Pete Souza: President Barack Obama talks with Vice President Joe Biden in the Oval Office while National Security Advisor Tom Donilon and Counsel to the President Bob Bauer, right, confer in the Outer Oval Office, Jan. 5, 2011.
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Clint in Oregon got treated at Urgent Care today, & didn’t pay a penny. ‘Thanks #ACA!’ Fight the Negativity. #Get… pic.twitter.com/rwLLlloC9v
— ACA Success Stories (@ACASuccessStory) January 4, 2026
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HealthInsurance.org: Anatomy Of An Obamacare ‘Horror Story’
Texas daily went digging for victims of the ACA and Surprise! Reporter unearthed three Tea Partiers who hate the new law.
….. Yesterday I posted about a Fort Worth Star Telegram article that leads with the tale of Whitney Johnson, a 26-year-old new mother who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS). Her insurer just cancelled her policy, and according to Johnson, new insurance would cost her over $1,000 a month.
That claim stopped me in my tracks. Under the ACA, no 26-year-old could be charged $1,000 monthly – even if she has MS.
Obamacare prohibits insurers from charging more because a customer suffers from a pre-existing condition. This rule applies to all new policies, whether they are sold inside or outside the exchanges.
At that point, I knew that something was wrong.
More here
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The ACA in action: “With coverage, I can be my best self. Health insurance won’t control my job choices.” http://t.co/UxfrNSAwXO #GetCovered
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 4, 2026
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Fred Kaplan: Why Snowden Won’t (And Shouldn’t) Get Clemency
I firmly disagree with the New York Times’ Jan. 1 editorial (“Edward Snowden, Whistle-Blower”), calling on President Obama to grant Snowden “some form of clemency” for the “great service” he has done for his country. It is true that Snowden’s revelations about the National Security Agency’s surveillance of American citizens—far vaster than any outsider had suspected, in some cases vaster than the agency’s overseers on the secret FISA court had permitted—have triggered a valuable debate,leading possibly to much-needed reforms. If that were all that Snowden had done, if his stolen trove of beyond-top-secret documents had dealt only with the NSA’s domestic surveillance, then some form of leniency might be worth discussing.
My take on why Snowden won't (and shouldn't) get clemency. slate.me/JOszMm
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Fred Kaplan (@fmkaplan) January 03, 2026But Snowden did much more than that. The documents that he gave the Washington Post’s Barton Gellman and the Guardian’s Glenn Greenwald have, so far, furnished stories about the NSA’s interception of email traffic, mobile phone calls, and radio transmissions of Taliban fighters in Pakistan’s northwest territories; about an operation to gauge the loyalties of CIA recruits in Pakistan; about NSA email intercepts to assist intelligence assessments of what’s going on inside Iran; about NSA surveillance of cellphone calls “worldwide,” an effort that (in the Post’s words) “allows it to look for unknown associates of known intelligence targets by tracking people whose movements intersect.”
In his first interview with the South China Morning Post, Snowden revealed that the NSA routinely hacks into hundreds of computers in China and Hong Kong. These operations have nothing to do with domestic surveillance or even spying on allies. They are not illegal, improper, or (in the context of 21st-century international politics) immoral. Exposing such operations has nothing to do with “whistle-blowing.” In fact, as Snowden himself told the South China Morning Post, he took his job as an NSA contractor, with Booz Allen Hamilton, because he knew that his position would grant him “access to lists of machines all over the world [that] the NSA hacked.” He stayed there for just three months, enough to do what he came to do.
More here
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@StateDept: #SecKerry discusses South Sudan, Iraq, Syria and Mideast peace talks. Read his remarks: http://go.usa.gov/Zm2A
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AlJazeera America: New York To Allow Limited Medical Marijuana Use
New York will soon allow the limited use of medical marijuana for seriously ill patients under a plan the state’s governor will announce in the next few days, the New York Times reported on Saturday. Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has steadily resisted pressure to legalize marijuana, was expected to announce the plan at Wednesday’s State of the State address, according to the newspaper’s website. The newspaper said the policy will be far more restrictive than the laws in Colorado or California, where medical marijuana is available to people with conditions such as backaches.
