Goodyear ~ Same Story...You Bet`Cha !

A MORALLY UNTENABLE CORPORATE SYSTEM
Thursday, May 19, 2011 Posted by Jim Hightower

http://www.jimhightower.com/

This will seem like a fairytale now, but not so long ago, it was actually possible for CEO pay to constitute "an embarrassment of riches."

How quaint. Today, the riches are massive, but the embarrassment gene seems to have been completely bred out of corporate chieftains. They have no shame at producing negative results and offing thousands of underlings, then wheeling in a front-end loader to haul their own pay to the bank. The head man at Estée Lauder, for example, recently cut 2,000 employees but grabbed a huge salary increase and new stock payments worth more than $24 million. Are there no adults to supervise these corporate playgrounds and teach such concepts as humility and sharing,? Well, technically, the board of directors is supposed to provide corporate governance, including the setting of CEO pay. But who's on these boards? Mostly other members of the corporate brotherhood who want to keep executive pay levels rising. And, of course, the chiefs themselves sit on their boards, usually chairing them. The tale of boardroom coziness between directors and the bosses they supposedly govern was vividly revealed in the Wall Street crash of 2008. Far from providing any reasonable restraints, few board members even questioned the casino games the banks were running, and fewer yet objected to giving reckless bankers billions of dollars in unwarranted bonuses. Now after the collapse, what has changed? Nothing. One survey of nine of the big banks we taxpayers bailed out shows that two-thirds of their failed board members are still there, and, once again, they're shoveling inexplicably-huge bonuses at the same old CEOs. A system that enriches executive elites while crushing the middle class is worse than an embarrassment – it's morally untenable .

Editorial : Just change the name from Est`ee Lauder to Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company...Same Applies ! How Quaint !

IT`S TRADE TRADE TRADE, STUPID !

A Level Trading Field is What We must have to Compete !

Trade Update:

It’s no secret that the Obama Administration has made effective implementation and enforcement of trade laws and agreements a priority. Thousands of Steelworkers are directly benefiting from these decisions, either retaining jobs or even adding jobs at their facilities in some cases. Given these gains, it is disappointing to hear that deals are now completed for expanded trade with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, and that these deals could be submitted to Congress for votes in the near future. While the Administration believes they have made gains in these agreements, they still fall short of what’s needed. The two of greatest concern are highlighted here.

U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement:

This would be the largest trade deal for our nation since NAFTA. Our chief concern is with the auto provisions in this deal. United Steelworkers (USW) members make glass, tires, steel, plastics, petroleum products and countless other components that are part of the auto supply and parts sectors. This agreement fails them for a number of reasons including:

South Korea gets increased access to our market, but it’s unclear if they’ll open their borders to our autos and other manufactured goods in the same way. Right now we already have a 14-1 imbalance when it comes to autos. How much more lopsided can that number get ? There is very little domestic content that’s required in Korean imports. This means they can load up their cars with Chinese and other foreign parts (up to 65 percent of the vehicle’s content), use the increased access to our markets to send those cars here, and end up putting U.S. workers in the auto-supply sector at a serious competitive disadvantage. Plus, we have no meaningful recourse if our markets are flooded with cars from South Korea!

U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement:

When President George W. Bush first reached agreement on a trade deal with Colombia in 2007, there were 39 union members assassinated there that year. Last year, the number was 52, including 28 teachers. Clearly the Colombian government’s promises to address these crimes have not materialized. The outrageous and ongoing murders of teachers and workers who speak out for their union rights – with only five percent of these cases prosecuted since the mid-1980s – leaves us standing in solidarity with our Colombian sisters and brothers in strong opposition to this agreement.

Editorial : The above sound fair to you ? Does`nt to me ! Better wake up America ! Above (upper left) are Congressman Stephen Fincher (R) District#8~Tennessee and State Representative Andy Holt (R) 77th. District. At this time, I can`t find one time that either voted for US, the Middle Class ! More on them later ! I have been trying to give them both the benefit of doubt. Their time is just about up ! Before, I blister/show them for what they really are !

Americans Being attacked from Extreme Right !

Judge Strikes Down Walker’s Anti-Worker Law
by Mike Hall, May 26, 2011

UPDATE: AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka(upper left) issued the following statement on the court ruling.

