Top Ten Wealthiest Political Donors In Maine

Interesting article. Proud to say two of Top Ten donors are Republicans :)! Read on...

https://pinetreewatch.org/maines-10-big-money-elite-giving-3-95-million-to-this-years-elections/

So Well Said ...

Here's a link to an essay of sorts written by Evan Sayet about The Donald, his tweets, the Libs, the press and the GOP. So well said! Pass it on to anyone who complains about our current president!

https://townhall.com/columnists/evansayet/2017/07/13/he-fights-n2354580

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CNN Interview With Anthony Scaramucci Trump's New Communications Director

Gotta listen to this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3BBP7l8MDU

Could The Mooch be the next Chief of Staff ???

Only time will tell.

Next Up? Tax Cutting Bill

Here's a link to an excellent article from Lifezette/Polizette website created by Laura Ingrahm. Lauara is an attorney and had clerked under Supreme Court Justice, Thomas, is a Fox News Contributor, an author and an occasional fill in for Sean Hannity. She also has a talk radio show and cancer survivor. Is mother of 3 adopted children and is one fabulous woman. One I admire immensely. Anything posted on her site is accurate, informative and leans conservative.

http://www.lifezette.com/polizette/gop-health-care-failure-jeopardizes-tax-reform/

Ted Cruz's Amendment To OCare Bill

Here's an informative read by the Senate Conservative Fund which somewhat details Ted Cruz's amendment and how it'll help lower premiums, etc. Of course at the bottom, they're asking for financial support. That's a given and can be ignored or whatever.

"According to a new report conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the "Consumer Freedom" amendment proposed by Senator Ted Cruz would reduce health insurance premiums by more than $7,000 per year and help over two million more Americans get health insurance.

The Consumer Freedom amendment would allow consumers to buy health insurance free from Obamacare’s insurance regulations while also permitting consumers to continue to buy plans subject to Obamacare’s insurance regulations.

The idea is very simple. If you want the heavily regulated, more expensive Obamacare plan, you can have it ... but if you want a flexible, less expensive market-based plan, you can have that too. It's your choice as it should be!

The result is more competition and lower prices for everyone.

According to HHS, those who sign up for Obamacare-compliant Silver plans would pay on average $380 per month in 2024, down from $845 per month projected under current law. Consumers who purchase plans outside of the Obamacare mandates would save even more money by 2024 and would pay only $240 per month on average.

If Senate Republicans want to include a common sense reform to the repeal bill they passed in 2015, Cruz's Consumer Freedom amendment is just what the doctor ordered.

Another Cruz amendment would allow Americans to pay their health insurance premiums using tax-free Health Savings Accounts, something that is not currently allowed. This change would lower the cost of coverage even more.

Unfortunately, many Republicans don't want to repeal Obamacare, even coupled with good reforms, and only want to vote for bills supported by Democrats.

That's why it was a major mistake for Senator Mitch McConnell to offer a bipartisan bailout of Obamacare if repeal fails. He surrendered at the outset and made it easier for moderates to oppose repeal.

You can help stiffen their spines by pledging to support primary challengers against liberal Republicans who oppose repeal.

Make a pledge today and we will let you know if we find strong conservative challengers in their future elections.

This is the only way to get them to support repeal. We have to make it in their political interest to do so.

Thank you for supporting conservative leadership in Washington. We're grateful to have you on our team."

Sincerely,

Ken Cuccinelli II
President
Senate Conservatives Fund
@KenCuccinelli / @SCF



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I Need To Rant!

So I've been following the back and forth in regards to the R&R of OCare and I'm totally disgusted.

The GOP and most of its' Senators and House Reps have voted in the past to R&R.

In fact, they pretty much waxed poetic about what a sham it is, how'll it limits freedom of choice for all Americans, how it's a pox upon the healthcare system.

In fact, I heard the other day from a reliable source and NOT a fake news site, that all both the Senate and the House voted to R&R OCare a couple of times since it was put into action.

