The New England States have the following
reasons for proposing separation from the
United States of America: (The maritime
provinces will list their own from Canada.)
I. The government of the U.S.A. in its
executive, legislative, and judicial branches
has ceased to function.
II. The mission of the armed forces of
the U.S.A. is unclear.
III. The agencies of the U.S. government
have increased their control of the lives
and actions of citizens.
IV. The national debt of the U.S.A. is
forecast to expand forever.
V. An increasing number of citizens
are entirely dependent on taxpayers for
their subsistence.
VI. The federal department of Labor,
Education, Energy, Health and Human
Services, Housing and Urban Development
are unconstitutional creations.
VII. The provisions of the first ten
amendments to the constitution of the U.S.A.
are no longer supported.
VIII. The executive branch of the federal
government has usurped the law-enacting
function of Congress.
IX. The constitution of the U.S.A. does
not permit a "no confidence" removal
of elected officials.
X. Federal judges and Supreme Court
Justices unlawfully direct executive actions.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Collapse of the U.S.A.
As we near the end of 2020,
It may be instructive to review
The events of five years ago
That led to collapse of the U.S.A.
In 2014, the nation continued
To struggle with the enrollment
Of individuals in the federal and
State health insurance exchanges.
Large numbers of very sick people
Sought insurance heretofore unattainable.
Young people stayed away in droves,
Thus running up the potential costs.
With the mandate of 2015 looming,
Corporations and other organizations
Threatened to throw their employees
Into the individual coverage pools.
The net result was a sharp rise
To the expected national debt.
Panicking, Congress decided to tax
Employer sponsored health care.
That led to a taxpayer revolt,
Wherein the rebels refused to file
Tax returns for the year, overwhelming
The enforcement mechanisms of the IRS.
Meanwhile, college students took that cue
To refuse to pay their loans, quickly
Followed by support from those
Who still owed substantial sums.
Within a year, the national debt
Was forecast to increase by two trillion.
Congress refused to approve it,
And the U.S.A. fell into default.
The rest is history.
Texas led the way out of the union,
Followed by Cascadia, California,
And The Republic of New England.
The latter is getting along very nicely.
They solved much of the health care issue
By encouraging the drug store chains to
Set up primary care clinics in their stores.
It may be instructive to review
The events of five years ago
That led to collapse of the U.S.A.
In 2014, the nation continued
To struggle with the enrollment
Of individuals in the federal and
State health insurance exchanges.
Large numbers of very sick people
Sought insurance heretofore unattainable.
Young people stayed away in droves,
Thus running up the potential costs.
With the mandate of 2015 looming,
Corporations and other organizations
Threatened to throw their employees
Into the individual coverage pools.
The net result was a sharp rise
To the expected national debt.
Panicking, Congress decided to tax
Employer sponsored health care.
That led to a taxpayer revolt,
Wherein the rebels refused to file
Tax returns for the year, overwhelming
The enforcement mechanisms of the IRS.
Meanwhile, college students took that cue
To refuse to pay their loans, quickly
Followed by support from those
Who still owed substantial sums.
Within a year, the national debt
Was forecast to increase by two trillion.
Congress refused to approve it,
And the U.S.A. fell into default.
The rest is history.
Texas led the way out of the union,
Followed by Cascadia, California,
And The Republic of New England.
The latter is getting along very nicely.
They solved much of the health care issue
By encouraging the drug store chains to
Set up primary care clinics in their stores.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Observations on Obamacare
George, you just caught me listening to Susan Boyle singing "The Winner Takes It All", an ABBA
song -- very apropos to the ACA situation. Now that some probably very ill people have been able
to sign up for health insurance, it can never be taken away from them without triggering political
repercussions. The health insurance companies are now administrators of a federal scheme.
Entitlements have proven to be irreversible. Universal health care is the goal. Wouldn't Teddy be
proud! Step by step, a single payer system has crept in to full enactment. Sometime soon everyone
will be issued a card like my Medicare one, now twenty years old. The problem arises -- where and
how can they be honored?. That's where the U.S.A. is in danger of sharply reduced medical care,
as new practitioners fail to enter the health professions. The low-cost ride of our generation is soon
to end.
