Jobless Recovery?

(chart from The Mourning Constitution, click to enlarge)

Krugman has a few more charts and graphs ~

Senate Finance Committee Chief Plays A Dangerous Game; Bad Max Baucus Bill May Not Get Out Of Committee After All

It's looking as if Max Baucus lied and shafted Senator Wyden with the help of Kent Conrad in a last minute after mid-night shell game that prevented his amendment from getting its due vote in committee.

Nasty story. Nasty people. From FDL: Wyden may have no recourse but to refuse to vote for the Baucus bill ~

Jay Rockefeller made an impassioned speech last week about the time he spent with VISTA and indicated he's probably a "no" vote on the Baucus bill, despite arm twisting from the White House. (It will make you tear up if you haven't seen it.) And now it looks like Ron Wyden might be in that column too. Since Baucus can only lose one Democrat and still get something through a committee with 13 Democrats and 10 Republicans, he has to bring one of them back on the reservation

~*~

ACORN Throws Rove "Under The Bus?"

Eschaton comment rescue ~

Joseph Curl(Washington Times): POLITICAL
THEATER

Bertha Lewis is all done with apologies.

Fresh off her ACORN Apology Tour, the group's CEO on Tuesday kicked of her new Denial Tour, charging that nearly every accusation lodged against the embattled community organizing group in recent weeks is not only false but downright racist. And for good measure, she threw in former President George W. Bush's adviser Karl Rove, arch villain and longtime whipping boy of liberals nationwide.

"For many years, there've been folks who've disagreed with our ideology or methodology that have gone after us," Mrs. Lewis said in a speech at the National Press Club in Washington. "I mean we, back going to 2004, we now see through e-mails from Karl Rove from the previous administration that ACORN itself was targeted, targeted to go after us so that we would stop doing voter registration because it was said that we were moving too many minorities to vote, changing the power dynamics on the local election and that we needed to be stopped."

It's not Mrs. Lewis's fault that a right-wing pimp and a right-wing whore tried to corrupt some ACORN workers.* The blame lies with the wingnut provocateurs. - Lime Rickey 10.07.09 - 9:09 am #


Meanwhile, Media Matters writes (via facebook) ~ Wash. Post Beck beat: Paper follows Fox host's lead in tying SEIU to ACORN

Plus, Eric Boehlert writes ~ The WashTimes has a Joseph Curl problem

*My theory is that the ACORN scandal-props were a primer for the GOP's push against Charlie Rangel that's coming to a head today on the Hill :-)

~*~

June Eisley Writes: NON-VIOLENT PEACE DEMONSTRATION TURNED VIOLENT

National Campaign for Non-Violent Resistance follow up ~
Sixty-one others were arrested in front of the White House, but our affinity group went to the press gate and this is what happened. We did not get arrested -- we just got pushed and shoved away from the arrest zone.

October 5, 2009
NON-VIOLENT PEACE DEMONSTRATION TURNED VIOLENTBY SECRET SERVICE AT WHITE HOUSE TODAY Activists had sought a meeting with the Obama Administration to urge an end to the war in Afghanistan

Washington, D.C. – Twenty-three non-violent peace activists calling for an end to the US war in Afghanistan were violently pushed and dragged away from a White House gate by Secret Service officers this afternoon. The activists, participating in a larger demonstration of over 300 people organized by the National Campaign for Non-Violent Resistance, had sent a letter to President Obama last month requesting a meeting today to discuss their opposition to the war.

After a non-violent "die-in" at the White House gate, the peace activists waited for almost three hours while various police departments, including the Washington, DC Metro Police, Park Police and Secret Service, gave conflicting stories about whether the activists would be arrested or not, the group’s request to meet with someone from the Administration having been summarily rebuffed by White House guards.

Suddenly, with no warning and with dozens of other police officers watching, a group of about a dozen Secret Service officers swooped in to push and drag the protesters, who included a number of retirees, away from the White House gate and outside a police perimeter that had been established in the normally public area in front of the White House.

"I wonder how the officers who brought a grandmother to tears with their completely unnecessary, harsh use of force will explain how their day went when they go home to their families at the end of their shift," asked Kevin Martin, Executive Director of Peace Action. Martin was shoved hard in the back by two Secret Service officers, causing him to fall into National Campaign for Non-Violent Resistance Co-convener Joy First, a grandmother from Wisconsin. First was roughed up by several officers and was still in tears twenty minutes after the incident.

