By Judy Seifert
(Contact / Staff Bio)
September 26, 2009 - 11:28 a.m. EST
I’ve been biting my tongue a lot lately. Especially around family.
We’re completely polarized when it comes to politics. We think differently about the President, health care reform, global warming, everything and anything you can imagine – we all disagree.
That is, they disagree with me - the one, lonely, and what I like to call “enlightened” family member voice.
I’m really tired of my brother-in-law calling me a socialist because I believe the minority should be protected from a bullying majority.
He asked me recently how I felt about the proposed health care reforms. I told him. He began to pout, his face got all pinched and red. Before he left in a huff that day I said to him, “why is it that the only people who seemed to be opposed to health care reform are those who have the best health insurance plans that someone else’s money can buy?”
As a retired teacher, he also wanted to know how I felt about the President speaking to students.
I really couldn’t believe he asked me that.
I told him that I felt the same way I did when all sitting Presidents speak to the nation – I listened. Something he chose not to do. Since his thinking is child-like I wasn’t surprised to hear that, either.
He’s also been attending Tea Parties.
I find it interesting that he’s just now complaining about how the government is spending tax dollars. I never heard him complain when the war started. I never heard a peep out of him over the profits earned by Dick Cheney and Halliburton. Private military company Blackwater? Oh, it’s okay to spend billions to ensure we win a war.
To me, his anger is over the benefitting of others. Nameless, faceless others.
Call me an idiot, but I believe we need to care about others.
We need to care about this lovely little planet we inhabit as well.
As you would expect, brother-in-law denies global warming. Fine, whatever.
He’ll happily talk for hours about the weirdness of our weather then wave dismissively when discussion turns to the melting of polar ice caps.
He loves taking his grandchildren to the Detroit Zoo to see the polar bears – but if Aunt Judy says anything about the disappearance of the bears – well, it’s dirty looks the rest of the day.
My sister and I had a conversation the other day – she commented on how she and her husband have been losing friends lately.
I looked at her, tipping my head sideways. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
I thought, “if they don’t get it or see it, it’s not up to me to say anything.” But, of course, I had to. She’s my sister, right?
“You can’t walk around with your heads up your (blank) spewing out ignorance, hatred and ugliness without it coming back to haunt you. That’s what you two do. You’re driving people away from you and I’m sad for you, but wake up!!”
My sister hasn’t returned my phone calls the last few days. I hope she gets over it.
I don’t expect my family or people to agree with me. I don’t want them to. I respect others’ opinions. They’re entitled to them.
The only thing I ask is that their opinion be an informed one. That’s what my sister and brother-in-law lack. They don’t want to listen. They don’t want to read.
And that’s a problem I’ve seen in a lot of people lately. And that really does make me sad.
That’s it for me this week.
Bye.
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September 29, 2009
12:08 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Judy,
It's an interesting article and we will always have a few "differences" even within the family. I've been posted overseas for a little over two years at this point and have found that I have way too much time to read and research on my hands. I do try to review differing points of view and evaluate the facts (verifiable) from all directions of a topic.
From your description of your Brother-in-Law I would initially agree that he needs to present facts to support his views to counter your feelings.
That is what I try to do when I encounter self-proclaimed "enlightened" individuals. Most don't listen because their feelings have been so deeply ingrained but once in a while logic and facts can help make an enlightened individual evolve into a thinking, fact evaluating individual.
In this case I have to come down on the topics as diametrically opposed to your opinions, but it's not from a lack of listening, reading or researching.
Also, just for the record, I've been complaining about the reckless spending for decades but not necessarily about the cost of fighting terrorism.
Keep up the good work.
September 29, 2009
1 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Judy,
Your not alone. Contrary to popular opinion the Democrats won. It's up to them now. I'm a skeptic when it comes to politics as a whole but still hold out hope.
