitutional by the Federal Communications
Commission in 1987, required broadcasters to cover both sides of controversial
issues. Its elimination led to the creation of over 1,400 talk-radio
stations, up from less than 200, the majority of them conservative. Federal Health Care Legislation ("Universal" health care) According to George Will, conservative columnist, "Americans want 2008 medicine at 1958 prices, and universal coverage with undiminished choice -- without mandatory purchases or government interference with choices, including doctor-patient relationships." Legislation will shift health care from a system where emergency life-saving is available without charge for those who cannot afford to pay, to one where everyone is entitled to most kinds of surgeries. If funded by federal taxes, the system will have to become one of rationing, where those who either "need it most", or who have waited longest will receive surgeries. Imagine an expansion of Medicare to all citizens and resident aliens. Those who've spent a lifetime making good financial choices to make sure they have access to health care will be most impacted--they will pay with taxes and be limited in choice, having to get in line. Obama during the campaign--discussing current reimbursement and the incentive for doctors to amputate: (added 4/3/2010) Status:
Links: George Will: McCain's Closing Argument Paul Begala calls Sarah Palin "Half a Whack Job"
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