Medicare Gives CPR to ‘Death Panels’

____________________________________________________________________________

 Obama Returns to End-of-Life Plan That Caused Stir

By ROBERT PEAR 

WASHINGTON — When a proposal to encourage end-of-life planning touched off a political storm over “death panels,” Democrats dropped it from legislation to overhaul the health care system. But the Obama administration will achieve the same goal by regulation, starting Jan. 1. 

Under the new policy, outlined in a Medicare regulation, the government will pay doctors who advise patients on options for end-of-life care, which may include advance directives to forgo aggressive life-sustaining treatment.

Congressional supporters of the new policy, though pleased, have kept quiet. They fear provoking another furor like the one in 2009 when Republicans seized on the idea of end-of-life counseling to argue that the Democrats’ bill would allow the government to cut off care for the critically ill.
The final version of the health care legislation, signed into law by President Obama in March, authorized Medicare coverage of yearly physical examinations, or wellness visits. The new rule says Medicare will cover “voluntary advance care planning,” to discuss end-of-life treatment, as part of the annual visit.
Under the rule, doctors can provide information to patients on how to prepare an “advance directive,” stating how aggressively they wish to be treated if they are so sick that they cannot make health care decisions for themselves.
While the new law does not mention advance care planning, the Obama administration has been able to achieve its policy goal through the regulation-writing process, a strategy that could become more prevalent in the next two years as the president deals with a strengthened Republican opposition in Congress.
READ MORE

 

 Medicare Gives CPR to ‘Death Panels’

Jason Douglass
Infowars.com
December 27, 2010

Reviving an extremely unpopular bit of legislation, Medicare is moving forward with what they deem ‘end-of-life planning’ even though it was struck from the final version of the ObamaCare bill that was pushed through congress earlier this year. Serious doubts arose after the public caught wind of the ‘death panels’ and raised suspicions about the real reasoning behind such an agenda.
The new provision calls for Medicare to pay for voluntary counseling to help beneficiaries make some of the complex decisions that arise when their loved one approaches death.


The unpopular portion of the bill has been re-branded and made to sound like a benefit instead of the invasive and immoral bureaucratic loophole, that it is, meant to cut corners by cutting service to patients. Despite the resounding cries against such ‘death panels’, the concept is still being reworked and shoved down our throats.
In an attempt to give the bill some resistance, many states have filed suit against the Federal government over what they feel is an unconstitutional Bill.
The wording of the new counseling strategy is nebulous but it would seem that doctors are paid to advise on patients on ‘end-of-life’ care.
“This regulation could be modified or reversed” warned Earl Blumenauer author of the original end-of-life proposal and major supporter of such legislation, “We are not out of the woods yet”.

‘End-of-life planning’ goes into effect January 1.


_____________________________________________________________________________

Reciprocal links:
http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)

WEB VIDEO: Top 10 Un-Sportsman Like Tosses in Sports History

_____________________________________________________________________________


_____________________________________________________________________________

Reciprocal links:
http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)

Northeast Winter Storm Could Strand Air Passengers for Days

___________________________________________________________________________

An East Coast blizzard that has forced nearly 7,000 flight cancelations will leave many travelers stranded through the end of the week.
Runways were expected to reopen Monday evening at several major airports in the Northeast. But canceled flights into and out of Philadelphia, New York and Boston left hundreds of thousands of people scrambling for a way home. The storm and its aftermath could end up costing the airlines $100 million, one analyst predicted.
The challenge for the airlines goes beyond weather. Flights are usually full this time of year, making it difficult to rebook travelers affected by a cancellation. Seats are even more scarce than in past years because the airline industry has reduced the number of flights and grounded planes to save money and drive up prices.
The paralyzing storm in the Northeast comes a week after several inches of snow shut down London's Heathrow Airport and left travelers sleeping on terminal floors. It took five days for Europe's busiest hub airport to resume normal operations.
By afternoon, major U.S. airlines had announced more than 3,100 canceled flights for Monday. Continental, whose hub in Newark, N.J., was shut down by the storm, scrubbed 800 flights and Delta dropped 700.
That came on top of at least 3,800 cancellations Sunday, according to figures the airlines provided to The Associated Press.
Once the snow is removed and the runways are open, the big job for the airlines will be helping crowds of stranded passengers find room on a limited number of flights. Many had decamped in the terminals because they couldn't find or get to hotel rooms.
In the best of times, it might take airlines two or three days to accommodate all those travelers on later flights. But this week could prove much more challenging. Planes were expected to be about 90 percent full during the week between Christmas and New Year's, leaving fewer available seats than usual.
Airlines generally assume no obligation to pay for hotels or meals if passengers are delayed by weather. However, most airlines will allow passengers to get a refund for canceled or severely delayed flights.
. Click Here for more info.
.

