February 23, 2010

Ms. Sharon K. Miller
442 Lighthouse Ave
Pacific Grove, California 93950-2852

Dear Sharon:

I appreciate your continued engagement on questions vital to our national interests, in particular, Afghanistan. There is perhaps no more important matter on the table right now than Afghanistan - not least because every dollar we spend abroad for war is a dollar that we do not invest in our communities.

Nearly a year ago, when President Obama announced his new strategy to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its safe havens in Pakistan and Afghanistan, I made it clear that I would not rubberstamp any strategy for more troops, without it being a regional approach with international buy-in that is inclusive of a civilian component capable of achieving diplomatic and development objectives as well as security goals.

In many respects, President Obama has improved our Afghanistan strategy. The new administration and the new commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McCrystal, have placed special emphasis on protecting population centers while promoting a more capable and accountable Afghan government. In November, the President announced an additional 30,000 troops would be deployed to Afghanistan. In the same speech, he called attention to the fact that a U.S. troop withdrawal would begin in 18 months and that his action should not be seen as an open ended commitment. With this he intends to make it clear to the Afghan people that the United States has no interest in endless occupation, while at the same time reminding Afghan politicians that they must prepare to take over security and development activities. Nevertheless, I remain skeptical that a military solution can be successful in Afghanistan and want to see a clear exit strategy.

I support a congressionally mandated exit strategy for the Afghanistan war. I voted for an amendment introduced by Rep. Jim McGovern that would require an exit strategy and I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 2404 which would do the same. Unfortunately, the amendment did not pass, but I will continue push of a commitment to an exit strategy.

I really would prefer there not be any additional U.S. troops sent to Afghanistan. I am inclined to vote against any supplemental funding request that might come to Congress from the Administration, though I am not of a mind to abandon the troops who are already in-field.

I appreciate hearing from you on national security issues. Please continue to contact me regarding our ongoing engagement in Afghanistan.

Sincerely,
SAM FARR
Member of Congress

Letter from Charlie Ara, our club President:

Jan. 8, 2010

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

The members of the Palm Desert Greens Democratic Club urge you to end the military policy of Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell with all deliberate haste. This policy is reminiscent of the old racial segregation in the military, upheld for decades because of fear that integrated troops might adversely affect unit cohesion. The same faulty argument was later used in an attempt to keep women from serving fully.

Such discrimination treats Blacks, women, or gays as members of a lesser class than other troops.

The military of at least thirty countries let GLBT soldiers serve openly without deleterious effects. America should move into the 21^st century and join these twenty European countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Philippines, and several South American and Caribbean nations

It is unseemly that this misguided Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell policy puts us in the company of Cuba, China, Iran, North Korean, Syria, and Yemen, for they also prohibit gays from serving openly.

Thank you for your speedy attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Dr. Charles Ara, President, Palm Desert Greens Democratic Club

73-340 Palm Greens Parkway

Palm Desert, CA 92260

760-341-4301

Email from Sharon Miller, our Secretary/Treasurer:

After reading the senator's explanation, setting up this commission seems like a sensible step to me, but I know some others are very concerned about it. What do you know or think? Sharon

Dear Ms. Miller:

Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to a proposed commission to address the long-term solvency of Federal entitlement programs. I appreciate the time you took to write and welcome the opportunity to respond.

Over 50 million Americans currently receive Social Security. It is the only source of income for more than twenty percent of senior citizens and more than half rely on it to stay out of poverty. Additionally, Medicare provides affordable health insurance to over 40 million seniors. Yet, Social Security is projected to become insolvent in 2037, and faces a long-term funding shortfall of $4.3 trillion. Medicare is in far worse shape; it is already cash-flow negative and is expected to become insolvent in 2017. Furthermore, entitlement programs account for 55 percent of the Federal budget and are expected to grow to 57 percent over the next ten years.

The evidence is clear that these programs will both face insolvency if no action is taken to address shortfalls. I support a commission that would provide innovative solutions for maintaining the long-term viability of entitlement programs. A wide variety of recommendations would be considered that could include raising additional revenue, reducing outlays, or a combination of both. The goal of such a commission is to strengthen Medicare and Social Security for generations to come, not to simply cut benefits.

Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and I have introduced the "Social Security and Medicare Solvency Commission Act," (S. 276) which would establish a permanent, fifteen member bipartisan commission to make recommendations on how best to preserve Social Security and Medicare, and would provide for expedited consideration of the commission's recommendations by Congress. This legislation would not circumvent Congressional procedures in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and would allow for the commission's recommendations to be amended by Congress.

On January 28, 2010, the Senate passed legislation that would increase the debt limit by approximately $1.9 trillion. During consideration of this legislation, an amendment was offered by Senators Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Judd Gregg (R-NH) that would have established a commission to address fiscal imbalances and the long-term solvency of entitlement programs. I joined 52 of my Senate colleagues in supporting this legislation, but it ultimately failed to reach the 60-vote threshold necessary to be included in the final version of the bill. However, President Obama has announced his intention to create a similar commission created by executive order to address these critical issues.

