Tag Archives: Virginia

New Poll / 80 Percent of Swing State Voters Want Action on Sequestration before Elections

Harris Interactive Poll of likely voters in Florida, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Missouri finds high levels of awareness and concern about sequestration cuts

Arlington, VA /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ ~ Four out of five likely voters in critical battleground states want our leaders in Washington, DC to find an alternative to “sequestration” budget cuts before the November elections take place, according to a Harris Interactive online poll released today on behalf of the Aerospace Industries Association.

“We’ve always known that sequestration is bad policy. Now we know it’s bad politics as well,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “This survey shows that opposition to these reckless cuts runs from north to south, from old to young, and from left to right ~ 80 percent opposition means the call to put an end to sequestration is bipartisan without doubt. And swing state voters now stand alongside a swelling chorus of Americans, from military planners to small business owners to Congress’ own budget analysts, all saying the same thing: we need action on sequestration, and we need it now.”

AIA commissioned the poll as part of the Second to None campaign, an advocacy initiative to bring awareness of the risks to our economy, national security and technological competitiveness from ill-considered cuts to aerospace and defense budgets.

“This survey reveals that the American voting public is waking up to the danger of sequestration to our economic and national security,” said International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger. “Now is the time for politicians to put aside the Beltway politics that have failed America and come up with a balanced solution that protects our ability to respond to a national security threat. This crisis demands immediate action. We must not wait until after the November elections.”

The poll, conducted by Harris Interactive from August 9-15, surveyed 4,042 U.S likely voters age 18 years or older across five states likely to determine control of the White House and United States Senate next year ~ Florida, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Missouri. The poll found that concern over sequestration cuts across age, party, race and regional lines. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of likely voters in these states said they were aware of this issue prior to taking the poll, a remarkable degree of penetration for such a topic.

The study interviewed U.S. residents who are registered voters and likely to vote in the November 2012 election (self-described as absolutely/very certain they will vote). Specifically, the sample sizes by state are: Florida n=810; Missouri n=807; Virginia n=808; Ohio n=809; and Pennsylvania n=808. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region, and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.

Aerospace Industries Association

1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 358-1000 www.aia-aerospace.org

Founded in 1919 shortly after the birth of flight, the Aerospace Industries Association is the most authoritative and influential trade association representing the nation’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space systems, aircraft engines, missiles, homeland and cybersecurity systems, materiel and related components, equipment services and information technology.

SOURCE Aerospace Industries Association


Visit http://www.USAJobZoo.com or http://USADefenseIndustryJobs.com for all of your job search needs. Both are IntelligenceCareers.com websites.

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About that Virginia earthquake yesterday – rumor roundup!

RUMOR Roundup – The Weather Channel says yesterday’s East Coast earthquake was caused by an unknown fault line running under D.C. and through Virginia.

It is now being called Obama’s Fault, though Obama will say it’s really Bush’s Fault.

Other theories are that it was the founding fathers rolling over in their graves or, that what we all believed to be an earthquake was actually the effects of a 14.6 trillion dollar check bouncing in Washington.


Original source: found floating on Facebook. Was wearing a life preserver so I hauled it in. Original author unknown.

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One Year Later — I’m not Satan, and you ain’t Lucifer … even though you drink coffee, tea and/or koolaid.

One year ago today on a very cold, snowy Saturday I got up and went to the national kickoff of the Coffee Party, here in Prince William, Virginia.

Later that day I sat down and wrote my observations in “I’m not Satan, and you ain’t Lucifer … even though you drink coffee, tea and/or koolaid.”

I also explored the TEA Party, even becoming a local chapter founder and coordinator.

Have since gone inactive with both TEA and Coffee. But along the way I met some of the most amazing people.

The Prince William Coffee Party had a very short life. Stuff happens. However, I have made a number of lasting relationships with these folks. And I look forward to working with them for years to come.

As an independent-minded American I have questions. Am looking for answers. Life is complex. I want more than simplistic answers.

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I’m not Satan, and you ain’t Lucifer … even though you drink coffee, tea and/or koolaid.
– 2010.03.13

OK, so I did it. I went to the local Coffee Party on Saturday, March 13th.

