My Simple Message to Obama

Well said, don't you think?

The Left is Furious With Kratovil

Below, I have attached a letter from Chuck Loveless, the director of legislation from AFSCME. It seems the union bosses have their panties in a bunch about Kratovil's decision to break ranks with the almighty Democratic party. Obviously, Mr. Loveless fails to comprehend that Congressman Kratovil doesn't represent the People's Republic of Montgomery County. In other words, siding with the far left with only ensure someone like Andy Harris gets elected in District 1. I wonder how much Mr. Loveless and his klan would like Harris. Anyway, here's his letter to the local union membership:

The fight for quality, affordable health care passed a historic milestone on Saturday night. For the first time in over 100 years, the House of Representatives passed a comprehensive health care reform bill — the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

But your representative, Frank Kratovil, was on the wrong side of history — by casting a no vote and siding with insurance company CEOs instead of working families and the middle class. Please send a message today, letting them know that you'll remember this callous vote when it's time to run for re-election.

Frank Kratovil voted against this landmark legislation to lower health care costs, expand aid for small businesses, and improve care for seniors.

The vote shows that Rep. Frank Kratovil is more interested in protecting insurance industry greed than protecting thousands of Maryland residents who are denied coverage for pre-existing conditions or who struggle to pay skyrocketing premiums thanks to a lack of meaningful competition in the industry.

When the Affordable Health Care for America Act passed by the narrow margin of 220 – 215 we made history — but the work isn't done. We face even more opposition in the Senate, and the insurance industry is more determined than ever to defeat real reform that we need, at any cost.

And then when the Senate passes its version of health insurance reform, the differences will need to be reconciled with the House version. We'll need you with us to keep marching towards history — where every American is guaranteed quality, affordable health care coverage.

Your representative will have one last chance to choose: side with the insurance companies or working families? That's why I need you to send him or her a letter today, reminding them that you'll remember which side of history they're on when it's time to run for re-election: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/HR_3962_VotedNo.

In solidarity,

Chuck Loveless
AFSCME Director of Legislation

Kratovil Op-Ed on Healh Care Bill

Congressman wrote the following op-ed, titled Policy over Politics. The article appeared in the Easton Star-Democrat on November 9 2009.

The discussion of health care reform has been one of the most partisan and heated public debates our country has seen in years. As a freshman lawmaker, it has certainly been an eye-opening experience. What has struck me the most, however, wasn't the anger and unruliness that grabbed so many headlines during August, but rather the number of people I would encounter who believed that I should commit to voting one way or the other before even knowing what would be included or excluded from the legislation. This was perhaps the only aspect of the health care debate that was truly bipartisan; I heard from many Republicans who demanded that I oppose any health care reform package, regardless of its contents, while some Democrats have told me I had a duty to unquestioningly support the bill simply because it was a priority for my party’s leadership.

It’s unfortunate that this debate – on one of the most important challenges facing our nation today – has been reduced to such a black-or-white oversimplification. The need for reform is clear: without reform, premiums and out-of-pocket expenses continue to rise rapidly for both middle class families and employers. But the pathway for achieving reform is far more complex. The goals of reform must be two-fold: expanding coverage and reducing long-term costs by significantly slowing the rate of health care inflation. This health care reform debate offers us a historic opportunity, but passing a bill that does not truly achieve these goals would waste this historic moment.

Since the introduction of H.R. 3200 in July, I have voiced a number of concerns about the legislation. Chief among these were the bill’s failure to curb long-term costs, it’s potential to increase the deficit, and its inadequate protections for small employers, which I fear may have an adverse impact on job creation. Following the August recess, I also led a group of my fellow freshman in sending a letter to House Leadership urging them to include additional reform proposals in this bill, such as allowing insurance companies to compete across state lines and promoting policies to reduce medical errors, lawsuits, and medical malpractice rates.

While the revised H.R. 3962 made progress toward these goals, I am not convinced that the final bill is a fiscally sustainable approach to reforming health care. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) indicates that the bill does not reduce long-term health care costs, and that it drastically increases federal health care spending in the near-term and long-term. Furthermore, while the bill is projected to decrease the deficit over the first 10 years, the CBO said this reduction is largely due to the removal of a $210 billion provision to correct the formula by which doctors are paid under Medicare. That “Doc Fix” language was moved into a companion bill, which Congress will consider later this month. Taken together, these bills will increase the deficit substantially in the years ahead.

To be successful, health care reform must both expand coverage and reduce long-term costs. Unfortunately, this health care reform legislation will significantly increase long-term spending, is unlikely to reduce the deficit, and even costs several hundred billion dollars more than the $900 billion target for which President Obama has advocated. As the debate moves to the Senate, both parties would be well advised to dial back the propaganda, put down the talking points, and focus instead on the substance of legislation before them. I’m hopeful that a better bill is still possible, one that more effectively bends the cost curve while going further to protect small businesses, increase competition, and decrease the deficit. If and when a bill does come back from the Senate, it will be policy, not politics, that will determine my support.

