text:
Town Square
To Jerry McNerney: Where is Your Town Meeting on Obamacare in Your Online Calendar?
Original post made by Annette, Downtown, on Aug 1, 2009
Most Congressmen are coming back home from your recess to, among other things, conduct Town Meetings with their constituents to better understand their interests and concerns.
Healthcare in the US which comprises approx. one-sixth of our economy is a principle concern since Obama wants to drastically change it ... despite that an overwhelming majority of the population (84% according to a recent Zogby poll) are satisfied with the healthcare in the US.
In looking at your online calendar, I don't see any Town Meetings scheduled. Is it your intention to hold one or more meetings on this topic? We have many many questions to ask you.
Here is a link to your calendar...
Web Link
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 1, 2009 at 10:23 pm
"It looks like the form "Healthcare: You tell me" is turned off.
Try contacting the owner of the form if you think this is a mistake."
Click on the link... "We want to hear from you about healthcare" and the above is what you get! Quick! Somebody call 911.. I'm on the floor and I can't get up!!!
ps. Jerry. I'm in favor of a healthcare plan like yours... or cancelling yours and you joining ours. Nothing less.
Let's get together over a beer and discuss this!
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 1, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Right On, Unclehomerr! Nice post! We need a TownMeeting on this topic which represents one-sixth of our economy!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 2, 2009 at 10:32 am
Great idea!!!!! free beer. Better yet if we talk with Barack maybe we can get 5 billion worth of free beer as "stimulus"
a resident of Gatewood
on Aug 2, 2009 at 9:31 pm
We all would like the same insurance as Congress. There was only a split second that I heard doctors will still need liability insurance because they have not toughed tort reform. So there will still be HUGE insurance premiums. As more are on the govt, which we know in short order will be everybody, who will make sure it pays to bother BEING a doctor. These are the issues it would be nice to have TRANSPARENT & allowed some TIME to TALK. Should they bother studying medicine & taking out loans, & paying for insursnce? Or will we wind up with a doctor SHORTAGE...like Canada. I'd like doctors, paid & AVAILABLE. If we had a'comprehensive' bill we could handle liability issue, NO free care for ILLEGALS, & NO free care for the world. Tell me again, why is it I would bother working at all, if I can get all I need without working ??? Equal treatment for all !! sweet
a resident of Danbury Park
on Aug 2, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Remember you heard it here first but Congress and our President need to be put on trial.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 2, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Stop and think this through...
if the government is going to 'give us healthcare'.. what's next?? Food baskets and government housing I'm afraid.
a resident of Oak Hill
on Aug 3, 2009 at 12:20 am
I heard someone(don't recall who)on the radio say McNerney was holding a Mountain House town hall meeting to discuss this subject... Don't recall if a date was mentioned...
It may or may not be true.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 7:05 am
If you're right, it would be a "typical" McNerney "Congress At Your Corner" where the facility only holds about 10 people maximum and he would only talk 1-1 with his constituents. He is forgetting that he is employed by us and that we should be the ones who specify what meeting format we want.
Pleasanton Office
5776 Stoneridge Mall Rd. #175
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 737-0727
(408) 744-0727
Fax: (925) 737-0734
Stockton Office
2222 Grand Canal Blvd. #7
Stockton, CA 95207
(209) 476-8552
Fax: (209) 476-8587
Washington, D.C. Office
312 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-1947
Fax: (202) 225-4060
a resident of Pleasanton Valley
on Aug 3, 2009 at 8:19 am
Jerry is going to do whatever Nancy Pelosi tells him to do, so why waste the gas....? I liked the maverick Pombo.
a resident of Birdland
on Aug 3, 2009 at 8:29 am
Look at his calendar, he only meets with the Democrats. Guess they are the only ones he represents. So much for bipartisonship. The rest of us know where we stand: nowhere.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 8:42 am
It's funny how Richard Pombo hardly ever set foot in Pleasanton and that was just fine with most of you local Republicans. Jerry McNerney on the other hand, has consistently met with his constituents in Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley throughout his time in office. McNerney has gone above and beyond want is typically expected of public outreach by a member of congress. Please stop the petty nitpicking.
a resident of Mohr Park
on Aug 3, 2009 at 8:42 am
I say go for it and make him have a town meeting and then vote the bum out since he has forgotten who he works for! I suspect there will be a lot of people voted out of office come the next election!
a resident of Mohr Park
on Aug 3, 2009 at 8:50 am
Phil is right. Hey right-wingers, where was all your whining when Pombo completed avoided his constituents in the Tri-Valley? Gee, McNerney has only met with his constituents 100 times more than Pombo ever did while he was in office. I wish you republicans would save us all your typical dishonest hypocrisy.
a resident of Birdland
on Aug 3, 2009 at 8:52 am
This is all you Republicans have got on McNerney? Fear mongering? Good luck supporting some Central Valley, Pombo-wannabe, Republican redneck that will lose to McNerney in the new election.
a resident of Heritage Oaks
on Aug 3, 2009 at 8:55 am
Maybe if McNerney quit half way through his term like Sarah Palin, it would make all you redneck conservatives happy.
a resident of Country Fair
on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:13 am
Fellow Citizens---the health care issue is so important to all of us that we need to work together to solve this problem, along with all the other demands of our economy. I am disappointed that our congressman does not think it is important have meetings and gather input from his constituents. It seems to be the mentality of our elected officials--they know best, will do whatever their leadership instructs them to do, and pass a bill whether it will be successful or not. It is time for us to let our voice be heard--call his office and request a meeting.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:21 am
Anytime a left-wing loon Congressperson quits that is a good day. I for one don't want this country turning into another socialist backwater, a path which the current President and Congress a pursuing a break-neck speed.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:24 am
Were you so outraged when Pombo never came to Pleasanton? I love your double standard for McNerney. You bitter republicans are a piece of work. You take sour grapes to the next level.
a resident of Vineyard Avenue
on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:29 am
Hey Republicans, the South just called, it thinks you should move down there because that is the only place you hold any real power. You can drink soda there, get fat, drive Ford F-350s, and vote in Ted Nugent as your new leader.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:31 am
There have been several reports on the news that Pelosi the Hun put out the word to Democrats in Congress to cancel all their town hall meetings scheduled for the recess. The presumption is that these Democrats do not want to have to listen to a bunch of angry voters about Obamacare. Its really a pain when you have to put up with listening to the constituents you are supposed to be representing.
If McNerny does not have any town hall meetings during these recess, call his office in Pleasanton and raise holy h*ll. Tell them if he votes for Obamacare you are going to vote against him in 2010, and then most importantly, do it.
a resident of Birdland
on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:38 am
It time to have a huge Anti-Obamacare rally in Pleasaton during the Congressional vacation. This is serious - this monster Obama is already backtracking on his no-tax for those under $250k pledge, and the details in the Obamacare bill are very frightening, not the least of which is the Emanuel brothers bent that seniors have a duty to kill themselves. People really need to wake up about this Hitler II we have as President.
a resident of Country Fair
on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:39 am
hey Marcus, Ted Nugent might be better than Obama!!!!!!!!!! and do ya think there are no soda lovin' fat people in California???? ha ha ho ho
a resident of Heritage Oaks
on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:43 am
Granny Not Taking Obama's Pill,
How is that white hood fitting on your head?
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:45 am
This topic = racist right-wing nutjobs gone wild
Don't worry Pleasanton, these rednecks will move to the Central Valley before long to be around their own kind.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:50 am
Please move to SF or Bezerkley. We are sick of left-wing loons moving to Pleasanton. Loons need to be in SF or Bezerkley, so they don't screw up other places. These two cities are basically looney bins, and loons need to be confined there, because as the rest of us know, LIBERALISM IS A MENTAL DISORDER.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:51 am
Please refer to above note to Phil.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 10:38 am
I just called Jerry McNerney's Pleasanton office and they told me that he doesn't have any town hall meetings planned. When I asked if he would consider adding one, I was told by a staffer that he would not.
Be you a Republican or a Democrat, we should all be concerned when our representative is unwilling to meet with us to discuss his position on health care reform. Health care reform is a hugely important issue, whether you are for it or against it, and of all the topics Jerry McNerney has addressed in the past, I doubt one of them comes close to affecting his constituents as broadly as health care reform does.
Please, call his office and RESPECTFULLY voice your concerns about why this issue is not being addressed during the August break and request that a town hall meeting be added to his calendar. This is an issue that is likely to affect each and every one of us, positively or negatively, and we need to be able to express our opinions and ask questions. I for one don't have time to read a 1000 page bill, and I would really like to hear why or why not the Congressman thinks the House plan to reform health care will work.