It is almost too late for reasonable alternatives. The best of them proposes taxpayer support for
local clinics to replace ordinary care in the emergency rooms for people without insurance. My
local guy is the only one left of four in private practice. The others retired early. And he will
get whacked by the reduction of Medicare reimbursements. They I will have to rely on a
walk-in clinic that I used to frequent. Just like good old Army medicine. Not bad, not too good.
You may remember my recent piece, "Providence and the Nutter." The president deserves
neither credit nor blame for his eponymous health law. History will reward him.
The rector of my church just returned from a three week holiday in England, meeting with old friends
from his early stay in the UK. He reports that the National Health Service is in such disrepute that
the government has permitted private practice to return. Harley Street is doing a brisk business.
We call that option "concierge practice."
Canadians are enthusiastic about their quick and satisfactory primary care. Their complaints
are the delay and rationing of surgery. The premier of Ontario is insisting on further cost
reductions. So is our governor of Massachusetts. Here there is some cost control voluntarily
by our MDs who refuse to open their practices to any more Medicare and Medicaid patients.
I have primary care from my new wife's doctor. She got into a closed dermatology practice by
marrying me. Otherwise: "I'm sorry, Doctor XXX is not accepting new patients." MassCare
is seeing an increasing number of individuals paying the penalty rather than buying one size
fits all insurance. That includes insuring men for pregnancy care, whether they like it or not!
song -- very apropos to the ACA situation. Now that some probably very ill people have been able
to sign up for health insurance, it can never be taken away from them without triggering political
repercussions. The health insurance companies are now administrators of a federal scheme.
Entitlements have proven to be irreversible. Universal health care is the goal. Wouldn't Teddy be
proud! Step by step, a single payer system has crept in to full enactment. Sometime soon everyone
will be issued a card like my Medicare one, now twenty years old. The problem arises -- where and
how can they be honored?. That's where the U.S.A. is in danger of sharply reduced medical care,
as new practitioners fail to enter the health professions. The low-cost ride of our generation is soon
to end.
It is almost too late for reasonable alternatives. The best of them proposes taxpayer support for
local clinics to replace ordinary care in the emergency rooms for people without insurance. My
local guy is the only one left of four in private practice. The others retired early. And he will
get whacked by the reduction of Medicare reimbursements. They I will have to rely on a
walk-in clinic that I used to frequent. Just like good old Army medicine. Not bad, not too good.
You may remember my recent piece, "Providence and the Nutter." The president deserves
neither credit nor blame for his eponymous health law. History will reward him.
The rector of my church just returned from a three week holiday in England, meeting with old friends
from his early stay in the UK. He reports that the National Health Service is in such disrepute that
the government has permitted private practice to return. Harley Street is doing a brisk business.
We call that option "concierge practice."
Canadians are enthusiastic about their quick and satisfactory primary care. Their complaints
are the delay and rationing of surgery. The premier of Ontario is insisting on further cost
reductions. So is our governor of Massachusetts. Here there is some cost control voluntarily
by our MDs who refuse to open their practices to any more Medicare and Medicaid patients.
I have primary care from my new wife's doctor. She got into a closed dermatology practice by
marrying me. Otherwise: "I'm sorry, Doctor XXX is not accepting new patients." MassCare
is seeing an increasing number of individuals paying the penalty rather than buying one size
fits all insurance. That includes insuring men for pregnancy care, whether they like it or not!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
2013 Update
Speaking of The Republic of New England, our board of conveners has
tackled (and solved, we hope) the problem of the national debt in our
negotiation with the U.S.A. Our stated policy is to repudiate any share
of their debt. We consulted international lawyers and got some support
from the example of the Baltic republics in reestablishing their independence
after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Inasmuch as Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania were formerly established
nations, they were under no obligation to share the financial burdens of
a reconstituted Russia. If the U.S.A. ceases to exist after the separation
of a number of its states, it may be simply an aggregation with no joint
financial obligation. The so-called European Union is an example of that.
Our precedent will be the short-lived Republic of Vermont, which existed
until ratification of the U.S. constitution. It has now a secession movement
which can be the legal nucleus of a larger republic. We eagerly await
developments in Texas, which has an even stronger case for separation.
There is also some talk of booting California out of the U.S., but that seems
to come more from outside the state.
Of course, we might manfully step up and assume some responsibility for
the U.S. national debt, provided we get to keep all the military installations
and equipment. We would write a no-interest, balloon payment note, payable
in 30 years. By that time, we figure the value of the dollar will be such that
we can pay off the note by subscription from patriotic citizens. We don't
plan to incur any provincial or federal debt, period. We pay cash.