Kratovil Says No to Universal Health Care

For weeks, I watched bloggers and message board pundits predict that Frank Kratovil would fall in line with the Democrats and blindly support the costly universal health care bill. In fairness, I kept my mouth shut because I couldn't gage where the Congressman would come down on this issue. While I remained hopeful he'd reject the House version of the bill, I couldn't definitively get a read on his stance. Now, the suspense has ended. Kratovil will not support the House bill when it comes to vote this weekend.

Make no mistake, Kratovil needed to steer clear of his party on this issue. In Maryland's First Congressional District, voters expect an independent voice. For years, we enjoyed that with Wayne Gilchrest. In a divisive debate such as this, it wouldn't have been a smart political move to support such lousy legislation.

Kratovil described his decision as follows: "As health care reform legislation takes shape, I’m concerned with specific policy aspects of the bill, including cost, impact on the deficit, and the impact that the employer mandate and surtax would have on small businesses and job creation. While I recognize the need to reform our health care system, I will not be able to support a bill that does not adequately address these goals".

As the 2010 election nears, Kratovil has now taken several stances that put him at odds with the Democratic Party. Still, I expect a creep like Andy Harris to continue his dishonest attacks on Kratovil's record. And to those Democrats now squawking that the Congressman lost a vote due to his independence, I wonder how much you'd prefer a right-wing partisan like Harris.

Obama Agenda Dealt Serious Blow

As I flipped between Fox and CNN last night, I found myself surprised that both networks conceded the obvious: Election night 2009 sent a loud and clear message to Presdent Obama and the Democratically controlled Congress. Make no mistake, the victories for Republicans yesterday were quality wins in somewhat unlikely states.

In fairness, Bob McDonnell's victory has been predicted for weeks. Still, coming into this year, 5 of the last 7 Virginia have been Democrats. Likewise, both their US Senators have a "D" next to their name. Additionally, back in 2008, President Obama won 52% of the Virginia vote to capture 13 electoral votes. Therefore, to have Bob McDonnell crush Creigh Deeds with almost 60% of the vote shows Virginians wanted a different direction.

New Jersey, on the other hand, has never been friendly confines for Republicans. Although not as bad as Maryland, New Jersey has become one of the more reliably blue states in the country. Even though Jon Corzine has ruined that state with his radically left agenda, he still had a chance to hold off Chris Christie. As I watched the returns come in last night, I realized sensibility would prevail in the Garden State.

No doubt, the White House will try to deflect blame from themselves. Still, it's a serious blow in their efforts to advance a left-winged agenda. Until last night, they had almost a year where they could muster enough votes to pass any legislation. Now, moderate Democrats in vulnerable districts (like Maryland District 1) will have to distance themselves from the President. Hopefully, this means items such as the public option are off the table.

Chiappelli Officially Announces Candidacy

Lawyer, Father, Native Son to Run for Delegate District 31


“My two girls will grow up in this community,” says Jeremiah Chiappelli. The young lawyer who spent his own childhood in Pasadena officially announced his candidacy for Maryland State Delegate District 31 on November 1, 2009.

“It’s about clean water in our streams and from our taps. It’s about schools that will prepare our kids for tomorrow’s world. It’s about supporting middle class families who drive our economy and make this community strong,” Chiappelli explains.

A graduate of Chesapeake High School, Chiappelli majored in Political Science at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and received his J.D. with a certification in environmental law from the University of Maryland in 2006. Having founded his own firm in Pasadena, with a focus on family law, Chiappelli knows first-hand the struggles local families face. He also knows their determination to thrive in this community.

“The folks of the fighting 31st work hard. They deserve a delegate who hears their voice, who will fight for what matters most,” says Chiappelli, who emphasizes the protection of individual rights, the security of small businesses, and the health and safety of environmental resources.

Both Chiappelli and his wife Jessica, an environmental educator, are avid volunteers. Together, they sit on the board of the Chesapeake Children’s Museum. “We actually fell in love while doing a Habitat for Humanity project together in college,” says Jessica, “Public service is at the core of our family. Jeremiah wants our girls to understand that it’s up to each individual to do what they can to make our community better.”

To learn more about Chiappelli and his campaign, visit www.votechiappelli.com.

Ehrlich Butts Head Into Another Local Primary

After clearly not learning his lesson back in 2008, former Governor Bob Ehrlich has decided to interject his opinion in another primary election race. This time, Bobby wants the people of Anne Arundel County Council District 3 to elect Derek Fink as our next Councilman. Like with Andy Harris last election cycle, Ehrlich has decided to enter a district other than his own to lecture us about who to vote for. Specifically, the former Governor will be a special guest at a $50/ticket reception benefiting Fink.