Let's remind (again, respectfully) our Representatives and Senators that they work for us and if we collectively have a need to communicate with them on issues, that they need to take the time to meet with us and have a direct conversation.
a resident of Country Fair
on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:10 am
I also called his office and was told that he had nothing planned nor would he. I asked them if he had read the bill and they said that they were unsure. That tells me that he has not even read the thing and plans on voting yes on it. That tells me that I am voting no on Jerry and if something comes my way asking for his recall I will sign it.
a resident of Pleasanton Heights
on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:16 am
Why we can't afford Government run healthcare.
1. We saw how FEMA handled Katrina.
2. We saw how the securities and Exchange Commission monitored Bernie Madoff.
3. We see Social Security has no funds. All been spent by Congress. Nothing to back it up but IOU's.
4. There is always the efficiently run postal system.
5. Then there is the DMV.
Its not about Republicans and Democrats, It is about government inefficiency. Kaiser spends less than 10% on administration costs, most for profit insurance companies run 25-35% admin. I'm willing to bet we will see in excess of 50% spent on administration under a government plan with no money left to provide healthcare for those that need it. Get in line like at the post office or DMV for your emergency surgery. No thank you.
We should demand that Congress and the President and all Federal workers be covered by the plan they pass or we shouldn't have to pay for it. Maybe they should be the only ones covered by the plan for the first 5 years to test drive it before we put our lives on the line.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:56 am
Please understand that McNerney sits on the House Energy Commerce Committee that just approved the Healthcare Bill. He was a huge proponent of its passing this step!
TAKE NOTE, ESPECIALLY SENIORS...this National Healthcare Plan is a rationing of services especially during the senior years...and allows the federal government to withhold life support!
Here is more info on the Committee McNerney serves on and their decision...
Energy and Commerce Committee Finalizes Health Care Reform Mark-up
Posted by Staff on July 31, 2009 | ShareThis
By Joseph Russell- Talk Radio News Service
The House Energy and Commerce Committee finalized a key mark-up on health care reform just hours before the House's summer recess began. However, despite hours of deliberation on the legislation that commenced Thursday evening, continued well past midnight Friday, and resumed during the day on Friday, the committee made no significant changes.
This upset GOP committee members, whose proposed amendments that were aimed at stripping the President's much-desired public option from the plan, were rejected.
Other Republican amendments, including provisions that would encourage citizens to live healthy lifestyles and would provide Americans access to the same insurance plans that members of Congress enjoy, were also thrown out.
Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) said there is no reason for Congress not to offer ordinary citizens the same health insurance it has access to. "We've got competition, we've got affordability, we've got choice," Terry said. "Those are the things that I want and Republicans want for our constituents."
The complete House health care bill will not be voted on until members return from summer break in September.
The fate of the bill, which proposes establishing a government-run health care system as a means of competing with the nation's private health care industry, is unknown. However, GOP'ers and Blue Dog Democrats plan on using the next month to guage their constituents' feelings about the plan.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 12:26 pm
We need the government-run health care system to take care of the obese redneck republicans in Pleasanton once they come down with diabetes. Should we get rid of the VA and medicare since they are "evil" government run programs?
a resident of Del Prado
on Aug 3, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Thanks for trying to scare seniors with your right-wing fear mongering. No wonder the GOP is so pathetic and powerless.
a resident of Jensen Tract
on Aug 3, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I called...I spoke...I was ignored! Dirtbags! NOBama healthcare!
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 12:35 pm
If you look at McNerney's 'calendar', you'll notice he has merely listed the monthly meeting dates of those listed organizations. "HE" has no scheduled events/appearances. It doesn't even say he'll be in attendance at those meetings.
What a fraud.
[notice I'm not calling anyone any names!]
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Please see above note to Phil.
a resident of Vintage Hills
on Aug 3, 2009 at 12:53 pm
What is with all you people? Both the Democrats and the Republicans. All you do is insult each other and never realize that both sides have some valid arguments and points of view. God forbid you should make your points and have them agreed with or disputed in courteous fashion!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Don't bother trying to get McNerney to hold town hall meetings. He is Pelosi's stooge, so unless she approves them, they are not going to happen. Better to show up in mass at his office. It will be interesting to see if he will do what some other Congress members have done in that case, which is to call the cops have have peacefully assembled constituents thrown out of their offices. If if that happens, it makes for realy good news coverage - those pesky voters betting thrown out for being so brash so to want their desires known. A few thousand folks demonstrating at his office would be good.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I think it has to do with normal folks getting sick and tired of what the left wingers are doing to this country. We have spent out lives living in the best country in the world and these nuts are making every effort to transform it into socialist country. Who in their right mind want the U. S. to become another Soviet Union? Who in their right mind wants to see our elderly exterminated because "it costs too much to take care of them"?
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Wow. Looks like "Old Fart" and the rest of the conservative redneck mob can't handle Obama as president. I'm sure a group of obese, old, white, rednecks will be easy to spot. You'll also see a ton of SUVs parked out front. The low-iq pitchfork crew is angry!
a resident of Stoneridge
on Aug 3, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Hey GOPers,
Will you be in white hoods and robes when you go to McNerney's office? I wouldn't put it past you nutjobs.
a resident of Jensen Tract
on Aug 3, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Boy oh Boy! We sure need to get the adults around here in-charge again! Unbelievable...
a resident of Birdland
on Aug 3, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Dear Representative McNerney:
Please schedule a Pleasanton Town Hall meeting on Healthcare as soon as possible. This is vitally important issue that we need to know more about. We elected you to come back to us to share what is going on in Congress.
Claudia W. Hess
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 3:31 pm
It is truly unfortunate if McNerney will not listen and act on what his constituents request. If he continues to be more deeply rooted in his party's agenda than he is in actually serving his constituents, it's time for him to be removed from office. I for one am done with politicians who simply follow the party line. Isn't it time we had some independent thinkers with some common sense (and common decency at that) representing us?
I would still recommend flooding his office with requests for an open forum on health care reform. If nothing else, it will force him to report back to those who are pulling his strings that the people he "represents" are engaged!
a resident of Foothill High School
on Aug 3, 2009 at 3:42 pm
I am personally finding that this website has become useless from all of the name calling, and juvenile behavior, but I will offer one non partisan response (from a Democrat no less)since this is a critical issue for everyone.
The inital, and some subsequent posters, were correct to bring to everyone's attention that McNerney has not called a series of town hall meetings to get feedback and constituent input on possibly the MOST IMPORTANT legislation of this century. I also sent in an email last Friday to him requesting info on schedules, and have had no response, as has been mentioned.
I find McNerney's lack of response totally unacceptable for an elected official (regardless of party, Pombo or not...), and that will greatly influence my vote next time around. I frankly don't care if he meets in coffeehouses 1 on 1 throughout the year if he chooses to discount broad discussions on the most critical issues such as the Health Care bill.
Shame on you Jerry for not having the courage, responsibility, and leadership to address your constituents and listen to their input.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I LOVE Bruce's idea of letting Congress test drive health care reform before imposing it upon the public!!!
That's probably the best way of ensuring that every American gets the best health care possible.
While I know that is not likely to happen, is it really too much to require Congress to be bound by the same insurance plan that they seek to saddle the American public with? If it's such an incredible idea, then they really should have no problem with living with it
Is there really any argument to the concept of "if it's good enough for us, then it's good enough for them?" I think most Americans would be far less skeptical of a health care reform plan if they knew that Congress was willing to live with it themselves, and I don't see anything wrong with them being bound to do so.
For those of you who are so vocal about how health care reform is needed, why are you not standing up and requiring Congress to offer a plan that they are willing to be covered by as well? Doesn't it make you wonder why they insist upon being exempt from the plan?
You don't have to be a Republican or a Democrate to use common sense on this one. Give it some thought and ask yourself why they are so quick to ensure that they don't have to rely upon their own plan for health care. What makes them so much more deserving of the very best health care available than you or I? If it's so great, why the resistance from Congress to being bound by it???
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Again! Did all you Republicans demand that Pombo do a town hall meeting? Even once? All of you rednecks just want to have a town hall so you can yell and scream like the inbred animals.
a resident of Ruby Hill
on Aug 3, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Since McNerney won't respond, (which he hasn't to any of us) I have just forwarded this entire string of responses to the media (print, TV, and radio) who should have a field day with it.
Not to mention those of us that voted for him now understanding his true commitment to an elected office, and to his voters.
Jerry: we will not forget come election day....
a resident of Ruby Hill
on Aug 3, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Sam, stop behaving like an imbecile and grow up. Please leave this forum to those of us wanting to participate in a lively, non name calling, and professional forum to discuss critical issues. Or then again you could go to the Yahoo message boards for your type of name calling where it is expected and encouraged. In any event you are not welcome here...