What we’ve seen in Wisconsin from the beginning is an arrogant disregard for the voices of working people. Today’s decision underscores the point that when people’s rights are blithely violated, our politics is broken. Gov. Walker and Senate Republicans may forge ahead to undermine middle-class families, voting rights and more, but they will not be able to do it without full and close scrutiny.

*****

A Wisconsin judge this morning struck down a law taking away nearly all collective bargaining rights from public sector workers. Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi ruled that Republican legislators violated Wisconsin’s open meetings law during the run up to passage. She says that renders the law void.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on the case June 6.

Editorial : Adolph Hitler tried and succeeded in making unions against the law in pre-World War II Germany, you see what that got us. An attack on free democratic trade unions is an attack on the American Way !

"God Bless Amearica" !

Grooms Herron an American HERO ! You Bet`cha !

Roy Herron, Son of Grooms, Must Be & Is Proud !

A Memorial Day Remembrance !

by Roy Herron

Dad got to England in July of 1944. Soon after he landed, he was on a landing craft headed for Normandy. As they crossed the English Channel, over the loudspeaker came the familiar voice of Roy Acuff singing, “The Great Speckled Bird.” Years later, Dad would remember that no son of the South, and few from anywhere else, had dry eyes as Acuff sang that Grand Ole Opry favorite and their thoughts returned to home. They hit Omaha Beach and before long were fighting in the hedgerows. A few days into combat, Dad was wounded, but it could have been much worse. For thousands, it was. So on he fought with his buddies, all part of the Ninth Infantry that famed war correspondent Ernie Pyle once called “a beautiful machine.” About three months after Dad finished basic training, his Ninth Infantry claimed to be the first Allied force to start the liberation of Belgium. The GIs were greeted by throngs of happy Belgians who had waited four long years for freedom. Did the soldiers always know what they fought for ? For some, the words “freedom” and “home” were enough. Historian Stephen Ambrose in his Citizen Soldiers reports a soldier who, upon discovering the horrors behind the gates of a concentration camp, said, “Now I know why I am here.” By September, almost none of the original men of Dad’s company, the men he started across France with, were still with him. Then his turn came. The Nazi mortar nearly took his life. The wounds and soon the infections that raged in his shrapnel-riddled legs then almost killed him. Finally, after nearly a year in hospitals in England the United States, he came home to Tennessee. That was more than six decades ago, yet for many families, the story is familiar. With wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Americans continue to hear stories of loved ones and neighbors serving as citizen soldiers with unthinkable courage and suffering tragedy unimaginable. I think of my Weakley County neighbor, Billy Laird, whose soldier son Dustin died in Iraq. I think of another Weakley Countian, my friend Mike Morel, whose son, Marine Captain Brent Morel, also died in Iraq. I think of my friend Steve McConnell, an Army vet, who last year helped saved my mother’s life in a hospital intensive care unit. His son, Daniel, a helicopter pilot, was terribly injured and even lost an arm on a mission in Afghanistan. We remember those who are gone and those who have suffered so, not only for their sake but also for our own. President Abraham Lincoln said, "Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure." This Memorial Day, may we remember our American heroes. May we honor their sacrifice. And as we remember them, may we be inspired to follow their leadership and continue their legacy of patriotic service.

Your friend,

Roy

Editorial : Roy Herron is our 24th District State Senator from Tennessee ! He is also my friend. This is more than a history and Remembrance story, it is a family love story ! I never personally met Grooms Herron, but I know what a great guy, he was ! If you want to know, how I know, having not met him, He was a tried and True Brother of mine ! Freemason ! " God Bless America "! Thanks Herron`s for all of your sacrifices and service ! Grooms Herron, and American Hero From Tennessee !

Senators Alexander & Corker ~ Tennessee Republicans Vote Against Medicare ! WHY ?