Paul Kawika Martin (no relation), Peace Action’s Policy Director, had just returned from a citizens’ peacemaker delegation to Afghanistan organized by the peace group Code Pink. "But we will not be deterred, and the American people have turned decidedly against this war. We call on Obama to meet with us to discuss Afghanistan and apologize for the brutality of the White House police force, and to begin bringing US troops home so the people of Afghanistan can resolve their country’s problems."

~*~

Nebraska Democratic Party Steps Up For A Public Option~! Who Says DEMs Can't Get Organized?

Whoo Hoo! Jane Hamsher reports ~ Nebraska Democratic Party Passes DFA/FDL/Credo Resolution In Support of Public Plan

~*~

Jud Bennett Writes: DNREC Wastewater Treatment Regulation Workshop Schedule

Positive Growth Alliance members & interested parties:

We have received the following information on upcoming DNREC workshops. They are regarding regulation updates for both small and large waste disposal systems. According to experts we have consulted, these changes are not cause for alarm.

It is our understanding that language on large system spray irrigation is being consolidated so that information can be found in one place. For small systems, it is mostly just a language clean-up. If anyone has information to the contrary, we would appreciate hearing about it.

Sincerely,
Rich Collins
302-381-1610

P.S. It should be noted that these workshops are being hosted by the Groundwater Discharges Section of DNREC. In contrast to what is being done here, we still have great disagreement with the regulations finalized on November 11, 2008, by the Watershed Assessment Section. Those regulations were for small onsite waste disposal systems and were part of the Pollution Control Strategy for the inland bays.

To refresh, we believe those regulations created technical requirements that are far more expensive and intrusive than necessary. Furthermore, the regulations were finalized before full realization of the depth of the recession we are currently experiencing. It must be realized that regulations can act as unfunded mandates that could make economic recovery slower and more painful than it needs to be.

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 11:22 PM
Subject: RE: Regulation
Update Everyone,

I have the dates for the next round of workshops to cover the changes and hear your comments about them. As I mentioned previously there will be 4 workshops this time around with 2 for small system changes and 2 for the large system changes. Below are the locations, dates and times of each workshop. Hope to see you there.
If you have comments please provide them in writing but we can certainly discuss them at the workshops.

Georgetown Cheer Center Tuesday, Oct 13 5 – 8 pm Small Systems

Georgetown Cheer Center Thursday, Oct 15 5 – 8 pm Large Systems

DNREC Auditorium, Dover Monday, Oct 26 5 – 8 pm Small Systems

DNREC Auditorium, Dover Thursday, Oct 29 5 – 8 pm Large Systems


As an added bonus there will be a presentation at the DOWRA Conference on October 21st from 3:15 – 4:00 about these same changes but it will not be as in depth and informative as the workshops. For those of you who may not have received the web-site for the latest draft of the regulations with all the proposed changes to date I’ve included the link below. This link is
supposed to be good for the rest of the time we will be working on the draft. You should be able to check this at any time and see the latest version of the draft regulations. From here on out each draft version will be dated so we all know which version we will be looking at and comparing. The newest version has the changes highlighted in red and underlined.

http://www.wr.dnrec.delaware.gov/Information/GWDInfo/Pages/GWDS%20Design%20Install%20Operate%20Info%20For%20Proposed%20Wastewater%20Treatment%20Regulations.aspx


Jack

John G. Hayes Jr. "Jack"
Environmental Scientist IV
Ground Water Discharges Section
Large Systems Branch
89 Kings HighwayDover, DE 19901
(302) 739-9327
(302) 739-7764 fax
John.hayes@state.de.us

~*~

What People Are Saying About Claymont's "New Brookview"

Delaforum Community Views ~
Name: BSD Taxpaying Parent Topic: Brookview

Ok, so I ride by the other day and see (according to the signs) that the hope is to get $200,000 for houses in the new Brookview? Seriously though.....if you had Section 8 in Brookview before, what makes you think the New Brookview is gonna sell houses at $200K? I don't make bones with anyone trying to turn a profit, but not on the backs of hard working tax payers. IF the construction ever is complete (which I say doesn't), I guarantee the vacancy rate will be above 50% and then Section 8 will be right back. So have no fear Claymonters.....Brookview will return!!!!