Your comments only serve to demonstrate your personal character and inabilty to carry on an open, fair-minded discussion. You are a Democrat's nightmare of intolerance, and I'm ashamed that you probably voted for the same party as I.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 4:09 pm
It is males lacking in integrity, character and honor like McNerney, that simply need to be voted out. Just take note and when election season is here, out these poeple need to go. The narcissistic arrogance is amazing and will not be tolerated. What exactly is McNerney afraid will happen in a town hall meeting? Jerry?? We would love to hear from you? We have a right to a say in all of this---you work for us.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Again! Did all you Republicans demand that Pombo do a town hall meeting? Even once? Can one of you give me an honest answer?
a resident of San Ramon
on Aug 3, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Obviously, Jerry doesn't care what the people he "represents" want from their "representative". Without Town Hall meetings, how will he know what the majority of people he "represents" want? He'll find out in 2010 and wish he had listened. He is a partisan politician and not a "representative" of his district.
What day are we all going to his office?
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 4:23 pm
If you are interested in running for elected office, I think YOU should hold a Town Hall meeting to let everyone discuss this new government program.
Why? Because McNerney isn't going back to office after we vote him out. This is your early head start to gaining a voting base of citizens who care.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Hey Sam,
Pombo was not part of a group trying to take over 1/6th of our economy that will affect every person in the nation. I think this deserves a little more attention than demanding a TH Meeting about an HOV lane on I-580. Don't ya think?
a resident of San Ramon
on Aug 3, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Hey Sam, no other president was trying to socialize our country and take away our freedom.
People see the scam and have found something worth fighting for.
Or do we still have that right, Sam? Try to keep in the present and stop blaming the past.
a resident of Birdland
on Aug 3, 2009 at 4:35 pm
It must suck being a bunch of angry Republicans that can't handle being out of power. Eat crow!!! We Dems are laughing at you!
a resident of San Ramon
on Aug 3, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Very mature, Alice. Good job of staying on topic. Who's angry, Alice?
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 4:55 pm
It's great to be able to have this discussion, but we need to focus and act.
I did a bit of research this morning. David Bernal of San Ramon has an exploratory committee to challenge Jerry McNerney for his 11th District seat. I have no experience with Mr. Bernal, but what I read on his website so far, I like. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with him and get his ideas on health care reform. If McNerney won't talk to us, maybe his future opponents will.
FYI...I understand that Saturday August 15, 2009 Fortney Pete Stark will be holding a town hall meeting in Fremont. So far as I can tell he is the only member of congress in the Bay Area that is having any, or even venturing out in public at this point.
I have been informed that he will be hosting a total of six different town meetings, but this one is especially important because it's to be held at a senior center. With a set of parents who are almost "senior citizens", I will be there to get information and ask questions on my parent's behalf. It would be nice to have a well-informed group of folks there to ask questions and hold Stark's feet to the fire until we get the answers we are searching for.
The town hall meeting is being held at the Fremont Senior Center at 40086 Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Early arrival is recommended for entry into the venue, but signs and numbers may attract the press. Calling papers ahead of time to alert them of the meeting probably wouldn't hurt either.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 5:11 pm
You wrote...It must suck being a bunch of angry Republicans that can't handle being out of power. Eat crow!!! We Dems are laughing at you!
Who exactly sounds angry and powerless? You are the one sound like a evil person who enjoys others pain.
Republicans are constructively trying to peacefully assemble to discuss a topic of national concern. I realize this is above your intellect level that you must demean others, but try and contain yourself. You only have a couple of years until we're back on top.
BTW, "Eat Crow!!!" was your comeback? I thought you econazi's were against this sort of thing, you know, PETA et al. According to one of your president's czars, the crow should have his day in court with a public defender as his attorney. What a super idea!!
Naw, I like my BB Gun approach and I'll leave the carcass on your doorstep to revive.
Have a great day! :)
a resident of Highland Oaks
on Aug 3, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Instead of complaining about Pombo...He is no longer in office...Perhaps we should complain about Bush, well he is no longer in office either...
How about dealing with people who are in temporary control of our present and future...like congressman McNerny
The discussion should be with folks who are in office who can tell us why the Health Care Plan is good for America, or, Why it is not good for America...Tell us why they are voting for it or against it...Tell us that they have read the entire bill...
If it can be explained how we can reduce medical costs while providing more benefits to more people?
Why wouldn't allowing individuals to deduct their medical insurance costs from their taxable income not work?
There are many questions to be asked and to be answered.
Lets gather questions and have them answered.
Currently McNerny is the Q & A man in office...Let give him a chance to make some sense out this.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Emily, others,
Keep the discussion going - we'll be there when everyone decides a good time/place. This needs to be discussed.
In a similar vein, here is what happened last week to a group of retired citizens who are concerned about this healthcare plan and what happened to them when they simply wanted to discuss things with Dianne Feinstein.
Is this welcoming diverse opinions?
Retirees arrested at Sen. Feinstein's LA office
Thursday, July 30, 2009
(07-30) 18:43 PDT Los Angeles, CA (AP) --
A group of retirees who refused to leave Sen. Dianne Feinstein's West Los Angeles office until she talked to them about health care reform has been arrested.
Los Angeles police Sergeant Rich Brunson said Thursday that at least eight people were being taken into custody and would likely be booked for trespassing and released.
Cate Engel, a spokeswoman for the group California Alliance for Retired Americans, says the activists — all between 55 and 87 years old — wanted to talk to Feinstein about strengthening Medicare and using the program as a model for health reform.
The group arrived at Feinstein's office around noon and refused to leave her conference room until their arrest more than six hours later.
To all the Democrats that love our country so much...how could you let people like this hijack your party? So glad they work for us, eh?!
Stay focused! No to government health plans!!
a resident of Country Fair
on Aug 3, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Too bad Sam doesn't know anything about issues or government....just 'more than Pombo" shows his ignorance. First McNerney doesn't get points for LIVING IN Pleasanton. He must work really hard to avoid us like he does. IF Sam understood the process he'd know that Pombo lived AND REPRESENTED the VALLEY for MANY YEARS. But the Dems played politics and GERRYMANDERED the district LINES.. GIVING DEMS & TAUSCHER Republican LIVERMORE; jumping over Livermore, assigning Pleasanton to Pombo .....after the 2000+decade census REapportionment, I think his only had Pleas from '02-'04. so McNerney's already ""represented"" us longer than Pombo. Now Sam,you've TRIED to throw up a Pombo screen to cover for McNerney's LACK of representation. It doesn't really mstter. McNerney is such an INeffective wimp, they don't give him any power or listen to him anyway. He ONLY votes like Pelosi tells him. I did see on C-Span once a vote that he thot would be what Pleasanton wanted..& since Dems THOT they had the votes, they didn't. Dems cam up short, so Pelosi made him "CHANGE" his vote to vote Dem party line..it became a BIG deal down in front of the podium...a PUBLIC TV debate about withdrawing his vote, & changing it to be with the Dem MAJORITY on that vote...So much for 'representins' Pleasanton !... As far as Stark,his #1 issue has been pushing totally "Socialized"medicine for 30 years. It's only one hour, period. He'll talk, take 4 planned questions.. that's it. Nothing ANYBODY says, including Dems, will change Stark's actions or words.
a resident of Jensen Tract
on Aug 3, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Finally! Some adult discussion! I am renewed...
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Okay, I'll admit that I'm a little concerned about this tea party town hall anti-reform loud noises movement.
Between the $1.4 million per day being spent to lobby and advertise against healthcare reform, we now have a largely self-defeating crowd of middle-aged, middle class American wingnuts who are disrupting town hall meetings and manufacturing an artificial perception that normal Americans of all stripes are against healthcare reform -- not just the public option -- but healthcare reform in general. In other words, if enough of these town hall meetings are seized by loud noises, I worry that it might be enough to swing some moderate lawmakers away from any sort of decent legislation.
Elsewhere, there's a conventional wisdom being formed right now. A vibe is beginning to take shape: healthcare reform is losing steam, they say. You hear it on cable news, you hear it on the radio and it's floating around in certain circles online. These protests only serve to enhance and feed that vibe -- however fake it all might be.
The tea party people know this and that's why they're doing it. Beyond these displays of rage, they don't have any clear position or facts with which to back it up. They've simply been told by Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck that a "socialist foreigner" is going to take away their guns and force their grannies to commit suicide -- they've been manipulated once again to rally against their own best interest.
I think that's what's the most disturbing about this: that this movement is so loudly protesting something which, by in large, won't run up the debt, which won't cost them a penny in new taxes, which will reduce their health insurance premiums, which will protect them from losing their healthcare, and which will ultimately save them piles of money in the long run. If they do in fact reflect the socioeconomic status of the typical middle class conservative Republican, many of these people would profoundly benefit from healthcare reform and the public option -- as they also will benefit from the Obama tax cuts and recovery legislation. But they don't want it because a sobbing multi-millionaire on Fox News said so. Hence the "self-defeating" remark above.
