Obama: Fort Hood Shooting Will Be Fully Reviewed
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama said there will be a full investigation of the shooting at Fort Hood, and whether better steps could have been taken to prevent it:
"The purpose of this review is clear: We must compile every piece of information that was known about the gunman, and we must learn what was done with that information," said Obama. "Once we have those facts, we must act upon them. If there was a failure to take appropriate action before the shootings, there must be accountability. Beyond that - and most importantly - we must quickly and thoroughly evaluate and address any flaws in the system, so that we can prevent a similar breach from happening again. Our government must be able to act swiftly and surely when it has threatening information. And our troops must have the security that they deserve."
Kirk: Dem Health Care Bill Would Make Top Taxes Worse Than France
This weekend's Republican address is by Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL), a candidate for President Obama's former Senate seat in 2010. Kirk attacks the Democrats on health care -- and even says it would make some Americans worse off than if they were in France:
"The Pelosi health care bill has no significant lawsuit reforms and does not guarantee your medical rights from government waiting lines or restrictions," said Kirk. "In the teeth of the Great Recession, the Pelosi bill would impose ten new taxes on the American economy. The top combined tax rate for my state of Illinois would be four percentage points higher than France."
Obama To Asia: I'm 'America's First Pacific President'
Speaking in Japan, President Obama pitched himself to Asian leaders as "America's first Pacific President," and promised greater trade and diplomatic relations with the region, including both China and Japan. "So I want every American to know that we have a stake in the future of this region. This is where we engage in much of our commerce and buy many of our goods," said Obama. "And this is where we can export more of our own products and create jobs back home in the process."
AP Fact Check: Palin 'Goes Rogue' On Facts
An Associated Press review of Sarah Palin's new book finds her making many false statements, from her statements on policy to the facts about her own political career. "Ignoring substantial parts of her record if not the facts, she depicts herself as a frugal traveler on the taxpayer's dime, a reformer without ties to powerful interests and a politician roguishly indifferent to high ambition," the AP says. "Palin goes adrift, at times, on more contemporary issues, too. She criticizes President Barack Obama for pushing through a bailout package that actually was achieved by his Republican predecessor George W. Bush -- a package she seemed to support at the time."
McCain Gets Autographed Copy Of Palin's Book
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has received a signed copy of Sarah Palin's new book, a gift from his former running mate. "I've just received a signed copy from her yesterday, so I will read it with interest," McCain told supporters -- which certainly should be interesting, considering that much of the book is composed of Palin criticizing the McCain campaign and its treatment of her.
Gregg: We 'Know From Experience' GOP Proposals Would Save Money -- But Can't Be Scored By CBO
Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) said that Republican health care proposals would save money -- but that we don't know how to calculate it under CBO rules. "They would actually save money," said Gregg. "Some of them don't score because we don't know how to score them under CBO rules, but we actually know from experience that they would produce more effectively delivered cost service."
GOP Gets Conservatives' Approval For 2010 Candidates
CQ reports that the NRCC has met with top conservative activists, in the wake of the NY-23 special election loss, and reviewed their challenger candidates for 2010. "They went through the 45 candidates that they had and there were no problems," said top anti-tax campaigner Grover Norquist. "This is exactly the kind of meeting that, if you had 20/20 hindsight, [would have helped] months ago when New York 23 poked up."
New Reid Ad: He's 'America's Powerful Senator'
A new campaign ad by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) reminds voters in Nevada of his clout in Washington as leader -- with the announcer alternately calling him "the most powerful Senator Nevada has ever had" and "America's most powerful Senator":
"As the leader of the Senate, my responsibility is to make sure that no one takes advantage of Nevada," Reid says.

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mcc
November 14, 2009 1:36 PM
As we all know, mainstream Americans consider nothing more derogatory than comparisons with France.
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Overreach THIS!
November 15, 2009 6:21 AM in reply to mcc
Because it's now the state-approved bigotry especially stoked up by Bush-Cheney. Off the table are blacks, Hispanics, Polish jokes, Jews. So let's revile the French and French-Americans like the undersigned.
Make me wanna puke,
OT
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Bwakfat
November 15, 2009 11:20 PM in reply to mcc
France has great healthcare for all and terrific public transit. Why can't we have that for the same amount of tax dollars the French people pay?
Is Kirk saying they are better at governance then he is? Maybe we need some french politicians, and do away with idiots that say we can't do as well for more $$$.
Yeah, real convincing. Smooth move, Kirk.
(Beam me up Scottie!)
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AdAbsurdum
November 14, 2009 4:31 PM
In 2007, the WHO ranked France number 1 in healthcare worldwide and the US in 37th place. If only the legislation drafted were as efficacious as Kirk claims. Unfortunately, the truth is that we have light-years of catching up with France.
A nice start would be those house calls that French doctors still make.
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bluebell
November 14, 2009 5:04 PM in reply to AdAbsurdum
If only we intended to catch up with France. Remember this is not about quality healthcare let along striving to have the best healthcare in the world. This is about "insurance reform". We have no goal to be the best anymore. We've become the United States of Walmart. Is the minute clinic covered in the new plan?
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mikedrevguy
November 14, 2009 7:02 PM in reply to bluebell
best/worst
most expensive/least available -
when we're talking about superlatives - maybe we should start with common understanding about what 'best' healthcare would mean?
what would the 'best' health insurance mean?
