I will vote for anyone who is qualified to do the job - Their color does not matter to me

No politician makes it by "qualifications." (sm) - Nikki

It's all about money, money, MONEY!!

Dog and pony showtime. Shades of the late 1800s. - What ever happened to

Dog and pony only because its in the republican party? - Are you okay with the crat party doing it?

Who's trying to get things accomplished in Congress (sm) - Nikki

and who's obstructing everything every step of the way?

If it were the Democrats doing the obstructing, I'd be very angry with them.

It's not about Democrat or Republican, though I have no time for a party whose interests only lie with the rich.  It's about obstruction.  If the situation were reversed, I'd at least give credit to the Republicans for TRYING to get things accomplished.

It always makes me laugh when - sm

Better bleeding hearts than no hearts....... - And Nikki is right!

Do you have ANY idea how - sm

Not the democrats - that's for sure - Actually nobody is working for the people anymore

Please see message. - Nikki

Sorry, but the Democrats fought very hard against the Republicans for healthcare reform because the Republicans didn't want it.  I have to mention this because, whether or not it helps you, it will be helping me.

Your rates continue to go up because most of HCR hasn't gone into effect yet, and the health insurance companies are all rushing to raise your rates and rip you off, and the Republicans aren't complaining that they're doing that to you.  It's the insurance company raising your rates, not Democrats or Republicans.  I do agree that the HCR is substandard, but that's because Republicans refused to consider a public option or even single payor.  After caving in to Republican demands, the Republicans still voted against it. Most Democrats don't like the HCR because it doesn't include a public option, and it will continue to focus on profits over people (as another poster on this board would say).

As far as the banks are concerned, the Republicans fought tooth and nail against even allowing a debate on the issue.  They only changed their minds when confronted with cots to sleep on because the Democrats, thankfully, were going to force them to stay and filibuster and not simply announce a filibuster and then run away from the room, and the Democrats were willing to stay there 24/7 to see that this was done.  That's when the Republicans caved.

Lastly, the Republicans don't want to do one thing to help with the immigration problem.  They've blocked that, as well, and said it won't get done in the current Congress.

I have no doubt that you're being absolutely honest.  Many people feel as you do because they see things the same way you do.  I see the Republicans as being obstructionists, and I'm being honest, as well, though I realize you don't agree with me.

By the way, I want to thank you for writing a very respectful, well written post.  It's posts like this that promote intelligent debate on this board, and I appreciate the time you took to write something that truly seems to be from your heart.  I wish more people on here would write the way you just did.

In the meantime, I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree, in a friendly way, hopefully.

A thankful response - see message - anon - now anonymoose

First of all... - Nikki

Happy belated birthday.  I hit the big 5-0 seven years ago.  I think your birthday resolution is admirable, though I realize that sometimes it's difficult to keep!

I also "hear" the 1:30 a.m. comment.  I routinely can't sleep and often wake up for the day at around 1:30 or 2:00 a.m.!

Before I answer your questions, I must say that I really enjoyed your post, 1:30 or not!  You're giving reasons for why you feel as you do, instead of bashing others.  I wish everyone would post like this!

I agree with you about the type of healthcare reform that has become law.  When it started out, some people wanted a single payer program (my favorite).  Then, in lieu of that, we wanted a public option.  The Democrats simply caved in to Republican demands, and at the end, the Republicans voted against the bill, including some of THEIR own ideas.  That's why the plan is so messed up, in my opinion.  The reason I'm in favor of it is because if healthcare reform isn't placed on the books NOW, the topic will never come up again in either the Senate or the House.  The Republicans had a long time to broach the issue but never have.  The last (and only) serious attempt was when Clinton was President.  I personally wish that the Democrats would not have bent over backwards to insure "bipartisanship" when it's clear there is no real bipartisanship on the horizon in this Congress.  At least, if the plan is on the books as a LAW, it can hopefully be tweaked and fixed as time goes on.  However, I still believe you and I both will benefit from HCR, even in its present form.  I'm frustrated that the Democrats caved in to the Republicans and included changes that most people are against.