Tennesseans Should Be Disgusted With Senators Alexander & Corker, Both Republicans Who Voted Against US Again !

http://act.aflcio.org/c/18/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=2240

Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R-Wis.) Tea Party-inspired budget didn’t even come close to passing the Senate. It was voted down 40–57. But 40 senators, including yours, voted for Rep. Ryan’s budget that would replace Medicare’s guaranteed health care funding for seniors with underfunded vouchers for private insurance—forcing a typical 65-year-old to spend $6,359 more a year in out-of-pocket costs by 2022. Forty senators, including yours, voted to make $4.3 trillion in drastic cuts—hitting everything from education and food aid for children to job training and Medicaid. And 40 senators, including yours, voted for $4.2 trillion in tax cuts, which go disproportionately to corporations and the rich. Your senator needs to be held accountable for this outrage. As Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said before voting “no” last night, “The Republican plan to kill Medicare is a plan to make the rich richer and the sick sicker.” Let Sens. Alexander and Corker know last night’s vote to end Medicare as we know it is inexcusable—and working people won’t stand for it. Politicians like Sens. Alexander and Corker clearly will work actively to further enrich the rich at any cost to working families, at a time when inequality already stands at historic levels. There are no excuses for this vote. And no acceptable explanations. We all need to make sure voters know where Sens. Alexander and Corker stand. That starts right now, with letting your senators know this vote will have serious consequences. Act now: Let your senators know you’ll hold Medicare-scrapping politicians accountable. Last night’s vote sent a loud and clear message to the American public that, according to Republican leaders in the House and Senate, sacrifice is for the weak, while the powerful and well-connected get tax cuts. Politicians who forget that the majority of voters work for a living do so at their own political peril. We’ll make sure voters know the truth—and they’ll make the point at the ballot box, just as voters in New York’s 26th congressional district did Tuesday.

Act now : Let Sens. Alexander and Corker know yesterday’s vote won’t be forgotten by working people. Click link below to send them a nice note ! Or You can below title of blog.
http://act.aflcio.org/c/18/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=2240

Thanks for making it clear this shameful vote won’t go unnoticed.

Your Friend,
Underdog = Don Jones

Recent Senate Votes District#8~Tennessee

Recent Votes for Tennessee's 8th Congressional District...

Recent Senate Votes:

Motion to Proceed; Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act - Vote Rejected (52-48)

The Senate fell short of the 60 votes needed to proceed to consideration of this bill that would end certain tax breaks for large oil companies. The bill may resurface as part of the upcoming budget negotiations.

Sen. Lamar Alexander voted NO......send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Bob Corker voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Editorial : Senators Alexander(R) and Corker(R) voted to keep giving big oil more money ! WHY ?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motion to Proceed; Offshore Production and Safety Act of 2011 - Vote Rejected (42-57, 1 Not Voting)

The Senate fell short of the 60 votes needed to take up this bill intended to increase offshore oil production. The bill is similar to the offshore oil bills passed in the House earlier this month.

Sen. Lamar Alexander voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Bob Corker voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cloture Motion; Nomination of Goodwin Liu to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit - Vote Rejected (52-43, 1 Present, 4 Not Voting)

The Senate rejected this cloture motion on the nomination of Goodwin Liu to be a federal appeals court judge. A cloture motion requires 60 votes to end debate and move on to a final vote.

Sen. Lamar Alexander voted NO......send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Bob Corker voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Seniors Cannot Afford Republican Medicare Plan

Out-of-Pocket Medicare Cost$ Double Under Republican Plan
by James Parks, May 20, 2011

Click link below for state by state breakdown :

http://jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?a=Files.Serve&File_id=0d00ca30-ba73-4f5d-a19d-8ec918f76d30

More details out today on how the Republican move to balance the federal budget by ending Medicare would cost seniors a lot. A new state-by-state analysis by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) finds that annual out-of-pocket Medicare health care costs will more than double in every state for seniors turning 65 in 2022 under the Republican budget plan. Seniors living in Florida would be the hardest hit with a $7,383 jump in medical costs, the JEC estimates.
The report also shows that current Medicare beneficiaries will be harmed by the Republican budget, immediately losing preventive services such as mammograms and facing higher prescription drug costs. The Republican plan also would reopen the donut hole, the gap in Medicare Part D that had forced beneficiaries to pay 100 percent of their drug costs after they exceeded an initial coverage limit and until they qualified for catastrophic coverage.

Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), chairman of the JEC, says:

If Republicans have their way, traditional Medicare will no longer exist in 2022. Instead, our elderly will get a voucher to purchase private insurance, but the voucher won’t keep pace with health care costs. The result would be a staggering increase in out-of-pocket costs beginning in 2022. Our elderly Americans cannot afford to have their health care expenses double, but that’s exactly what the Republican plan delivers.