I’m conservative with a long track record of supporting whatever walks the right side of the street. Although born a Democrat, back in 1972 I even joined the ‘Democrats for Nixon’ campaign as a highschooler — in Florida there were no Republicans elected to state office until 1978. None. Long story short: I have never identified with liberal or Democratic groups, even though I was born a Democrat — registering as a Republican only when that other former Democrat ‘God bless Ronald Reagan’ ran for president.

Bottomline: I wasn’t sure how these Coffee folks would take to someone with an NRA ballcap, who openly describes themself as conservative, or how they would deal with someone willing to discuss issues from a more conservative perspective. Certainly I have seen how more liberal-minded people were treated by the opposing view in my community — not a pretty sight.

There were a few things said by fellow attendees that made my ears twitch. At one point a group moderator even pointed me out and said “OK, so you smiling. So why the smile?” Blink. Blink. “Oh, crap” thought I. “She mistaked my smirk for a smile.” Time to put up or to shut up. So I did. Blink. Blink. “OK, well that’s a helpful perspective to understand a different view”, said she … and on we moved in the conversation. Hmmm …

Our group conversation focused on issues that we all individually believe should be of interest and worthy of group investigation. The issues added up: 15, 20, 25 … perhaps 30 different issues got listed. Then each participant got two votes to select two issues that they personally would like the group to focus on. Issues with the most votes were rolled into four study groups.

Hmmm … so the rumors that I heard beforehand that this was just a disguised group pimping for liberal causes or the Democratic party were … they were … bogus. Solidly bogus.

By the day’s end I found myself in the ‘Financial Oversight’ issue study group responsible for issues such as taxation, banking regulation, etc.

Boom! So now we would get our agenda if it were ever to happen. Someone would surely guide the study groups to what breadcrumbs should be followed. Nope. Didn’t happen.

We six group members decided what topics we wanted to study, set our own agenda for meeting, created a Facebook page to exchange info and to build whitepapers that can be used within the group and for approaching our legislators. The Coffee leadership didn’t even get involved in asking what we had decided upon. They’ll find out when we report back later in the month.


I’m not Satan, and you ain’t Lucifer … even though you drink coffee, tea and/or koolaid.

America stands at a crossroads. We are always arriving at some crossroad but the issues today are huge and imminently in front of us. The outcome will directly affect our children and grandchildren, leaving them incredible debt. We owe trillions to foreign countries and investors (and to Americans, too) — almost $2 trillion is due in October 2010 to pay back money borrowed in the early 2000s.

We have major healthcare issues that are at an impasse; our system is one of the best medicine that people can buy. Yet we rank just ahead of Cuba in the general health of our population. Obamacare to me is an abomination that will bankrupt the country and yet the alternative is “personal responsibility” — even though healthcare insurers are a monopolistic industry and some recently announced hikes of 25-36% in annual premiums.

Enough of labels. Enough of political party hacks and support groups — both the Democratic and Republican parties are focused on the next election. Neither can be trusted to hold real discussions and to make hard decisions. Each put party before country.

As for all the liberals, moderates, conservatives and wingers of every stripe: I’m not Satan, and you ain’t Lucifer … even though you drink coffee, tea and/or koolaid.

If you want to sit down with me and discuss issues then good. Check your name calling and label machines at the door — I don’t have time for you or that if that is what you are about.

Here is what I am about: God bless the U.S. Constitution, the 10th Amendment has real meaning, don’t put your hands in my pockets to pay for programs — unless we are both paying the same, and we should pay as we go. I don’t believe that “cut taxes” is the answer to everything, but taxes should be minimal and government intrusion into our lives should also be. But be assured “we” includes both you and me. We are both Americans — and I’ll drink any beer that you buy me. … :^)

I’ll meet with you any time and any place — except Sunday afternoons when I’m either enjoying my Second Amendment rights or playing soccer, or doing both.

BTW – I drink both tea and coffee. Both are OK with me.


This post by Bill Golden, aka Bill4DogCatcher.com, an independent observer of American political life, economics, and workforce issues.

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Life is a beach … unless it is County Fair time

by Bill4DogCatcher.com

I do more than just think about economics, politics and my 401K.

Sometimes I fish, go to the beach when I can and never ever miss the county fair.

Prince William County Fair, Virginia

When growing up my mom and dad would take us to the county fair, except in Jacksonville, Florida it was always in October … just too darned hot to have fun outside in Florida during August … except at the beach.