And finally, I'd be lying if I told you that I wasn't personally angered and deeply offended by these protests -- far beyond my normal level of bemusement, outrage or disgust at the far-right. Because if they succeed with their loud noises and dittoheaded lies, and if healthcare reform fails as a consequence, I probably won't qualify for affordable health insurance for a very long time.
Meanwhile, the people who do have health insurance will pay 30 percent more for it next year, 30 more the year after, 30 percent more three years from now and so on. Even then, with grossly inflated premiums bringing them closer bakruptcy, there's no guarantee that when they get sick, their health insurance will cover their illness as promised. Consequently, healthcare reform and the public option are mandatory -- irrespective of ideology or any ridiculous loyalty to an impotent talk radio host.
Once again, we can only hope that cooler heads will prevail.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 6:36 pm
"Freedom" 23
Just to address some of your post:
I'll admit that I'm a little concerned about this tea party town hall anti-reform loud noises movement.
Why on earth would you be concerned about your fellow Americans voicing their concerns and asking questions of the people they put in office? This is America and until further notice, we still have the right to do so.
Between the $1.4 million per day being spent to lobby and advertise against healthcare reform, we now have a largely self-defeating crowd of middle-aged, middle class American wingnuts who are disrupting town hall meetings and manufacturing an artificial perception that normal Americans of all stripes are against healthcare reform -- not just the public option -- but healthcare reform in general. In other words, if enough of these town hall meetings are seized by loud noises, I worry that it might be enough to swing some moderate lawmakers away from any sort of decent legislation.
So let me get this straight....you're critical of the $$$ being spent to lobby and advertise against health care reform, but you make no mention of the money spent on lobbying and advertising to push it??? The word hypocritical comes to mind. But then again, we are still all entitled to our opinion. God Bless America.
They've simply been told by Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck that a "socialist foreigner" is going to take away their guns and force their grannies to commit suicide -- they've been manipulated once again to rally against their own best interest.
And you've simply been told by Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama that they are not going to take away your guns and force grannies to commit suicide, despite a history that reflects a leaning towards policies that fail to protect our government from doing just that. I don't always agree with Rush or Beck, but I do agree with the concepts of our Founding Fathers, so forgive me if I would rather err on the side of caution when it comes to giving up my right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
...as they also will benefit from the Obama tax cuts and recovery legislation.
Tax cuts??? Step away from the bong.
But they don't want it because a sobbing multi-millionaire on Fox News said so.
Obama, Feinstein, Pelosi, Reid, Biden, as well as Obermann, Maddow, Mathews....what do these folks all have in common besides the painfully obvious. Oh yea, they're all multi-millionairs. They're just not sobbing...they're laughing all the way to the bank.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Looks like Mr. McNerney does plan to step out in public this month.
According to the calendar on his re-election page he is scheduled to appear at the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee Meeting on August 5th at 7 p.m. Web Link There are other dates as well.
I don't know if this meeting is closed, but it's being held at the San Leandro Public Library, so perhaps it would be difficult to keep a group out. If he refuses to schedule a town hall meeting, we might have to bring the Mountain to Mohammed instead. He might get the hint that the people he represents would like to have a word with him.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Freedom23; I find your name to be rather ironic.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:00 pm
"The tea party people know this and that's why they're doing it. Beyond these displays of rage, they don't have any clear position or facts with which to back it up. They've simply been told by Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck that a "socialist foreigner" is going to take away their guns and force their grannies to commit suicide -- they've been manipulated once again to rally against their own best interest."
Well said! The Republican "party" is even trying to get these folks to calm down a notch, as they realize that they will be running a campaign in 2.5 years.
They wont even listen, as their hero's such as Hanity, Rush, Beck have created a mass hysteria and pandemic retard frenzy.
Is a BLACK thing for most die hard conservatives! Evidently, this Country is still VERY prejudice and racist.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Emily said:
"Obama, Feinstein, Pelosi, Reid, Biden, as well as Obermann, Maddow, Mathews....what do these folks all have in common besides the painfully obvious. Oh yea, they're all multi-millionairs. They're just not sobbing...they're laughing all the way to the bank."
I know, I know, it's the "don't confuse me with facts" stance, but I will offer these facts that might confuse the heck out of the argument... based on last year reported.
George W. Bush,
Net Worth: From $7,627,022 to $20,704,976
Ranks 8th among selected
Executive Branch Members
Web Link
Dick Cheney,
Net Worth: From $20,954,025 to $99,317,000
Ranks 4th among selected
Executive Branch Members
Web Link
Donald H. Rumsfeld
Net Worth: From $57,039,093 to $174,722,000
Ranks 3rd among selected
Executive Branch Members
Web Link
Barack Obama
Net Worth: From $2,022,016 to $7,356,000
Ranks 33rd among all members
of the Senate
Web Link
Joseph R. Biden
Net Worth: From $-320,983 to $215,997
Ranks 101st among all members
of the Senate
Web Link
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Stacey is a registered user.
I'm glad McNerney is not holding town hall meetings. A segment of the population just wants to go there and act like a mob. If you want to speak with your reps, make an appointment. You'll be able to both listen and speak. A mob is a fast way to destroy communication.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Let's See....I appreciate your research. However, I would point out that I did not dispute the fact that there are Republican millionaires, as well as Conservative talk show hosts. I merely pointed out the hypocracy of "Freedom23's" positions. But while we're on the topic of hypocracy, I do find it rather interesting that you failed to report net worths for Nancy Pelosi and Dianne Feinstein. Perhaps that is because doing so would dilute your obviously slanted presentation of the "facts." Ah, true to form, what left-wing argument would be complete without the incessant Bush/Cheney drumbeat?
Stacey, it's unfortunate that you would advocate the silencing of a segment of the population. Freedom of speech is a right we all have, and I question any attempt to quash it. Do you really believe that Mr. McNerney is taking appointments to discuss health care with those who would question his position on it? If you do, I suggest that your position is rather naive on that point. In a perfect world, I could follow your advice and talk to McNerney face to face. However, our Congressman is not exactly open to discussion with his constituents unless they blindly agree with his position.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Um, Stacey, with all due respect, exactly how many appointments will McNerney be able to accommodate?
A Town Hall forum is the best way to hash through things as a community...you know, sort of like the medium you just chose to use to voice your idea...
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 3, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Stacey is a registered user.
Earlier in another post, you wrote: "when our representative is unwilling to meet with us" as if the lack of town hall meetings means that McNerney is unwilling to meet. Is McNerney unwilling to meet with you *really*? Just because of no town hall meeting? Or because you got a response from him that he's not meeting with anyone at this time? You're right that it should be worrisome no matter which side you're on, which is why the distinction is important.
Likewise, I didn't advocate silencing anyone. Read carefully. I think you've jumped to conclusions too fast and are seeing something that isn't there.
I don't know. How many appointments does McNerney normally make? I'm just wondering if the angry mob really wants to talk with McNerney or do they want an audience a town hall provides? Those who are serious about communicating with their rep don't need a town hall meeting to do it.
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 3, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Stacey is a registered user.
Let's look at it this way... We've all been reading the latest news about this town hall meeting or that town hall meeting and the angry mobs that have been showing up at them. Sounds to me like they're getting the news attention they're looking for. But has any progress has been made? Have the reps been given the opportunity to explain things or have they been silenced by angry mobs? Have the constituents gotten their message across or were they drowned out?
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Stacey, no offense, but you seem to be the one with the predisposition. You've automatically labeled all who seek town hall meetings as "angry mobs." I will concede that there are some people who are angry, if you will concede that may be the case because they are not being listened to by the people who were elected to represent them.
I have questions that aren't being answered. If McNerney would meet with me directly, I can assure you that I would pose my questions and meet his responses with the respect they are due. See my posts above advocating respectful communication.
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 3, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Stacey is a registered user.
True. I highly suspect the motives of those who have been posting numerous topics here recently about McNerney holding a town hall meeting. Call me cynical, but a quick Google search brings up websites that are making lists of town hall meetings and encouraging people to show up en masse. What for? See Web Link and Web Link
P.S. Did any of your questions happen to come from that first website?
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Stacey is a registered user.
Here's another good one... Apparently we don't have Representatives and Senators. Their proper name is "Congress critters".
Web Link
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:11 pm
NO...Let's NOT look at "it" YOUR WAY, STACEY! Instead, look at "it" OUR way...the strong preference of those who happen to believe we have the BEST healthcare system in the world, despite its flaws of being impeded by GOVERNMENT! We want that spineless Pelosi puppet, McNerney, to just sit back and LISTEN to his constituents. Even a good rant session will communicate plenty!
Remember one main difference between conservatives and liberals is that the overwhelming majority of conservatives, even during our ranting, remain rational and lawful...unlike the majority of outspoken leftists.
