#327 Stealth Care is Mass Backwards (Healthcare)

Jay — I’ve been listening for about three months and am fully hooked. You asked for feedback and here goes. We live in Peoria, AZ, in the heart of McCain country. To give context to that phrase, consider that the senator — of whom I am no fan — is being challenged on the right for being too liberal. In other words, in AZ the inmates are running the asylum and many locals — at least the louder ones in politics — think they’re not crazy enough. It would be entertaining if it weren’t so scary.

Former congressman JD Hayworth, once former TV sportscaster and recently a right wing radio talker, is planning to challenge McCain. Hayworth was ousted from his radio perch for openly campaigning while on the air, a violation of the few equal time provisions that remain in the FCC’s tool kit. But he won’t be alone — the local Minuteman leader will also be joining the fray, as McCain has apparently been too soft on immigration — read that, “he doesn’t hate the Latinos enough”.

It would be nice if you could do some sort of program about the insidious GOP members, guys like AZ congressman Trent Franks, who stay silent at all costs while amassing easy election wins. Franks is my representative, I’m sorry to say, and he barely uses his franking privileges, is rarely mentioned in the local press and, of course, supports freedom and the flag. I’m for those things, too — who isn’t? — but since such support means nothing, I prefer to find better indicators of a congressman’s positions. Franks leaves little evidence that he exists. I believe that Tom Delay back-doored his way to GOP leadership the same way, working behind the scenes until he had the power to do damage. It would be nice to shine light on Franks before he makes his move.

This is unlike a guy like Jeff Flake, who openly supports to reduction, if not elimination, of pork. Even if you don’t like Flake — and these days, I’m hesitant to offer support for anyone in any party — he is out there, saying where he stands. Like Russ Feingold, who seems transparent, Flake doesn’t hide behind protective platitudes.

I’d appreciate knowing that you had the chance to read these comments. Look for my support for the podcast, too — I thought we did this a few months ago (I was hoping to hear my name on the air), but I’m guessing that I did something wrong since no money has come out of my account.

Keep up the good work — it is a great collection of stuff all the time. And please let me know if you’re ever in the Phoenix area — I’d be glad to buy the first round. It isn’t Copenhagen, but it can be alright.

Regards,
Barry