The only exception is Maine's beloved Susie Collins. Though I'm definitely not a fan of hers, at least she's not a hypocrite as far as OCare goes.

But I digress.

So why the reluctance, inability or whatever you want to call it, NOT to vote for a full repeal now?

Money.

Our POTUS was right when he talked about the DC swamp. It's corrupt as heck with K Street/Lobbyists pulling the strings of so many of our elected officials.

So therein lies the true reason a majority of the Republicans won't do the right thing and repeal.

They are OWNED by the lobbyists. Hook, line and sinker.  In fact, the lobbyists practically write the darn bills.

How do they have so much power?

They fund our representatives campaigns, trade favors and on and on.

WTP seem to have no say or power with this quid pro quo game that's played in DC.

EXCEPT come election time. And that's right around the corner for some in 2018.

So who will our elected politicians choose?

WTP who put them into office, believing their campaign promises or the lobbyists/K Street crowd who fund those campaigns? Fine line to walk. Will be VERY interesting to see who they decide to represent down the road.

There are exceptions to the above.

Ted Cruz, who earned my admiration and respect during the 2016 elections and whom I voted for.

As I've written previously, he offered an amendment to the R&R bill that would have allowed health insurance companies to offer 2 plans. One for those who like OCare that would take care of those with pre-existing conditions, etc. and one for anyone else who would like a health care account, a catastrophic plan and/or the ability to customize a plan just for them. But that amendment was rejected and/or didn't help matters.

Why?

Once again. Money. Lobbyists. K Street.

There are also a few others like Rand Paul, Mike Lee, Marco Rubio and some from the Freedom Caucus who seem to be sticking to their campaign promises of R&R. Or even just repeal the entire plan period.

Hats off to the above. They'll have my support come re-election time in more ways than one...

Of course all is not over. Yet. Trump had lunch with the gang yesterday I think it was, or maybe the day before and maybe, just maybe something positive will come out of it. Only time will tell.

One more mini rant before I close about Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan, Majority Leader of the Senate and Speaker of the House.

Both are swamp creatures. No doubt in my mind. They should be voted out of their leadership roles. Most likely though that'll never happen. And that's too bad.

But neither have done anything to improve the whole OCare debacle. Not a darn thing. They're the elected leaders but neither has led.  At least in the sense where they could build a R&R that all factions could live with.

Mitch McConnell is up for reelection in 2020. Ryan in 2018. Those dates may be the only chance we'll have to get rid of them and vote in someone new who might actually do their jobs as representing WTP.

Bottom line.

I'm hoping for a miracle with R&R OCare. I'm hoping that somehow, someway both the Senate and the House will have a 'come to Jesus' moment and do the right thing. But I highly doubt it.

Our only chance is to vote those who refused to do what WTP elected them to do, out of office when their terms are up.

Meanwhile, our health care system has the strong probability of going the single payer route (which it was designed to do in the first place). Consequently, we'll be stuck with care that resembles what's offered in the UK, Canada and other countries.

Once or if we go the single payer route, God help us...

Okay. I'm done. Have a nice day everyone.

Senate To Go For Straight Repeal Of OCare

Since the Senate and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell couldn't put together enough votes for their first 2 tries of repealing and replacing OCare, he's giving in to a straight repeal without a new plan. But will include a window of 2 years to come up with a substitute.

Will be interesting to see if they'll be enough votes to do the above.

For the full article from Fox News, click here:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/07/18/trump-to-republicans-lets-repeal-obamacare.html

Can't Make This Stuff Up

I can't help it. I love a good mystery and a challenge. In fact, the more complicated, the better. Add political intrigue and I'm hooked!

Anyway, here's an interesting article from a reputable site (RedState), shared by Mark Levin via Twitter in regards to the so-called Russian collusion issue with DJT Jr. and/or Trump Administration.