McNerney has already voted ...
- to withhold funds from our troops in Iraq
- against freedom of speech (not permanently tabling the Fairness Doctrine)
- for the (non-stimulating) Stimulus bill (without reading it)
- for the largest tax in our nation's history of the Cap and Trade legislation
- 95% in lock-step with Pelosi and the rest of his Socialist Democrat buddies
- against the public having the same quality health care system that he and other congresspeople enjoy
and now he is voting to overhaul the best healthcare system in the world, which 84% of the recipients like and want. For what? It is called CONTROL over our lives! It will eviscerate motivation, innovation, quality of care, the number of healthcare providers (unless Obama imports inferior providers from other countries), it will result in endless waiting for service, and above all...it will result in euthanasia and worse...more suicides.
All this thanks to Obama and people like McNerney who say to the American public..."Grab your ankles...here's your enema because it is what WE think you NEED."
McNerney...shame on you and your deplorable actions of dismissing your constituents will cause you your job in 2010.
Yours truly, a former supporter of yours.
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Stacey is a registered user.
With the best healthcare system in the world, why is medical tourism a growing industry?
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Stacey is a registered user.
Americans are amongst the fattest in the world. Real wage earnings are nowhere near what they should be for decades now as raises are eaten up not by inflation, but by rising health care costs. Your employer shifts your raise to increased premiums.
That doesn't sound like the best system to me.
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 3, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Stacey is a registered user.
Web Link
"But medical costs are once again rising rapidly, forcing health care back into political prominence. Indeed, the problem of medical costs is so pervasive that it underlies three quite different policy crises. First is the increasingly rapid unraveling of employer- based health insurance. Second is the plight of Medicaid, an increasingly crucial program that is under both fiscal and political attack. Third is the long-term problem of the federal government's solvency, which is, as we'll explain, largely a problem of health care costs."
Be fiscally conservative. Reform health care now otherwise these rising health care costs are going to kill the Federal budget.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 4, 2009 at 6:09 am
Your ignorance is shining brightly and your blind defense of a socialist healthcare system is very apparent.
In the first place the US is the major RECIPIENT of "medical tourism." People flock to the US for special treatment. In the few cases where US citizens go to other countries for treatment is BECAUSE OF OUR FEDERAL REGULATIONS against certain treatments.
HOWEVER, if this socialistic healthcare "reform" (which is the opposite) passes in the US, the MEDICAL TOURISM INDUSTRY FROM THE US TO OTHER COUNTRIES WILL BOOM.
Speaking of flying to other countries, the US would be MUCH BETTER OFF if YOU would seek permanent residence in your ideal socialist country where "fairness" is practiced EVERYWHERE. In my mind "NORTH KOREA" may be a good candidate for you...you flaming socialist.
a resident of Pleasanton Valley
on Aug 4, 2009 at 8:12 am
To quote one of America's brightest stars, "Can't we all just try to get along."
And, I do not begrudge Pombo for not holding Town Hall Meetings, nor do I fault McNerney. I already know McNerney's position on the things important to me, and he's voting with Pelosi. They helped put him in office, and he's certainly not going to rock his political boat....
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 4, 2009 at 8:36 am
Not sure what you're trying to imply by asking if my questions came from the web links you provided. Please clarify your point, if you have one.
I really don't think the average American has to have points spelled out to them by anyone. But look in the mirror before you start pointing fingers, Stacey. Both sides have handbooks they follow, so you're either being disingenuous or naive. Let's call a spade a spade here and recognize that each side has its own agenda.
Look, if everyone is honest, there is enough ambiguity in the health care debate to cause pause in anyone with a lick of common sense. First question that comes to my mind is how the heck Obama intends to pay for health care reform???? The questions pretty much flow freely from that point on. The point is that our representatives are not providing a forum for those questions to be asked and answered.
There is no denying that REAL health care reform is needed. But a total overhaul of a system that upwards of 80% of the population is happy with is over-reaching. Let's not let one party reform health care just for the sake of being able to say they did it. The administration should take the time to do it right, with bi-partisan input and by listening to the concerns of Americans. It really doesn't need to be another piece of legislation that gets passed in the dark of the night by the majority party.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 4, 2009 at 8:46 am
Wasn't the topic Mc Nerney and proposed meetings?
Typical Pleasanton Arrogance and infighting, as usual!
This town is really starting to suck! And our family is obliged to "hit the raod"!
House already on the market!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 4, 2009 at 9:10 am
It's unfortunate that some of the posts get nasty, but don't throw out the baby with the bathwater just yet. Rather, embrace the fact that we have a forum for open discussion. When you consider the alternative, you'll find that while there will always be those who seek to inflame others, we are truly blessed to have the opportunity to share our ideas and opinions.
I wish you the best of luck with your move and the sale of your home.
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 4, 2009 at 9:27 am
Stacey is a registered user.
You may not deny that real health care reform is needed and on that we both agree. My posts above was more addressing Annette's position that we have the best health care system in the world and therefore do not need reform.
Roughly half of the health care spending in this country is done by the Federal government. With rising health care costs, how do you think the government is going to pay for that? Our Federal government is going to become insolvent without reform.
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 4, 2009 at 9:29 am
Stacey is a registered user.
Should we close down Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA so that the Feds stay solvent? Put all those people on private insurance? Will insurance companies insure high-risk people like seniors, the poor (who don't usually participate in preventative care), and soldiers?
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 4, 2009 at 10:00 am
As I mentioned in another thread, you post a lot of questions, but rarely answer any on your own. I guess you saved us from yet another web link in your latest post though :)
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 4, 2009 at 10:09 am
Stacey (and others who are in favor of losing freedom thru Obamacare)
For starters, here is an alternative healthcare plan (below) that should be considered. I would add a major element of TORT REFORM to dramatically set limits of financial risk and also state that the losing side in a lawsuit should pay the majority (if not all) costs. DEMOCRATS have voted AGAINST tort reform every chance they get because they are in the pocket of SLIP & FALL TRIAL LAWYERS.
Web Link
My Health Care Freedom Plan
July 8th, 2009
In many ways, our health care system is broken. Even people satisfied with their own care are nervous about losing it, concerned about rising costs, and frustrated by the failure of government to bring about genuine reform. But the reason Congress has so far been unable to fix our health care problems is that Congress is too busy creating the problems in the first place. That's why the current proposals emanating from the White House and congressional Democrats won't work either. Those proposals would hand over the most personal, private undertaking of our lives — health care — to the most impersonal, inefficient, and broken system in our society — the federal bureaucracy.
These programs will only grow government, limit options, encourage waste and abuse, and ultimately lead to rationing of health care by bureaucrats and politicians in Washington. If you've ever wondered if there might be a better way, then my new Health Care Freedom Plan might be for you.
The plan, which I introduced last month in the Senate, is the opposite of a government takeover like HillaryCare in 1994 or ObamaCare this year. It does not force any American off of their current plan, but provides them with the ability to access and own a health plan that best meets his or her needs. Compared to the Democrats' plan, my bill will cover more uninsured Americans, in half the time, at no cost because it will be paid for entirely by terminating the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and reclaiming the Wall Street bailout funds over the next five years.
Here's how it works:
My plan puts individuals back in control of their health care decisions by offering every American a health care voucher — worth $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for families — to purchase a plan that best works for them. It doesn't force anyone who likes their employer-sponsored health care to leave it. If you like your current plan, you can keep it.
If you don't have insurance, or if you do have insurance but might want to shop around, you can claim the voucher. My plan finally allows comparable tax benefits for those without employer-sponsored care, like small business workers and the self-employed.
The plan also breaks down barriers and creates a nationwide insurance market that doesn't restrict individuals from purchasing insurance plans in other states. It also allows greater flexibility to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to pay for insurance premiums.
To bring down overall health care costs, my bill reduces predatory malpractice lawsuits against physicians and hospitals and brings more transparency to the industry by requiring that true costs of health care are disclosed before patients receive treatment. My plan also ensures that Americans with pre-existing health conditions would be provided access to affordable coverage through federal block grant funding of state high-risk projects.
Americans should have access to health insurance that they can afford, own, and keep — and that the government can never take over or take away. The Health Care Freedom Plan guarantees every American's freedom to choose and own a plan that is best for them. You can rest assured that I will continue to fight for real reforms that allow Americans to regain control of their health care choices.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 4, 2009 at 10:24 am
Arthur Laffer, Ph.D. famous for his well-accepted "Laffer Curve" which states that lowering the marginal tax rates actually INCREASES revenues to the government -- a prescription that Reagan followed and was so wildly successful, has conducted research on Obamacare. His research is below including his proposed solutions.