September 29, 2009
3:23 a.m.Report inappropriate content
If only everyone really paid attention - then we could all have intelligent conversations about politics. I don't think most that use the word "socialism" truly know what it means. If they did, they'd know the U.S. is heading for nothing like that.
September 29, 2009
12:23 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Wake up and smell the coffee people. We are all complaining about the economy. But this president is going to take us to war in our own country. We will all be force to be HIS religion not ours of choice! Have you checked into our bases we use to have to protect us? Well there gone. (from Clinton) and never been restored!
September 29, 2009
4:06 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Good post sorry, you covered the economy, war, and religion without making any points what so ever. Who knows what the reference to the bases is about. The only sentence that makes any sense was the "Wake up and smell the coffee" Nothing smells better the first thing in the morning, than coffee brewing. Thanks for taking the time to explain why you chose the appropriate handle "sorry"
September 30, 2009
5:11 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I supposse Sorry is one of those that's going to try and say President Obama is Muslim.
September 30, 2009
1:30 p.m.Report inappropriate content
YEA Brotherinlaw!! Bullied by the majority? I thought the libs were in the majority? Quit crying. Tell Obama to fix all your problems. What's stopping him? He has all the votes. You don't need any of the Republicans to pass anything so ask him why he can't.. The reason is because he knows the American people don't want his policies and the Dems want to be able to point some fingers at the Republicans when his social policies fail.. That's why he says we need to pass health reform NOW yet not implement it till 2013. (after the Pres. election.. I'm sooo depressed.. All those poor people who will die from no health care between now and 2013 so Obama can get reelected...
September 30, 2009
3:32 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Your absolutely right the majority of American's do not want Obama's policies that why he was defeated in the last election.
October 2, 2009
9:31 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Well thae last I heard over 80% of Americans don't like his policies. As far as him getting elected he only ran on change change change and yes we can. No actual plan. You suckers voted for him cause he said you would get a tax cut and all he has proposed since are increases.
He said we needed the stimulus passed overnight or the country would collapse, yet thus far only 6% of the money he borrowed from the communists has been put out there! Why? If the economy needs capitol infused in it why only put out 6% and let all you poor democrats lose your jobs and homes? The rest is not scheduled to be spent till 2010. Why? Because that is the election year for the House and Senate. You people are blind as a bat. Same with healthcare. If we need it so bad why is he waiting till after 2013 to implement it? Cause he wants to get reelected first. After all those old people get their Medicare cut to pay for the public option they will no longer be voting for him.
Like I said. you see the part you want to see. Ignorance is bliss.
October 2, 2009
12:31 p.m.Report inappropriate content
This article doesn't surprise me one bit. If a Republican speaks their mind, they are ignorant and uninformed, but because Judy is a democrat she can sprew her beliefs anywhere she wants. Putting your family affairs in a column is ignorant. So sorry for your family!
October 2, 2009
8:37 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Once again another column that rambles on without any real thought, information, belittling people, and acting superior.
The columns go on and on. I keep trying to read them hoping that after a while there would be something worth reading outside of the warning bye for this week.
Can't anyone else at the paper write a column.. give your readers a break
October 3, 2009
9:08 a.m.Report inappropriate content
The paper is a joke anyway. For the price of a paper you get about half a section of a regular newspaper. I'm sure the Advert. won't be around much longer. They'd probably sell more copies just printing all this back and forth opinions we are writing here.
October 3, 2009
11:40 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Well, I put this JUDY in the same category as Riccardi, they bash repub's with the use of the local newspaper. Someone is not taking care of business with this paper. Don't forget this paper has an owner. Maybe these articles should be forwarded to them. Then maybe we can get a neutral opinion in what I would like to call our paper.
October 3, 2009
12:22 p.m.Report inappropriate content
YEAH!!! HOORAY!!! We didn't get the Olympics, John Boehnner and the rest are geniuses for making it clear the president was being stupid even trying. Take the Olympics elsewhere the United States of America doesn't need it. I'm 100% with the Republicans on this one.