The move comes amid sharply shifting attitudes in the United States toward marijuana use. Earlier this week, Colorado became the first state to regulate and sell marijuana for recreational use. Twenty states and the District of Columbia have passed laws in recent years allowing for various uses of medical marijuana — though only Colorado and Washington have decriminalized its recreational use. Washington is not slated to open its first retail establishments until later in 2014. Under Cuomo’s plan, 20 hospitals across New York will be allowed to prescribe marijuana to patients suffering from cancer, glaucoma and other serious diseases that meet standards to be set by the state Department of Health, the newspaper said.
More here
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Morgan Whitaker: How A Minimum Wage Hike Could Lift Nearly 5 Million From Poverty
Raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour could help to lift nearly 5 million Americans out of poverty, according to a new study released this week. University of Massachusetts-Amherst economist Arindrajit Dube found that proposals to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 would reduce the number of non-elderly living in poverty by around 4.6 million in the short term, and that nearly 7 million would be lifted from poverty over the long term. Shortly after winning re-election, President Obama first proposed raising the minimum wage to $9 during his State of the Union address in February.
Shortly thereafter Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin and Rep. George Miller introduced an even more ambitious plan to raise the wage to $10.10 (the proposal reviewed in the study.) The White House indicated in November that Obama would support that increase to $10.10, and Obama’s newly selected Labor Secretary, Tom Perez, said shortly thereafter that he would make a minimum wage hike a number one priority. But most Republicans oppose the minimum wage hike. A Gallup poll released in November found more than three quarters of Americans support raising the minimum wage to Obama’s proposed $9, and that the support increased by 5-points from when Obama initially made his pitch for the hike.
More here
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Just researching #Obamacare on #CoveredCA my premium is nearly half and better coverage! #awesome! @BarackObama #thankyou!
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antonia (@antoniajones) January 04, 2026****
Kyle Balluck: State Department: South Sudan Talks ‘Critical’
The State Department late Saturday urged negotiators participating in South Sudan peace talks in Ethiopia to make “rapid, tangible progress.” The Intergovernmental Authority on Development announced the start of direct talks in Addis Ababa on Saturday. “The parties must use these talks to make rapid, tangible progress on a cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, and the status of political detainees,” State Department spokesperson Marie Harf said in a statement. Harf said the U.S. urges South Sudan to uphold its commitments and release political detainees immediately.
Secretary of State John Kerry hailed the start of talk, but said they were “only a first step.” “Both parties need to put the interests of South Sudan above their own, and that has been a message we have consistently delivered to those engaged in this conflict,” Kerry told reporters in Jerusalem. “Negotiations have to be serious. They cannot be a delay gimmick in order to continue the fighting and try to find advantage on the ground at the expense of the people of South Sudan. They have to be credible talks, and both parties need to approach the talks with courage and with resolve, with the clear intent of trying to find a political solution.”
More here
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Using my new #Obamacare at fabulous, 5-star @KPShare. Thank you @BarackObama for persevering&winning for ordinary citizens.
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Patricia Plonsker (@pplonsker) January 03, 2026****
NYT: Kerry Opens Door To Iran’s Participation In Syrian Peace Talks
Secretary of State John Kerry suggested on Sunday that Iran might play a role at the peace talks on Syria that are scheduled to take place later this month. It was the first time that a senior American official indicated that Iranian diplomats might participate in the session, which is to convene in Switzerland on Jan. 22. But Mr. Kerry also made clear that there would be limits on Iran’s role if Tehran did not formally accept that the goal of the conference would be to work out arrangements for a transitional authority that would govern Syria if President Bashar al-Assad could be persuaded to give up power.
“Now, could they contribute from the sidelines? Are there ways for them conceivably to weigh in?” Mr. Kerry said, referring to the Iranians. “Can their mission that is already in Geneva be there in order in order to help the process?” “It may be that that could happen but that has to be determined by the secretary general,” he added, referring to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations. “It has to be determined by Iranian intentions themselves.” Mr. Kerry made the comments at a news conference in Jerusalem before he headed to Jordan to continue his consultations with King Abdullah on the Middle East peace talks. Mr. Kerry planned to head to Saudi Arabia later Sunday to meet with the Saudi monarch before returning to Israel.