The board has twice postponed our constitutional convention, pending
possible improvement in the governance of the U.S. Alas, it has gone from
bad to worse. No need to detail the woes. Interestingly, this week sees the
assembly of the Global Anglican Future Conference in Nairobi, which
will feature the de facto separation of most of the Anglican churches
from the Anglican Communion. The creation of a rival Anglican entity
in the U.S. provides another example of tragic schism.
We keep a sharp watch on newly established nations, whose success
varies according to the parsimony of their founders. We like Slovenia
for its mountainous landscape, first-class skiers, and beautiful prime
minister; but it has run up severe banking problems. We like Lithuania
for its sturdy fiscal management. As New Englanders, we subscribe to
our ancient mantra: "Use it up, wear it out; make it do, or do without!"
tackled (and solved, we hope) the problem of the national debt in our
negotiation with the U.S.A. Our stated policy is to repudiate any share
of their debt. We consulted international lawyers and got some support
from the example of the Baltic republics in reestablishing their independence
after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Inasmuch as Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania were formerly established
nations, they were under no obligation to share the financial burdens of
a reconstituted Russia. If the U.S.A. ceases to exist after the separation
of a number of its states, it may be simply an aggregation with no joint
financial obligation. The so-called European Union is an example of that.
Our precedent will be the short-lived Republic of Vermont, which existed
until ratification of the U.S. constitution. It has now a secession movement
which can be the legal nucleus of a larger republic. We eagerly await
developments in Texas, which has an even stronger case for separation.
There is also some talk of booting California out of the U.S., but that seems
to come more from outside the state.
Of course, we might manfully step up and assume some responsibility for
the U.S. national debt, provided we get to keep all the military installations
and equipment. We would write a no-interest, balloon payment note, payable
in 30 years. By that time, we figure the value of the dollar will be such that
we can pay off the note by subscription from patriotic citizens. We don't
plan to incur any provincial or federal debt, period. We pay cash.
The board has twice postponed our constitutional convention, pending
possible improvement in the governance of the U.S. Alas, it has gone from
bad to worse. No need to detail the woes. Interestingly, this week sees the
assembly of the Global Anglican Future Conference in Nairobi, which
will feature the de facto separation of most of the Anglican churches
from the Anglican Communion. The creation of a rival Anglican entity
in the U.S. provides another example of tragic schism.
We keep a sharp watch on newly established nations, whose success
varies according to the parsimony of their founders. We like Slovenia
for its mountainous landscape, first-class skiers, and beautiful prime
minister; but it has run up severe banking problems. We like Lithuania
for its sturdy fiscal management. As New Englanders, we subscribe to
our ancient mantra: "Use it up, wear it out; make it do, or do without!"
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Providence and The Nutter
In my opinion, this president
Is not simply a nutter,
Serving out the second term
Of a predecessor from Georgia.
Instead, Providence has rewarded
His messianic ego, leading to
Accomplishments that may assure
Him of an honored place in history.
Remember that his predecessor
From Arkansas was dragged,
Kicking and screaming, to sign a
Law requiring welfare recipients to work.
That turned into a resounding success,
Whereas the efforts of a predecessor
From Texas to spread national freedom
To benighted Arabs has failed.
Our present maximum leader,
Who simply pronounces, "Let it be so!"
Has a good chance of seeing his wishes
Turn into worthy achievements.
That is, in the eyes of the populace,
Who cheer the withdrawal from the Middle East,
And resolve never to support another
Adventure in foreign nation-building.
He was the president who
"Got us out of the wars in the desert!"
He may be the president who
"Brought health care to all citizens."
If the new program establishes a foothold,
And then is tweaked to solve problems
Caused by unintended consequences,
Public opinion may support its continuance.
Then we will finally have what has been
Sought by many for years, health care
For all, administered entirely by
A department of the federal government.
Those of us who have been required
To use Medicare for primary treatment
Can testify that it is simple to use,
And covers all our needs, up to now.
Expand that to all citizens, and reduce
The costs by triage and rationing,
And you have a system previously
Employed by the Soviet Union.
Is not simply a nutter,
Serving out the second term
Of a predecessor from Georgia.