Although I actually live here, I am not going to give my opinion of Fink. Truthfully, I do not know the guy which is surprising since I tend to know most of the political figures in this area. Also, since he just recently updated his website, I am just starting to see what he stands for. Still, despite this relative anonymity, Fink has become the one trumpeted by the state Republican party.

This news has to dishearten Tom Redmond who went so far as to switch parties for a chance to run for County Council again. As a recently elected Central Committee member, he became a puppet for the GOP in the 2006 general election. Likewise, they used his prime property for sign locations. Now, they've decided abandon him before the primary voters could even have their say. Granted, I questioned his elect-ability from day 1.

Going forward, I think it's a foregone conclusion that Fink will win the 2010 primary. I only wonder if the curse of Bob Ehrlich will haunt him as much as it did Andy Harris.

County Parks to Lay-Off Gate Attendants

The No BS Zone has learned that, effective November 11th, the Department of Recreation and Parks will temporarily lay-off gate attendants at Downs, Ft. Smallwood and Kinder Parks. It's anticipated these workers can return to their jobs come February. While this silly move will likely result in Republicans praising their County Executive, it's nothing more than a smoke and mirror reaction that'll have minimal impact on the current fiscal nightmare.

Look, I know about the anticipated cut in state aid. Thus, I realize the inevitable need to cut county expenses. Still, does anyone think this move will even put a dent into the deficit? After all, it could be argued these workers collect enough revenue in an hour to justify their salaries. During their lay-off, the county will adopt the "honor system" for those entering parks. Yeah, I am sure that'll work well.

How about the poor saps that paid for a yearly pass? It's bad enough the cost has increased 60% under the current administration. Now, these people will get less for their money considering anyone can drive in and out of the parks at will over the next 4 months.

No doubt, there are ways to trim the county budget. The Leopold administration owes it to the taxpayers to personally oversee all major expenditures under his watch. In other words, he should hold his department heads more accountable. That would go a lot further than the dog and pony show about to take place at the parks.

Pasadena Voice for Republicans

Every month, Pasadena residents receive a little newspaper in the mail. While it looks innocent enough, I think there's little doubt that the paper had made a commitment to re-electing District 31's three Delegates and our absent Senator. And while I'll definately join the editors at this rag in supporting at least one of these guys in 2010, I am no longer going to allow their bias to go unchecked.

By far, Bryan Simonaire receives the most favorable coverage. Besides having his own column, the articles on him would make an uneducated voter think we have some effective leader in Annapolis. Admittedly, I already recycled my last issue, so I am relying on memory. Still, I recall the article about Simonaire's latest fundraiser.

I laughed when I read about the 300 attendees erupting into a "thunderous" applause after the Senator made some remark. I have to wonder what dopes think this guy is worthy of praise? He's accomplished nothing in his three years in Annapolis. Oh, and speaking of the crowd, am I supposed to be impressed with 300 people?

Simonaire put a sign up on Rte. 100 advertising his event. By contrast, I never saw any publicity about Senator Ed Degrange's affair at Michael's 8th Avenue. Still, Degrange managed to draw approximately 800 people into that Glen Burnie hall.

Time permitting, I plan on being the counter-voice to Pasadena's monthly periodical. This ought to be fun.

Andy Harris Makes Case Against Himself

Despite the rumors and innuendos I did not fall off the face of this earth. Admittedly though, I wondered if I'd ever get back to updating this blog. Although it's an enjoyable venture, it doesn't put any food on the table. Still, there are many times I hear about political affairs and my natural instinct tells me to get behind this computer screen. For the past few months, I have resisted the urge. Then, after reading an article in the Sun yesterday, I decided I couldn't keep quiet any longer.

Predictably, it was a quote from the classless Andy Harris that brought me back. When asked for a comment about Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith's move to the 7th legislative district, Harris responded, "Harford County residents will not vote for a candidate whose purpose in life for the last eight years has been to serve Baltimore County."

I am not going to give my opinion on Jim Smith or my thoughts on his chances. Instead, I want to focus on the irony of Harris' comment. Here's a Baltimore area politician that thought he could dupe Eastern Shore voters in thinking he understood their concerns. In reality, the 2008 campaign exposed how far apart Harris stood from the electorate he sought to serve. Granted, that hasn't deterred Harris from threating to try again in 2010.

Amazingly, Harris continues to blame his defeat on the Barack Obama effect. Never mind, the top of the Republican ticket won every Eastern Shore county. Harris managed to squeak by in exactly 0 of those 9 counties. If you ask me, it sounds like Eastern Shore residents (did and) will not vote for a candidate whose purpose in life for the last eight years has been to serve Harford and Baltimore Counties.