Hint. Once again the MSM is putting out a questionable narrative but by omission this time. Unbelievable!

http://www.redstate.com/streiff/2017/07/14/shocker.-wont-believe-employed-former-soviet-counterintelligence-official-trump-meeting/

Cruz/Lee Health Care Amendment Explained

Great article from Forbes.com that explains in a way all can understand what the Cruz/Lee amendment is all about. Will take you about 3 minutes to read.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/merrillmatthews/2017/07/12/why-democrats-should-love-cruzs-health-care-amendment/#21b7d0551298

Rand Paul's Take On The R/R OCare

Here's a link to Rand Paul's take on the current R/R OCare bill. Doesn't look like a darn thing's gonna change. Hope it doesn't pass unless it includes Ted Cruz's amendment where WTP are allowed to buy insurance privately, free market style in addition to those who prefer OCare as it now stands.

http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/07/12/exclusive-sen-rand-paul-senate-gop-decides-keep-obamacare/

Hannity Interview With DT Jr. Re: Russia Issue

For anyone worrying that Donald Trump Jr. and the Trump administration are in trouble due to DJ, Jr.'s 20 minute meeting with a Russian lawyer, no need to worry. DT Jr. says nothing happened. It was a courtesy meeting and that was it. No follow up. No action taken because of it one way or the other. Amazing how the opposition, MSM, liberal websites can blow something so out of proportion in contrast to reality.

For your own take on things, here's a link to a video of the entire interview by Sean Hannity of Fox News with Donald Trump Jr. Lasts about 20 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-Tq1FdyHE4

Rand Paul's Assessment Of Current R/R OCare Bill

Worth taking a few minutes to watch...

http://video.foxnews.com/v/5502520119001/?#sp=show-clips

Fake News From MSNBC - So What Else Is New ???

Will the selective reporting, omitting of facts, bias and fake news stuff ever stop? Will those out to get the POTUS ever be held accountable, pay fines, be punished or forced to publish or correct errors for all of the public to see? I truly wonder...

Excellent article by Glen Greenwald of the Intercept documenting Rachel Maddow's 'fake NSA document' presented on MSNBC.

https://theintercept.com/2017/07/07/rachel-maddows-exclusive-scoop-about-a-fake-nsa-document-raises-several-key-questions/

Obama Taking Off For Indonesia

Yup. The former POTUS has taken off on another luxury vacation. This time to a place where there is no extradition agreement between the U.S. and Indonesia.

Why worth mentioning?

Because of the opening investigation in regards to the Hillary Clinton email issue and Loretta Lynch's possible involvement with obstructing justice. Of course we know that the former POTUS and Lynch were as tight as you can get ...

For the full story, click below:

https://www.patriotbeacon.com/2017/07/trey-gowdy-unloads-obama-jets-off-luxury-vacation/

Great Bill Offered By Senator Rand Paul !

Here's a link to a Fox News article about legislation proposed by Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky.

In brief, the bill asks that members of congress be required to read all bills brought forth for a vote.

Sounds like a no brainer, huh? I mean isn't it their job to read bills before voting nay or yay? To wade into the weeds, learn the details and then decide what's best for We The People? 

Unfortunately it's not the case. Many do NOT read the bills before voting.

Why not?

Because bills are often thousands of pages long and there's just not enough time.

Not enough time you ask? How can that be?

Well, many spend up to 40% of their time raising funds for re-election. Add to that brief periods of time of actually being in session and thus being able to vote. Not to forget their frequent and extended time away from D.C. for so called constituent time. Do our elected officials REALLY spend THAT much time with the American people?

Somehow I doubt it. I rarely recall when I was directly involved in town and county politics, Susie Collins or Olympia Snowe spending a whole lot of time discussing bills and policies with WTP. Usually, the only time we saw or spoke with them was when they were running for re-election.

But I digress.

Will the bill proposed by Senator Paul realistically be considered or actually passed?