Click here for state by state breakdown:

http://jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?a=Files.Serve&File_id=0d00ca30-ba73-4f5d-a19d-8ec918f76d30

Seniors Cannot Support Republicans, Can we ? I Think Newt

Fund Medicare Fully, Rather Than Subsidizing Oil Companies

Senate Republicans did not help their relationship with Seniors and Working Americans this week when they voted to keep year in subsidies for $4 billion per oil companies while supporting a budget plan that would end Medicare as we know it. Even with polls showing a majority of Americans wanting to keep Medicare intact, Senate Republicans voted to keep the oil subsidies after they had previously embraced an agenda to turn Medicare into a voucher system. The nation‟s five largest oil companies made nearly $1 trillion in profits in the past decade, and profits are soaring even more with gas prices hovering today around $4 a gallon. To me, it is unconscionable for the Republicans to decimate Medicare so we can keep the big oil companies feeding off the federal trough. I believe that it is more important to help an elderly woman pay her medical bills than it is to use tax dollars to inflate the already obscene profits of an oil company.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Medicare Spotlight Shines Again on Newt Gingrich:

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) (upper left) spent Monday defending the plan to dismantle Medicare after it came under fire in surprising fashion from a fellow Republican, Newt Gingrich.(upper right) Gingrich became the first GOP presidential candidate to openly rip the plan, which would convert Medicare into a private insurance program, after the proposal -- part of a House budget blueprint to tame federal spending -- drew heavy criticism from some voters, and polls showed it to be unpopular. Gingrich later called his statement criticizing the Ryan plan a “mistake.” However, in 1995, when he was Speaker of the House, Gingrich had told a gathering of Blue Cross/Blue Shield executives that he and his fellow Republicans planned to present “a free-market plan” that would compete with Medicare and ultimately drive it out of business. “We believe it's going to wither on the vine,” he said then, “because we think people are voluntarily going to leave it.” “Newt Gingrich actually had it right when he was criticizing the Ryan plan,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “Too bad he didn't stand his ground and maintain that stance.”

Editorial : Ya gotta admire the Republican guts. They tell you exactly how they are gong to S**** Us. We elect them anyway ? Surely, I`m missing something ?

Tennessee Senators Join Big Oil Team

Tell the Senator$ from Tennessee & All States Big Oil... Does Not Need Our Tax Money

See How All Senators Voted, click link below !
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/oil_subsidy_vote/?r=7861&id=21175-3026155-ZNVoaIx

Stop putting Big Oil profits ahead of the American people.

On Tuesday night, 48 Senators, including three Democrats and all but two Republicans, put Big Oil before the American people and helped defeat a bill that would have ended tax breaks for the five biggest oil companies. How could anyone vote against a bill that would have kept $21 billion of American taxpayers' money out of the pockets of cash-rich oil companies ? One big reason is oil money in our political process. A lot of it. Oil and gas companies spent $39.5 million lobbying congress in just the first quarter of this year, and have donated nearly $18 million to the 48 Senators who voted to protect oil subsidies - five times more than to Senators who supported ending them. But make no mistake. Even though we didn't get the 60 votes required for passage, our pressure to end oil subsidies is already working. More and more legislators are acting defensive about their support of Big Oil over the American people. In February, similar legislation to repeal some oil subsidies got only 44 votes. Yesterday, we got 52 votes. That comes after CREDO Action members sent more than 225,000 petitions to the Senate and made more than 1,000 calls yesterday to 11 key Senators, six of whom flipped their position and voted to end tax breaks to Big Oil. Senate Majority leader Harry Reid said yesterday that despite this defeat, he will continue to push for ending oil subsides as part of negotiations on the budget and to raise the debt ceiling. We need to keep the pressure on. And one key to breaking Big Oil's grasp on our legislators is letting Congress know that we know about the millions of dollars that Big Oil has given them. Let's make sure that our Senators' votes to protect oil company profits don't go unanswered by those of us who actually pay the price.