Instead, Providence has rewarded
His messianic ego, leading to
Accomplishments that may assure
Him of an honored place in history.
Remember that his predecessor
From Arkansas was dragged,
Kicking and screaming, to sign a
Law requiring welfare recipients to work.
That turned into a resounding success,
Whereas the efforts of a predecessor
From Texas to spread national freedom
To benighted Arabs has failed.
Our present maximum leader,
Who simply pronounces, "Let it be so!"
Has a good chance of seeing his wishes
Turn into worthy achievements.
That is, in the eyes of the populace,
Who cheer the withdrawal from the Middle East,
And resolve never to support another
Adventure in foreign nation-building.
He was the president who
"Got us out of the wars in the desert!"
He may be the president who
"Brought health care to all citizens."
If the new program establishes a foothold,
And then is tweaked to solve problems
Caused by unintended consequences,
Public opinion may support its continuance.
Then we will finally have what has been
Sought by many for years, health care
For all, administered entirely by
A department of the federal government.
Those of us who have been required
To use Medicare for primary treatment
Can testify that it is simple to use,
And covers all our needs, up to now.
Expand that to all citizens, and reduce
The costs by triage and rationing,
And you have a system previously
Employed by the Soviet Union.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Professor Crabby
On a nice warm afternoon on Cape Cod, I'm taking a little nap, when the
phone rings, and my wife hollers up the stairs: "The West Point Association
of Graduates wants to talk to you!" Well, I know that no one is calling me
just to welcome us to the reunion, so I picked up the phone in a somewhat
crabby mood. Sure enough, a young male voice told me that he was calling
in reference to a letter from General Hagenbeck that I should have received.
I had forgotten it, of course, but I knew what the call was for. Whereupon,
I informed this young man that I made a sizeable gift at my 50th reunion, and
was not interested in giving more. Thank you, and goodbye.
I'm sure he said to himself: "What a grouch!" and moved on to the next call.
This episode got me to thinking -- what are our donations really accomplishing?
I saw the notice that the class officers are debating whether or not to continue
financing foreign study trips by cadets. That doesn't strike me as high on the list
of charitable contributions, but who am I to judge.
There are things going on at West Point that bother me, which is appropriate for
an old grad. There are also developments which make the whole experience
superior to what we had. I was firmly in favor of admitting women to USMA.
But I am not in favor of cadets canoodling on an academy sponsored ski trip;
then a young lady charges six months later that she was raped. Both these
youngsters should have been booted out. Worse yet, is the unseemly episode
at USNA, where she was so drunk, she didn't know what was happening.
Why are certain cadets singled out in cow year and named "command sergeant
major" or something like that, which means automatically that they will be given
high cadet rank as first classpersons? Then an opposite message seems to be
made to all firsties by making them all cadet lieutenants. Does that raise their
self-esteem and assure them that they all have equal chances for high rank in
the service? We cadet sergeants certainly were more perspicacious. We knew
not everyone was going to be a general, so we would have to find our own niches
in which to serve.
Why is USMA prep moving to West Point? Academic preparation is helpful
to those with inadequate schooling. But spending a year on the reservation
without being able to participate in what's going on at the Academy seems
to me to foster a bad attitude.
How can WP justify graduating 1000 second lieutenants when the army is
facing a 25 percent reduction in force? That may mean that a significant number
will be washed out in the competition for regular army billets, after serving the
required tour. Perhaps more cadets should be permitted to opt for other types of
service upon graduation.
Then there is the Army Athletic Association. I throw away their mailing as soon
as I get it. Why should USMA be playing Division 1 football against the
semi-pros? Everyone considers the NCAA rules a joke, not a scandal. Those
boys in the big name schools are entitled to a good salary for what they do.
I was disturbed to read that one of my Armor friends is in a nursing home.
I wonder if someone tried to call him to pry out some money. Shouldn't there
be a statute of limitations on that sort of thing, say after your 60th reunion?
Patrick
phone rings, and my wife hollers up the stairs: "The West Point Association
of Graduates wants to talk to you!" Well, I know that no one is calling me
just to welcome us to the reunion, so I picked up the phone in a somewhat
crabby mood. Sure enough, a young male voice told me that he was calling
in reference to a letter from General Hagenbeck that I should have received.