October 3, 2009
7:05 p.m.Report inappropriate content
its just a fact of life in the U.S., you have your choice between the corporate whores (Republicans) or social sympathizers (Democrats). Guns and War conservatives & Jesus belongs to us evangelicals side with the whores, while people of color, the poor, the educated & yes, socialist side with the Liberal viewpoint. I don't see anything changing those two camps except the radial fringe groups seem to be driving quite a few of the moderate conservatives to the Democratic camp. Keep it up!
October 4, 2009
1:34 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Siever,
So you think all Republicans are Corporate Whores? All conservatives are for war? Only the liberals are educated?
You must be kidding if you think the moderate conservatives are being driven to the Democrats.. By what do you base this conversion of conservatives to libs on? According to everything I have heard or read the Dems are losing the Independents and the Moderates are becoming even more conservative. You just keep thinking that. Keep watching MSNBC and stay as uninformed as you are now untill after next November when the American people speak out at the polls. I see a BIG changeover coming and none too soon.
October 4, 2009
8:59 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Wow Patrickd, you must have gotten all FOXed up before replying to me. Nothing like a shot of hate and lies to get your literary juices flowing, eh?
Obviously, Tuscola County is economically booming because of your insight and knowledge, a guiding light in the golden thumb. I see your point. Your anti-Obama party is simply based on the policy of being against anything that is supported by President Obama. As usual, you state no ideas, only opposition. Teenager politics of only pointing out what you don't like, what you disagree with, and taking responsibility for absolutely nothing. Nothing racist about that, just childish.I'm sure this, combined with your anti-American celebration of our Olympic loss, the traitors visiting Honduras, and on and on each day, will most assuredly garner many voters come Nov. 2010.
October 4, 2009
11:09 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Judy u r SOOOOOO right and don't give up on your beliefs
I voted for democratic election and how that CHANGE me to
a non-political party. That was for the same reason..open
to an arguemental situations. My belief is that politics
is a DIVISION of the truth,if one party has an idea,the
"other" will disagree. I DON'T feel that our government
should be throwing WASTEFUL taxpayers money around in the
BI$$IONS just to please themselves or to whom don't deserve
the money.
October 6, 2009
9:26 p.m.Report inappropriate content
On the contrary, I have ideas. If Obama cut taxes across the board it just might stimulate small business' to expand and start hiring people, but no. He wants to raise their taxes to keep them stagnate. What's your plan???
October 7, 2009
3:16 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Good idea Patrickd, look what the Bush tax cut did to stimulate small businesses. I should have invested My $600 on Wallstreet. Let's give the fat cats a few tax breaks and ignore the fact that people are losing their jobs and their homes.
October 7, 2009
9:46 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Patrickd, Be careful what you're stimulating there son. Small Business is not some unknown entity that you dangle a treat in front of, inching out of their reach, and a wonderful corporate job creating machine is born. Doctors and Lawyers are small business examples that thrive without tax cuts and haven't cut a single job. No, small business creation has been undercut by healthcare cost, endless licensing fees and corporate supplier squeezes created by endless number of shoppers at WalMart buying up those communist Chinese produced essentials.
My plan, like President Obama's is to overhaul the sickcare system into healthcare, to re-establish regulations on the ever greedy financial markets, to remove lobbyist ability remain anonymous, and to continue to rebuild our worldwide reputation (which leads to expanding markets). Conservative haters just haven't figured out they are neither attractive to the business world or voter.
October 7, 2009
11:42 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I too would like to see a health care policy cost less. Mine is pretty expensive. So please tell me exactly how you and Obama plan on doing that? Obama says he will come up with over a trillion $ by cutting waste in the Medicaid and Medicare systems. HA! If he could do that why has not he already done that? At least start to cut it out since he acknowledges it exists. But no. I have not heard of him cutting out $1.00 of fraud and waste from either program. He himself is a fraud. As far as I can tell they want to tax everyone with a job more to pay for a public plan. Is that so? People with jobs are fast dwindling. Especially here in Mi. How much are you willing to pay? Tell me how much you think your taxes should be to pay for my needs.. I'm a needy person. Just as I thought. You do not want to give me your money, right?