I understand that you are concerned about such a commission and believe this process could result in reduced benefits. However, it is critical that steps be taken to improve the long-term finances of these programs to ensure they can provide sufficient benefits for decades to come.

Once again, thank you for writing. Please know that I recognize the importance of keeping Social Security and Medicare sound and ensuring sufficient benefits for older Americans. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.

Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

What will the final health care bill probably look like after the conference committee does its work? Below is a synopsis. Would this work for you?

Sharon

It will be illegal to deny people based on pre-existing conditions.
There will be a cap on out-of-pocket expenses.
Small businesses will be able to buy from a national exchange, giving them increased buying power.
A new benefit will allow workers to buy into a plan that will provide them a cash benefit if they become disabled and need in-home care.
Access to Medicaid will be increased to people making 130 percent to 150 percent of the poverty level; the percentage will be worked out in conference.
There will be limits on insurance company profits, requiring that 85 percent of revenues be spent on delivering health care.
If insurance companies exceed those limits and more than 15 percent go to advertising, profit etc., they would have to pay rebates to those they insure.
The Senate bill requires all insurers to fully cover federally recommended preventive health services, such as immunizations, colonoscopies and HIV testing.
Insurers would not be allowed to rescind a policy for someone who gets sick.
State and federal regulators would be required to review rate increases and determine if they are justified.

Forwarded email:

Betty McMillion

Forwarded Message: Re: For the Obama betrayed... this sounds about right

Re: For the Obama betrayed... this sounds about right

Sunday, September 6, 2009 2:30 PM

From:

"Bonnie Ladore" <BonnieQ7@aol.com>

To:

"Katie Mantz" kmantz@hedrickforcongress.com

That may be the best statement of what I'm feeling in my gut that I've read so far. Thanks for sending it.

Bonnie

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.
Senator Edward M. Kennedy, 1932 - 2009

On Sep 6, 2009, at 10:08 AM, Katie Mantz wrote:

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-lamott27-2009aug27,0,4202519.story

President Obama: Healthcare; you promised.

An open letter reminds the president of the major campaign vow that got him into the White House.

I am afraid there has been a misunderstanding since that election in 2008, during which 66,882,230 Americans cast their votes for you. Perhaps one of your trusted advisors has given you bum information. Maybe they told you that we voted for you -- walked, marched, prayed, fund-raised and knocked on doors for you -- because we hoped you would try to reunite the country. Of the total votes cast that long-ago November day, I'm guessing that about 1,575 people wanted you to try to reconcile the toxic bipartisanship that culminated in those Sarah Palin rallies.

The other 66,880,655 of us wanted universal healthcare.

You inherited a country that was in the most desperate shape since the Civil War, or the Depression, and we voted for you to heal the catastrophic wounds Bush inflicted on our country and our world. You said that you were up to that challenge.

We did not vote for you to see if you could get Chuck Grassley or Michael Enzi to date you. The spectacle of you wooing them fills us with horror and even disgust. We recoil as from hot flame at each mention of your new friends. Believe me, I know exactly how painful this can be, how reminiscent of 7th-grade yearning to be popular, because I went through it myself this summer. I did not lower my bar quite as low as you have, but I was sitting on the couch one afternoon, thinking that this adorable guy and I were totally on the same sheet of music -- he had given me absolutely every indication that we were -- and were moving into the kissing stage. Out of nowhere, I thought to ask him if he liked me in the same way I liked him.

He said, in so many words, no.

And Mr. President, that is what the Republicans are saying to you: They are just not that into you, sir.

This may have thrown you for such a loop that you have forgotten why you were elected -- which was to lead your people back to the promises of our founding parents. Many of us no longer recognized our country after eight years of Bush and Cheney, and you gave us your word that you would help restore the great headway we had made on matters of race, equality and plain old social justice.

People, get ready, you said; there's a train a 'coming. And we did get ready. We hit the streets. We roared, whispered, cried, whooped and went door to door, convinced that even if Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had not specifically dreamed of you, his dream of justice and equality and pride might come into being through your vision, your greatness, through the hope that your words gave us, through the change you promised.

He dreamed of a leader like you. Just like you. And something in the deepest part of this country's soul heard.

After eight years of Bush, and then the Palin nomination, we were battered and anguished and punch-drunk. But in rallying behind you, we came back to life, like in Ezekiel when the prophet breathes the spirit of bearing witness and caring onto the dry bones, and those bones come back to life, become living people again, cherished and tended to.

We did not know exactly how you would proceed to restore our beloved Constitution. It seemed beyond redemption, like my kitchen floor did briefly last week after my dog, Bodhi, accidentally ate 24 corn bread muffins. You said you would push back your sleeves and begin, that it would take all of us working harder than we ever had before, but that you would lead. While acknowledging the financial and moral devastation of the last eight years, you said you would start by giving your people healthcare. You would do battle with the conservatives and insurance companies. You said in your beautiful way many times that this was the overarching moral and spiritual issue of our times, and we understood this to mean that you took this to be your Selma, your Little Rock.