My dad would take some of the younger kids and go do rides. My buddies and me would hang with my mom. She liked food and so did we. My mom’s favorite was a nice roasted Polish sausage covered in green peppers and onions. That was her big ‘to do’ at the fair. She was happy just walking around and seeing the lights and people watching.

Have always been fond of the side shows. The Prince William County, Virginia fair had live music, and motorcycle jumping and Brutus: the world’s largest pig, AKA ‘The Baconator’.

Prince William County Fair - Brutus the baconator pig

I paid 50 cents to see Brutus and if you want to see him then you need to pay your 50 cents, too. However, I will tell you that Brutus is absolutely humongous. Giant. I cannot imagine Brutus getting up without having a heart attack. … And in fact, Brutus did not get up the whole time that we were there. He just laid about and snorted.

It was nice. I had a Polish sausage in honor my mom, saw the lights, watched the people, did the shows and petted the animals — yes, even I still enjoy the petting zoo. My favorite was the llamas and the minature horses … I have a dog bigger than the horses.

Prince William County Fair - Llamas

Some folks overlook the sheer inexpensive entertainment value of the county fair. There was no charge to park, entrance cost adults just $8 and the food was outstanding in cost, variety and portion. Before I left to go home I stopped by to pick up some dinner for the folks back at home. A very large turkey leg, side of baby back ribs, and two roasted corn on the cob cost me $21. That’s an incredible bargain compared to a large bag of popcorn and two drinks costing $18.50 at our local chain movie theater.

Gotta love the County Fair!

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Health Care Reform Act Headed for the Supreme Court due to Partial Victory by Virginia Constitutional Challenge? Yes.

by Bill Golden
Bill4DogCatcher.com and JeffersonConservative.com

The Health Care Reform Act, AKA ObamaCare as it is called by both supporters and detractors, has stumbled badly in its attempt to fend off a constitutional challenge posed by Virginia.

On Monday, August 2nd, 2010, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson denied Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the state of Virginia challenging the new health care insurance law. His ruling stated that it is far from certain Congress has the authority to compel Americans to buy insurance and penalize those who don’t.

The stumble comes from the entire Health Care Reform Act (HCRA) depending upon the individual mandate for the HCRA to have meaning. Please remember that Virginia chose carefully as to how it challenged the HCRA’s constitutionality: it did not challenge the power of the Congress to pass such a bill; Virginia challenged the constitutionality of requiring individuals to have health insurance.

Failing to overcome Virginia’s challenge, the fate of the HCRA now goes to a court trial to begin October 18th, 2010. Win or lose, both parties will undoubtedly appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The effective outcome is that many states will delay beginning to implement the HCRA until its constitutionality is determined. Just as Arizona is stymied in its ability to implement portions of SB1070 so is it the same for the HCRA whose first requirements and benefits went into effect as of July 2010.

My view is that Arizona will ultimately prevail at the Supreme Court level and Virginia may well also prevail.

Back on March 21st 2010, just hours before the vote was taken in the House on the Senate version of the HCRA, I gave my opinion and an overview of the constitutional issues facing the HCRA.

My opinion then and now:  “As much as I believe health care reform is needed, and needed now, the senate version of health care reform is both unconstitutional and overreaching. If the senate bill should be passed by the House then it will be more of chimeral victory that will be defeated in the SCOTUS due to its many flawed provisions, rather than the total sum value of its intent.”

For more info: What the press is saying about this development.


Bill Golden is an independent observer of American politics, trends and economics. Bill’s political views meet at the crossroads of conservatism, libertarianism and being a practical centrist. No longer a member of any political party, Bill would undoubtedly be declared a DINO if he were a Democrat and a RINO if he were Republican.

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U.S. Attempts To Block Constitutional Challenge to States’ Challenge of Health Care Reform Law

By Bill Golden
JeffersonConservative.com

The Obama administration has now adopted a strategy of trying to preempt court consideration of the constitutionality of the Health Care Reform Act by arguing that states have no legal basis or standing to challenge the Health Care Reform Act.

A secondary Obama administration argument is that Congress has the power to regulate interstate trade and that authority is enough by itself to make the measure constitutional.

The Obama administration challenge is officially being made by Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, now known as ‘Virginia v. Sebelius‘.