Name: Mike185 Topic: BSD Teabagger Parent

Newsflash: As of a week ago 15 of the 14 townhomes built were under contract. The average selling price is $247K. The developer is worried about keeping up with demand. Why don't you do a little research before you prognosticate or I guess your hope is that Darley Green will fail. Twisted!

Name: Chuck Riley Topic: BSD Taxpaying Parent

You're certainly correct in your remarks. Don't forget the county council and the developers pushing through the tax increment financing program. Now it appears they are requesting an extension of the present program in order to gain time to extend the complete program to a longer period of time.

Something tells me that I was correct when I told the public that the tax increment financing program would fail, just like it is doing. Look at the way these homes are placed! Do you think it wise to place them so close to the road? I don't think it is necessary safe, and it certainly is not appealling. I'm certain, that some people will buy the homes. If they do, I'm sure that eventually the homes will slowly be rented out.

A 200K investment is easy for some, and the Section Eight program is an easy way to help out in those mortgage payments. This economy is bad for some, but great for others. I'm sure that Obamas stimulous money will enter into this program. This whole program is riddled with dishonesty I believe. I think members of our council are right in the middle of the crooked tactics used, and that the council continues to rip off the citizens of New Castle County.

I maintain that some of the Claymont Coalition and the Claymont Rennaissance people are hip deep in this fiasco, and that they have been used as tools by the county council. Some of these people have ended up getting paid positions that are directly involved in this program. I don't trust any of them.

~*~

UD Student Paper Ups Its Game Online

The Review has always been the best paper in Newark, Delaware (it's the student's publication) and now they have a really great web site to visit.

~*~

I don't Think Mike Castle Is Going To Run Against Beau Biden; Their Game Of Chicken Ends Today, Either Way

UPDATE II: The Newark Post Ledger has the link (via twitter) ~
I really want Beau Biden to go for the Senate now because Mike Castle is not going to represent me or any other liberal-minded citizen of Delaware. His clown hall meetings on health care insurance reform toeing the RNC line are exhibit #1.
UPDATE: WDEL is reporting that Castle will go for it (via Politico)

Will he or won't he run?

I can only imagine how the odds are running on Castle's noon announcement.

Meanwhile, he is effectively stealing the thunder from Health Care For America Now's downtown noontime Blues Cross Blue Shield "Big Insurance: Sick Of It" protest action. (who says that Wayne Smith isn't one canny dude? ...I kid!)

~*~

BalanceCutSave Yourself, Mike Huckabee

Media Matters reveals how Mike Huckabee's plea for federal financial balance doesn't mention how it's funneling money into his daughter's pocket not to mention the GOP ~ Huckabee sends viewers to his PAC under the guise of signing a petition

On two Fox News shows, Fox host Mike Huckabee directed viewers to "go to balancecutsave.com," urging them to sign a petition telling Congress to "balance the budget," "cut their spending," and "save American families"; however, balancecutsave.com redirects visitors to a web page soliciting donations for Huckabee's political action committee, which financially supports Republican candidates and also pays Huckabee's daughter's salary. Huckabee is the latest Fox News personality to ask viewers to visit PAC websites without disclosing the website's nature or whether they stand to gain financially from viewers' donations.

Plus, UK supermarket chain pulls ads from all of Fox News after customer complaints about Glenn Beck (Source: mediamatters.org via facebook)

Upscale British supermarket chain Waitrose said Monday it was pulling its advertisements from Fox News in the U.K. after customers complained about the cable news channel's Glenn Beck program.

~*~

On The New York Times' Failure To "Call Private Equity Looting By Its Proper Name"

The NYT Simmons Bedding Company story was all over the intertubes this morning (I know it was the first thing I read following the New York Times' twitter pages) but it took the naked capitalism blog to unbare the real nitty gritty ~
Translated as only A-man can ~ Looting For Profit

Buy companies, leverage them, pay yourself a dividend, and then go bankrupt. I think we've finally found the secret phase 2 of the underpants gnomes.

