99% FRIEND ~ Senator Tom Harkin

Senator Harkin to Republicans: Focus on Jobs, Not Attacks on Workers’ Rights...
Contact Senator Harkin here > http://harkin.senate.gov/

by Mike Hall,

Nov. 15, 2011

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is now and was founded to protect workers from unsafe employers !

At a time when working families are struggling to make ends meet and Americans are taking to the streets to protest the growing gap between the haves and have-not, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-S.D.) says congressional Republicans “are trying to convince Americans that the National Labor Relations Board—a small federal agency charged with defending workers’ rights—is somehow responsible for our nation’s economic woes.” In a column published today in The Hill newspaper, Harkin writes: Instead of continuing to pursue this pointless and distracting political crusade, it’s time for the House to get down to the hard work of rebuilding the middle class and moving America forward…with job-creation proposals that Americans overwhelmingly support. Click here for the full article.

Editorial : Amen !

Titan & Goodyear ~ Big Secret ? Why ?

Details Sketchy on Titan Tire Plans
Posted: Monday, November 14, 2011 9
By KEVIN BOWDEN, Staff Reporter UC Daily Messenger

Officials with Titan Tire Corporation are being very elusive about their plans for the former Goodyear plant in Union City.The plant has been sold by Goodyear to the off-road tire manufacturer based in Quincy, Ill. The deal became official at midnight Thursday, according to Obion County Mayor Benny McGuire. Union City’s Goodyear plant will be used to mix rubber, according to a statement from Titan Tire’s director of investor relations Krista Gray. Titan Tire has manufacturing facilities located in Des Moines, Iowa, Freeport, Ill., and in Bryan, Ohio. Maurice M. Taylor is chairman and CEO of Titan International, Inc. Efforts to contact Taylor concerning his plans for the former Goodyear plant have been unsuccessful. He is reportedly planning on releasing information about his plans for the local tire plant, but no specific time has been given as to when he will make his announcement.It was in mid-February that Goodyear first announced it would be shutting down it’s Union City tire plant by the end of this year. The plant was actually shut down on July 11, sending shockwaves throughout the region. The Union City Goodyear plant had been the county’s largest employer and was one of the largest employers in the region. Local officials reacted positively to Friday’s announcement that Titan Tire had bought the local Goodyear plant. Now, those officials are anxiously waiting to hear from Titan Tire officials about their plans for the plant.“I’ve had the weekend to let Friday’s news sink in and, like everyone else in Obion County, I’m waiting patiently for a press release from Titan Tire,” McGuire told The Messenger today.“We will be releasing a press release soon. I cannot release any statement or details until that time,” Ms. Gray stated in an email to The Messenger today.When asked if she could be more specific about when an announcement will be made, Ms. Gray replied, “Probably today.”Titan Tire’s history dates back to 1993 and today the company is a leading global supplier of wheel and tire assemblies for off-highway vehicles. Staff Reporter Kevin Bowden may be contacted by email at kmbowden@ucmessenger.com Published in The Messenger 11.14.11

Occupy Wall-Street~Can You Evict The Human Spirit ?

Occupy Movement Can We safely Evict It ?
By Underdog = Don Jones

The Occupy movement going on in America, is as American as apple pie ! Can it or should it be stopped/evicted ? I think not ! Do not under estimate Americans !

All over America this movement called by the press, Occupy Wall-Street, is taking root in a very positive way. Peaceful protests are as old as our beloved country. Now, some are calling it the 99% protest. I think, that is more appropriate. What are these human beings/people protesting ? This writer thinks, it is inequality. I have always maintained, that when the good guy/gal goes bad, better watch out. As long as the American dream was attainable through hard work and the rewards of hard work, was the American dream. Things were pretty good in the good ole USA ! Somehow are politicians have sold us down the river. (if you are not familiar with that term google it)Things are about to change ! These American protesters are true American hero's. So, what do our politicians do ? They label them trouble makers. My best advice to those who are turning the dogs loose on these Americans, better watch out. One of our Republican candidates for the Republican Presidential nomination, "Newt the Grinch" Newt Gingrich, thinks the occupiers need to be evicted and be grateful for the 1% as they would`nt have a place (Zuccotti park) to occupy, without the generosity of some very RICH person ! Hey Grinch, Take the park and well, you know. I always thought that if you gave something to the Government=the People, it was ours ? Perhaps the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does`nt belong to the people ? The police came in the night and declared war on those Americans, in the park, declaring health hazard. That pig won`t fly ! These policeman need to join those protesters not rough house them. Americans are dissatisfied with our political system. The American dream is seemingly no longer attainable. It has been stolen by our 1% and politics/corporate money ! It being bought by large corporate interest. Thus, the American dream is escaping those 99% ! 1% better watch out ! A sleeping America has finally awakened !