Historicaly, cutting taxes puts more money directly into the economic system, bypassing the middleman (FED& STATE GOVT'S) The government does not have a good track record of wise spending. Any time you get the govt involved the cost rises. Cutting taxes on small business (Which provide over 70% of ALL jobs in the country) Allows the business to expand, hire additional workers (= new taxpayers) also puts more money directly into the local economies of the state.
Cutting taxes has proven to increase revenues to both local, state and federal governments. This is a fact. Why do you liberals think that you would come out ahead giving your money to the government only to get a small percentage back into the community after they take their cut off the top?
As far as you not having a choice in Wal Mart, being forced to purchase Chinese made goods. Well, ask yourself who gave the Chinese "Most Favored Trade Status"? Yes, it was a Democrat named William Jefferson Clinton...
Like I stated before. You Democrats control EVERYTHING in Washington. If you do not like the status quo, change it! Where's the hope and change? Obama has been a community organizer what ever the hell that is in Chicago for the past 20 yrs. Chicago sucks. Have you ever been there? I have and it sucks... The Democrats have ruled for the last 50 years or so there and it's a cesspool. You can't blame Bush for that.
By the way. I AM NOT A REPUBLICAN! I think for myself and do not get my marching orders from Fox News.. I lean closer towards the Libertarian side.
Country first. My wants and needs second..
October 7, 2009
12:57 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Patrickd, I could care less if you are a republican or a unicorn, wrong is wrong. Tax cuts have proven to do nothing but to create deficit spending which started with Reagan, took a break in Clinton's 2nd term and resumed full strength when the repubs regained control. These "tax cuts" gave nothing to small business compared to the corporate whore mongers. Contribution to Repubs went through the roof! I don't shop at WalMart, I don't buy communist products period, whenever possible I buy local owned, locally produced and if that is not available, I buy used or second hand. I support Liberalism, as did our founding fathers. The natural rights of the individual, separation of powers, and a very progressive agenda.
mutantur omnia nos et mutamur in illis
All things change, and we change with them
October 7, 2009
2:58 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Our founding fathers supported Liberalism??? Could you name me just one founder that supported liberalism by todays standards?? I think not..The founders were more Libertarian than anything else. They were more concerned with limiting the govt. than premoting it! All you need to do is look no farther than the "Bill of Rights".. That document was published for the sole purpose of LIMITING the power of the Federal Government. I say you have a warped interpretation of the word "liberalism" as it pertains to modern day government. In it's modern form the term "liberal" means the promotion of "Liberal Government" ie. BIG Govt.
Also, tell me what corporate tax cuts have to do with tax cuts for the small business here in Caro or other small towns. 99 9/10th of all business here in Caro are small business. By your standards we should tax them harder so they can't hire another employee, so they are forced to pass on their new tax burden to the consumer so he can't afford that new roof on his house, so you can put more people on Obama'ss welfare plan. Your nitwitted governor is taxing small business to death and killing the golden goose.
You give a man a fish and he will eat supper. Give him a job and he can buy groceries for a week AND a health care policy..
Your plan is totally flawed and based upon emotion and not logic.
October 7, 2009
4:15 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Patrickd,
Who made you the new authority on liberalism. You are not allowed to create your own definitions unless you want to live in a cage by yourself. The founding documents, i.e. Declaration of Independence & the U.S. Constitution were both written (sometimes word-for-word) from the founders of Liberalism's writings/books. Your "modern" understanding is just tracing the rants of conservative, wingnut, traitors to our national purpose...life, liberty & the acquisition of property (which Jefferson changed to Happiness). I have not supported any increase of taxes on small business. You can't just make things up constantly and then tell others its a fact. Get a clue!