Executive Summary:
In 1960, the private sector funded over three-quarters of the nationís health care expenditures. Individuals paid nearly one-half of the total national health care expenditures through out-of-pocket expenditures. Beginning in 1967 the way health care is purchased in the U.S. began to completely reverse itself:
The private sector has been slowly funding less and less of the total national health expenditures; as of 2007 less than 54 percent of total national health care expenditures are paid for by the private sector.
Reciprocally, the public sector has been slowly funding more and more of the total national health expenditures; as of 2007 public expenditures at the federal and state levels now fund nearly one-half of the total health care expenditures in the U.S.
Total out-of-pocket expenditures have been plummeting as a share of total health expenditures at an even faster rate; today only a bit more than $1 out of every $10 spent on health care is being funded by individuals through out-of-pocket expenditures.
This has resulted in a large and growing government health care wedge — an economic separation of effort from reward, of consumers (patients) from producers (health care providers), caused by government policies. Rising government expenditures on health care are the main factor driving the growth in the wedge. The wedge is a primary driver in rising health care costs, i.e., inflation in medical costs.
President Barack Obama's principles to drastically alter U.S. health care policy-a public health insurance exchange, mandated minimum coverage, mandated coverage of preexisting conditions, required purchase of health insurance-do not address the growing wedge and its role as the fundamental driver of health care costs. In fact, they will further increase the wedge, and can thus be expected to increase medical price inflation.
Specifically, the planned $1 trillion increase in federal government health subsidies over 10 years based on President Obamaís principles will have the following consequences:
Overall, total federal government expenditures will be 5.6 percent higher than otherwise by 2019, adding $285.6 billion to the federal deficit in 2019.
An increase in national health care expenditures by an additional 8.9 percent by 2019.
An increase in medical price inflation by 5.2 percent above what it would have been otherwise by 2019.
A reduction in U.S. economic growth in 2019 compared to the baseline scenario by 4.9 percent for the nation as a whole.
The current net present value of funding health care reform based on President Obamaís priorities would be $1.3 trillion (due to higher medical inflation and expenditures), or $4,354 for every man, woman, and child in the U.S. These figures include:
A net present value of all additional federal government expenditures through 2019 of $1.2 trillion, or $3,900 per capita, and
A net present value of all state government expenditures through 2019 of $138 billion, or $454 per capita.
Despite these costs, 30 million people would remain uninsured. The cost to reduce the number of uninsured by 16 million people is $62,500 in subsidy expenditures per person insured.
Laffer's proposed solutions are linked below along with a bulleted summary:
Web Link
Begin with individual ownership of insurance policies. The tax deduction that allows employers to own your insurance should instead be given to the individual.
Leverage Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). HSAs empower individuals to monitor their health care costs and create incentives for individuals to use only those services that are necessary.
Allow interstate purchasing of insurance. Policies in some states are more affordable because they include fewer bells and whistles; consumers should be empowered to decide which benefits they need and what prices they are willing to pay.
Reduce the number of mandated benefits that insurers are required to cover. Empowering consumers to choose which benefits they need is effective only if insurers are able to fill these needs.
Reallocate the majority of Medicaid spending into simple vouchers for low-income individuals to purchase their own insurance. An income-based sliding scale voucher program would eliminate much of the massive bureaucracy needed to implement today's complex and burdensome Medicaid system. It would also produce considerable cost savings.
Eliminate unnecessary scope-of-practice laws and allow non-physician health care professionals to practice to the extent of their education and training. Retail clinics have shown that increasing the provider pool safely increases competition and access to care—empowering patients to decide from whom they receive their care.
Reform tort liability laws. Defensive medicine needlessly drives up medical costs and creates an adversarial relationship between doctors and patients.
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 4, 2009 at 10:37 am
Stacey is a registered user.
HSAs only work well for people who don't already have medical expenses (pre-existing conditions), who can save up money in an HSA instead of having to drain it all the time.
Reform tort liability laws - yes.
Laffer cites Federal government spending as the health care cost driver. But he ignores that health care costs also rise as new technology becomes available, new tests and procedures that cost $$$$$.
What also needs to happen is more disclosure of the price before purchasing so people realize how much they're actually spending before making insurance claims, but the drawback that may have is consumers would not get the proper preventative care that avoids the costly expenses down the road.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 4, 2009 at 10:52 am
The point of conservatives is we don't want to lose the engine behind innovation.
The point of liberals is we need to control the cost and profit of the insurance companies and the government can regulate it by getting involved on behalf of the consumer.
The problem for that equation is that it will nullify the companies in the middle that research for profit. The way to bring down costs is to bring down law suits that only seek to make attorney wealthy who turn aroudn and by and large support Democrats.
The Dems are in no big hurry to let that funding source go. Likewise free enterprise looks to support Republicans.
The point is that as long as anyone has a position to gain politically from healthcare, it will continue to screw the rest of us.
There is a free market answer here that needs to be sought before we willingly give over our world class health system, even with all of it's flaws.
The fraud, the manipulation, and the ridiculous regulations over health care need to be released. But the Democrats, party in "power" right now, can't, they finally see a way to permanently have people dependent on them - which wins elections.
If it were not so, the Unions wouldn't be frothing at the mouth at all the people they will get on their rosters.
This present healthcare system is all and only about a power grab. There is no way this is going to happen.
I want true reform, but I don't want the government in control of anything. Shouldn't we try all options before handing over something so important to a government that has NEVER gotten anything right?
a resident of Country Fair
on Aug 4, 2009 at 1:42 pm
First I've heard enough from Stacey on every thread she ruins. She says so much, & offers so little.
The cost of LIABILITY insurance and the ignorance of jurors are major detriments to our care system. Competant doctors pay outrageous premiums & must order UNneeded tests to be safe. Dem defense lawyers want to drive up punitive settlements and really ignorant jurors (the only kind defense will allow) want to stick it the the man....STUPIDLY not understanding that doing that INCREASES the COSTS & effectiveness in our medical system. There needs to be controls on liability costs & limits on court settlements.
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 4, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Jennie: You are SO RIGHT on both counts! Thank you for speaking up! Please post more often...I'd enjoy reading your opinion more.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 4, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Jennie and Annette -
I enjoy reading your posts!! :)
I wish there was an organization or something where we 'like-minded' individuals could gather to meet and discuss our ideas.
Thank you for your posts!! :)
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 4, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Yes! It's called apres-yoga at Club Sport... or the "after-we-drop-the-kids-off" cluster at Starbucks.
a resident of Danbury Park
on Aug 4, 2009 at 9:47 pm
"Most Congressmen are coming back home from your recess to, among other things, conduct Town Meetings with their constituents to better understand their interests and concerns.'
Wrong again! Most Congressman ere flaked by security personnel during the recess and avoiding "town hall" right wing free for all meetings over run with ranting lunatics like the plague!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 4, 2009 at 9:52 pm
I'll go by "Conservative Friend" from here...
Are you Annette or Jennie or another "friend"?
I wish we had some sort of conservative women's group to meet and discuss issues here in town.
I do not have any conservative like-minded people I know since moving here. Everyone was on the Obama bandwagon except for me...I have a better crap detector than they seem to, obviously.
Are you a part of any group other than informally at your club??
Looking for a way to channel my political energy in a positive manner. :)
a resident of Donlon Elementary School
on Aug 4, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Posted by Loons Please Move, a resident of the Downtown neighborhood, on Aug 3, 2009 at 9:50 am
Please move to SF or Bezerkley. We are sick of left-wing loons moving to Pleasanton. Loons need to be in SF or Bezerkley, so they don't screw up other places. These two cities are basically looney bins, and loons need to be confined there, because as the rest of us know, LIBERALISM IS A MENTAL DISORDER.
Report Objectionable Content
You win the ultimate Pleasanton Jacka$$ award for sure!
If I was a prospective resident looking for a place to raise my family and I stumbled upon the Pleasanton Weekly Forum, I would NOT consider Pleasanton to be a good place to raise my children.
It's the small minority of super radical mentally unstable folks like YOU, who ruin things for the same cause you hold so dear.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 4, 2009 at 9:53 pm
That means YOU ken!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 4, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Small minority?
Watch how small it is when we wipe out the Democrats for good in all the next elections and it stays that way now that your social justice experiment is out for the world to see.
People may be dumb, but they aren't stupid!
That's reserved for liberal nut cases like you.
a resident of another community
on Aug 5, 2009 at 1:23 pm
I found this on the web. There is more info, click on the link,
One of the communities hardest hit by the foreclosure tidal wave – Mountain House, near Tracy -- is the location for a free foreclosure workshop hosted by U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton.
The session is set for Saturday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bethany Elementary School and is hosted in conjunction with the Mountain House Community Services District
Web Link
a resident of another community
on Aug 5, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Something else i found and it was posted yesterday. Link below.