"God Bless America"!

Gov. Haslam (R) Income Tax ? Read & Weep !

Gov. Haslam for Tennessee's Growing Inequality & Unfair Tax Policy ?
By Brandon Puttebrese

Kinda looks like it !

e-mail Gov. Haslam Here > bill.haslam@tn.gov

or Here > http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/topics/Elected+Officials

A large majority of Tennesseans favor taxing the wealthy — especially millionaire$. On Monday, The Tennessean published findings of a statewide poll, conducted by Vanderbilt University: "More than two-thirds of state residents say they support higher income taxes on millionaires as part of next year’s budget, and nearly as many say they would support raising taxes on people who make $250,000 a year or more." [The Tennessean, 11/14/11] WHY ? Tennesseans believe in common-sense fairness; the super-rich shouldn't pay a lower tax rate than the middle class. But is that happening in Tennessee ? In 2008, Gov. Bill Haslam's effective federal income tax rate was just 13 percent. According to The Knoxville News Sentinel, a six-year financial summary showed that Haslam and his wife, Crissy, "averaged about $4.75 million in annual income over the period, ending with tax year 2008... also that the Haslams paid an average of just over $622,000 in federal taxes annually..." [Knoxville News Sentinel, 10/9/11]
The Washington Post reported that a quarter of U.S. millionaires pay taxes at a lower rate than some middle class workers. [The Washington Post, 10/12/11]
Federal marginal tax rates 2008-11 - [taxfoundation.org, accessed 11/14/11]
Single teacher earning $35,000 —— 25 percent
Married couple earning $70,000 —— 25 percent
Single filer earning as little as $9,000 —— 15 percent
Governor Bill Haslam's federal income tax return exemplifies the unfair tax policies that over the past 30 years have favored the wealthiest at a cost to working and middle class families. Vanderbilt's new poll shows that average Tennesseans are keenly aware of the growing inequality and they prefer economic policies that will narrow the gap.Tennesseans believe in common-sense fairness; police officers and teachers should not be paying higher tax rates than millionaire$ like Bill Haslam. It’s time to focus on the basic values that have always been at the heart of American prosperity: making sure that hard work pays, responsibility is rewarded and everyone from Main Street to Wall Street does their fair share. Getting Tennesseans back to work is job one, but our work doesn’t end there. We have to create more opportunities for families to work hard and get ahead. This will require investing in education, innovation, and infrastructure—the types of investments that create jobs today and restore middle class security.

Big Insurance..Have Your Best Interest at Heart...Sure They Do !

BIG MONEY INSURANCE...YOU BET`CHA !

State insurance regulators are threatening to gut the new rule in the health reform law that keeps insurance premiums in check.

This rule, called the medical loss ratio (MLR), requires insurance companies to spend at least 80% of your premiums on medical care instead of using it to pad their profits and pay millions to their CEOs. State insurance commissioners are holding a secret meeting tomorrow to decide whether they want to force a vote to rob $1 billion in rebates from consumers. Click here and send a message to your insurance commissioners today. Tell them: You work for us, not the insurance companies - hands off the MLR. It’s no surprise that the Wall Street run insurance companies are trying to kill any rule that cuts into their excessive profits. That’s why they're pressuring your state insurance commissioner to change the law to let them take $1 billion of your money. The truth is that the medical loss ratio works and has already lowered premium rates for some Connecticut residents by 19 percent! Fight the insurance companies’ army of lobbyists today. Help us put an end to the insurers’ business as usual. Tell your insurance commissioner - hands off the MLR. Health insurance companies continue to make record profits, and their CEOs have collected more than $1 billion in personal compensation in the last decade while the majority of Americans are barely getting by. Fight this greed-driven corporate power today.

Editorial : In Tennessee, there is a law that requires drivers to purchase/buy automobile insurance. So, do not buy into we can`t make all Americans buy Health Insurance ! It`s INSURANCE...SURE WE/YOU CAN ! Top Left is the Honorable Tommy Douglas, the father of Universal health care in Canada, if You do not know his story, you need too ! Google him !