There is no law that says health insurance must be provided by an employer, 99 9/10 of business in Caro are not required to provide insurance, and soon they will not because the conservatives will have blocked reform and the system will fail by 2012,
October 7, 2009
6:40 p.m.Report inappropriate content
OK If you think that all employers should provide ins. then would you, if you worked for a small business be willing to be one of the employees laid off so it could then use the money it paid you to provide health care for the rest of the employees? Your utopian vision will bankrupt the small business and then you'll see them just say the hell with it and go out of business and then where will those poor people get the money to buy food and pay the rent?
I'd be glad to debate you on one or two points. Let me know which point you'd like to debate Facts on.
October 7, 2009
7:54 p.m.Report inappropriate content
What is there to debate? Whatever you make up in your mind? I never said all small business should provide health insurance, that's your thing Mr. Libertarian. Try to concentrate on something other than your own thoughts, then you will be capable of having a discussion or debate.
October 8, 2009
11:22 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Whatever, I guess you have nothing substantial to support your argument.
Like I said. The Democrats totally control all parts of the legislative and executive branches of government. So why is there any problem? The messiah should be able to snap his fingers and wipe away all the problems you liberals have. What's the hold up? Get on the phone and tell him you are still hoping for his change..
You still have not told me why only 6% of his stimulus has been spent. He said it was an emergency and he needed Congress to approve it asap, yet the money is in limbo till next year. WHY?
Same for his health care plan. Why does he say it wouldn't be implemented till 2013, yet it must be passed imediatly?
Just please answer those two questions. To make it easy for you I will only concentrate on two subjects. Everyone watching this thread anxiously awaits your wisdom.
October 8, 2009
7:45 p.m.Report inappropriate content
1st - I could care less what people on this thread think of me. I participate to learn and educate, I leave it to you youngsters to inflate your egos. As usual, you've lied again. The facts are:
“Everyone always expects fiscal stimulus to immediately help out, but it never does,” said Allen Sinai, chief economist at New York’s Decision Economics Inc. “The bulk of the effects will come in 2010.”
So far, about $60 billion in spending and $43 billion in tax relief has hit the streets, accounting for 13 percent of the plan’s total. An additional $175 billion has been committed to specific uses. Every state met the administration’s June 29 target for obligating at least half its highway money, said Elizabeth Oxhorn, a spokeswoman for Vice President Joe Biden. A report last week by the Government Accountability Office, Congress’s investigative arm, said the government is ahead of schedule in distributing stimulus money to the states. By design, much stimulus spending won’t happen for six to nine months, with many road and bridge projects expected to begin late this year or next. The Congressional Budget Office said 70 percent of the money will be spent by September 2010. “The stimulus was backloaded, so there are a number of features that won’t kick in until next year,” said Richard Berner, co-head of global economics at Morgan Stanley in New York.
October 8, 2009
7:46 p.m.Report inappropriate content
When it comes to healthcare reform, you must try to understand, patrickd, that there is no legislation at this time, so we're guessing at best with the 2013 time frame. While obviously your baiting for a political answer, I'll pass on that kind of foolery. Since you asked why Obama is waiting to 2013 I'll give you his supporters answer:
The policy reason for delaying before opening up a Health Exchange where the uninsured and small businesses alike could purchase standardized, transparent and comprehensive plans – and where all businesses would be able to purchase plans by 2015 – reflects the state of our workforce, and the experience of Massachusetts. Giving everyone coverage does not guarantee there are adequate physicians, health care providers and facilities. In fact, we know there’s not -- shortages, particularly in primary care, are noticeable even today. Massachusetts, for all of its physician density, had rather lengthy wait times for a doctor’s appointment even before it pushed its reform. But once hundreds of thousands of people suddenly had coverage and began calling around, it could no longer be ignored. The same is true of the U.S. as a whole – particularly if the legislation pushes primary care and prevention as much as the House bill, we’re going to hit a real snag waiting for enough primary care providers to tend to the 37 million+ who suddenly have coverage. Looking at the accomplishments scheduled for 2010-2012, they focus disproportionately on provider development: eliminating the SGR fix in Medicare; increasing primary care reimbursement for Medicare and Medicaid; more funding for the National Health Service Corps for primary care; and jump-starting the programs designed to increase our supply of doctors and nurses are all Year One (2010) priorities. Community health centers get their investment right away, since they’re going to be important in the delivery of care in rural and out-of-hospital settings. Administrative simplification by regulation and Health IT start up right away. Programs to ramp up preventative care start right away. In fact, the delivery system reforms are the only piece of the puzzle that would all get accomplished in year one! Given the years that it takes to develop primary care doctors and even nurse practitioners, that still won’t be enough time. But any head start is a necessary one to prevent a dysfunctional disconnect between supply and demand.