More here
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Last month I paid 54.00 for birth control. This month I paid NOTHING! Thanks Obama! #ACA #Obamacare
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Laura McGee (@lauradeemcgee) January 04, 2026****
Lauren Rankin: The Unprecedented Attack On Reproductive Rights
As if we needed any more proof that a war is being waged on reproductive freedom in the United States, a new report from the Guttmacher Institute definitely answers yes. According to the report, more abortion restrictions were enacted from 2011-2013 than in the entire preceding decade. From 2000-2010, 189 abortion restrictions were enacted. From 2011-2013, that number jumps to 205. Two hundred five abortion restrictions in three years isn’t just a trend; it’s a crisis. According to the report, 22 states enacted 70 abortion restrictions in 2013 alone, making it second only to 2011 in the number of new abortion restrictions passed in a single year. 2013 saw unconstitutional 20-week, 12-week, and even 6-week abortion bans, from Texas to Arkansas to North Dakota, and this report makes clear that anti-choice activists aren’t slowing down — they’re actually growing more brazen in their attacks.
"Two hundred five abortion restrictions in three years isn’t just a trend; it’s a crisis." My latest at @TPM: talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/the-unpre…
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Lauren Rankin (@laurenarankin) January 04, 2026The terrain continues to shift from under our feet. The Guttmacher Institute reports that in 2000, 31 percent of women of reproductive age lived in one of the 13 states hostile to abortion rights. By 2013, 56 percent of women or reproductive age live in one of the 27 states hostile to abortion rights. There is no middle ground anymore, as even purple states like Ohio and Virginia, or even more traditionally blue states like Michigan and Wisconsin, have embraced fanatic anti-abortion restrictions.
More here
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Paid my new healthcare premium today. First real affordable healthcare in 5 years. Thanks #Obamacare
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Art Ballard (@ABallard4) January 04, 2026****
Jason Seher: No Clemency For Snowden, Ex-Homeland Security Chief Janet Napolitano Says
Count Janet Napolitano among the Washington luminaries dismissing the possibility of clemency for NSA leaker Edward Snowden. In an interview with NBC’s David Gregory that aired Sunday on “Meet the Press,” the former Homeland Security secretary rejected any possibility of excusing the contractor-turned-whistleblower, saying Snowden significantly damaged the United States’ intelligence infrastructure.
“I think Snowden has exacted quite a bit of damage and did it in a way that violated that law,” the ex-DHS chief said. “The damage we’ll see now and we’ll see it for years to come.” Asked by Gregory whether she believes the administration should consider negotiating a plea bargain with Snowden in exchange for the return of classified documents, the former Department of Homeland Security chief hesitated to weigh in, saying she “would require intimate knowledge of what he allegedly has” to properly evaluate if such a deal could be brokered. “From where I sit today, I would not put clemency on the table at all,” she said.
More here
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In 2014, I'm getting better medical coverage for $36 less per month in premiums. Thanks #Obamacare!!!! @BarackObama #ACA
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Jonathan Morgenstein (@J_Morgenstein) January 04, 2026****
WSOCTV: Affordable Care Act Takes Full Effect
The new year has a new meaning for Tracy Morgan. She has health coverage under the ACA without worry of a pre-existing condition leaving her without insurance. “It means that if anything happens to me. I won’t be dropped from a policy,” said Morgan. In 2010, she lost coverage when the company she worked for filed for bankruptcy, a year after her husband was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. With the forecast calling for costly treatments, getting covered seemed impossible. “I was just distraught,” she said. She received coverage through a state-run program and became an advocate for healthcare reform. North Carolina was an early adopter of the Affordable Care Act.
More here
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Got my obamacare card. Thank you @WhiteHouse .
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Mike Houghton, Esq. (@mehphlesq) January 04, 2026****
Husband Of The Year
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Hawaii News Now: First Lady Gets A Few Extra Days Of Hawaiian Sun
First lady Michelle Obama is getting a few extra days of Hawaiian sun. While President Barack Obama is departing Hawaii late Saturday, Mrs. Obama is staying behind to spend time with friends ahead of her upcoming 50th birthday party. The White House says the extra time in the islands is part of Mrs. Obama’s birthday gift from the president. The first lady turns 50 on Jan. 17. The White House did not say when she planned to return to Washington.
More here
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The First Family is back at the White House
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Hawaii News Now: President Barack Obama’s Hawaii Vacation: Day 15
How President Barack Obama spent Day 15 of his holiday vacation in Hawaii on Saturday: WEEKLY ADDRESS: Obama used his weekly radio and Internet address to urge Congress to reinstate job benefits for more than 1 million Americans. The president said failing to do so will cause the economy to slow. A Senate proposal would extend the benefits for three months. Obama says he will sign it if it passes.