His Voice: County can lead the way with clean-energy jobs
by Rep. Jerry McNerneyAug 04, 2009 | 97 views | 2 | 1 | |
I travel home to California every weekend to host events and meetings. Everywhere I go in San Joaquin County I hear from people who are worried about losing their jobs, making their mortgage payments and being able to provide for their families.
Web Link
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 5, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Nice sleuthing. We could decsend on this meeting, but I wonder if it is in poor taste?
I say if McNerney continues to refuse to see us, then we will have to go to him.
He sure had time for the Danville Parade on the 4th. Not sure how many of you all were there, but it was pretty funny. The street was crammed with people and all of us were basically clapping ourselves silly for the vets that came down, the Blue Star moms, and others, and then McNerney came riding down waving - and the clapping abruptly stopped. Everyone was grabbing their kids who had been out gathering the candy from the different groups, because his loons were trying to give out "No 2/3" buttons.
A hugs number of people then began turning their backs to him. I think there may have been a few individuals who clapped for him, but they pretty much got the stink eye from the rest of the crowd in our area.
So, my point...he clearly knows which localities support him and which don't. It's easy to ride in on a white horse to Mt. House when people need you - like the foreclosure deal.
What takes some integrity is meeting with those folks who ain't too happy with your work and to listen to it.
Signing off from the People's Republic of California.
a resident of another community
on Aug 5, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Thanks "Signing off from the People's Republic of California". All of the poor taste belongs to McNerney. I say CRASH his meeting.
I found a good website today. Check it out. I believe this this site is been up for only 6 days.
Web Link
a resident of another community
on Aug 5, 2009 at 10:51 pm
I called McNerneys' office today and they confirmed it, no town hall meetings. The following is copied directly from his website:
"Healthcare: Tell Me What You Need
Dear Friends,
I just helped write the groundbreaking energy bill that will transform the antiquated policies of the last twenty years into the forward thinking solutions we need to meet our climate and supply challenges.
I'm ready to tackle our next challenge: healthcare reform.
We must fix healthcare in America. The outrageous costs and limited services offered by today's system are hurting our economy and our people. We need a system that provides quality healthcare choices at affordable costs for all Americans. We also need to lower costs to ensure American small businesses stay competitive and keep jobs here.
I need to hear from you. There are many special interests in Washington trying to promote their agenda, but I want to hear directly from you on these important reforms.
Click here to tell me your suggestions.
I need you to forward this email to all your friends and family. The Energy and Commerce Committee - of which I am a member - will be working on a bill to reform healthcare in the coming weeks. I want input from you on what should be included in this important piece of legislation.
Now is the time to exercise your voice and make your government work for you. Please tell me what you need.
I'm listening.
Your Friend,
Congressman Jerry McNerney
PS - Ask all your friends and family to make their voices heard!"
This is the result of clicking on : "Click here to tell me your suggestions"
"It looks like the form "Healthcare: You tell me" is turned off. Try contacting the owner of the form if you think this is a mistake."
I informed his office of this and was told that their web site was down. I said how could that be, everything else on your website was working. They had no answer to that.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 5, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Excellent posts, again. And after more thought today, we should crash his party.
That website was priceless. I have a feeling it will get around quickly!
Also, terrific info and questions to Team McNerney. Always interesting how facts baffle them...
Let's see how long it takes to fix the broken link...
Maybe until just after the August recess?
Nicely done, Mark! Thanks for the great info.
a resident of Mohr Park
on Aug 6, 2009 at 8:22 am
Interesting view of mob mentality at work on this forum.
Instead of stating your questions, concerns and ideas in a thoughtful, coherent manner to Rep McNerney, some of you just want to "crash his party". You suggest and promote becoming part of a screaming mob that not only drowns out any answers or information Rep McNerney might give, but you would also infringe on my right to have my voice heard, my concerns listened to, and my questions answered. Do you only feel powerful if you can hide in a group of sign-waving, screaming people, feeding off of each other to see who can be the loudest and most obnoxious? Definitely mob mentality at its worst.
And the "party" you want to "crash" and disrupt? It's not about healthcare, a subject supposedly driving your desire to shout out and demonstrate how dissatisfied you are. No, it's a workshop to help families who are desperately concerned about losing their home. Nice going.
You want to hang out with a like-minded mob, wave your signs and scream your heads off, do it somewhere away from folks just trying to hold their life together. You're obviously not interested in dialog, so pick a corner, pick a park, meet him at his office, just don't step all over those of us who do want to discuss the issues.
For those of you who are actually serious about contacting Rep McNerney on the issues we as a community, state and country are facing, don't let the posters who blow smoke about disabled links on a re-election website (that probably isn't even monitored) stop your voice. I urge you to contact Rep McNerney via his official congressional website: Web Link
a resident of San Ramon
on Aug 6, 2009 at 11:29 am
Don't worry, Billie (McNerney), Obama has called out his brown shirts (paid for by our tax dollars) to keep the peace!
Don't be real suprised if the intensity is raised to a new level by them...posing as concerned Republicans. Infiltrate and disrupt and intimidate.
Why does Obama have to call out paid troups to quell the Brooks Brothers group. Oh ya...the Chicago way.
a resident of another community
on Aug 6, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Billie, I see that you are clueless as to what is at stake here. It appears to me that you are a good example of a main stream media brainwashed sheople. The powers that be do not care about our health care AT ALL. That is why it is where it is right now, in the toilet. This new plan is all about the government getting even more control over our lives/deaths. If you have the courage, research "Codex Alimentarius" and/or "DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 7277". Also research " NATIONAL SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE/NSPD 51 and HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE/HSPD-20. Welcome to the real world.
Don't tell me about " families who are desperately concerned about losing their home. Nice going." as I will lose my house before it is over. The fact of the matter is the government does not intend on helping any of us in this matter either. Look behind ABC, CBS, FOX, and the rest of the disinformation distibutors and learn the truth about our bought and paid for politicians, WAKE-UP! The money set aside from the stimulus ripoff is untouchable for all but a handfull of homeowners and most of that money will never be used to help families stay in the banksters homes. It is a big fraud and the sheople have swallowed the hook.
One more thing, your ideal of "crash" is just your ideal. Screaming and yelling may or may not be the outcome of my meaning of "crash".
Follow this link for a real eye opener. Take off your politcal gloves and read the whole article as an American with an open mind. This will adversly effect all of our lives.
Web Link
a resident of another community
on Aug 6, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Here you go Billie, the real cause of the housing bubble, a 7 minute video that is a MUST WATCH, for all Americans!!!
Web Link
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 6, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Hey Mark,
The "Healthcare: You tell me" is back up and running. I'm working on my letter at present.
a resident of San Ramon
on Aug 17, 2009 at 11:25 am
Soooo, just where is my "representative" (soon to be EX-rep)??
Jerry showed his true colors by hiding out from the truth. He doesn't deserve to "serve" simply because of his cowardice, let alone his stance (Pelosi's) on issues. Jellyfish.
editor of the Pleasanton Weekly
on Aug 28, 2010 at 9:14 am
Jeb Bing is a registered user.
These comments have run their course. Thanks for posting.


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text:
We need to stop the personal attacks
We need to stop the personal attacks
"We do have the players to replace a person like Cruz he's not a top 5 wr"?
Assuming you are not referring to Nicks as a replacement for Cruz (since Nicks is already in the mix), what replacement player do you have in mind that would replace Cruz' "inferior" numbers of 2012? Who do we currently have on the roster that you know FOR CERTAIN will match Cruz in impact on the offense?
You imply that simply because Cruz was not a "top 5" WR this year that he's easily replaceable. Really that simple, huh?
Cruz was not top 5 in all statistics this year, that's true. I'd say he was top 10.
I don't know what matrix you are using to meet your "top 5" qualification, but just using a few common statistical WR measuring sticks fro 2012 Cruz was---
6th(T) in TDs (10), tied with M. Colston, Julio Jones, Demarius Thomas
7th(T) in longest reception of the year (80 yds)
10th in receptions (86)
15th in total yds
But stats by themselves do not indicate a receivers total worth to a QB and to a team's offense. This year (vs 2011) Cruz arguably caught out of the slot position somewhat more than he did last year, which can have some impact upon a receiver's yds per catch average. Cruz was referred to multiple times this year by no less than Troy Aikman (not that he's the one-and-only expert on the matter, but he DOES know something about receivers and their talent) as the "best slot receiver in the league right now". The value to a QB of a highly reliable slot receiver is measured by much more than yardage.
As I say, Cruz is not "top 5" WR, but so what? At the very least he's been a top 10 receiver for the last 2 seasons. Out of approx 195 active WRs every year on 32 teams, top 10 is highly valuable. And not nearly as "easy to replace" as you claim.
I love what Hixon has brought to our team, when healthy, including this season. I love the occasional flashes we saw from Randle, as well. I'm convinced he will be a valuable part of our WR stable. But their value is as strong components of our receiving corps, not as "easy replacements" for Cruz.