I had forgotten it, of course, but I knew what the call was for. Whereupon,
I informed this young man that I made a sizeable gift at my 50th reunion, and
was not interested in giving more. Thank you, and goodbye.
I'm sure he said to himself: "What a grouch!" and moved on to the next call.
This episode got me to thinking -- what are our donations really accomplishing?
I saw the notice that the class officers are debating whether or not to continue
financing foreign study trips by cadets. That doesn't strike me as high on the list
of charitable contributions, but who am I to judge.
There are things going on at West Point that bother me, which is appropriate for
an old grad. There are also developments which make the whole experience
superior to what we had. I was firmly in favor of admitting women to USMA.
But I am not in favor of cadets canoodling on an academy sponsored ski trip;
then a young lady charges six months later that she was raped. Both these
youngsters should have been booted out. Worse yet, is the unseemly episode
at USNA, where she was so drunk, she didn't know what was happening.
Why are certain cadets singled out in cow year and named "command sergeant
major" or something like that, which means automatically that they will be given
high cadet rank as first classpersons? Then an opposite message seems to be
made to all firsties by making them all cadet lieutenants. Does that raise their
self-esteem and assure them that they all have equal chances for high rank in
the service? We cadet sergeants certainly were more perspicacious. We knew
not everyone was going to be a general, so we would have to find our own niches
in which to serve.
Why is USMA prep moving to West Point? Academic preparation is helpful
to those with inadequate schooling. But spending a year on the reservation
without being able to participate in what's going on at the Academy seems
to me to foster a bad attitude.
How can WP justify graduating 1000 second lieutenants when the army is
facing a 25 percent reduction in force? That may mean that a significant number
will be washed out in the competition for regular army billets, after serving the
required tour. Perhaps more cadets should be permitted to opt for other types of
service upon graduation.
Then there is the Army Athletic Association. I throw away their mailing as soon
as I get it. Why should USMA be playing Division 1 football against the
semi-pros? Everyone considers the NCAA rules a joke, not a scandal. Those
boys in the big name schools are entitled to a good salary for what they do.
I was disturbed to read that one of my Armor friends is in a nursing home.
I wonder if someone tried to call him to pry out some money. Shouldn't there
be a statute of limitations on that sort of thing, say after your 60th reunion?
Patrick
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Dichotomy
Mary Matalin and James Carville
Are well-known political strategists
Who met and married after working
For opposing presidential candidates.
They continue to pursue separate careers
While raising their two daughters in New Orleans.
They appear together only occasionally.
They say they never talk politics at home.
How can this be?
Doesn't a strongly held position
Alienate oneself from civil discourse with
Those who are of different minds.
Perhaps the Carvilles simply respect each other's beliefs
And do not let differences harm their affections.
Does the holding of opposing views
Require disdain for the other party?
Have we reached the point in our society
Where expressing a definite position on a current topic
May be regarded as a hostile act --
Even prosecuted as a hate crime?
A dichotomy is a mutually exclusive set of opinions.
Are those who hold opinions unable to, or forbidden
To try to understand the logic and the passion
Of their opponents in public debate?
We need to respect the opinions of others
Even if we cannot agree with them.
Out of respect comes tolerance,
Rather than hatred and verbal abuse.
Divergent opinion on hot button issues
Such as abortion or gay marriage
Can never be reconciled in compromise,
But they can be tolerated in the larger whole.
Are well-known political strategists
Who met and married after working
For opposing presidential candidates.
They continue to pursue separate careers
While raising their two daughters in New Orleans.
They appear together only occasionally.
They say they never talk politics at home.
How can this be?
Doesn't a strongly held position
Alienate oneself from civil discourse with
Those who are of different minds.
Perhaps the Carvilles simply respect each other's beliefs
And do not let differences harm their affections.
Does the holding of opposing views
Require disdain for the other party?
Have we reached the point in our society
Where expressing a definite position on a current topic
May be regarded as a hostile act --
Even prosecuted as a hate crime?
A dichotomy is a mutually exclusive set of opinions.
Are those who hold opinions unable to, or forbidden
To try to understand the logic and the passion
Of their opponents in public debate?
We need to respect the opinions of others
Even if we cannot agree with them.
Out of respect comes tolerance,
Rather than hatred and verbal abuse.
Divergent opinion on hot button issues
Such as abortion or gay marriage
Can never be reconciled in compromise,
But they can be tolerated in the larger whole.
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