.
_________________________________________________________________________

Reciprocal links:
http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)

Better Business Bureau (BBB) Top Scams 2010

__________________________________________________________________________________


. Click Here for more info.

The BBB list of top scams and rip-offs is by no means exhaustive. Some schemes are old and familiar. Others are new – or appear to be so because they refer to events or people in the news. All are attempts to trick consumers into handing over their money or giving up information that can be used to commit fraud. They are in alphabetical order.

• Advance Fee Loans: Websites offer credit-challenged borrowers personal loans. The lenders require fees to be wired in advance to receive the loan. Once the money is wired, borrowers do not get the loan.
• Auto Service Contracts: Consumers may receive postcards or phone calls implying that their warranties are about to expire and offering to ease their worries about car repair bills by buying an “extended warranty.” Many consumers then find it extremely difficult to obtain money for any repairs.
• Door-to-Door Sales: Salespeople for magazine subscriptions, burglar alarms, home repairs, vacuum cleaners and other items use high-pressure sales tactics to obtain payment for items or services that never arrive or that fail to meet customers’ expectations. 
• “Free” Trial Offers: Consumers are encouraged to order a product such as teeth-whiteners, acai anti-aging pills or other products, which may be endorsed by a television personality. After they get the product, they discover that they’ve been signed up to receive additional products for a monthly fee that can be hundreds of dollars. It can be extremely difficult to get refunds or stop the fees.
• Friend/Family in Distress:  Also known as the grandparent scam. The victim receives a message from a “friend” or “family member” claiming they are outside the country and have gotten into trouble. The victim is asked to wire thousands of dollars to pay lawyer’s fees or to post bail. 
• Lottery and Fake Check Scams:  Victims receive letters in the mail from companies purporting to be from a foreign lottery, Publisher’s Clearing House or another well-known company or charity. Often, the letter includes an authentic-looking check. In most cases, victims are asked to wire hundreds of dollars back to the scammers - supposedly to cover taxes or other bogus fees.
• Job Hunter Scams:  One scam asks job seekers to pay fees to be considered for a job; others schedule an out-of-town interview and ask the applicant to send the money to cover an airline ticket. Other scams attempt to gain access to personal information such as bank account or Social Security numbers, under the guise of somehow evaluating a potential employee.
• Mystery Shopping:  Consumers may be told they will be paid to shop at a store and evaluate its customer service. Victims may receive authentic-looking checks that are supposed to cover the cost of shopping. They are asked to wire money back to the scammers to evaluate a money wiring service such as Western Union or MoneyGram. The checks are fake, and victims incur a loss and bank fees.
• Phishing E-mails:  Phishing e-mails from fraudsters masquerading as government agencies or delivery companies pop up in inboxes everywhere. Whatever the setup, the goal of any phishing e-mail is the same: to trick victims into divulging sensitive financial information or to infect the victim’s computer with viruses and malware.
• Work-At-Home Schemes:  Websites claim that people can make a living from home using Google or Twitter or by buying a kit that includes educational materials or products to sell. Many of these turn out to be free trial offer scams, with victims being billed every month for materials or other mystery charges. Legitimate employers do not ask employees to make an investment up front.