You are revealing a lack of understanding and appreciation for the rare talent that is Cruz.
Longest reception? Really? That's a "important" stat? Any bench player can go out and catch a 60 yard pass if they have speed and the D makes the wrong adjustment in the secondary.
We have players on this team that can step up if Cruz leaves... if Cruz was injured all of last year would you not put faith in the likes of Hixon, Randle, Jernigan, Barden?
Nicks was injured and players stepped up and played well, if they were given consistent playing time they might of played better... Cruz is replaceable with people on this time.
If what Cruz accomplished last year AND this year were so easily replaceable, then any of the other 195 wide receivers this year would be able to do it. The fact is that very few could--or did--do what he did this year.
As you mentioned, Nicks missed 3 games, and was ineffective in several other games he was in this year, due to his ongoing knee and foot issues.
I've already given my props to Hixon and Randle. But they are not on Cruz' level. As one of the top 2-3 slot receivers in the game right now, Cruz accomplishes this by consistently running some of the best routes. Randle does not do that Hixon on occasion can, but not that often. More importantly, they all had opportunities this year, and only came through in 1 or 2 games.
Cruz had the same opportunity to step up in 2011 when Manningham missed 1-2 games early in the season. He not only took advantage of the opportunity for 1 game or even 2 games. He stepped up and never looked back. Barden, Hixon, Randle each had A GAME where they stepped up, but then receded into their existing roles.
If they were as capable to replace Cruz so easily as you insist, one or more of them would have done so this year when Nicks was down and/or ineffective when he was in.
They didn't. You're wrong. It's easy to prove you wrong. And then you suggest--by asking me the question regarding them--that even Barden and Jernigan could "easily" replace Cruz. hahahahahahahahahahaha
I never said they could bring the same level of play as Cruz does but Randle could be a very good reciever if given the chance, and be a suitable replacement without breaking the bank.
Jernigan exhbitis some of the skills Cruz has, and Barden can make some good plays also.. it's not like if we don't resign cruz we are doomed, we have people who can step up and play. Our WR position is deep just like the RB spot, I know that two years ago it'd be crazy for me to say that we could replace Bradshaw with Brown but look at where we are now.
I've already stipulated I believe in Randle and see a lot of potential in him. But his contribution to our depth only counts as "depth" if we keep our current players. If you let Cruz go elsewhere, our "depth" decreases exponentially. And, if Randle DOES step up next year to Cruz level, then he, too, will command the "break the bank" dollars you are so afraid of. As it is, Randle is likely paid more than Cruz right now, since he's on a 2nd round draft pick salary scale, while Cruz is on a undrafted free agent pay contract (I've not looked up Randle's contract, but it stands to reason).
Either way, you're arguing for letting a proven young receiver stud with several years of high level production go in exchange for hoping. Randle will replace him at a similar level (and if not as good as Cruz, then what's the advantage?). Meanwhile, who replaces Randle?
You ever hear the phrase "penny wise, pound foolish"? You are an example of that phrase.
He missed his entire rookie year due to torn achilles.
He knocked around the league on 5-6 different teams his 2nd year, after Giants released him right before season started (because he couldn't make the cut), and could not stick with any of those teams because he still was unable to run like he could in college--
He spent all of his 3rd season in the league on the Giants' practice squad. He was good enough for the Giants to want to give him a 2nd chance, but not good enough to make the roster in 2011.
He finally, in season 4, shows the strength as a RB that originally attracted the Giants in 09, has a breakout game in Week 3 and earns a solid position as #2 RB, leads all Giants running backs in TDs, then breaks his leg and misses the last 6 games.
Look at where we are now, indeed.


text:
What's Next for the Agile Manifesto
This weekend, about 33 people got together at the Snowbird Cliff Lodge to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Agile manifesto. This group was invited and hosted by Alistair Cockburn. The goals were to have a celebration, talk about the successes achieved and the problems facing the community, and hopefully contribute something back around the problems that we can sensibly address.
This is not a replacement or an extension for the Agile Manifesto. It is more of a focusing statement relevant to our understanding of today's problems and needs. There was a lack of alignment at some levels – although the expected disconnects, Kanban vs Scrum vs XP or whatever, didn't arise. The biggest lack of alignment I saw was between those that feel we need to address Agile across the business and the group that believes Agile is about only software development, asking "Who are we to be describing how the organization should be designed?" I believe this gap has at it roots the different perspective of the people who attended. Some work within software development teams. Some help organizations adopt Agile. And some help organizations exploit the Agile ability to rapidly deliver working increments of value to update business models and deliver on new value propositions.
But there was a ton of alignment on some issues. There was great energy and flow in the room. There was some negativity and cynicism that came from our focus on what problems exist. But that was the exercise – identify problems that we can sensibly address. I found the entire weekend to be valuable and enjoyable. And I believe we came up with something of value as well.
The facilitators had identified seven categories of questions or issues that had been identified through pre-session interviews with some of the attendees.
- The Future
- Training
- Technical
- Culture
- Enterprise / Other Communities
- Value
- Agile Backlash
After an initial group warm up, we broke into seven groups with each being assigned to an area. We worked to identify the gaps or issues that need to be addressed in the industry today in our assigned area. We then we rotated around the room in our teams to review the other areas, adding any additional issues we identified and moving some issues from one category to another. We then went back to our original categories and identified underlying themes from the issues. These became the big problems that needed to be addressed. This was great conversation within our groups and the underlying themes were pretty clear and consistent. We then did a read out of our themes to the bigger group and had some additional discussion.
Then we took a five hour break. Some people stayed and did more work, some napped, some when skiing. I went up on top of the mountain with Alan Shalloway, Joshua Kerievsky and Ahmed Sidky. The view was awesome and I really enjoyed the company and the conversation.
When we reconvened and worked to consolidate the big problems under the following headings.
- What problems in software or product development have we solved?
- What problems are fundamentally unsolvable?
- What problems can we sensibly address — problems that we can mitigate either with money, effort or innovation?
- What are the problems we don't want to try and solve?
We then grouped the problems under "What problems can se sensibly address" into themes and dot voted to identify the biggest issues. Finally, we worked to craft a sentence to address the four top themes. This became a challenging process as there were 30 strong willed people with different perspectives all trying to influence the sentences. As we narrowed this down through our consensus process there was a lot of discussion and debate. At the end of the allotted time we had the following.
We, the undersigned, believe the Agile community must::
- Demand Technical Excellence
- Promote Individual Change and Lead Organizational Change
- Organize Knowledge and Promote Education
- Maximize Value Creation Across the Entire Process
Demand Technical Excellence
At the end of the day, you can't deliver value through technology if you are not delivering quality. This category brings in aspects of architectural, engineering, and design. This is still a pressing issue and must be addressed in the community to deliver on the promise of the Agile Manifesto.
Promote Individual Change and Lead Organizational Change
Here is an example of a sentence that we had a broad range of perspectives on. Without adoption by individuals and alignment of organizational governance and management models, Agile won't deliver on its value proposition.
Organize Knowledge and Promote Education
This isn't just about the practitioners, it includes the broader business context as well. The community needs to build on the broad body of knowledge that exists within and outside the community – we have to avoid reinventing everything. Diversity of thought is important to the ongoing growth of the community – but we don't actually do a very good job of intentionally building on the body of knowledge.
Maximize Value Creation Across the Entire Process
Software Development is not an end unto itself. Too many organizations moving toward Agile are focused on just the software development team. This is only valuable to the point that the software development team is the constraint in the organization. We need to learn how to do a better job of defining value and aligning the cadence across the organization and improving the flow of value from concept to delivery.
Closing Thoughts
This was a dynamic crowd with a lot of experience. In this group, there was very little contention between flavors of Agile. Everyone was open and working to address the needs of the industry and the broader needs of the communities we live in. There are lots of problems – I am sure there will be a lot of talk about "The Elephants" – problems that didn't explicitly make the list. There will be some dissenters. And I think there may be some work to refine the sentences. Hopefully without losing the meaning of the points.
I believe that Alistair's goals were achieved. We had a nice celebration – we came to consensus (although not unanimous agreement) on the big issues in front of us. And we shared a lot of energy and community. I got to meet and develop relationships with a number of amazing people. And we ate and drank a lot both nights. I don't know what comes out of this effort in the bigger community. Now, let's see how the Agile community responds to the outcome. I hope we rally around the big issues and continue to improve where we work and the value we deliver.
Tags: Agile, Big Agile, Enterprise Agile, ICAgile, Software Development


text:
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Who Are We? Where Do We Come From?The Barmy Army is the UKs largest and most successful organisation aimed at helping cricket fans watch and support the England cricket team both at home and abroad.
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