Health care bill is horrific but there is still HOPE

Both of these bills amount to a disaster of epic proportions for this country. CBO numbers based on unbelievably dubious assumptions (and simply the fact that these numbers are being based on more years of taxing than years of benefits that correspond to those taxes) aside, this bill is going to result in crushing new taxes. There is no way around that. A disproportionate amount of that burden will fall on the shoulders of the rich, who can apparently never be punished enough for the audacity they've displayed in having been successful in life, but if you think the rapidly disappearing middle class will not feel this, I've got a bridge (not to nowhere, I'll leave that one alone for today) I'd like to sell you. That's not to speak of the inevitable problems that will come from government management of yet another formerly (at least partially) private sector or the massive expansion of government (meaning more bureaucracy and more spending by an entity that produces NOTHING other than the "service" of wealth redistribution) that is involved. At this point, there's nothing that can be done about any of that. The necessary votes to kill the Republican filibuster have been bought and paid for (by the taxpayers of this country) and obviously, some version of this bill is going to become law. The only hope there is that some of the worst provisions will end up being removed during the joint resolution process.

However, there are several positives to find hope in. Alabama Representative Parker Griffith has deserted his party, citing among other things the Democrats' undying desire to spend massive amounts of money this country does not have. The passage of the health care bills was the last straw for him. There are is also talk of Republicans working to win over other Democrats. This is to say nothing of the bludgeoning incumbent Democrats, particularly those in traditionally red states, are likely to take in the 2010 elections which are right around the corner. The Democratic majority seems to have chosen health care as its one punch. They have accomplished surprisingly little of their agenda in the time they've had so far. They will barely manage to sneak this monstrosity through the legislative process in the end and we are already seeing some of the consequences. So called "moderate Democrats" are going to have a very difficult time presenting that image at any point in the future after having voted for this. Who knows? Obama should have an easy win in 2012 but his complete disregard for some of his campaign promises ("you'll get to watch the health care negotiations on CSPAN and everyone will have a voice" quickly turned into back room negotiations the majority of Congress knew nothing about, for instance) may change that. The main point is this: as awful as this health care situation is, it may well end up being the worst we see from this extreme left White House administration and the likewise leaning, near super majority Congress. 2010 and 2012: now that's change I can believe in!

Holiday Party is approaching...Please RSVP!

The University of Wisconsin – Madison College Republicans will be having a holiday party this Friday, December 4th at 8:30pm. The event will be held at Brocach Irish Pub, located at 7 West Main Street, near the capitol building.

The event will feature many special guests and speakers, including Representative and lieutenant governor candidate Brett Davis. Additionally, congressional candidates Chad Lee and Terrence Wall will be in attendance.

Attorney General JB Van Hollen will be the keynote speaker at the event.

The CRs are asking that non-dues paying members play $10 at the door, and a suggested $10 donation is also asked for any general member of the public that wishes to attend. Those who have paid dues will be allowed to attend for free. Free food will be available, and a cash bar will be open. Please RSVP via our Facebook event or by contacting the Chair at wisconsincrs@gmail.com.

ANYONE IS INVITED TO ATTEND

Isreal 360 at Hillel TONIGHT!

MadPAC is hosting "Israel 360" on everything you've ever wanted to know about Israel!

“Israel 360” is a multimedia presentation designed to engage students who know very little about Israel by highlighting exciting components of Israeli history, geography and culture. In addition to providing tons of information, “Israel 360” will show students that Israel is a unique and inspiring place that must be seen.

The event will be held at UW Hillel, 611 Langdon St. at 7 p.m.

Wisconsinites divided on health-care reform

From the Wausau Daily Herald:

Poll shows Wisconsinites divided on health care
Associated Press

MADISON — A new poll shows that Wisconsin residents are nearly evenly divided over national health care reform.

The poll released Tuesday done by the University of Wisconsin Survey Center shows that 46 percent of respondents oppose the changes being developed in Washington, D.C., based on what they’ve heard or read. Forty-four percent support the changes.

That difference is within the poll’s margin of error which was plus or minus 4 percentage points. The telephone survey of 507 randomly selected Wisconsin residents was done between Oct. 29 and Nov. 20.

The poll also found that 72 percent believe the country’s health care system is in a state of crisis or has major problems and 56 percent believe health care costs are problematic.

For the original text, click here.

It is interesting to see how a state who employs a large number of health care providers and insurance workers feels about Obamas plan. Feel free to comment.

Wall gets key endorsements in bid for Senate

Terrance Wall, a Madison property developer, earned key endorsements today from fellow Republicans. The Badger Herald article on the subject can be found here.

If you are interested in joining Wall's campaign, or learning more about it, please see his campaign website.