Virginia is being made the test case to see if the federal strategy will work. Virginia must respond by June 7th to the federal challenge.

Federal attorneys argue that individuals, not the state, are affected by the requirement to buy health insurance, meaning that the state has no standing to sue over the issue.

CHALLENGE: The Health Care Reform Act forces both individuals to buy something that they did not previously have to (5th Amendment protection – you do not lose rights just because they are not specifically listed in the Constitution; in this case you and I have a right to not buy health care insurance) and the new law forces states to increase their financial support and thus to increase taxes for delivery of medical services (health care high risk pools, medicare, etc.).

Actions by the federal government that classify individuals in a discriminatory manner violate the due process of the fifth amendment. “Discrimination” in this sense is that the Health Care Reform Act forces some individuals, but not others,  to purchase health insurance.

A counter argument is that all Americans are required to purchase health insurance, but receive an exemption if they can prove that they purchased a policy personally or through their employer.

A reasoned position by Virginia is that it is representing the collective rights of its citizens in both cases, by protecting both their individual rights and the phantom requirement to increase state taxes in order to provide additional non-federally funded medical services.

Learn more by googling: Virginia v. Sebelius and Fifth Amendment Due Process


Fifth Amendment, U.S. Constitution

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.’

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You want good government? Or do you want the government that you deserve?

Want good government? Then don’t make excuses for bad government.

Want responsive government? Always question party-line votes. Political parties that put their survival and success first are major dragons among us.

Want others to be good, civil citizens? Then be one yourself, and find the courage to call out your fellow believers when they cross the line — and you know it happens across the political spectrum. No excuses.

Yes, there is always a lunatic fringe. Every group has them. The difference between a mob and a group is that groups have leaders that speak up. Does your group have leaders or just people pointing the way?

Great kudos goes to the The Hampton Roads (Virginia) Tea Party which has taken a very public stand for good citizenship: “The Hampton Roads Tea Party does not condone nor will it tolerate racism, sexism, or religious intolerance or bigotry in any form within the ranks of its membership or at any of its sanctioned events. Such beliefs, attitudes, and activities are contrary to the basic rights of all humankind as outlined in the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence.”
– Hampton Roads Tea Party Board

We can argue about whether government is too large or not large enough. We could debate about how interest groups influence government in the wrong way — mostly your groups, not mine. But why?

I believe that the best course of action is to be agnostic about government. If the processes are in place to create a responsible and accountable government then the issues will work themselves out at the polling booth.

Where folks go a bit off the edge is when government patronizes them. Pandering may be an art form but it is not an acceptable process.

In discussing this, let us remember that sometimes we get the government that we deserve. If we work hard to make sure that our side wins and the other side loses — whether through procedure, issue manipulation, smoke and mirrors, whatever — then we will always have unresponsive government.

Let’s Slay Dragons Together

Bill4DogCatcher.com has a new project: I would like to see a coalition of the willing, those willing to focus on what brings us together, not pushes us apart.

I’m calling my new project — please don’t laugh or throw rotten stuff — the Coffee Party & Tea Party Coalition – a Bill4DogCatcher.com Project. Am exploring what can bring us together at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=102925266411916 (does anyone know how to point someone to a Facebook group with a better looking URL?).

The dragons that I want to slay are process-focused.

At the end of the day our anger and frustration comes not so much from knowing that the other side doesn’t appreciate our position on issues — of course, it’s not like you or I pay much attention to the what the other side is actually saying so why pretend?! — our anger and frustration comes from believing that the system is fixed! The outcome is almost preordained so why make the effort to be civil and logical? But we must try … we really, really must.

The Dragons That We Must Slay

Areas that I would like to see Coffee and Tea work together on — because the self-perpetuating political parties won’t:

  • A Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment
  • A Term Limits Constitutional Amendment
  • A Taxation Transparency Act – up front accounting of categories of spending and who is getting what from whom.
  • Political Campaign Funding Transparency — Any contribution over $50-100 should have publicly available names attached.
  • Political Action Committee (PAC) Contribution Transparency — Do not make me wait and scramble to read various political candidate reports and match the numbers up. PAC contributions need to be publicly available records within 30 days of giving money to a candidate. We should be able to see that ABC Persuaders, Inc. gave $X to A, B and to Z.
  • Keep ‘em Honest Promise Trackers – regardless of what party or part of the spectrum politicians live, are they keeping their ‘promises’? We have lots of ways to determine how liberal or conservative or libertarian or whatever someone is … but we have no common way of tracking how honest to their stated intentions they are.