Phase 1: Collect Underpants

Phase 2: Use underpants as collateral for multibillion dollar loan.

Phase 3: Profit

Comment rescue ~ When the Sopranos did it to Davey Scatino's store in season two, they called it "busting out."

~*~

Washington State's Basic Health Plan Is Not A Public Option Plan But It Might Be A "Fig Leaf"

Jon Walker's got an interesting theory ~ Did Obama Ask Sen. Cantwell To Mislead You?

I think the purpose of the call was to ask Cantwell to try to mislead American into thinking her “basic health plan” is a public option. The evidence is that Obama does not plan to fight for a real public option, but only wants some fig leaf so he can tell the base that there is a public option. It sounds like Obama wants to try to use Cantwell's proposal as the newest fig leaf.

~*~

Markell Signs Law Protecting Homeowners

(presser)
New Law Strengthens Homeowner Protections Against Fraudulent Mortgage Rescue Practices
HB 232 is part of broad statewide effort to combat foreclosure and foreclosure-related fraud

WILMINGTON – Governor Markell signed legislation into law today clarifying protections of homeowners in foreclosure. House Bill 232 clarifies that companies that offer to negotiate modifications of secured debt, such as a mortgage, on behalf of consumers are subject to the provisions of the Mortgage Rescue Fraud Protection Act, which prevents companies from charging homeowners who are in foreclosure thousands of dollars in up-front fees to negotiate with loan servicers or lenders.

“Homeownership is good for families’ personal finances and it’s good for our economy,” Markell said. “It is important that we help homeowners stay in their homes and protect their most important asset, especially during this downturn in the national economy.”

“Mortgage ‘rescue’ companies have the upper hand when negotiating with financially-distressed homeowners struggling to keep their homes,” stated Attorney General Beau Biden. “This legislation makes it crystal clear that these vulnerable homeowners are protected under Delaware law from predatory practices.”

Today’s bill-signing ceremony is part of broad action initiated by the State this year to respond to the foreclosure crisis. In September 2009, Governor Markell and President Judge James Vaughn announced the establishment of a Foreclosure Mediation Program, which allows homeowners to participate in a court mediation process with their lender to find a mutually agreeable alternative to foreclosure. In June 2009, the Attorney General's Mortgage Fraud Task Force was formed. The Task Force, in conjunction with the Delaware State Housing Authority, Office of the State Bank Commissioner, directs homeowners to Delaware’s HUD-certified housing counselor, links homeowners with Delaware’s Mortgage Assistance Program (DEMAP) and other government services that provide mortgage assistance, and takes aggressive law enforcement action against foreclosure scams. Task Force partners sponsor FREE monthly housing workshops statewide to assist homeowners in need. A complete list of state housing events is posted at www.deforeclosurehelp.org.

Free mortgage modification services are available to Delaware homeowners through Delaware’s HUD-approved housing counseling agencies. Homeowners who are worried about missing a mortgage payment, are facing foreclosure, or who suspect a foreclosure scam are encouraged to call the Attorney General's Mortgage Hotline at 1-800-220-5424. The Hotline provides referral services to housing services, the mortgage mediation program, and initiates housing fraud complaints. Additional information is available at www.deforeclosurehelp.org or www.attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/mortgageforeclosure.

~*~

Delaware Should Not Sit Passively By And Allow A License Extention Of The Hope/Salem Nuclear Power Plant

WNJ's Delaware Voice - Joe Mangano ~ Old nuclear plants threaten Delaware

Last week, PSEG Nuclear officially asked federal regulators to extend the licenses of the three nuclear reactors at the Salem/Hope Creek site for 20 more years. The reactors, which are just 15 miles from downtown Wilmington, are aging, and their original licenses will soon expire.

Regulators will take several years to make an official decision. But in reality, they have already made up their minds to approve it. In this decade, the government has granted 52 of 52 requests for license extension -- half of the 104 nuclear reactors in the U.S. -- with more likely to follow. Companies like PSEG Nuclear claim thatnuclear reactors produce "safe, reliable, economic, and green energy." But for years, there have been major concerns about the health threat posed by nuclear reactors.