I hate to sound like a betrayed 7-year-old, but you said. And we believed you. Now you seem to have abandoned the dream. That is why moderates and liberals and progressives like myself all seem a little tense this summer. It is time to call your spirit back. We will be here to help when you get back from vacation. We want to help you get over the disappointment of Mr. Grassley's cold shoulder, of Mr. Enzi blowing you off, even that nice Olympia Snowe standing you up. We can and will take to the streets again, march and hold peaceful rallies, go door to door, donate to any causes that will help get out the truth of what a public option would mean. But we need you to shake off the dust of the journey and remember the promises of Dr. King, and we need you to lead us toward what is no longer so distant a shore.

Do it for Teddy Kennedy, boss. Do it for the other Kennedys too, for Dr. King, for Big Mama, for the poorest kids you met on the trail, the kids who go to emergency rooms for their healthcare, do it for their mothers and for Michelle. Just do it.

Trusting you, Mr. Obama

Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott's latest book is "Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith."

--
Katie Mantz
Campaign Manager
Bill Hedrick for Congress, CA-44
kmantz@hedrickforcongress.com
c: 951.440.5546

The Desert Sun:

Should our Congresswoman's name be changed from Mary Bono Mack to Mary No Mack? Again, she has cast her lot with the nay-sayers in the three most recent congressional votes, voting against funding for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, science research and other related agencies ; against funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; and against funding her own legislative branch, including salaries and expenses of member offices, the Capitol Police, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Library of Congress.

I certainly hope she can find it possible within her narrowing political philosophy to support such upcoming bills as the ones to support travel to the U.S., to fund Homeland Security, to set military strength levels, and to fund the Environmental Protection Agency. Otherwise, she may as well stay in Palm Springs and just send a rubber stamp marked "No" to Washington.

Email between Chris and Betty Mc Million, Riv party chair:

absolutely agree with you and I am very upset with the lack of leadership from our National Party. I am waiting to see what the President says on Wed. I hope he supports the public option. If he doesn't I am going to be very unhappy.

Betty

In a message dated 9/5/2009 5:44:56 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, pixelgypsy@yahoo.com writes:

Dear Betty,

Many of the things we see on TV have no relation to reality. My 91 year old Grandmother just had breast cancer surgery and treatments with radiation paid for by Medicare. Her $30,000+ medical bills were completely covered by Medicare and her supplemental insurance. She only had to pay her $100.00 deductible for the year. She went to the Doctor near her, the one referred to her by her GP.

I can not believe the crap I am seeing printed and aired on TV about Medicare and the downfall of America as we know it if we allow "Socialized Medicine".

As a former insurance agent, it disgusts me that the level of this debate is so low. The issues are not being addressed at all.

Just fear-mongering!

As I said when I stood for election as a delegate, the health care issue is the most important one out there. We (Democrats) are responsible if this fails.

Everyone gets old and sick, and all other civilized nations care for their elderly and sick!

Chris 760-288-0368 cell 562-296-3687

Betty McMillion

September 2, 2009

Governor Tim Kaine, Chairman
Democratic National Committee
430 S. Capitol St. SE
Washington, D.C. 2003

Dear Governor Kaine:

The American voters elected Barack Obama and the other Democratic candidates because we wanted change, especially health care reform.

The Republicans have shown that they are not willing to compromise; in fact, they appear vehemently opposed to signing on to any of the needed changes in health care.

Unfortunately, a number of conservative Democrats, the Blue Dogs, are also dragging their feet on the issue. A hopeful sign is that Representative Stephanie Herseth Sanalin, herself a Blue Dog, says she and perhaps a majority of the more than 50 Blue Dogs should be able to support the bill that will ultimately emerge from Congress.

We, the members of the Palm Desert Democratic Club, urge you to do your job as Chair of the DNC. Push, cajole, exhort and demand that the Blue Dogs support a strong health care reform bill or risk losing their committee assignments and DNC financial support for re-election.

Sincerely,

Charles Ara, President
Palm Desert Greens Democratic Club
73-340 Palm Greens Parkway
Palm Desert, CA 92260

September 2, 2009

Honorable Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-0504

Dear Senator Feinstein:

The majority of the American voters want real health care reform. To achieve this, there needs to be a public option.

We already know that our two government health systems, Medicare and the Veterans’ Administration, provide excellent, cost-efficient services. A public option should provide enough competition that private insurance companies will become more efficient and cost-effective. They would also be forced to become more patient/client-centered.

Of course, health reform must also ensure that private insurance does not dump the sickest, least-able to pay patients on the public option, and thus kill it.

The members of the Palm Desert Greens Democratic Club call on you to vocalize a clear public statement in support of the public option.

We look forward to you using your influence as a long-serving member of the Senate to move the important public option forward.

Sincerely,

Dr. Charles Ara, President
Palm Desert Greens Democratic Club
73-340 Palm Greens Parkway
Palm Desert, CA 92260

Palm Desert Greens Democrats

Let's Elect Democrats in the Desert!

Re: For the Obama betrayed... this sounds about right

President Obama: Healthcare; you promised.

An open letter reminds the president of the major campaign vow that got him into the White House.