There are many ways we can have more responsive government, but we must be willing to lay aside our issue differences to get to where we all want to be. Let’s avoid discussing issues. Let’s focus on creating processes that keeps government honest and moving forward.

So how would you slay dragons? Send your thoughts to Bill@Bill4DogCatcher.com or please visit the Coffee Party & Tea Party Coalition – a Bill4DogCatcher.com Project at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=102925266411916


This blog article originally appeared on 2010.03.23 as ‘Listerine Won’t Keep Dragons From Ruining Your Day. Time To Take On The Dragons!’ … Cute name but it violated a reality of journalism: what is your topic about. So … if you think you’ve read this article already then it ain’t deja vu at work.


Bill Golden is an independent observer of economics, politics and human resource management issues. Politically conservative but considers himself to be both Coffee & Tea. Solutions come from dealing with reality, not emotional responses.

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Filed under Coffee Party, Democratic Party, Family Values, Progressive Movement, Republican Party, TEA Party

Independents Picked Winners in November 2009 Election

November 3, 2009 was a good day for the GOP. Several strong wins for key governorships, a clean sweep of state officers in Virginia, and yet a historical loss in NY-23 which has been Republican since 1867.

So where is America going?

– Women voted Democratic in both the New Jersey and Virginia governor races. Men voted Republican. Both sexes favored their candidates by the simplest of majorities: 51-52%.

– Young voters did not turn out in huge numbers, but voters under the age of 30 voted Democratic in both New Jersey and Virginia by a simple majority.

– The majority of voters were between the age of 45-60, an age group which favors Republicans.

– Black Americans stayed home in Virginia. Only 15% went to the polls. Democrats worked hard to mobilize minority voters and women to oppose a demonized Republican candidate. Women did vote Democratic but the question is whether the Democrats should have focused on issues rather than ‘we know we got your vote if we could just get you to the polls’ — obviously, a failed strategy.

– Atlanta has a white population of 38% yet has given the edge to its first white mayoral candidate since 1973. A runoff is required so stay tuned for the final outcome.

– Coloradans rejected the power of government to seize people’s cars just because they drive without a license.

– Maine referendum repeals last year’s law legalizing gay marriage: 53% to 47%.

– An openly gay mayoral candidate in Houston, Texas finishes in the lead but must still compete in a runoff.

– Not only conservatives but very liberal organizations turned on Dede Scozzafava in NY-23. Dede was given an award by ‘The Susan B. Anthony List’ for support of abortion rights, but the organization spent $142,000 in advertising attacking her in her bid for NY-23.

– Power of newspapers – does it matter any longer? The Washington Post strongly endorsed a number of candidates in Virginia’s election. Some would say the Post went out of its way to target those that it didn’t endorse. Candidates getting the Post’s endorsement lost.

– Were the Virginia and New Jersey governorship races a decision on President Obama’s performance? Obama remains popular in both states well above the 50% mark. Voters in both states said their #1 concern was the economy: New Jersey 90% said economy, and 85% in Virginia.

Independents Picked The Winners

The biggest story really is that it was independent voters that decided 2009′s winners and losers. Not only were there a number of strong independent campaigns, but independents picked the winners while party partisans overwhelming voted for their own.

Exit polls in Virginia showed that 94% of Republicans voted Republican and 95% of Democrats voted Democratic. With an edge in registered voters then you would think that the Democrats would have won.

New Jersey and Virginia exit polls show that independents overwhelmingly voted Republican. Virginia’s McDonnell got 62% of independent votes, and Chris Christie got 58% in New Jersey.

If 2009′s election was an indication of things to come in 2010 then the message was clear: reach out to your base, but if you don’t win the independent vote then you WILL NOT WIN.

Independents vote issues. If you want their vote then you, we, someone needs to answer these questions: How is this good for America? How is this good for me?


This blog  by Bill Golden, Bill4DogCatcher.com, an independent fed up with party politics but friendly to the concept of smaller government, maximum personal freedoms, Main Street over Wall Street, fiscal responsibility and community first.