Consumers can learn how to protect themselves or check a business’s BBB Reliability Report by calling (314) 645-3300 or by going online to www.bbb.org._________________________________________________________________________________

Reciprocal links:
http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)

Not So Free Checking: New Fees found in "notice of change in terms and conditions"

___________________________________________________________________________________

Due to recent federal regulations, banks and credit unions may have a more difficult time collecting fees from consumers when they overdraw on their accounts. To make up for that lost revenue, they may resort to charging new fees on accounts that have traditionally been free. Consumers are reporting fees for account inactivity, balance transfers, ATM transactions, low balances and monthly account maintenance fees.

A recent survey by bankrate.com found that 65 percent of checking accounts are now free, compared with 76 percent a year ago. That reverses a trend: that number had been growing since 2003.
Consumer watch list:
--        Watch your account statements, either online or by mail, for fees.
--        Read your account holder agreement, which includes your terms and conditions and is provided when you open an account. To request another copy, contact your financial institution.
--        Watch for notices from your bank or credit union about new fees. These notices may come through the mail, e-mail or in your monthly statement.
--        If you get your account statement by mail, don't ignore stuffers in the envelope. A document called "notice of change in terms and conditions" could be included.
--        If you see unfamiliar fees on your account statement, contact your bank or credit union for an explanation.
Consumers who have questions or complaints against a bank can contact the Missouri Division of Finance at finance.mo.gov or 573-751-3242; for credit unions, contact the Missouri Division of Credit Unions or 573-751-3419. Both divisions regulate state-chartered institutions. If a complaint is against a nationally charted institution, consumers will be directed to the appropriate federal agency.
 . Click Here for more info.

______________________________________________________________________________

Reciprocal links:
http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)

Blizzard Paralyzes New York City, Boston, New Jeresy State Hit Hardest

_________________________________________________________________________________

 Snow in Bradley Beach, NJ

__________________________________________________________________________________

A powerful winter storm slammed the I-95 corridor from Philadelphia to Boston on Sunday. Through today, the blizzard will bring travel to a standstill along the coastline of northern New England as well.
The storm unleashed around a foot of snow and howling winds in cities and towns from PhiladelphiaNew York City to Boston as it advanced northward offshore Sunday and Sunday night.
So far New Jersey has been hit with the heaviest snow. As of the storm's conclusion, 31.0 inches of snow buried Jackson, and 31.8 inches of snow have fallen in Elizabeth. Unofficial snowfall measurements of 34 and 35 inches at Brick in the morning would be a New Jersey state record.
Despite the snow tapering off in areas south of Boston today, travel will still remain difficult to impossible. Strong winds gusting past 40 mph at times will lead to blowing and drifting snow, hindering cleanup efforts.
. Click Here for more info.

____________________________________________________________________________

Reciprocal links:
http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)

400,000 YEARS OLD ? Ancient human remains Homo sapiens found in Israel

_________________________________________________________________________________

Researchers: Ancient human remains found in Israel

By DANIEL ESTRIN, Associated Press  

JERUSALEM – Israeli archaeologists said Monday they may have found the earliest evidence yet for the existence of modern man, and if so, it could upset theories of the origin of humans.
A Tel Aviv University team excavating a cave in central Israel said teeth found in the cave are about 400,000 years old and resemble those of other remains of modern man, known scientifically as Homo sapiens, found in Israel. The earliest Homo sapiens remains found until now are half as old.
"It's very exciting to come to this conclusion," said archaeologist Avi Gopher, whose team examined the teeth with X-rays and CT scans and dated them according to the layers of earth where they were found.
He stressed that further research is needed to solidify the claim. If it does, he says, "this changes the whole picture of evolution."
. Click Here for more info.
.