1. "Senators Opposing End of Oil Subsidies Received Five Times More in Big Oil Campaign Cash," Oil Change International, May 17, 2011

2. "Senate rejects bill to cut oil tax breaks," The Hill, May 17, 2011

Here are the 48 Senators who voted against ending Big Oil subsidies: Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Ayotte (R-NH), Barrasso (R-WY), Begich (D-AK), Blunt (R-MO), Boozman (R-AR), Brown (R-MA), Burr (R-NC), Chambliss (R-GA), Coats (R-IN), Coburn (R-OK), Cochran (R-MS), Bob Corker (R-TN), Cornyn (R-TX), Crapo (R-ID), DeMint (R-SC), Enzi (R-WY), Graham (R-SC), Grassley (R-IA), Hatch (R-UT), Heller (R-NV), Hoeven (R-ND), Hutchison (R-TX), Inhofe (R-OK), Isakson (R-GA), Johanns (R-NE), Johnson (R-WI), Kirk (R-IL), Kyl (R-AZ), Landrieu (D-LA), Lee (R-UT), Lugar (R-IN), McCain (R-AZ), McConnell (R-KY), Moran (R-KS), Murkowski (R-AK), Nelson (D-NE), Paul (R-KY), Portman (R-OH), Risch (R-ID), Roberts (R-KS), Rubio (R-FL), Sessions (R-AL), Shelby (R-AL), Thune (R-SD), Toomey (R-PA), Vitter (R-LA), Wicker (R-MS)

Editorial : In Tennessee, both of our Senators Alexander and Corker voted against Tennesseans once again ! Oil companies are only making 390 million dollars a day profit. That is more than some companies make in a year ! They need our Tax-Money. When pigs fly ! Wake up Tennesseans ! If your Senator voted for BIG OIL, click on below or above or title of this article, to let them know, what you think. The list of Senators and how they voted is there !

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/oil_subsidy_vote/?r=7861&id=21175-3026155-ZNVoaIx

Those Poor Oil Company`s !

KEEPING $CORE ON EXXON
Thursday, May 12, 2011 Posted by Jim Hightower

Now, let's check today's sports scores: 4, 10.7 and 21-and-a-half.

Those tallies are from the oil league, and the winner, of course, is the league's powerhouse, ExxonMobil. Four, as you might have guessed, is the $4 that Exxon is siphoning out of your wallet these days for one gallon of its petrol. Next comes 10.7. That's the $10.7 billion in profits that this oil giant has soaked up in just the first three months of this year – a new record, not achieved by any managerial genius, increased productivity, or improvement in consumer service, but solely by the jack-up in gasoline prices. Finally 21-and-a-half. This is the big score made by Rex Tillerson, Exxon's CEO. The chief pulled down $21.5 million last year in personal compensation, making him the highest paid executive in the oil league and one of the most richly paid CEOs in the entire country. Wait... this late-breaking score is just in: 0. That's from the special tax game that Exxon Mobil consistently wins in Washington. Last year, ExxonMobil powered through loopholes created by its slick lobbying team to pay an income tax of zero on the $19 billion it had racked up in profits the year before, making it one of America's most flagrant tax avoiders. But wait again, here's a surprising update on that score – Exxon's taxes were actually less than zero! How's that possible? Because Big Oil's lobbyists have so skewed the tax system that Exxon got a $156 million rebate from us taxpayers last year. So Exxon is soaking us at the gas pump and sacking our public treasury to gain record profits for itself, while bestowing a royal fortune on its CEO. Oh, one more score: 14 million. That's the average dollar amount that Exxon spends on campaign donations and lobbyists every year.

"Exxon Profit Up 69 Percent as Gas and Oil Prices Boos Top Five Oil Companies," http://www.abcnews.com/, April 28, 2011.

"Sen. Bernie Sanders: The Top Ten Worst Corporate Income Tax Avoiders," http://www.truth-out.org/, April 1, 2011.

"The Drought Is Over (at Least for C.E.O.'s)," http://www.nytimes.com/, April 9, 2011.

Editorial : I know, lets pass the hat for Big Oil, they need it ! When Pigs Fly.

Do You Need to Exercise, with Pulmonary Hypertension

Exercise & Pulmonary Hypertension
http://www.phassociation.org/

It’s well-known that exercise is very beneficial for healthy individuals, increasing cardiovascular and muscular fitness, improving mood, controlling weight and lowering the risk of systemic hypertension and heart disease. Exercise may help lower the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes. There have also been several published articles showing increased walk distance in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) patients undergoing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs. However, relatively little is known about the risks and benefits of exercise for pulmonary hypertension patients. Exercise is important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but the symptoms of PH under exertion make it difficult for many patients to find the right type of activity. Many PH patients become short of breath under mild to moderate exertion, but feel fine at rest. Those who experience shortness of breath at rest or very mild exertion must be very closely monitored, as exercise can induce fainting, excess stress to the right side of the heart, and other problems. Because of the varying severity of PH from patient to patient (and other health-related factors), recommendations on exercise for PH patients are different for each individual, and may change over time depending on symptoms and response to treatment. Your PH specialist can help you create an exercise program that works for you. Always speak with your PH doctor before performing strenuous labor or beginning an exercise regimen.
Healthy exercise programs might include:

