Promoted for discussion by Brendan

This is inspired by this diary by All-Time QB about Britain’s NHS, and by our need to address the issue of healthcare. I am a bit leery of saying we should copy Country X’s system, but our system is clearly dysfunctional and some expanded form of nationalized healthcare is in our future. So, what problems need to be addressed, how might we structure a system to address those problems, and how can we do it without complete destruction of the market forces that support both innovation and supply?

I have been traveling through Second Life checking out all the political sites and events, accumulating a lot of photos that I have yet to sort and categorize. But last night's meeting was well attended and FUN (after an hour plus of chat on the patio, we moved to the dancefloor and chatted some more), so I figured I'd just throw what I have ready so far into a slide show and post it. Lots more to come.

This slideshow version will stop if you run your cursor over it.

In the November 26 issue of Newsweek, Markos Moulitsas has a one-page essay entitled "Make the Bush Record the Issue" in which he makes the case that Democrats

. . . should and will use Bush and his destructive policies on the campaign trail as the primary example of what happens when people who hate government are elected to run it. The message will be that Bush isn't a historical anomaly: he's the embodiment of modern conservatism.

Converted from a series of comments in the Keep the Electoral College diary

(You know, this whole EC topic was last on my list of things to debate, but I'll take a stab at the third party issue. If this ends up being diary worthy, let me know or Brendan can use his awesome editor powers to transform it.)

[Note: I make no claims as to the pertinence or value of this diary. But since I am knee-deep in this at the moment and there appears to be a need for some light-hearted fun around here, I am bowing to public pressure and posting something frivolous and a little bit personal. This is not fp worthy, so don't promote it ;} And, just for the record, my spouse is also in SL and is enjoying the experience as much or more than I am.]

Jerry Scahill, author of the book Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army testified on May 10 before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense on the impact of private military contractors on the conduct of the Iraq War.

[W]e are now in the midst of the most privatized war in the history of our country. This is hardly a new phenomenon, but it is one that has greatly accelerated since the launch of the "global war on terror" and the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Many Americans are under the impression that the US currently has about 145,000 active duty troops on the ground in Iraq. What is seldom mentioned is the fact that there are at least 126,000 private personnel deployed alongside the official armed forces. These private forces effectively double the size of the occupation force, largely without the knowledge of the US taxpayers that foot the bill.

Before today's poll, I'd like to see how effective the neutral approach has been. Based on how and what I've written, is the Purpleface persona a

White male
Black male
Hispanic male
White female
Black female
Hispanic female

I don't think we've dissected this yet and this synopsis is a good starting point, albeit a snarky one. The President's recent statements are in bold:

"It makes no sense to tell the enemy when you plan to start withdrawing."

Here's a news flash -- there is no such thing as surprise withdrawal. You can't sneak 160,000 soldiers out of Iraq in the trunk of a Volvo. One day, America will leave Iraq, and when we do, we will catch no one - no one -- by surprise. Does anyone really think al Qaeda will be looking at empty blockhouses for weeks saying to themselves, "why don't those infidels come out to play?" When we start to leave, it will be broadcast on every station around the world for months in advance and there is not one damn thing anyone can do about that. Whenever any Republican advances the "we can't let them know when we're leaving line," they should follow it with an agonized scream, because stupidity that powerful ought to hurt.

Promoted by Brendan

My better half sprained an ankle last week, for the first time ever. I examined it, determined that it appeared to be a routine even if moderately-severe sprain (accepts pressure, can walk, can move toes and flex foot, minor-to-moderate initial pain, normal swelling and bruising), and followed routine procedures (ice, compression, elevation, and rest). When I was younger, I sprained my ankle several times and also helped my mother through a major sprain, so I have had some personal experience with this type of problem. So far, the injury seems to be progressing normally.

Good topic for discussion, especially the "put your money where your mouth is" questions about individual lifestyle changes we'd consider -- promoted by Brendan

Scientists from around the world have re-affirmed previous reports that the planet’s average temperatures are increasing rapidly and will continue to do so for centuries. The results of this temperature change include rising sea levels, changes in seasonality, movement and extinction of species, and other similar effects.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6321351.stm

Although some Americans scoff at these reports, they are wrong to do so. They remind me very much of the doctors and scientists that testified before Congress that smoking was not demonstrably harmful or addictive and that there was no absolute proof that smoking caused cancer.

(Oh goody, a holiday message diary. An early gift, as it were. Could be worse. Could be fruitcake.)

We'll be unplugging for the holiday season and I know (yes, I do) how much my comments will be missed ;} We're escaping to the country with no phone, no internet, no cable or satellite TV, and lousy cell phone and broadcast TV reception. Whatever shall we do with ourselves? I have a few ideas hehehe. . .

Anyway, don't have too much fun without me. I wish everyone here the best of the holiday season (whatever you celebrate this time of year) and a happy and prosperous new year. Try not to argue with the family too much. Deep breathing and champagne can work wonders. See you in 2007!