Fiat Lux

Merry Christmas ~ 2011

How to Buy American this Christmas

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition as the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.

This year will be different. This year Americans can give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is ! It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper ? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber ? Gym membership ? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed ? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamin's on a Chinese made flat-screen ? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.There are a bazillion local owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy ? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house ? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this blog to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about ?

Editorial : Love, Merry Christmas from Underdog = Don Jones. Thanks to Mike Bogan for this one !

lux e tenebris

I'm in agreement with you on this but so much of this is being done already especially in the service industry and I don't think we can impact this country until our legislators do what they should be doing. I heard one candidate say that his foreign aid would start at zero dollars. That is the smartest thing I have heard through all this election crap. But will it happen ? No not until the American people grow some backbone and make occupy wall street look like a picnic. Things have got to get screwy crazy before our jackass electeds get the message. ONE TERM LIMIT. PERIOD. FORGET PARTISAN POLITICS AND THROW THE BUMS OUT REGARDLESS.

buck

On Veterans Day, State Rep. Womick (R-TN) calls for purging military of ...

This State Rep. From Tennessee...is an absolute embarrassment ! I have a question, how about Baptist or maybe Church of Christ...wait, I know, Catholics. Purge them also. Mr. Womick, you should resign ! To see an extended version of our interview with Womick about Muslims in the military, click here.
http://thinkprogress.org/security/2011/11/11/367055/on-veterans-day-state-rep-rick-womick-r-tn-calls-for-purging-muslims-from-the-military/

Employer Health Care ~ Gone ? You Bet`Cha !

Poll: Fewer Americans than ever Insured through their Employers
By Julian Pecquet - 11/11/11

The number of Americans who get health insurance through their employer hit a new low in the third quarter of this year, according to a new poll from Gallup and Healthways.

The poll of 90,070 adults in all 50 states found that 44.5 percent of Americans had employer-sponsored coverage, a drop of more than three percentage points since 2008. More than one in six — 17.3 percent — were uninsured, a statistical tie with last quarter's record number. The poll confirms that fewer young adults are uninsured thanks to the new federal requirement that health plans cover young adults through age 25 on their parents' plans (24.2 percent in the second quarter, down from 28.4 percent before the law was passed). The number of uninsured 25- to 64-year-olds, however, continues to increase despite the health law's high-risk insurance pools and its tax credits to help small businesses cover their workers.
"None of the other components of the health law that have already been implemented … appear to be affecting coverage for older adults," the survey found.The number of Americans covered by the government — through Medicare, Medicaid and other programs — declined slightly, to 25.1 percent, since peaking last year, but remains far higher than the pre-recession figure of about 22 percent.

TITAN BUY`S GOODYEAR UNION CITY TENNESSEE

Titan Rubber Company Purchase`s Goodyear Plant in Union City Tennessee...

By Underdog = Don Jones

11/10/11

It is Official

11/10/11

TITAN HAS BOUGHT THE GIANT TIRE PLANT IN UNION CITY TENNESSEE...

More on this, as I learn more details !

Fiat Lux

Yesterday`s Election ~ Voters are Waking Up ! Mississipi & Ohio !

Kinda Looks like Voters are Realizing What the Real Issues are !

The outlawing of Unions and Abortion are not the Real ISSUE~S ! In Tennessee, don`t want to join a Union, not a problem, Don`t. Don`t want an abortion...Don`t have one ! Have Mississippi and Ohio come to an enlightenment period ?

Mississippi

Mississippi voters rejected an amendment to the state constitution that defined life as beginning at the moment of conception, The measure would have made it impossible to get an abortion in the state and hampered the ability to get the morning-after pill or birth control pills that destroy fertilized eggs. Disposing of unused fertilized eggs could also have become illegal, making in vitro fertilization treatments more difficult. The measure could have led to a nationwide debate about women's rights and abortion while setting up a possible challenge to the landmark Roe v. Wade case, which makes abortion legal. Mississippi voters will approve a measure to amend the state constitution to require a person to submit government-issued photo ID in order to vote.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ohio

Ohio voters will overturn a law signed last year that limited collective bargaining rights for public workers. With 28% of precincts reporting, 62% voted for repealing the law and 38% against it, according to the Ohio secretary of state's office. The Republican-controlled legislature approved the bill, and Republican Gov. John Kasich signed it into law earlier this year. But opponents mounted a petition drive to get a repeal measure placed on the November ballot.
The measure was seen as a barometer for next year's general election in the key battleground state. Repealing the anti-union law is seen as a victory for Democrats. But another measure on the Ohio ballot that would exempt Ohio residents from the compulsory health care mandate under President Obama's health care reform law is projected to pass. Since the law is a federal one, the state referendum is seen as a protest vote. Ohio seems to know, what they want and the Politicians do not !