•Cardiovascular activities such as walking, biking and swimming. Walking on an incline or exercising both arms and legs simultaneously can produce a greater increase in blood pressure than lighter exercise, and so these exercises should be avoided or attempted conservatively.
•Activities focusing on muscle tone, such as stretching or arm and leg lifts. Light functional resistance exercises may be considered for some individuals, but should be done below shoulder or heart height and with frequent breaks.
If approved to perform an exercise regimen, follow these guidelines to have a safe and enjoyable workout.
•Do not over-exert. Activity should be stopped at the first sign of symptoms such as lightheadedness, fatigue, chest pressure, palpitations or excessive shortness of breath.
•Use a recovery time of five to ten minutes, without exhaustion or worsening of symptoms, to help you measure how much activity is appropriate.
•Avoid activity in outdoor temperature extremes. Generally, cold, heat, humidity, high elevation or a concomitant illness will worsen your exercise tolerance and warrants additional caution.

Editorial : My Physicians at Vanderbilt Pulmonary Clinic, Dr. Anna Hemnes (upper left) and Dr. Ivan Robbins (upper right) have recommended an exercise program. It is not Olympic, but, it is exercise. I walk on the treadmill for 15 minutes, a tad over 1/4 mile.then ride my stationary bike for fifteen minutes, a tad over 1 and 3/4 miles. Perhaps, you do not think that much ? At times it is like Mt. Kilimanjaro !

Hey Senator`s - Confirm Goodwin Liu

Tell the Senate to Confirm Goodwin Liu

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/confirm_goodwin_liu/?r_by=21124-3026155-LbwXWVx&rc=confemail

Dear Underdog Reader`s,

Have you heard of Goodwin Liu ? Few have, though he is a leading constitutional scholar, current associate dean at University of California, Berkeley's School of Law, and a former clerk to Associate Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
President Obama has nominated him for a critical open spot on a federal appeals court -- one level below the Supreme Court. After waiting more than a year, the Senate will finally vote on Thursday whether to bring his nomination to the floor.
But despite Liu's excellent qualifications (he received the highest rating from the American Bar Association) and a crisis in the judiciary due to a long list of judicial vacancies, there's no guarantee that his nomination will be able to overcome a Republican-led filibuster or that he'll ultimately be confirmed.
I just sent a free fax telling my Senators to confirm Goodwin Liu. I hope you do too. It's easy to do so at the link below.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/confirm_goodwin_liu/?r_by=21124-3026155-LbwXWVx&rc=confemail

It`s Good Jobs ~ Stupid !

Richard Trumka : Create Good Jobs to Strengthen
Medicare, Social Security

by James Parks, May 13, 2011

Creating good jobs is the key to rebuilding the economy and improving the long-term financial health of Social Security, Medicare and our entire safety net, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said in a statement today.

The trustees for the two programs separately reported today that the financial condition of the programs worsened last year, a situation Trumka says was caused by slow economic growth and a lack of new job creation. But the Medicare Trust Fund is in better shape now than it was before health reform was passed and the Social Security Trust Fund can still pay full benefits for the next 25 years, he said. Trumka added that “reckless and unpopular” Republican proposals to privatize Medicare and Social Security “will do nothing to create jobs or jump start the economy.” We can all agree that we must do more to make our entire health care system—not just Medicare and Medicaid—more cost-effective, but shifting more health care costs onto working families does not accomplish that goal.

Editorial : All I keep hearing from the Republicans is balance the budget...Ban Unions, privatize Social Security and cut Medicare ! Sounds good to me, if your rich. Funny, they never mention good jobs anymore ! I know... we can give more tax-breaks to billionaires and millionares ! That`ll fix everything ! When pigs fly !

Tennessee District#8-Recent Votes...

Tennessee's 8th Congressional District: Recent Votes !

http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/topics/Elected+Officials
If These elected representatives did`nt vote like you`d like them too...Tell them !

Note: The House is in recess until Monday, May 23.