October 9, 2009
10:54 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Now tell me where all the money will come from to fund it.
October 9, 2009
11:14 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Now tell me where all the money will come from if we DON'T reform healthcare.
October 9, 2009
12:41 p.m.Report inappropriate content
You probably believe in Global Warming too. Right?
October 9, 2009
1:06 p.m.Report inappropriate content
What does it mean to reform health care?? How about you just concentrate on the jobs situation... People need jobs more than they need free health care. What good is healthcare reform if no one is paying taxes? With 3 out of 10 people in Mi out of work I think you're going to have a hard time getting enough tax revenue to fund it either way.
October 9, 2009
4:15 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Now your talkin'!! Jobs, jobs, jobs!!
1st - I'm sure you aware that the right-to-work states have far outpaced Michigan in job creation. I've lived and worked in these states and I'm not 100% sold on the advantages for hourly workers, but they have taken many jobs that could/would have been in Michigan. The problem needs to be addressed immediately.
2nd - For the thumb in particular, we should be playing up our multi-skilled workforce. International companies have targeted agricultural communities for labor intensive industrial jobs for years because of the hands-on skills of farmers. Our economic development facilitators have never properly marketed this valuable resource. At the present time, there is not a single high-carbon steelrod producer in North America, 100% is imported from China, Japan & Europe (with the Asian producers exported 10 fold Europe's exports). Last month, the Obama administration finally added tariff's to China's attempt to flood the U.S. tire market (the largest consumer of high-carbon steelrod), thus creating an even greater market to resume production in North America. A site like the recently closed plant in Vassar (Grede)with railroad & shipping transportation nearby could easily meet the needs (if expanded a few acres) to attract such an industry. The average steelrod facility employees approx. 1500 people and the steelcord plant that would likely accompany such an industry would employ more than 500 people. Worldwide these production facilities are placed in agricultural communities as I have previously stated and just recently have been actively seeking new locations in North America.
This is but one example of job creation and economic development working together to boost the needs of the Thumb's residents. There must be research, foresight instead of whining, and a willingness to sale what our area really has to offer.
October 9, 2009
7:51 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Patrickd (Anonymous) says...
You probably believe in Global Warming too. Right?
For the thinking man, its all a matter of risk, the degree of risk. If we make the necessary changes to decrease the risk of Global warning what is the worst thing that happens? a cleaner earth and atmosphere and some more dollars printed, if the majority of all research scientist are correct and we do nothing as you suggest? catastrophe, international isolation and death. Kind of a no brainer for the average man.
October 10, 2009
5:31 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I must admit that I am confused . Obama's science czar claims that we are all going to die in a new ice age. So which is it? Are we going to burn or freeze?
http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2009...
October 10, 2009
7:19 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Patrickd (Anonymous) says...
I must admit that I am confused .
enough said.
October 11, 2009
8:56 a.m.Report inappropriate content
That's all you have to say? In one post you tell me that Obama and Gore tell you you are going to burn up. Then when confronted with an article fron a left wing newspaper which given your political leanings you should take as gospel stating just the oposite. Written by Obama's science czar himself you have no inteligent comment.