______________________________________________________________________________

Reciprocal links:
http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)

Ross Henson of Hermann Missouri Wins NFL Punt Pass Kick Rams Team Championship for Boys 10-11

___________________________________________________________________________________

Congratulation to Ross Henson

Boys 10-11 

St. Louis Rams NFL Punt Pass & Kick Team Championship WINNER - Ross Henson , Hermann, MO 

 

Team Championship Results

Below is a list of all winners from the Team Championships that have taken place and reported their scores. Remember that only the Top 4 winners in each age group will advance to the National Finals. Results are unofficial until all Team Championships have taken place and official notification of advancement is sent by the NFL. CLICK HERE to view the complete schedule of Team Championship events

	Last Name	City	State	Punt	Pass	Kick	Total Distance
	Last Name	City	State	Punt	Pass	Kick	Total Distance
	Muhammad	Sheboygan	WI	78’ 5”	136’ 10”	81’ 1”	296’ 4”
	Paramski	Newberry	MI	75’ 1”	136’ 5”	77’ 8”	289’ 2”
	Hill	Greybull	WY	93’ 7”	113’ 6”	77’ 9”	284’ 10”
	Kersh	Kent	OH	81’ 9”	104’ 3”	93’ 10”	279’ 10”
	kurtz	cornelius	NC	102’ 4”	83’ 7”	89’ 10”	275’ 9”
	McCoy	Santa Ynez	CA	74’ 3”	107’ 0”	93’ 7”	274’ 10”
	Wells	Gulf Shores	AL	93’ 5”	96’ 9”	84’ 3”	274’ 5”
	Meyer	Cottonwood	AZ	66’ 10”	118’ 9”	83’ 0”	268’ 7”
	Mondragen	Dos Palos	CA	74’ 0”	91’ 2”	101’ 9”	266’ 11”
	Honas	Medicine Lodge	KS	91’ 10”	85’ 1”	89’ 7”	266’ 6”
	Krol-Cain	Wheatfield	IN	61’ 9”	97’ 7”	104’ 1”	263’ 5”
	Denaburg	Merritt Island	FL	93’ 3”	75’ 3”	94’ 4”	262’ 10”
	Quick	Lufkin	TX	83’ 10”	104’ 4”	71’ 9”	259’ 11”
	Sullivan	Shrewsbury	MA	80’ 8”	90’ 0”	86’ 8”	257’ 4”
	VANDERJAGT	MARCO ISLAND	FL	75’ 0”	81’ 3”	100’ 4”	256’ 7”
	James	Pennsburg	PA	81’ 5”	82’ 7”	89’ 8”	253’ 8”
	Buscherfeld	Algona	IA	102’ 6”	93’ 8”	56’ 6”	252’ 8”
	Liscum	Lewisburg	PA	72’ 9”	91’ 3”	85’ 10”	249’ 10”
	Johns	Buford	GA	80’ 0”	89’ 10”	79’ 0”	248’ 10”
	Barber	St. George	UT	86’ 11”	67’ 8”	93’ 6”	248’ 1”
	Holland	Suffolk	VA	74’ 6”	98’ 8”	70’ 3”	243’ 5”
	Gorball	Elkhart	IN	92’ 2”	69’ 7”	81’ 4”	243’ 1”
	Kelly	Wheatfield	NY	64’ 5”	81’ 4”	93’ 0”	238’ 9”
	Merrifield	St. Augustine	FL	59’ 8”	92’ 3”	85’ 2”	237’ 1”
	Stevenson	Lacey	WA	87’ 7”	68’ 10”	79’ 10”	236’ 3”
	Inloes	Lebanon	OH	55’ 3”	83’ 0”	95’ 0”	233’ 3”
	WILLIAMS	Mechanicsburg	PA	84’ 1”	74’ 8”	73’ 7”	232’ 4”
	Wilberscheid	Cookeville	TN	56’ 10”	85’ 2”	86’ 10”	228’ 10”
	Luciano	Hopewell Junction	NY	78’ 10”	68’ 4”	76’ 8”	223’ 10”
	Henson	Hermann	MO	45’ 7”	88’ 7”	81’ 5”	215’ 7”
	Saldivar	Houston	TX	82’ 8”	52’ 2”	80’ 0”	214’ 10”
	Jones	N. Bellmore	NY	72’ 11”	82’ 0”	59’ 10”	214’ 9

. Click Here for more info.