Somehow I doubt it. Why would politicians force themselves to do stuff they really don't want to? Like cut their vacation time? Or put restrictions or penalties on themselves?

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/07/03/sen-rand-pauls-read-bills-act-is-it-really-too-much-to-ask-members-congress-to-read-legislation-before-vote-on-it.html

Hacked DNC Server Still Not Available For Investigators

Thought provoking article from the Washington Examiner about the ongoing investigation into the supposedly Russian hacking of the DNC's Server that was exposed back in 2016. Something tells me it's not the Russians who hacked into the DNC, but political operatives who want to hide something in regard to either the Clintons and/or the Democrat party.

Read on and see what you think...

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jul/5/dnc-email-server-most-wanted-evidence-for-russia-i/

Happy July 4th !

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom. The Committee of Five Founding Fathers - Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston – drafted the document with Jefferson writing most of its content.
                                              

John Hancock, president of the Second Continental Congress, was the first signer of the document. Franklin, who represented Pennsylvania, was the oldest signer at age 70. Edward Rutledge, of South Carolina, was the youngest at age 26. Two future presidents, John Adams (second president) and Thomas Jefferson (third president), signed the document. Both died on the 50^th anniversary of signing the Declaration (July 4, 1826.)

On July 4, 1776, there were 2.5 million people living in the newly independent nation; today, America’s population is more than 323 million. Independence Day became a federal holiday in 1870.

Let's celebrate our country's birthday with a salute to the flag, a thank you for our nation's blessings and a prayer that we remain free and independent. Have a wonderful 4th everyone!

 

Ted Cruz To The Rescue ?

Here's an excerpt from an  article by the Washington Examiner about a bill Senator Ted Cruz of TX authored in regards to ObamaCare/American Health Care Act:

"Ted Cruz's amendment to the Senate health bill to bypass Obamacare's insurance regulations is gaining momentum as the bill comes under withering attack from conservatives and the president."

"Conservatives ratcheted up their criticism of the Senate bill Friday after President Trump tweeted that if the Senate can't pass the bill, it should repeal the entire law and replace it at a later date. But some groups and House lawmakers instead touted an amendment from Cruz that would let insurers sell plans that don't comply with Obamacare's mandates as long as they sell some that do."

"The White House later clarified that it is not moving to a "plan B" on healthcare, but the tweet gave conservatives a reason to vent that the Senate bill doesn't do enough in repealing Obamacare.
Several conservative groups said that if they have to live with the Senate bill, it had better include Cruz's amendment."

Great idea! Of course I'd prefer they'd totally repeal O'Care and let free markets take over ... but if that's NOT going to happen, then Cruz's plan may be the answer.

Aetna Pulling Out Of Maine

Got a call from my health insurance agent the other day and learned that Aetna (my insurer) is pulling out of Maine by 2018. Time to fully repeal ObamaCare and replace with .... Nothing. Let the free markets take over. Allow purchasing insurance across state lines and health savings accounts.

May be a bit confusing and painful at first, but think it's the way to go. Get the government out of the health insurance field. Period.

The only exceptions should be Medicare seniors, our Vets and people who are truly poor and cannot afford health insurance on their own.

Fat chance of any of the above happening, but one can hope.

POTUS Trump's Celebrate Freedom Speech

For those who missed President Trump's speech last night in DC at the Kennedy Center, here's a link to watch in entirety. Awesome and inspirational!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQpi4btQWUY

Diamond And Silk

POTUS Trump has had a great couple of weeks with the Supreme Court giving the okay on the travel ban, the stock market reaching new highs and getting various bills passed in congress that Trump favored (but not getting ANY mention at all in the press... more on that another time). Last but not least,  how CNN had to let go several so-called journalists for fake news, thus vindicating The Donald.

However, there's the on-going feud between Morning Joe & Mika and the POTUS.  In response, here's Diamond and Silk's take on it all. Love these gals! Lots of truth spoken but with some comic relief.

https://www.facebook.com/DiamondandSilk/