Yesterday, with the bathroom issue fixed (at least for now) I tried phonimg the internet/phone people’s customer support, which turned out to be useless. I tried to fine an email address, but apparently they only accept on line communication through Fakebook, Xitter, and Instagram, none of which I would touch. Trying to think of some other way, I added to my draft a paragraph about hating chat and that I would log out as soon as I had posted it, I copied and pasted the letter requested a transcript, and logged out. I am anticipating having to go to snailmail, and am prepared for that.
Heather Cox Richardson is always thoughtful and knowledgeable, but sometimes she produces a real zinger – stuff from history which is so pertinent to what we are experiencing that it almost makes the hair stand up on the back of one’s neck. IMO this is one of those times.
This from The Root – it’s totally unrelated to the US or to our politics but it’s so upbeat I felt I needed to share it And y’all needed to see it.
Yesterday, The plumber was later than he had said (it snowed a little the night before and was still snowing when he got here – it wasn’t all that heavy then, but by afternoon the ground was a blanket of white. And even light snow means scraping all glass before driving) But once he got here he was through very quickly. He thinks I probably need a new toilet, but I don’t like doing that while I’m still paying for the water heater, so for now I’ll stock up on Drano and use it religiously
Joyce Vance is probably right about preemptive pardons. But even so, she agrees that they should be offered to the most vulnerable, without specifying exactly who she thinks they are. I would certainly include Dr. Fauci as one of the most vulnerable myself. He and his family have surely suffered enough.
I did not see this coming, and neither did The F* News. But in a kind of a sort of a way, neither of us is really surprised. People who helped round up Jan 6 rioters are people who are interested in the welfare of the country, and that probably more than they are interested in individuals.
Yesterday, I got up early (knowing I would have to get up even earlier today) and so was up when Virgil called (he says “Hi”). Trinette came by (she says hi) and moved some stuff for me. Other than that I didn’t do much of anything. Some days need to be like that. Extra: Robert Reich caption contest with last week winners
Robert Hubbell always takes pains to be thoughtful and accurate (and to do his homework before posting.) Over the years I have seen so many people write petitions for things which really do need to be done, and then address them to people who have absolutely no power to accomplish them. When I am aware of that – and I’m sure I’m not always – I attempt to notify the petitioner or the petition sponsor. The third section of this newsletter addresses such a situation and clearly shows “This is how it’s done.” (Not to belittle the rest of the newsletter.)
Steve Schmidt has a new “Schmidt Storm” out. Yes, it’s a video, but there’s a transcript available. We all know where there’s Trump** there’s corruption, but we don’t always have details.
Yesterday, the radio opera was Richard Strauss’s “Die Frau Ohne Schatten,” considered to be a “fairy tale” opera. It certainly is one that would likely warm the hearts of right wimgers, since the shadow of the title is a symbol of the ability to bear children. But, on the other side of the equation, it’s also all about choice. It’s long – four hours including intermission – but the music is powerful, and in its way so is the story.
Steve Schmidt goes through a lot of information before he gets to his title point, but that’s the point for which I am posting it.
Andy Borowitz gets serious with advice to survive Trump** II. Andy is the epitome of the jester of the past who through humor managed to be the wisest person in the room at any given time. I’ll take him seriously.
Yesterday, my toilet clogged, and the plumber cannot come until Monday. But that’s not why I made this post entirely about healthcare today. I started putting it together when the news of the murder came out. By the way, the picture at left is from Pearl Harbor. Besides the videos, allow me to add this extra to lighten up a little. Andy Borowitz on pardons
I have never worked in health insurance, but I have worked in auto and home insurance, and one thing I learned is that if a coverage dispute goes to court, the verdict often goes to the insured, even if the expense is pretty nearly not covered by the contract. And that is because an insurance policy is a “Contract of adhesion.” That means that the insured has little or no say in what the contract says. It’s not a rule (neither is “tie goes to the runner” a rule in baseball). The jury or judge, like the umpire in baseball, must make the decision. But insurance companies know that the insured often gets the benefit of the doubt. I would think this would also apply to health insurance, which leads me to the conclusion that insureds who need help the most are those financially unable to take a case to court – a conclusion which should surprise no one at all. I couldn’t help but think of Wendell Potter – the Cigna CEO who quit because he couldn’t take the corruption. He is still fighting Big Health, and has a column on Substack (the newest entry is from the da before Thanksgiving, so it’s upbeat, but still very telling.)