http://www.nflppk.com/competitions/schedule/participants/5775
_____________________________________________________________________________

Reciprocal links:
http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)

Whole Foods Market Recalls Gingerbread Houses several outbreaks of food poisoning reported

___________________________________________________________________________________

Staph Forecloses On Gingerbread Houses At Whole Foods

Let's be honest, chewing on the rock-hard roof of a gingerbread house that's been sitting around since the beginning of Advent is enough to make anyone a little queasy.
But there's another reason to steer clear of stale gingerbread if you bought a decorative cookie home at a Whole Foods Market store. On Christmas Eve, the upscale food retailer recalled the houses made by Rolf's Patisserie and sold in 23 states.
The problem? Um, Staphylococcus aureaus bacteria may be squatting inside them. Those nasty bugs can produce toxins that even reheating of food won't destroy. Symptoms including nausea, cramps and vomiting usually hit within a few hours. The illness doesn't usually last more than a couple of days.
  The recall notice from Whole Foods notes baked goods made by the suburban Chicago bakery have been implicated in several outbreaks of food poisoning.
The action by Whole Foods is part of a broader recall of treats made by Rolf's. The Illinois Department of Public Health said the bakery has voluntarily recalled everything it has made since November 1.
. Click Here for more info.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Reciprocal links:
http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)

Missouri Highway Christmas Injury Accidents Fatalities Down From 2009

___________________________________________________________________________________

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said two people were killed in traffic crashes during the Patrol's annual Christmas counting period. This was a major decrease from 2009's total of 11. The Patrol's counting period ran from the evening of Thursday, Dec. 23 - Sunday, Dec. 26.
 
Neither of the state's fatal crashes occured in the local area, according to Patrol statistics. The Patrol investigated 122 injury-accidents during this year's period, compared to 148 last year.



_________________________________________________________________________________

Reciprocal links:
http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)

Texas Band Sets Stage to Lower Ticket Prices in 2011: MUSIC VIDEO: ZZ Top - Just Got Paid

___________________________________________________________________________________

Cheap concert seats due after cruel summer of 2010

Concertgoers sick of ballooning ticket prices should have some extra pocket change to rattle with their rock 'n' roll in the new year.
2010 was tough for the concert business as high prices kept many fans at home. Promoters now say they plan to make shows more affordable in 2011. But they'll also try to sell more T-shirts and other merchandise to make up for lost revenue.
Heading into last summer, usually the busiest time of the year, prices were set too high despite the sluggish economy. Managers and promoters believed fans would keep paying for the one or two concerts they see on average each year.
Instead, many stayed home and dozens of shows were canceled. Lots of venues filled seats with fire-sale prices.
Now, rather than charge lots early and offer discounts later, some promoters say they'll offer cheaper tickets from the start, partly because they know fans will spend as much as usual on beer and tchotchkes when they arrive.
ZZ Top, for one, expects to set prices below the 2010 average of $55. Some tickets will go for as little as $10.
"It's time to give the value back," said Carl Stubner, manager of the long-bearded rock band from Texas. "We'll find other ways to make money."
That doesn't mean all acts will be cheap - not even Cheap Trick, whose tickets for 2011 are selling for around $80 with fees. Fans of hot performers including Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga also shouldn't expect to get much of a break.
. Click Here for more info.
.

.
Billy Gibbons & Bill Ham

I just got paid today,
got me a pocket full of change.
Said, I just got paid today,
got me a pocket full of change.
If you believe like workin' hard all day,
just step in my shoes and take my pay.

I was born my papa's son,
when I hit the ground I was on the run.
I had one glad hand and the other behind.
You can have yours, just give me mine.
When the houd dog barkin' in the black of the night,
stick my hand in my pocket, everything's all right.

I just got paid today,
got me a pocket full of change.
Said, black sheep, black, do you got some wool?
Yes, I do, man, my bag is full.
It's the root of evil and you know the rest
but it's way ahead of what's second best...
.

