I’m hoping to make it to Pittsburgh for next week’s Netroots Nation conference, but my cash flow is very tight and I might have to reconsider. I’m weighing that now. I’d be very appreciative if you could make a donation towards the trip. And if you going to be there, make sure to let me know. It will give me extra incentive to go. Blogads seems almost defunct at this point, so I’m going to have to figure out a different revenue source or give up this gig. I enjoy what I do, and I hope I don’t have to give it up. I’m very grateful for all you generous donations. You’ve really kept the Frog Pond going this year.
You can use this as a predictions thread. As in, I predict that the Health Care bill will not pass unless it is done as part of the Budget Reconciliation Process.
I know of a magazine effort underway, and I’ve been pushing the proprietor to hire you on, if he gets his funding going. I hope you can keep this blog around. But if not, please stay in touch…!
Corollary: The Health Care bill will have to be part of a Budget Reconciliation because Baucus, Conrad, Landrieu, and Nelson refuse to pass cloture.
Prediction: Portions of the bill that are regulatory and popular–preexisting conditions, recissions, etc. will be pulled out and passed separately because of the Byrd Amendment. They will pass with Republican support.
Prediction: The Senate Finance Committee will turn out to be irrelevant as the Budget Reconciliation bill will be based mainly on what passes the House.
prediction: i may have to find a different place to sleep for nutroots nation.
Your writing and perspective is as good as it gets.
I hope things turn up for you on the cashflow front.
I’ll be at NN BooMan. I sincerely hope that you can keep this place going, it’s been a great 4(?) years. And I hope to see you at NN.
Does anyone really want a prediction? Here it goes. Health care reform will be abandoned in September or October. Off the wall?
My prediction is a bit worse. Health care reform will only “reform” Medicare and Medicaid to benefit the insurance industry.
I think you’re right, but also the mandate to buy commercial health insurance. Without the public option, and it seems to be dead, it’s just a Christmas tree for the insurance industry. The reforms won’t work. The companies will find ways to evade them. Just look at defunct banks paying bonuses and 50% raises despite a law to forbid them.
I might have an extra spot in my hotel room if you need a place to stay.
thanks, man.
If I go, though, I will have company.
Either way, we need chili beers.
I predict—
That the goppers have overplayed their hand with this townhall protest thing. It’s not playing well in the press and I’m beginning to suspect that a substantial number of Americans view them as marginalized crazies.
After all, we’re not that dumb . . . . are we?
I predict that the final healthcare bill will have some substantial improvements for consumers–no more exclusions, etc. Beyond that–public option, etc.–I predict I have no clue.
Hope you can make it to NN. I’m not going to make it this year.
I have no predictions — but I’m hoping for the best.
On the bright side, I seem to have gotten my parents watching Rachel Maddow on at least a semi-regular basis. So at least I know they’re getting good information — whether they can convince the Ohio FOX-watching Republican branch of the family on anything, or their neighbors in the retirement community, who knows… but every little bit helps, I think.
I sent $10, all I could afford. I hope you get to go!! I appreciate reading Booman everyday and wish I could do more.
WOW!! Some of you are VERY generous. Thank you so much. I will definitely be able to go to NN now. Thank you!