HIKING: Obama and his wife went on a brief morning hike Saturday, visiting a popular trail near their Kailua vacation home that overlooks the ocean. GOLF: The president played one last round of golf at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, having hit the links frequently during his trip. DINNER: For their final dinner in Hawaii on this trip, the Obamas went to Buzz’s Lanikai, a steakhouse and seafood restaurant across the street from Kailua Beach Park that has been a regular stop for the family on previous vacations.
More here
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A Year Ago Today:
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama make their way to board Air Force One on January 5, 2026 upon departure from Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu
White House.gov
First! Being a CHEATER like Chips.
p.s. Technically, I’m not truly first. Just messing around.
Mooorning UT; feels good, doesn’t it ;) I have risen and am in the process of beginning to shine.
Utal, why are bad habits easier to copy than good ones?
:shock: CHEEEEEEEEAT!!!!!
But I’ll forgive you in time because your R&S is THE awesomest!!!!
Thank you morally-not-first!
How is the Danny walking Ms Chips?
Correction Carol - should be: ‘How is Danny’s Chips-walking going?’
Very well!! :lol:
Oh, my grammar is all messed up today. ;) Do you read the Daily Butters? Jan. is train your dog month. I’m not walking the dogs in this wind. Brrrr.
Haven’t seen the Daily Butters Carol, must check it out. I suspect January to December will be train-Danny-months :???:
Yes, my Bear is four and still needs training. Did you see his pic on twitter?
:lol: That is a familiar sight!!!
Is that a dog or cat? You know they could get trap in there.
It’s a random pic of a dogs butt. We have locks on everything! I’m the the queen of tweeting and FBing about what can happen to pets.
“It’s a random pic of a dogs butt”
:lol:
LMAO, George Takei thinks of a French cat when he sees that acronym. :roll:
Pffft….with the amount of cheating you’ve done (multiple times a day), I AM morally first.
Sheesh, can’t believe you’re confusing cheating with speedy fingers. :roll:
Yes, just like Wayne Rooney confuses the squirrel on his head for “hair.”
:shock:
Great R&S UT! Thanks.
You’re welcome, Betsy!
Missed!
Shouldn’t have mentioned Sasha’s height.
Howdy, did you know on 1/17, Betty White will be celebrating her birthday too?
Please delete my horrible grammar, I’m sorry. :'(
I’ll just help you correct your grammar.
Thank you UT, I owe you big time! :grin:
How old will Betty White be, 100?
No, she’s still in her 90’s. I’ll have to go back and look.
Congrats UT, Shining this morning?
UT, you earned 1st, right? This is a great post.
Aww…thanks, CarolMaeWY.
G’morning UT, Chips, TOD, lurkers and everyone! Happy Sunday to all. :)
Ut I see you surreptitiously posted in the R & S while the rest of us were distracted by Sasha’s height on the previous thread, thus making it easy for you to sneak in FIRST. I see what you did there….
I have no idea what you’re talking about HF. I am innocent. :D
Good morning Everyone. So good to have the boss back in town.
I want to stay on vacation. . . Pouting.
excellent post as usual UT In response to your find of the star-telegram article:
I’m curious, what is the temperature around TOD? Reporting Temperature -2°F here. Brrrr, windy and overcast too.
It’s 47 degrees in SF and the predicted high is 65 degrees. But I’m very worried because we have had NO rainfall in ages. We’re down to about 20% of normal. Draught is a real possibility in the near future.
Drought is a terrible thing. I thought it was humid in SF? We expect this cold and wind and prepare for it. I do hate this much wind when I can hear it. It only starts coming through the cracks at about 70 mph. Think it’s about 40 mph now. My cuz in FL said they had a day it got to 47F when it had been 8F the day before. Fortunately only a one day thing.
No, SF isn’t humid. There’s fog that rolls in on occasion in the am and pm but it burns off rather quickly. It’s windy here but always a low wind. I hope you are safe.
Stay warm, CM!
How far are you from Yosemite were there was the terrible fire this year?
Yosemite is about 200 miles east.