.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Reciprocal links:
http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)

FOOTBALL DELAY OUTRAGES FANS: 'NATION OF WIMPS'... 'WUSSIES'

_________________________________________________________________________________

The Wimps Who Stole Christmas

By Will Bunch
Philadelphia Daily News

THERE IS NOTHING more magical than football in the snow.
If you grew up anywhere in the wintry half of this country, you probably have fond memories of hiking up your snow pants and sloshing around with your buddies and your Pete Rozelle-signed football in the backyard drifts - and the only thing that comes a close second to playing football in the snow is watching a classic NFL matchup in a furious downpour of the white stuff.

In 1948, the Eagles won an NFL championship at Shibe Park in a raging blizzard, a game that was never forgotten by the 36,309 die-hards who didn't think twice about braving those conditions to watch history in the making. Then there was the "Snow-Plow" game in New England and the Pats' memorable playoff victory over Oakland in a snowstorm years later, and the frigid 1967 Ice Bowl in Green Bay. To paraphrase Frank Capra this Christmas season, for a true football fan it would not have been as wonderful a life had those remarkable games never been born.

That's why the decision by the NFL and the Eagles, with input from the city of Philadelphia, to postpone last night's game because of a snowstorm that isn't really all that (we might get 11 inches in the city - not exactly Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer territory, not even close) is more than downright disappointing.

This is the height of wimpiness, and the girly-men who made this sad decision should be ashamed of themselves. The NFL has been rightfully called the No Fun League for a number of years, but this takes that to a whole embarrassing new level. In fact, let's name names here: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Eagles' owner Jeff Lurie and president Joe Banner, and Mayor Nutter - you are the Wimps Who Stole Christmas from football fans in Philadelphia.

Against the Minnesota Vikings, no less - the team for which legendary hard-guy coach Bud Grant refused to allow hand-warmers when the team played outdoors in the 1970s. Grant would probably be rolling over in his grave over this decision, if it weren't for the fact that the 83-year-old NFL legend is still alive.
. Click Here for more info.
.

.



._________________________________________________________________________________

Reciprocal links:
http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)

Fulton Missouri Councilman arrested on felony bad check charge - Hush Hush Slow Breaking News

__________________________________________________________________________________

By Don Norfleet

Monday, December 27, 2010

Councilman arrested on felony bad check charge

By Don Norfleet

Monday, December 27, 2010

 

Fulton Councilman Steven L. Moore, 51, has been arrested again — this time on a Class C felony charge of writing a bad check for more than $500.

The Callaway County Sheriff’s Department reported Moore was arrested on Nov. 29 on the felony check charge.
Moore was released from Callaway County Jail on Nov. 29 after he posted a $5,000 surety bond.
Moore was arraigned in Callaway County Circuit Court on Dec. 8. and he pleaded not guilty to the bad check charge. A trial will be set later.

Moore was free on two years of unsupervised probation involving a charge of driving while intoxicated.
On Nov. 15, 2009, Moore was arrested in connection with an accident with injuries on Highway 94 at State Road D in Callaway County. The arrest in that case was for a class C felony driving while intoxicated assault with injuries charge. That charge was filed because people were injured in the accident that also involved a driving while intoxicated offense.
Moore’s DWI case was delayed numerous times. Several Callaway County judges and prosecutors declined to participate in the case because they were acquainted with the councilman.
In the end, all Callaway County judges declined to participate and Circuit Judge Gary Oxenhandler of Columbia heard Moore’s case. All Callaway County prosecutors also declined to participate and Special Prosecutor Robert J. Ahsens III of Jefferson City, a retired Missouri assistant attorney general, was brought in to prosecute the case. 

In Moore’s latest arrest, the Callaway County Prosecuting Attorney’s office again has stepped aside and Ahsens has returned as special prosecutor in Moore’s Class C felony bad check charge involving a check for more than $500.