Recent Senate Votes:

Cloture Motion; James M. Cole to be Deputy Attorney General - Vote Rejected (50-40, 10 Not Voting)
The Senate fell short of the 60 votes needed to end debate and move to a final vote on the nomination of James M. Cole to be deputy attorney general. Cole was given a recess appointment in December 2010.

Sen. Lamar Alexander(R) voted NO
Sen. Bob Corker(R) voted NO
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recent House Votes:

Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act - Vote Passed (263-163, 5 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill that would expedite the permitting process for lessees seeking to drill for oil and natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico. The Interior Department would be required to review applications within 30 days, with the option of extending the review period to 60 days. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill.

Rep. Stephen Fincher(R) voted YES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act - Vote Passed (243-179, 9 Not Voting)

This House bill would require the Interior Department to open certain unused areas of the Outer Continental Shelf for oil and natural gas drilling. The bill is unlikely to advance in the Senate.

Rep. Stephen Fincher(R) voted YES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - Vote Passed (392-15, 24 Not Voting)

The House approved this bill authorizing intelligence-related programs for the current fiscal year. Funding levels authorized for the 16 intelligence gathering agencies are classified, but it is estimated to be around $80 billion. The Senate version of the bill is currently at a standstill.

Rep. Stephen Fincher(R) voted YES

http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/topics/Elected+Officials

If thse elected rep`s. voted like you would have liked them too or not...They need to hear from you !

Medicare Must Not Be Cut !

Medicare Must Not Be Cut !
by: Underdog = Don Jones
5/15/11

Recently, our elected representatives, especially Rep. Stephen Fincher(R), District#8-Tennessee, have voted to end Medicare as we know it. All the while preserving Tax-Cut$ for the RICH ! As a Senior, please do not leave my well being to an insurance company. Our Republican elected officials, seem to have lost touch with reality. In our community, jobs are as scarce as hens teeth. The Republican plan is worse than bad policy. It is immoral. Please do not balance the budget on the backs of Seniors, "Hey Thats Me" ! Now, Republicans are talking spending caps. Spending caps, would actually trigger massive cuts in a few years. This should not be a partisan discussion. Senior`s/My life is at stake. Congressman Fincher, find another way ! Let me suggest, that you e-mail, call or write Congressman Stephen Fincher(R)Tennessee and inform him of your total displeasure. Below are his contact information ! The life you save, may be your own !

> http://fincher.house.gov/office/washington-dc <

You must go to his site, if you e-mail him !

Or Click on the title of this article.

Washington DC Office
1118 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4714
Fax: (202) 225-1765

Dyersburg Office
100 South Main
Dyersburg, TN 38024
Phone: (731) 285-0910
Fax: (731) 285-5008

Martin Office
406 Lindell Street
The Reed Center
Martin, TN 38237
Phone: (731) 588-5190

Jackson Office
109 South Highland
Room #B-7
Jackson,TN 38301
Phone: (731) 423-4848
Fax: (731) 427-1537

Millington Office
7965 Veterans Parkway, Suite 101B
Millington, TN 38053

Social Security & Medicare Trust Fund Reports

Social Security, Medicare Trust Fund Reports Released
5/12/11

http://wwwsecondchance.blogspot.com/2011/03/social-security-answers-youve-always.html

The Social Security trust fund report came out today and found that Social Security will remain solvent through 2036, a year earlier than was forecast in 2010.

“Social Security is doing exactly what it is supposed to do – assuring full payment to beneficiaries, without delay. However, we cannot afford to keep the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans,” The Medicare trustees report was also issued today, saying Medicare will be able to completely pay its bills until 2024, five years sooner than last year's projection of 2029. “The Affordable Care Act will save nearly $120 billion for Medicare over the next five years. Imagine where we would be without that,” “We must do more to create high-quality American jobs, which will lead to more people paying into the system.” If you have not read my blog, "Social Security ~ The Answers You`ve Always Wanted", I suggest you do ! Link below. http://wwwsecondchance.blogspot.com/2011/03/social-security-answers-youve-always.html or click on the title of this article.

Continental Rubber InVesting in USA ?