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Filed under Democratic Party, Economics, Election 2010, Election 2012, New Jersey, New York, Politics, Republican Party, Virginia

Health Care – When The Fight Resumes, Fall 2009 … Do Conservatives Have An Argument?

Now that Congress postponed in late July putting forth a national health care plan, we have more time to think through this.

Below is how I see the national health care option argument as it exists today.

SITUATION #1

A majority of Americans, however slight the majority, would like to see the U.S. have some form of national health care plan option. Increased unemployment in Fall 2009 could boost those support numbers, as long as President Obama and Congress are seen as making a good faith attempt at economic stabilization.

SITUATION #2

With a Democratic president and a strong majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Democrats could pass a national health plan without any Republican votes. This assumes Democrats can reach agreement. The pressure will be on in late 2009 to either pass or to suspend the campaign for a national health care plan. The Republicans have been totally ineffective so far in making a case against Obamacare. Republican natural allies, the Democratic Blue Dogs, have found themselves doing all of the heavy lifting as Republicans have spurned almost all attempts at bipartisanship or even working closely with the Blue Dogs.

COUNTERARGUMENT

The predominate counterargument is conservative. The conservative argument is that government should not do for people what people should do for themselves. The argument is also made that there are publicly available options to provide a safety net to the uninsured and to those unable to afford medical care;  business and the free market is more efficient at providing better and less expensive services than the government.

PREDICTION: The Democrats will come to some agreement prior to early 2010. While this will be too late for the 2010 Federal Budget Year, it will be a decision that conservatives and Republicans will be unable to roll back even should they do well in 2010 mid-term elections.

MY POSITION: I oppose a national plan. However, I believe that major reforms of the health care industry are not possible. The health care insurers like things the way they are (438% increase in profits since 2000), and they have invested heavily in funding non-reform with more than $440,000,000 given to Republicans since 2000 in campaign contributions.

THE CHALLENGE FOR OPPONENTS

Democratic Blue Dogs: Generally agree that national health care reform is needed but are very sensitive to anything which increases the national debt, and which does not seem like actual reform. Blue Dogs have the greatest chance to shape the winning argument.

Republicans: Chaos reigns within the party and they have no plan at all. Period.

Conservatives: The traditional conservative argument does not hold up under close inspection: publicly available resources are largely non-existent. They have no credible argument — see example of Virginia below.

Independents: Independents tend to take the Blue Dog position.

VIRGINIA & THE CONSERVATIVE MYTH

Virginia has much to be happy about. It has largely escaped the worst of the 2007-2009 Recession. It was, and remains, among the Top 3 most economically blessed states in the Union. And Virginia seems poised to grow in both wealth, affluence and influence. Virginia was just named the “Top State for Business” for the second time in three years.

Yet, Virginia has a health care issue. Many Virginians do not see the problem as pronounced as some other areas since 1 in 8 Virginians receive medical care through affiliation with current or past military service. Approximately 1 in 7 Virginians are not covered by health insurance of any kind.

The conservative arguments holds that where there is demand there will be a supply of service to meet that demand. It is also argued that private groups are already providing many of these services; a public health insurance plan would just hurt the efforts of these groups.

So how well does the conservative argument hold up? The common availability of public resources by private groups is largely myth.

Below is an example of the Free Clinic network in Virginia. A Free Clinic is a private, nonprofit, community-based or faith-based organization that provides compassionate, quality health care at little or no charge to low-income, uninsured people through heavy use of volunteer health professionals and partnerships with other health-related organizations.

After reviewing Virginia’s “safety net” health care network below, the nation’s second largest such network, you tell me how strong is the conservative argument of supply-and-demand, private providers work best.

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Virginia – Population 7,700,000
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– 1,061,000 uninsured Virginians.

– Total clinics statewide: 55.

– Virginia has the 2nd largest network of free health clinics in the USA.

– Virginia counties with no free health clinic at all: 30+

– Ratio of uninsured Virginians PER clinic: 20,000:1

– Efficiency: $5.40 of services provided for every $1 received; 75% private sector funding, many services are contributed.

– Eligibility for use: A family of 4 may earn no more than $25-31,000 (150-200% below the poverty level).

– Virginians can find a master list of free health care clinics online at http://www.vafreeclinics.org

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Filed under Democratic Party, Election 2010, Employment, Health Care, Republican Party, Virginia