Fiat Lux

It`s A Matter of Life & Breath ! Pulmonary Hypertension

E-mail Contact here : Elisabeth@PHAssociation.org
Phone Contact here > 301-565-3004 x753.

Together We Can Lick This PH

Here is a great Awareness Month opportunity everyone! If you live in the Washington DC area, please join us for PHA’s Congressional Luncheon! For those who live further away, you can call your Members of Congress to invite them and also encourage others to do the same! "I chose to participate in Advocacy Day because I want my voice heard and I want to make a difference." Imagine the difference it would make if we ALL spoke up, made our voices heard and educated our Members of Congress about pulmonary hypertension. Together, we could end isolation; we could advance medical treatments and we could save lives.
PHA’s Congressional luncheon (www.PHAssociation.org/CongressionalLuncheon/2011) is November 15, 2011 and it’s not too late to get involved! Your congressmen make decisions that impact your every day life and your healthcare. You don't want to miss this unique opportunity to let your voice be heard. Here's how:
· Invite your Members of Congress using PHA's easy-to-use talking points

by phone.(www.PHAssociation.org/CongressionalLuncheon/2011/PhoneInvite)

or by email

(www.PHAssociation.org/CongressionalLuncheon/2011/EmailInvite).

An invitation to PHA's Congressional Luncheon is an opportunity for your Members of Congress to learn more about pulmonary hypertension from the experts – patients, caregivers and medical professionals just like you! After you invited your Members of Congress, let PHA know who you invited by contacting Elisabeth at Elisabeth@PHAssociation.org or (301) 565-3004 x753. Your input will help us follow up with your elected officials before and after the luncheon.
· Join us! RSVP to Elisabeth Williams by November 10 at Elisabeth@PHAssociation.org or 301-565-3004 x753.
· Spread the word! Contact 10 friends, family or medical professionals. Ask them to invite their Members of Congress and to attend if they live in the area.
Alone we are powerful. Together we are unstoppable.

Wall-Street Needs to Join the Rest of Us ! Pay Your Fair Share !

Tax Wall-$treet...NOW !

The continuing instability in the world economy is at least partly due to the fact that financial markets are still out of control.

Wall Street traders are reaping billions on short term speculation, while our economy remains stagnant. As an economist, I know that building a strong, sustainable economy depends on doing something about a bloated and unruly financial sector. To help get markets back under control, one important policy tool is a targeted tax on Wall Street trading. Please join me in signing this petition to keep pressure on Congress to pass such a tax.

http://www.civic.moveon.org/rebuildpetition/taxwallstreet/?id=32718-8490862-vgout2x&t=2

The Wall Street Tax serves at least three important economic policy goals. First, the Wall Street Tax would raise much-needed tax revenue without raising taxes on workers at all. Ten-year estimates range from $400 billion (the Harkin-DeFazio bill introduced last month) to $1.3 trillion in new tax revenue. That revenue can be used to grow our economy and create jobs. Second, like a vice tax on cigarettes or gambling, the Wall Street Tax discourages activity that is unhealthy for our financial markets. Traders make billions on speculation that leads to quick rises and steep drops in the market that have little to do with how well the economy is doing. This can lead to huge bubbles in oil prices, or it can send stock prices plummeting based on a computer glitch. With a tax, we discourage that sort of short-term trading. Finally, the tax would make financial markets more efficient by helping businesses raise capital without all of the inefficiencies that come from an oversized financial sector. The multi-million dollar bonuses of Wall Street executives are a direct drain on the rest of the economy. The money that is currently wasted in the financial sector could instead be used to help businesses grow and create jobs. Will you sign the petition?


http://www.civic.moveon.org/rebuildpetition/taxwallstreet/?id=32718-8490862-vgout2x&t=3