Continental Tire = General Tire

by : Keith Flowers

Continental tire shut down their plant in Mayfield Kentucky and Charlotte North Carolina, among possible others…now In an effort for continental to hold onto their market share in the USA They are scrambling to add capacity, by adding onto the workforce in Illinois and building a New plant after scuttling at least two USA PLANTS ! History always repeats itself...Goodyear Tire & Rubber needs to kick their Commies/Buddhists off their board and Think USA USA USA, the squeeze on tax monies that are being felt by our USA Government . And at each and every level is a direct result of the Exporting our family supportive USA Jobs to the So called ‘People’s Republic of China’. We have all heard of old Western ghost towns, where the gold, silver Etc ran out and the people fled for WORK, fast forward to May 2011, history is repeating itself, no work. The exception may indeed become not only ghost towns but ghost states. For the most part here in America we working people all that we have is our work. By and large we/workers do not have vast holdings in precious metals, real estate, oil wells etc. When our government votes and takes away our “Work” They have voted to kill us graveyard dead. All down through the ages all working people have had is their work and take Their work away and the suffering on all sides begin. Government exports jobs and pays companies to relocate And then they whine and some vote to end Medicare, etc. Woe is ME !

Editorial : Keith Flowers has it right ! A very insightful article...Thanks Keith ! If you would like to write/blog a article and have it placed on Underdog...just write and send to > donjones90@gmail.com < Remember, as Editor I have the last say.

Fincher Votes Against Healthcare Bill !

Letter from Congressman Stephen Fincher(R), District#8 ~Tennessee

e-mail >; http://www.house.gov/office/washington-dc

Rep. Fincher Voted Against the (PPACA) or as he likes to call it (Obamacare)The problem is, he does`nt have an alternate plan. That is a Vote Against Middle Class Tennesseans. Shame on you Stephen !

Dear Mr. Jones,

Thank you for contacting me regarding your support for Public Law 111-148, the Patient Protection and Affordability (PPACA). Your comments and ideas are always appreciated. The PPACA enacted into law in 2010, was intended to provide health care to those people who currently do not have access to health insurance. While I support the idea of inexpensive and efficient health care delivery for everyone, I do not support the PPACA. I believe this law fails to improve our health care delivery system and simply raises taxes on small businesses and takes health care decisions away from patients and doctors and gives it to Washington bureaucrats. Access, affordability, and quality of care will be the focus of my reforms to health care. To be clear, I support reforms that put the individual, not the government or their insurance company, in control over their healthcare spending and decision making. Although I support the repeal of PPACA, I also support H.Res. 9. This resolution instructs various committees in the House of Representatives to look at alternatives to the PPACA. In this regard, we must consider options that:

Provide people with pre-existing conditions the opportunity to purchase health insurance

Enable market solutions over government mandates.

Allow insurance companies to sell health insurance across state lines, which will increase competition and lower health insurance costs.

Prohibit insurance companies from excluding people who have pre-existing conditions.

Provide tax credits for small businesses and the self-employed to buy insurance.

Making insurance and health care costs fully deductible.

Ensuring a patient's ability to keep his or her doctor and health plan if he or she likes it preserving the sanctity and privacy of the doctor-patient relationship.

Finally, we must keep our promises to our seniors and ensure all Medicare benefits, including the prescription drug plan, continue to be available.
On the campaign trail I pledged not to take the Congressional health insurance. I am keeping my promise and continuing to have insurance with Farm Bureau.
Thank you giving me the opportunity to share with you some of my ideas for improving health care in this country and bringing true market based reforms that increase access, affordability, and quality of care. If you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at anytime.


Editorial : Your campaign promise not to accept congressional health insurance, does not impress me. With your farm subsidies, you can well afford it. Most Tennesseans do not have those government resources, that you do ! Like most Republicans, I`m sad to say, You love the rich and despise the poor ! You have no plan to implement Healthcare. I would suggest that you read about Tommy Douglas, Baptist Preacher from Canada and what he had to say. I will continue to pray for you !

Sincerely,

Stephen L. Fincher(R)

Member of Congress ~ District#8-Tennessee

Contact Information Below :

Washington DC Office
1118 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4714
Fax: (202) 225-1765

Dyersburg Office
100 South Main
Dyersburg, TN 38024
Phone: (731) 285-0910
Fax: (731) 285-5008

Martin Office
406 Lindell Street
The Reed Center
Martin, TN 38237
Phone: (731) 588-5190

Jackson Office
109 South Highland
Room #B-7
Jackson,TN 38301
Phone: (731) 423-4848
Fax: (731) 427-1537