I should get out my map. :grin: We sometimes get ashes if there is a huge fire 200-400 miles west of us. We even got ashes from the volcano in Washington State. Similar to the west coast getting contaminated waters from Fukushima I guess. :(
“draught” is pretty much a guarantee in my home later today…;) seriously though, i too am worried about the drought in the golden state.
Same problem here in Southern California. I live south of LA and we’ve seen hardly any rain.
-7F here, -17F by morning and as low as -40F (with windchill) predicted by mid week;
If I move out at all, I will have an additional heavy blanket wrapped around “multiple” layers of thick clothing !
Brrr, many, many layers. . . Is this unusual for your region?
yes these temperatures are really unusual for our area.
in fact, when I first read the reports, I thought that the National Weather Service (always checks NOA for hourly updates - love my big government) had made a typo for the week.
But alas, the description the description that followed has all these warning about the wind-chill. they have even added pictures of a heavily dressed up human for emphasis about the serious dangers that could arise from exposure.
as you can imagine the local media channels are having dramatic predictions and much-needed warning to all
I’m glad you listen to your radio, some don’t. I bought one of those emergency radios that you can crank or use solar. It even charges your cell phone. We stock up all the time, not just in winter but my cuz always keeps a lot of toilet paper on hand. We don’t stock up for a year, but we both grew up where you can expect to get snowed in for several days every year. I really hate that wind though. Take care of you and your loved ones.
-8 and wind chill -26. That is darned cold. supposed to be colder tonight & tomorrow. All schools closed in MN & WI tomorrow. I didn’t take Megan out today, I blocked her in the bathroom with puppy pads. Not going to happen. She was in there for 3 hours. Stubborn little girl she is. Had to put her booties & jacket on, bundle up and take her out. Went immediately. She hasn’t used a puppy pad for 15 1/2 hrs. She does not like them. I wished I could get her to used them. May have to try one of those grass turf pads. There is going to be a day when I will need something for her. :)
Good Morning all. Wonderful Early Bird Chat, Chips & Danny. UTA this is one awesome Rise &
& Shine. Thank you both.
My goodness, how Sasha is growing into a young woman.
yes she has grown up really fast!
Our President and first daughters look refresh and looks like they had a wonderful time in Hawaii.
anniebella - I don’t think there was anyone among us at TOD, more than you, who worried the President and his family through the reality of whether or not he’d even be able to take his Hawaiian vacation this year! You must be so relieved and happy that they did it. I’m happy for you and them!
No I don’t think I worried, it’s just that I see the B.S. he and FLOTUS have to put up with, and there are times when it can’t be easy for either one of them.
So yes I’m glad they seem to enjoy their vacation and I hope FLOTUS enjoy this sweet birthday gift from POTUS. I remember when FLOTUS, Malia and Sasha would always go on a trip some where together. But maybe people got to complaining about it too much.
I so agree!
The president looks so much more rested and ready to go this year than he did last year! (per picture above) How wonderful he got to enjoy his entire vacation!!!
There has to be some big money behind the anti abortion agenda throughout the states - those figures are downright scarey.
Yes, Koch/Scalia $!!!
Chelsea keeps winning, winning, WINNING.
Man United keeps tanking, tanking, TANKING.
Aaaaah….good times.
Don’t think I’ve mentioned this scum before in a post, but Snowden deserves nothing but a moderately heated jail cell.
With a few rodents and roaches to keep him company…
Big rodents and skunks!
Oh dear…you are baaaaaaaaaaaaaaad…. ROTFL :) :)
When I’m good, and when I’m bad, I’m very bad! :grin:
Love you, CarolMaeWY. You just tell it like it is. Love it!HZ
Love you back HZ! 😍
TY, CarolMaeWY ! HZ
😉
Good Sunday morning from the snowy, blustery, wintry Midwest!
Just said a prayer of thanks for my family’s ability to be “snowed in,” with heat, hot water, electricity, food, drink, music, and people who love us all around. Wish that were true for every American and every citizen of the world - during a snowstorm or otherwise! Also said a prayer for those who aren’t as fortunate, because there but for the grace of God goes every one of us. Even though I’m not going outside, today’s a good day to at least make a donation to a favorite charity, in gratitude for my family’s many blessings.
UT - This post is phenomenal! And welcome back to Washington, President Obama and daughters!
