” Many things Democrats once disapproved …. they support because Obama did it.”

Once again, the democrats demonstrate that they have more in common with a street gang than a political party where loyalty trumps principle every time.

” the single worst piece of legislation that’s been passed in modern times in this country.”

It’s scary when there is some truth to what Mitch says.

“… the GOP thinks they have gotten a hold of 2016 front-runner Clinton…”

There is no downside here. If the republicans are successful, democrats may see a primary with an actual liberal to vote for. If they fail we get 4 or 8 more years of Bush-Obama policies in the white house but avoid a tea party sweep.

This has always been a when question, never an if question.

“… make certain the much promised competition actually existed.”

Snark tag required.

“… Ryan’s approach to his neighbor flies in the face of the approach put forward by the founder …”

There is a commonality to the cherry picked beliefs espoused by too many contemporary practioners of the Christian Faith. They love those biblical passages that heap judgement and condemnation on their fellow citizens but set aside those passages that require any personnel sacrifice or alteration of their own behavior.

“…their best hope against her is to tear her down as early as possible.”

For once, it appears that the republicans are correct. I don’t think it’s going to work but they have nothing to lose by taking a shot.

Even outside the military, many incidents of harassment, inappropriate touching and even rape are not reported or dismissed. Victims are discouraged from bringing charges for fear of repercussions or being subject to further humiliations.

Just look at the recent Steubanville incident.

I suspect most incidents never get seen by JAG corps.

“Has military relinquished chain of command in any other area?”

Probably not. But the question that needs to be asked is, “Is there any other persistent criminal activity that is as widespread and tolerated.?”

Even with outside oversight there will remain a “circle the wagons” mentality. Any person found to be lying or participating in a cover-up must be subject to severe penalties.

“…are there other possibilities for correcting the problem, …”

As others have mentioned above, this is not a new problem. It has been reported repeatedly for years and keeps popping up like “whack a mole.”

I think the only way to slow it down is to create a reporting structure that starts in the civilian sector and gives civilian investigators full authority to go on base and interview suspects and witnesses.

Even before the latest round of revelations, sexual assault in the military has been at unacceptably high levels. It is not a recent phenomenon.

I don’t believe the military will ever be able to self correct this problem. The only reason this has become so visible is because the latest high profile incident happened off base with a civilian and was reported to civilian authorities.

“… the real issue at play is market power not cost shifting.”

Once upon a time I had an employer PPO. The EOB used to show actual payment vs. billed charges. One provider billed a service at $95 but was paid (in full) only $38. This was the negotiated rate.

I have worked in business to business sales for 25 years. While volume discounts are common, 60% is unheard of.

“… this is why a so called “grand bargain” hasn’t happened.”

Boo Hoo.

I can’t say gridlock on this issue really bothers me.

Sadly,any deal moves the republicans closer to their goal. The only real question on the table is not “where are we going?”” but “how fast are we going to get there?”.

“…. whatever benefit will accrue to the system from having fewer emergency room patients.”

Don’t bet on it. Medicaid expansion states will likely have more ER patients, not fewer.

Where are the doctors willing to accept Medicaid? In many areas it is already difficult to find a doctor willing to accept Medicaid even without the eligibility expansion. And in states that implement privatized Medicaid HMO’s it will be even worse.

“Hopefully the Obama Administration will stop standing in the way of progress…”

If wishes were horses the beggars would ride.

It is already difficult to find any underlying principle or philosophy in the democratic party. HRC will be the final chapter in the transformation of the Democrats from a political party into an icon worshiping cult.

“…89 percent of workers choose to stick with the same plan year after year.”

Many of us have become accustomed to the HMO/PPO plans that have become so ubiquitous. Most of us do not view doctors and other medical providers as interchangeable parts. If changing plans means changing our network and having to seek out a new slate of providers, saving a few bucks just isn’t worth it.

A simple thing like a prescription refill, will require missing a few hours of work for a doctor visit and a co-pay when you find your self on a new insurance plan.

From MARCH 30

We had a good turnout for today’s adventure and the weather looked good; partly cloudy with a breeze forecast at 10-15 knots. Blue Belle started right up and after a brief stop at the gas pier we headed for the bay. It soon became evident that our engine troubles were continuing but with a favorable wind direction and a high tide we went ahead and put up the sails inside Clear Lake. Skipper and crew set about cleaning our fouled plugs and by the time we got to the Kemah Channel the engine was ready so we headed on out to the bay.

With wind a few points west of due south, we set the sails on a reach as we cleared the channel and took off. Gusty winds soon produced a hat overboard event but we were able to retrieve without delay. As we proceeded further into the bay, the wind stiffened and threw up a bit of chop. Blue Belle surged ahead, loving these conditions and briefly hitting 7.1 mph on the GPS.

Just before reaching the ship channel the dolphins appeared. This always excites our crew and we consider it a good omen. We didn’t want to cross the channel so it was time to come about. Our return course was taking us south of the entrance to the Kemah Channel so we decided to alter course to a downwind leg.

I went forward to set my home made whisker pole on the jib. Made from a telescoping painter’s pole, it serves it purpose very well. I was returning to the cockpit across the cabin top when the helmsman inadvertently executed an accidental jibe.

I had one hand on the boom so it didn’t hit me but I had no choice but to grab hold and let it carry me beyond the lifelines where I dropped cleanly into the bay.

Fortunately, after a brief shock, I realized the water was not as cold as I expected and really not uncomfortable. As I watched Blue Belle sail away, I reached up under my windbreaker and pulled the release on my inflatable life vest. It filled rapidly and was comfortably buoyant. Nothing to do now but lay back, breathe deep and wait for the crew to come about and pick me up. I also rejoiced that I had taken the time to place my wallet, keys and other pocket content’s into a waterproof container still safely aboard Blue Belle.

Skipper Dave turned Blue Belle into the wind a boathook’s length away from me. Quickly back aboard I stood on the swim platform dripping dry as Blue Belle fell off the wind, the sails filled and we were back under way. Always prepared, I had dry clothes aboard and was soon comfortably back on my perch at the bow.

Nervous about the engine, we sailed Blue Belle all the way to the final marker off the South Shore Harbor Channel, making better time than we usually do under power.

Once safely back in our slip, I grabbed my fishing pole and wet a line as the crew readied the boat for departure. Quickly caught a speckled trout. Too small to keep but a perfect end to a glorious day.