Wall Street is putting up enormous opposition to this tax, because it would change the way Wall Street does business, forcing it to serve the productive economy by lending to businesses, homeowners, and students, rather than playing games with complex financial instruments. Great Britain has had a tax on stock trades for hundreds of years4, and the London Stock Exchange remains strong and vibrant. Germany, the industrial world's leading exporter, is considering a similar tax too.5 While it may seem like a tax faces a stiff headwind here in the United States, good policy can make for good politics. And, importantly, a robust push for such a tax in the United States could strengthen efforts in Europe where progress might be more imminent. Indeed, European leaders have cited a lack of such a push here in America as a reason for their own inaction. I hope you can join me in supporting the Wall Street Tax. Please sign the petition to Congress. http://www.civic.moveon.org/rebuildpetition/taxwallstreet/?id=32718-8490862-vgout2x&t=4

Thanks for all you do.

Underdog = Don Jones

Fiat Lux

More Jobs Lost To Mexico & Free Trade !

Jobs Going To Mexico ~ South America ~ China ~ Canada !
By : Don Jones = Underdog

https://dscc.org/act4?action_KEY=281&fname=Don&lname=Jones&email=donjones90@gmail.com&zip=38237

Whirlpool Corp. in Arkansas will lay off 900 active employees and 800 with call back rights, these are members of USW local 370. These jobs are being sent to Romas Arizpe, Mexico.

Whirlpool Corp. had $177 Million in earnings this year compared to $79 Million last year, and is moving to Mexico. This is pure GREED by Whirlpool, how much is enough? The US Congress last month passed another Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Colombia, Korea and Panama. We will lose thousands of more jobs to this ROTTEN FTA.

None of our jobs are safe because of Corporate GREED. Who's job will be next ?
Our race to the bottom is almost complete ! I`m not sure, who will buy these products, once all the jobs are sucked out of the USA ? BREAKING: For the third time in three weeks, Senate Republicans filibustered a bill to create jobs – this time through rebuilding America’s crumbling roads and bridges. As President Obama said, “I trust in God, but God wants to see us help ourselves by putting people back to work.” Unbelievable. Occupy Wall-Street Anybody ?

Deus Meumque Jus

Is It Politics as as Usual ? Democrats & Republicans Politicing, While The Country Sinks, Like The Titanic !

House GOP Votes to Subpoena White House Solyndra Documents
By Andrew Restuccia

Contact the Congress here > http://www.contactingthecongress.org/

Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted Thursday to subpoena the White House for all internal communications related to the failed solar company Solyndra. The subpoena escalates the ongoing battle between the White House and Republicans over a $535 million Energy Department loan guarantee to Solyndra, the California solar panel maker that filed for bankruptcy in early September, setting off a firestorm in Washington. Republicans have pummeled the White House over the loan guarantee for weeks, using Solyndra’s bankruptcy to challenge the administration’s green energy agenda.The committee’s investigative panel voted 14-9, along party lines to subpoena the internal communications a day after the White House offered to provide documents if Republicans narrowed their request. Every Republican on the panel voted in favor of the subpoena and every Democrat voted against it.
Read the complete story here.

“Bill Moyers said ,

Democracy doesn’t begin at the top; it begins at the bottom, when flesh-and-blood human beings fight to rekindle the patriot’s dream.”

Editorial : Does it need to be investigated ? Who Know`s ? Politics as usual...You Bet`Cha ! How much time and money will be invested in this fiasco ?

SENATOR$ & CONGRE$$MEN...Not in Boat With U$ !

Senators & Congressmen/Women...Taken Care of by Who ? Themselves !
Contact Your Tennessee Elected Officials here:

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

Find Your U.S. Senator here:

http://www.senate.gov/

Find Your Congressperson here:

http://www.contactingthecongress.org/

Contact the White House Here :

http://www.whitehouse.gov/

Lest we forget the tax-payer ? Hey that`s US !

According to the Federal Register, currently seated Members of >> Congress (both Senators and Representatives ) each earn a salary of $174,000.

The Majority Leader of each party and the Senate President pro- tem each receive $193,400.

The Speaker of the House gets $223,500, almost as much as the Vice President, who receives $230,700.

The President gets $400,000

In addition to salary, Members can choose from a large variety of health plans from Fee For Service to HMOs, for which they pay a low percentage of the premium, with the government picking up the balance. (Government, That`s You and I )

Members (Congressman) also receive Personal Staff Allowance$ which are used to set up their Washington and home district offices.

Senators' allowances vary according to the size of their home state; Representatives all receive the same allowance. There are guidelines for the number of aides per office.