GM Jacquelineoboomer,
How beautiful it is to be grateful. What you have expressed, is something that I do daily, it’s the “simple things” that we can be grateful for. Last evening when you guys answered my “simple question” about the lights being left up, this is what I was trying to explain, and then I was given the word that I was searching for to explain the feeling of sitting out on the patio with the lights and plants, “it’s magical.” Your prayer is what I take time to say because living in a spirit of gratefulness, and caring for others, opens the door to blessings that we can’t find room for; more than we can ask for, and enough to share with others. I hope that you will have a wonderful, blessed and awesome day-ENJOY!!!
Your lovely thoughts put tiny tears in the corners of my eyes! Thanks for the sweetness and hold onto that magical feeling all year!
#LeaveTheLightsUpCindy
You Betcha! hehe : )
Jacquelineoboomer and Cindy, both of you put Big tears in my eyes with your beautiful comments. Gratefulness was part of my meditational reading before I went out on the patio to wash it down of the dust. I stopped and really looked at every little detail on that patio. I looked up at the pepper trees, looked at the tall pine on the side of my place and saw a lovely grasshopper spring from a limb that I did not see at first. So my stood over it and smiled. Lovely.
That is when I thought about so many families who did not have the sunny, warm rays hitting their bodies as they wash down their wall on their patio. Or even the families where the snow has covered everthing, and these families cannot sit on their patios. We all are so blessed in our own measure, but so true, jacquenline O., “Oh, but by the grace of God, so go I.”
(((((((TY, jacqulineoboomer and Cindy for your comments.)))))))HZ
A very comprehensive R & S, Utal! I thank you! (Have to admit I also thank you for your ‘restraint’ last night, in the midst of great temptation and despite being egged on by he-whom-I-shalt-not-name …this time.) Thanks!
just occurred to me that PBO and The First Kids can now use the absence of FLOTUS to plan additional 50th Birthday surprises without her overhearing their plans.
Love the ACA success story you posted UT! Fight the negativism! :D
It’s Obamacare! :)
you got that right! :D
Great news! Did anyone see Rand Paul on the George S. show? On national TV, he spoke about gloom and doom for Obamacare. He stated that his son received a Medicare card and everything is messed up because he is trying to pay for his insurance, and he held the card up. He stated that he doesn’t know if he and his family are insured because an “ERROR” pots up every time that he tries to sign in, and no one will speak to him at the exchange office. He went to say that people are receiving “Medicare cards” when they should be paying for the insurance. Obviously, his goal was to show that people are getting freebies from the government.
He huffed and puffed, and blamed the Kentucky exchange and claimed that the Democrats are using this exchange as a model and no one knows what they are doing; Paul, the program is not working, this is just bad and repeal it.
This is what they are going to work on in January, repeal Obamacare-go figure.
Does he even know the difference between a Medicare Card and a Medicaid Card ? I read that about 50k Medicaid cards were sent to the wrong addresses.
BTW….the State sends those out and it has NOTHING to due with ObamaCare…..the man is an idiot.
I agree with you that he is an idiot. Unbelievable that they are going back in for repeal. How long do we allow them to waste our tax dollars? They receive a pay check to do nothing. How many of us would have a job, and for long would we have it, if we showed up and didn’t do our job?
Let me see, do I trust Rand Paul or the Governor of Kentucky? Well I trust Rand Paul as much as I trust his dad. On a scale of one to ten, -100.
So I believe he is sitting up there doing what Republicans do best, LIE.!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know anniebella,
They did not give a close up of the care, it was dark blue but nothing up close. Needless to say, I was standing in front of the TV screaming; liar, liar and a double liar. I wish that there was a way to investigate that he doesn’t if he is insured. It seems as though I heard that he was now insured, I think that it was announced on the Rev. Al show.
I meant; close up of the card
One of my resolutions is to insist on calling the ACA what it is ObamaCare!
I can see that even Obamacare supporters are now routinely just saying ACA - may be subconsciously remembering the reports that haters do not want to refer to it as Obamacare but will gladly take its benefits if marketed under any other name.
As far as I am concerned, PBO, his team and Democrats have paid a huge political and personal price to get healthcare enacted and implemented and the least I can do is call it Obamacare.
If hate-mongers will not enroll in Obamacare just because of the “Obama” part then I have ceased taking them seriously.