. Click Here for more info.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Reciprocal links:
http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)

Foreclosures Still Dragging Down Housing, Economy - MOVIE 'The Secret of Oz '

__________________________________________________________________________________
December 27, 2010

Foreclosures Still Dragging Down Housing, Economy

by Chris Arnold

The housing market has remained at the center of the nation's economic troubles throughout 2010. The housing market started the year flat on its back, and it's ending the year in nearly the same condition.
Home sales are still depressed, home-building remains near a 50-year low, and home prices are still about 30 percent below their peak.
Part of the problem this year has clearly been high unemployment. But the ongoing foreclosure crisis also keeps glutting the market with unsold homes. Meanwhile, the government's efforts to prevent foreclosures over the past year were a pretty big disappointment to many people.
 . Click Here for more info.
.

.
The Secret of Oz

What's the Movie About?

It is well known in economics academia that The Wonderful Wizard of Oz written by L. Frank Baum in 1900 is loaded with powerful symbols of monetary reform which were the core of the Populist movement and the 1896 and 1900 president bid of Democrat William Jennings Bryan.

The yellow brick road (gold standard), the emerald city of Oz (greenback money), even Dorothy's silver slippers (changed to ruby slippers for the movie version) were the symbol of Baum's and Bryan's belief that adding silver coinage to gold would provide much needed money to a depression-strapped, 1890s America.

We believe Baum's symbols represent the only solution to relieve the growing economic hardship here in America -- and the rest of the world. Practically speaking, 2009 marks the 70th anniversary of the 1939 MGM release of the The Wizard of Oz movie, so interest will be very high. Even Oz websites put up by kids get millions of hits.

Who's In It?

· Joseph Farah, Founder and CEO of WorldNetDaily.

· Peter Schiff, President of Euro-Pacific Capital, the leading "bear" on Wall Street, author.

· Byron Dale, author and monetary reform expert, author of many books.

· Ellen Brown, author Web of Debt, attorney, and monetary reform expert

· James Robertson, former official in a variety of slots in the UK government, and head of the Inter-Bank Research Organization, author of many books

· Prof. Nick Tideman, VA Tech University School of Economics

· Prof. Michael Hudson, President of The Institute for the Study of Long-Term Economic Trends (ISLET), a Wall Street Financial Analyst, Distinguished Research Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri, Kansas City and author of Super-Imperialism: The Economic Strategy of American Empire (1972 and 2003)

· John Keyworth, Curator, Bank of England Museum

· Prof. Quentin Taylor, professor of political science at Rogers State University

· Reed Simpson, banker, asset manager


Intro

"In 1996, in a documentary called "The MoneyMasters", we asked the question why is America going broke. It wasn't clear then that we were, but it is today. Now the question is how can we get out of this mess. Foreclosures are everywhere, unemployment is skyrocketing -- and this is only the beginning. America's economy is on a long, slippery slope from here on. The bubble ride of debt has come to an end.

"What can government do? The sad answer is -- under the current monetary system -- nothing. It's not going to get better until the root of the problem is understood and addressed. There isn't enough stimulus money in the entire world to get us out of this hole.

"Why? Debt. The national debt is just like our consumer debt -- it's the interest that's killing us.

"Though most people don't realize it the government can't just issue it's own money anymore. It used to be that way. The King could just issue stuff called money. Abraham Lincoln did it to win the Civil War.

"No, today, in our crazy money system, the government has to borrow our money into existence and then pay interest on it. That's why they call it the National Debt. All our money is created out of debt. Politicians who focus on reducing the National Debt as an answer probably don't know what the National Debt really is. To reduce the National Debt would be to reduce our money -- and there's already too little of that.

"No, you have to go deeper. You have to get at the root of this problem or we're never going to fix this. The solution isn't new or radical. America used to do it. Politicians used to fight with big bankers over it. It's all in our history -- now sadly -- in the distant past.

"But why can't we just do it again? Why can't we just issue our own money, debt free? That, my friends, is the answer. Talk about reform! That's the only reform that will make a huge difference to everyone's life -- even worldwide.

"The solution is the secret that's been hidden from us for just over 100 years -- ever since the time when author L. Frank Baum wrote "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz."
.
_________________________________________________________________________

Reciprocal links:
http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)