The Member's Expense$ Allowance is used for domestic travel to and from the home district, stationery, newsletters, overseas postage, telephone and telegraph service, and other expenses in Washington or the Member's home district.

The Franking Privilege allows Members to mail official letters and packages without charges for the postage.

There are two retirement programs effective for Members of Congress: the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) for members elected before 1984, and the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS). FERS was enacted in 1986, and went into effect in 1987, for those hired after December 31, 1983.

All federal employees hired from 1984 onward have been required to participate in Social Security.

Members of Congress who were elected before 1984 may be covered by one of four different retirement plans: Dual Coverage—coverage by both CSRS and Social Security CSRS Offset—coverage by CSRS reduced by the amount of Social Security contributions and benefits FERS—comprising a FERS basic annuity determined by length of service and the average of the three highest consecutive years of basic pay, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), into which a Member contributes a set amount which is matched at 5% by the employing agency. (Members were given the option to switch from CSRS when FERS went into operation. (Some chose to remain with the original program.) Social Security only—if the Member declines other coverage. Members become "vested," which means they are entitled to retirement benefits, after five years of service. Age and length of service requirements are determined by the program the Member belongs to at the time of retirement. Under CSRS, for example, there are four options. Retirement with an immediate full pension—availab le to Members age 60 with 10 years of service in Congress, or to Members age 62 with five years of civilian federal service, including in Congress. Retirement with an immediate reduced pension—available to Members age 55 to 59 with at least 30 years of service; or after 20 years and leaves for reasons other than resignation or expulsion (this includes not being re-elected, or choosing not to run for re-election); or after reaching age 50 with 20 years of service; or after serving in nine Congresses.
The pension is reduced by a tiny percentage for each month that the retiring Member is under 60 years of age. Retirement with a deferred full pension—availab le to Members who leave Congress before the minimum retirement age and defers retirement benefits until reaching the age at which full benefits are paid. Full pension can be taken at age 62 if the Member had five through nine years of federal service, of at age 60 if the Member had at least 10 years of service.

All contributions must remain with the plan to be eligible for a deferred pension. Retirement with a deferred reduced pension—available to a Member at age 50 if he or she retired before that age and had at least 20 years of federal service with at least 10 years as a Member of Congress.The FERS basic annuity was designed to supplement Social Security benefits. Under FERS there are also four basic plans comparable to those available through CSRS, although there is a FERS supplement payable to those Members who retire at the minimum age (55 to 57, depending on year of birth). This supplement ends when the Member reaches age 62, regardless of whether the Member applies for Social Security benefits at that time, The Thrift Savings Plan is similar to a 401(k) plan available through many private employers.

Editorial : What is Congress going to give up ? Looks like we take pretty good care of our Elected Servants...They just want to serve ! "Gimme a Break" ! I`ll settle for their take. "GIMME A BREAK"! One thing for sure, our elected Representatives do not need UNION representation. They set their wages and benefits themselves ! "Gimme a Break"!

November is Pulmonary Hypertension Month

PULMONARY HYPERTENSION, or PH, is High Blood Pressure in the Arteries of the Lungs that can lead to Heart Failure.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with or is being evaluated for pulmonary hypertension, there is a lot you will want to know about the disease. Explore this section to learn about the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension, the various diagnostic tests and treatment options, the different types of PH and much more.

What are the Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension?
PH patients experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness and fatigue, and the severity of symptoms usually correlates with the progression of the disease.

Who Gets Pulmonary Hypertension?
PH affects people of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds. Although anyone can get PH, there are risk factors that make some people more susceptible.

How Is Pulmonary Hypertension Diagnosed?
There are a number of different tests used to diagnose PH. Learn about the different diagnostic tests that your doctor may perform.

What are the Treatment Options for Pulmonary Hypertension?
While there is currently no cure for PH, different treatment options are available to help you manage your disease and feel better day to day.

What Kind of Doctors Treat Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension patients are encouraged to seek treatment from a PH specialist. Find a PH-treating physician in your area.

What are the Different Types of Pulmonary Hypertension?
There are several different types of pulmonary hypertension, and treatment may vary depending on the type of PH you have.