I totally understand your frustration with your insurance rates, and I understand why you would wish to place that money in a savings account instead.  I had a "better" (NOT!) plan that I had to give up when it reached more than $700 per month.  The deductibles and copays were so high, and with the premiums so high, I simply couldn't afford to pay more than $700 a month just to insure myself (no dependents). Unfortunately, I have several serious diseases that require my presence at least once a month in my doctor's or specialist's office.  As such, I'm one of those "lazy" people who has applied for Social Security Disability, after working two jobs (most of the time) for more than 40 years of my life.

As far as being a "passionate democrat," I suppose that's a pretty accurate view of my current feelings, though I'm technically registered as "Unaffiliated."  I've voted for Republicans in my life (including Ronald Reagan), and it's the issues that motivate me, not the party.  When I see politicians speak on issues that are important to me personally, that's when I decide whether or not I'm against it.  Party affiliation has no importance to me, but when I see Republicans consistently try to block progress, it upsets me.  When Scott Brown was elected to the Senate, he referred to himself as "41," or the last Republican on board to help with obstruction brought on by other Republicans.  When a Republican politician (Jim DeMint) says that healthcare reform will be "Obama's Waterloo," it's clear that all they intend to do is obstruct.  Their votes have substantiated that.  But you and I have a lot in common regarding party affiliation and loyalty.

I couldn't agree with your more about "insurance store owners." They're going to keep raising rates until HRC is completely implemented, so look for your rates to continue to rise.  Could you imagine the kind of care Americans could receive if the greedy insurance companies had to compete with a public option?  Or if a single payer had been allowed to go forward?  It would put the insurance companies out of business and the money saved from all those PROFITS could really provide excellent healthcare for Americans. They're only, as you say, ripping off their customers.  I'd never tell you to shut up and be happy, but I truly, in my heart, feel you will benefit from this plan, flawed as it is.  The fact is I'm glad you're being vigilant about what's happening and realize that your rates aren't being raised by Obama but rather greedy insurance companies.  What right and reason do they have to raise YOUR rates if you only go to the doctor once every three years or so?  By the way, being able to purchase health insurance over states lines, in my opinion, sounds like an excellent idea.  However, it might not be so good once it's implemented because we're still dealing with insurance companies, and their bottom line is the top price they can get.  Here's an interesting article:  http://www.individual-health-plans.com/blog/insurance-across-state-lines/

Regarding your feelings on the issue of Democrats making deals to secure HRC, I think it's more a component of what makes Washington run than anything else.  Deals are always made.  I didn't like the deals made with Landrieu and Nelson, but Washington has always worked like that.  The difference is that it hasn't been televised or publicized as much as it is today.

I place the banks in the same hole I place insurance companies.  I believe that these are the two highest "ripper-offers" in this country.  Lots of people lost their IRAs and other funds because of Wall Street greed.

As far as the names of some of the Democrats I like and trust, the list (partial and off the top of my head) is as follows:

Russ Feingold, Bernie Sanders, Chuck Schumer, Jon Tester, Jim Webb, Carl Levin, Sherrod Brown, Claire McCaskill, Richard Durbin, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, Joe Sestak, Maxine Waters, Loretta Sanchez and, as flamboyant as he is, Alan Grayson.

Like I said, it's just a partial list that is just off the top of my head.  There are probably more, but I just can't think of them right now.

I am respectful of your opinions and feelings, as well.  You have your reasons, which are just as legitimate as I feel mine are.  I don't expect or want you to agree with me just for the sake of agreeing.  Instead, I'm more interested in reading about your opinions and feelings, to which you are most decidedly entitled!

I really like your comment about being friends no matter what side we are on.

Regarding the changing of your moniker, I have a friend who calls himself "Anonymous Hippopotamus" and calls me "Pleasant Pheasant" (even though I'm not always that pleasant).  LOL!  Your new moniker reminded me of that.

I hope you have a great day and a wonderful weekend.  :-)

Thank you much - now I've got some people to research - Anonymoose

Ah, Dennis Kucinich. Another one I like, as well. (sm) - Nikki

He's one of the ones I forgot!  Thanks for reminding me. 

Personally, I would put Anthony Weiner - on the list as well...

I'm not going to take the time to read this for the - sm

These are blacks running in opposition to him... - nm