It's hard to claim 'best' when we have such a vast (47million?) people who currently are not able to experience, even the 'worst' aspects of healthcare.
it's hard to claim that what we have in anyway compares to 'best' when we spend almost double what other 1st world countries spend on health care, yet don't realize any 'better' quality of life, higher standard of health, etc.
It's hard to claim 'best' when our infant mortality rate hovers near to the infant mortality rate of some 3rd world countries.
Now, the truth, if we want to be BEST these are the issues we want to address. Effective healthcare that enhances LIFE and VITALITY for the individual and by extension the community.
Statistically speaking - I'd be interested to see where we'd rank were we to ONLY consider those who have insurance (removing those individuals who do not) when considering mortality rate, health return on our healthcare dollars. My suspicious is that we'd still not be 'best' -
The only way to be the best - is to make sure everybody has the best - unfortunately we end up looking at people as dollar $ign$ - why should anybody who cannot afford the best, deserve the best - is the attitude that stands in the way of being BEST.
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bluebell
November 15, 2009 4:28 PM in reply to mikedrevguy
Yes, but we didn't always think that way. We fail to appreciate how brainwashed we've been by the right. We used to believe in the "American Dream". That dream wasn't about only the top doing well. As Garrison Keillor says about Lake Woebegone: all the children are above average. We once expected us all to do better than the rest of the world (even if we did turn a blind eye to racial discrimination) the dream was inclusive not exclusive. That's changed.
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Overreach THIS!
November 15, 2009 6:29 AM in reply to AdAbsurdum
Interesting thing about a French doctor's office. You go in, the office is a bit dowdy, nothing like a sparking U.S. doctor's office. The assistant is shared by 3-5 other doctors, and sometimes the assistant might not be there at all. His/her desk will be of solid wood, very functional, very old and worn. The doctor will ask for some cash, maybe $15 U.S.
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par4
November 14, 2009 5:34 PM
Republicans are bald-faced liars,nothing new about that. But it doesn't change the fact that Pelosi and the Dems in the House passed a bill that does nothing but enrich insurance companies and Big Pharma. They no longer represent the majority of the American people,or are even a shadow of FDRs party.
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benny 4 facts
November 14, 2009 8:17 PM in reply to par4
These Republicans find a lie(s) and they stick to it. I see another senate Democrat being elected in Illinois. Hope she/he is a progressive.
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Michael A
November 14, 2009 5:55 PM
These liars are driving me nuts. Two points.
1. Notice how the rethugs always refer to "tax rate." The top "tax rate" will be highter than France. The "corporate tax rate" is the highest in the industrialized world. It's always, rate, rate, rate. The rate is freaking meaningless, it's the bottom line taxes paid. The taxes paid are probably the lowest in the west. France, Germany, and the western democracies do not allow the write offs that the US does. How many luxury boxes are there at soccer games? Zippo. No tax write off. Totally pathetic.
2. The "lawsuit" reform is utter bullshit as well. Completely unnecessary and a false talking point. The reason for this again is to give the super rich more breaks.
Rethugs just want to continue spewing lies for their two small bases now. The "religious" right and the super rich. Pathetic.
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holyhandgrenaid
November 14, 2009 6:32 PM
In steps Bluebell, in steps. The tragedy is that our economy couldn't afford to go direct to single payer, as much as well all want and need it. The insurance companies are too deeply invested in too many facets of the world economy and would possibly cause a re-crash in the markets (see AIG for context). Don't get me wrong, I want single payer, but it isn't exactly possible yet.
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Stroszek
November 15, 2009 7:36 AM in reply to holyhandgrenaid
France doesn't have a single-payer system.
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inokeah
November 14, 2009 11:08 PM
Come on lets talk with the Obama Lexicon.
Let give a Shout Out to all the investigator that have the goods on this Police Woman that shot first and never read Major Nidal Malik Hussan his rights.
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nova voter
November 15, 2009 12:27 AM in reply to inokeah
as far as i know, obama usually makes sure his verbs agree with his subjects. among other things.
good effort, though.
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Stroszek
November 15, 2009 12:38 PM in reply to inokeah
Hmmm, you might want to talk your doctor about upping your dosage.
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converse
November 15, 2009 10:28 AM
Kirk. Isn't he the same guy that went to China and said US credit was no good anymore? Right, that's him, Kirk, the traitorous bastard. He'd make a great addition to all the other Senate Republicans who hate America.
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Redshift
November 15, 2009 11:34 PM
You know, when I try to decide whether health care reform is a good thing or not, my top priority is the tax rate that will be paid by the wealthiest Americans. I mean, how could I be so selfish as to want a system that will help keep me and millions of my fellow citizens healthy and out of bankruptcy, when the unconscionable price is a tax rate a few points higher for people who are wealthy enough to pay for all their health care out of pocket and to truly get "the best health care in the world." How selfish of me!
Asshats.
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Redshift
November 15, 2009 11:37 PM
NRCC to local Republican Party organizations: we don't give a rat's ass who you want to nominate, Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck have veto power.
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foodchain11
November 16, 2009 7:28 AM
Kirk is a complete live-under-a-rock sidewinder. He trys to be a moderate for those in his district and voted for Bush-Cheney completely. Now, running for Senate, he has to "please" the far right! NO MORAL COMPASS on this guy.
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