Editorial : This writer has been diagnosed with PH ! Shortness of Breath, Not much fun. I am being treated at Vanderbilt Pulmonary in Nashville. PH is a relatively new diesease. It is not contagious. At one time every lung disorder was called COPD ! No longer the case. Be aware of your lungs, and get the correct diagnoses. Dr.`s Anna Hemnes and Ivan Robbins are the PH Dr.`s at Vandy...They are terrific. However, they are fighting lions with a switch.

It`s Social Security & Medicare...Not Broken...Hands off

Take From The Poor & Give to the Rich !

http://action.ourfuture.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=156

The Democrats on the so-called Super Committee took a disturbing step this week, when they made a major concession to Republicans – proposing $200 billion in cuts to Medicare.

And the Wall Street Journal reports that Democrats are also supporting changing the cost-of-living formula — cutting current and future Social Security benefits.

With private pensions of the 99% being ransacked by the 1%, the last thing we need to do now is weaken our pillars of retirement security. Sign the petition to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Democratic Leader Pelosi: Don't let the Super Committee cut Social Security and Medicare.

http://action.ourfuture.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=156

We can stop the Super Committee.

Democrats on the committee are working in close consultation with their Senate and House leaders. If we let them know that the 99% believe Social Security and Medicare cuts are both cruel policy and suicidal politics, we can push them back from the brink.

We have repeatedly used our people power to stop Washington from slashing our retirement security. And we can do it again.

Sign the petition http://action.ourfuture.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=156 to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi: Don't let the Super Committee cut Social Security and Medicare. The only way a dirty deal to decimate Social Security and Medicare will happen is in the back room. It's up to us to force this issue into the sunshine. We know that if the public actually has the final word on how to cut our long-term deficit, the 1% would be comfortably paying their fair share instead of the 99% getting another kick in the teeth. We would be raising taxes on millionaires and taxing reckless Wall Street speculation, as well as getting rid of wasteful military spending that only fattens the wallets of private contractors. We don't need to gut Social Security and Medicare. And we need to tell Washington that we know we don't.

Sign the petition to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi: Don't let the Super Committee cut Social Security and Medicare.

http://action.ourfuture.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=156

Social Security and Medicare are still with us because we've kept on fighting for them. Don't stop now.

Thanks for All That You do ,

Underdog = Don Jones

Speas mea in Deo est.

A Fight for America`s Wealth ! A Fight Against Greed !

Today`s News ~ Depressing !

By Don Jones = Underdog...10/27/11

I`m a news junkie. Today`s news is so sad/depressing. There is a war going on in our beloved America, for our money and minds. The Republican party wants all of the money to go to, our already wealthy and very rich. The Democrats want everything to be paid for by tax increases. Let me clear something up for everyone. The middle class has been paying most of the country`s debts for years. When "Dubya" Bush cut the tax for the ultra rich, someone had to take up the slack ! What we did was, start to borrow. Now we owe amounts I can`t even begin to write. Republicans say, the Ultra Rich need the tax breaks to invest in jobs ? If that is/was the case, why are we not just covered up in jobs now ? Democrats on the other hand keep spending the tax break money, that we no longer have. Whats up with that ? Republicans want to cut Social Security and Medicare. WHY ? Oh, I forgot, they have Republicans and Democrats alike, borrowed from our Social Security Trust fund. Excuse me, but Whats that all about ? If they borrow from US, the Social Security fund, does that translate to me borrowing from myself ? Do huge amounts of money corrupt ? Is it kinda like borrowing money from a 401-K and not paying it back ? Have we all gone NUTS ? No. Just very GREEDY ! Are politicians, almost all of them taking caring of me ? Or, perhaps it is the politician, they are taking care of. We have, Occupy Wall-Street and now all over the country, protests to stop the GREED ! Last night on the news, Some of our cities`s looked like third world countries`s. Police beating up our fellow citizens for a peaceful protest. Beware when our good guys/gals go bad. If we keep on this path, I truly believe a true revolution could and will occur. I truly believe in our Country and our Constitution and Bill of Rights ! Not just for a few but for all of our Citizens. You may not agree with what I write or say, but, you must say, that I have the right to say/write it ! As I do you. No jobs = Less Tax`s. No Healthcare = The Poor ! More Wars = the Poor ! No Unions= The Poor ! No Middle Class = No America ! I could go on, but, I think you get the picture ? ! I do not pretend to have all of the answers, although I do have some. One last comment, Have you noticed the caliber of Men and Women our Presidential race is attracting ? Not too GOOD ! You Bet`Cha ! Our race to the bottom is almost complete.

Deus Meumque Jus