Since I have already brought up health insurance, this may be an appropriate time to share this story on Medicare Advantage, which is not to anyone’s advantage but those who want to privatize Medicare. And, it not only doesn’t save money for its insured, but it doesn’t save any for taxpayers either. It’s something only a Republican could love. My advice is, don’t get it, and if you have it, don’t renew it. If it’s too late to drop it this year, don’t renew it next year. You’d be far better off setting up a separate savings account for medical emergencies and putting what the pemiums cost into it.
Incidentally, if you live in any of these nine states: Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Utah, and Virginia – you need to know about this. Even if it wouldn’t affect you personally, it might stall affect a friend, a relative, or a neighbor.
Yesterday, I learned that Steve Schmidt will be speaking at the Oxford Union’s annual debate, along with other Americans Julian Castro and Jeh Johnson. Steve is on the pro side and the other two on the anti. The proposition is “The House believes America is a failing democracy.” The whole thing will be videotaped, and should be on the Oxford Union’s YouTube channel next week. Steve will link to it when it is available. You know, 200 years ago, it might have made some sense to be an isolationist in America. Today, it’s impossible.
Joyce Vance brings together 1984 (with a nod to The Handmaid’s Tale), the Federalist Papers, and a letter to President Biden from two concerned Senators into a warning which we will heed – but a lot more people are needed to heed it. Not that I’m optimistic.
I am sourcing this from PolitiZoom rather than directly from Pavlovitz because I think the commentary adds a little something, as a second look at the same material from a different angle often does.
This is from Wonkette and ties together Trump**, cryptocurrency, and China. Sigh. I can see I am going to be missing more stories for longer than I had hoped. (There are emojis for sighing, but, except for the “sigh of relief” ones, which are pretty cute, they are all awful.)
Yesterday, the exterminator came and checked inside and out. He said there was a little activity indoors, which didn’t surprise me because last time he came too early and didn’t check inside. I just need to make sure that either the email specified an afternoon time or else I call to confirm that. Here are a couple of extras – Andy Borowitz Richardson on the failed coup in Korea
This is from Driftglass, though I found it through Crooks and Liars. Sometimes a really crude analogy is what is needed to make a point (and this one is about as crude as it gets.)
This is a history from Heather Cox Richardson specifically of how the liberal consensus, which I grew up with and so did many of you, was formed – and of what happened to it. And why we need it back – but not exactly how to do that. In my opinion, it’s a keeper – not that I expect to be able to do much of the work. And I have no children or grandchildren. But those of you who do will want, I am sure, to preserve for them as much of it as possible.
Robert Reich endorses Ben Winkler for DNC Chair, and makes what I would consider a strong case. But, you know, there are a lot of Democrats in leadership positions who would disagree. We’d need to convincing that it isn’t just that we are losing with their mode – it’s that their model is causing the losing trend. (BTW, everyone else spells it “Wikler” so Robert Reich may be wrong in his spelling.
Yesterday (Giving Tuesday), I had almost 200 emails before noon (and only 3 were from the previous day.) I am betting all or most of you had similar experiences, since we all are caring people, and if nothing else, we sign petitions for non-profits. In fact, probably many of you had many more. Today I’m expecting the exterminator to come on a follow=up visit (they come every three months, and I really appreciate that.) Tomorrow I may be able to get back to what passes for normal around here. I’d like that.
This was in yesterday’s Talking Points Memo morning newsletter, and I thought I’d squeeze it in before Patel is dumped or forced to drop out.
I don’t always agree with every point Steve Schmidt makes – but oh boy, is he ever singing my song on Native Americans and our treaties with them. (And if you’d like more history, Heather Cox Richardson has that.)