So Obamacare will always be the word for me
Good morning TOD family and visitors,
Chipsticks and UT, you have done it again, awesome posts this morning. Thank you for the beautiful pictures of the President and the girls, my, my, my how they have grown. Sasha shot up there and they are so beautiful. I am so happy that they had the opportunity to have a wonderful uninterrupted vacation. Glad to that Mrs. Obama can rest and enjoy her “friends.” Thank you President Obama for giving her an awesome gift. I hope that all of you, TOD family, friends and visitors will have a wonderful and blessed Sunday, as the holidays have come to an end. I return to my students tomorrow, rest was definitely needed. Good luck to all of the returning teachers; 5 MORE months : ) , YEAH!!
Correction: Glad to know that Mrs. Obama can rest and enjoy her “friends.”
Here’s a great one from Linda over at WhatisWorking.
And BTW, I tried to go to her website but it doesn’t come up. Does anyone know what’s going on? Did she take her site down?
Yup. We featured the OFA/BuzzFeed post on TOD, two days ago. :)
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/01/03/obamacare-a-better-america-2/
nice! :-)
I’m not sure how much of this will post but here are my responses to the troll that has decided to show up in my TL today.
Now I’m off to fix Sunday dinner
Smothered Pork Chops w/cornbread stuffing
Steamed Cabbage
Rice
Warm Apple Pie w/vanilla ice cream for dessert.
donna dem 4 obama, are you sending out dinner invitations? This is a meal that I could sit back and enjoy; eat a little, have dessert and come back for seconds and even thirds, and anticipate leftovers. Enjoy your Sunday and that awesome dinner.
Donna, my phone is right on your front door, I do believe. I can be over in a short while. That warm Apple Pie w/vanilla ice cream would just hit the spot. Enjoy your delicious dinner. I hope the twins are doing beautifully as well. ((())))HZ
Chgo weather forecast: “brutal”. Sigh. This winter has been the pits, snowing every day, freezing cold, and now heading to record breaking lows by tomorrow morning—-15 to 20 below zero. I’m just glad I’m not an avid deranged Packer fan, heading out to the game up there in the frozen tundra of Green Bay. They’re passing out free hand warmers, but I don’t think that’s going to make the difference. I don’t know how the teams can play in that weather when it hurts to breathe.
But this too shall pass. In. daughter and I were just laughing about their grocery stores there that have been completely cleared out. People must think that they will never be able to leave their homes ever again. Her husband went to buy milk last night and all that was left in their giant grocery store milk section was one qt. of egg nog——and only one off brand loaf of bread remaining——same with all the other staples—-gone. One woman was seen at Meier yesterday buying 20 gallons of milk. She must really be scared, or really likes milk, like me.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-chicago-weather-forecast-20140105,0,3851706.story
Agree!!!
Yes WE MUST
Dis anyone watch Face The Nation this morning?
So it based on reports from others who did, it seems that as predicted the attacks on newly-minted NY Mayor De Blasio from the 1% have already started - that didn’t take long!!!
Hi-rise fire—-scary
wow! this is scary! I hope resident and first responders make it out alive
CBS Sunday Morning’s awesome moment in nature——coral reefs in Florida. Looks lovely, loverly and——warm!
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/nature-florida-coral-reef/
3-Alarm Fire Rages in Midtown High-Rise … An official said that some residents who live on upper floors of the building have not been able to get out, but that no one was dangerously trapped as of noon. …
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Midtown-West-Apartment-Building-Fire-FDNY-People-Trapped-238779091.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_NYBrand
Pope Francis announces he will travel to Israel, the West Bank and Jordan in May: http://apne.ws/1f5OJsh
Brrrr. I wanna be on the beach with FLOTUS!
Chat away!
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/01/05/chat-away-311/
Thank you again UT for a wonderful R&S. Lots of loving hugs to my Chips for having such beautiful, brilliant, and gifted contributors. This is a beautiful haven for me. I am so grateful to all of you here.
Chips, maybe I could send my grandson, Danny some winter reading books to read and put in his library for years to come. You know this time next year Danny will have skipped onto prep school by then. Granny just want him to keep his brilliant mind in tack for his wonderful future career. Just let me know which level would be the best. The best for my grandson, Danny O. (((((((((((( Love you, Danny)))))))))))HZ