The most blatant threat is the possibility of a meltdown, either from mechanical failure or act of sabotage. In its core and waste pools, Salem/Hope Creek stores the equivalent of hundreds of Hiroshima bombs of radioactivity that must be constantly cooled with water.Loss of cooling water means disaster, as large amounts of radioactivity would escape into the environment. Because nearly 5 million people live within 50 miles of the plant, safe evacuation would be impossible, and many would breathe, eat and drink harmful gases and particles.

A 1982 estimate presented to Congress calculated that a meltdown at Salem/Hope Creek would kill 100,000 persons from acute radiation poisoning, the highest casualty estimate of any U.S. nuclear plant. Many of these casualties would be Delaware residents.A meltdown is not impossible, as it occurred at one of the Chernobyl nuclear reactors in 1986. A recent report identified three "near miss" accident situations at the Salem/Hope Creek plant. Keeping an aging plant with corroding parts, in an age where potential terrorist attacks are all too real, increases the chance of a meltdown.

But another Chernobyl or 9/11 attack may not be necessary for Salem/Hope Creek to harm local residents. All nuclear reactors must routinely release some of their radioactivity into the air and water. There are more than 100 radioactive chemicals -- only produced in nuclear weapons and reactors -- in the toxic mix, including strontium-90, iodine-131, and cesium-137. Each causes cancer and is most harmful to the fetus, infant and child.-->(2 of 2) Official records show that airborne releases of radioactive iodine from the three Salem/ Hope Creek reactors are among the highest of any U.S. nuclear plant. This fact raises the question whether these emissions have harmed Delaware residents -- an issue has never been addressed.

Delaware has the sixth- highest cancer incidence rate among the 50 states. For child cancer, the Delaware rate is higher than any other U.S. state. There may be many reasons for this, but none is obvious. The state has a low poverty rate, high educational levels, few language barriers and access to top medical care in Wilmington and Philadelphia. Health officials should investigate all potential reasons for these high cancer rates, especially in children -- including releases from Salem / Hope Creek.'

In the meantime, no approval should be given to the proposal to extend the Salem/Hope Creek license for 20 more years -- until health risks are better understood. In the meantime, safe, renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind power are becoming more available, and relying on these sources would better protect public health in Delaware.

~*~

The Civic League For New Castle County Will Face Off Against Coons And Council Tomorrow At 3PM In Wilmington Over Opposition To Land Use Ordinance

CIVIC LEAGUE ANOUNCES OPPOSITION TO COUNTY ORDINANCE 09-066

County Ordinances 09-066 and 067 are being sponsored for the Coons Administration which says it wants to streamline the approval process for developers. According to the Civic League for New Castle County, the by-product of 09-066, however, will be to keep more information out of the public’s view at a time when they can make a protest that might result in changes. They have posted an analysis of these ordinances at www.civicleagueforncco.org so that citizens can reach their own conclusions before the Council votes on them October 13th.

The analysis prepared by a retired attorney and former Planning Board Member shows that no steps have been eliminated from the process and the Land Use Department has not decreased the time they have to issue an approval. “In this period of economic crisis, we do not wish to make it difficult for any builder to get a good plan approved,” Frances West stated. “However, plans that damage the health and safety of neighbors or threaten the value of homes around a project must be available for neighbors to review at the stage where they have a chance to show planners how they need to be changed.

Ordinance 09-066 would keep vital information on traffic safety concerns and construction plans under wraps until too late in the process,” she pointed out. “Furthermore, the ordinance contains sections that would make it easy to do the following:

· to develop what is now preserved open space,

· to add up to 50% or 99 workforce housing units to a project without a hearing,

· to permit private individuals with no motivation to act in the public interest to make decisions on applications,

· to remove the Department from reviewing applications for airports and radio towers

· to remove the Appendix which contains regulations from the Code in order to make changes that do not have to go through Council or a public hearing,

· to permit the waiver of Department review of rezonings initiated by the County,

· to remove the requirement that a developer be found able to fix intersections to work within the current standard before the Department accepts an application,

· to require the completion of reports and studies on serious matters so far along in the process that if they call for changes it will be too late to have them made,

· strike the issues that should be considered at a rezoning hearing, and

· to permit a developer to record a new development plan when he has not paid all his taxes on other land.

“Ordinance 09-067 is also a problem,” she noted. “Lot sizes will be reduced in Southern New Castle County where septic systems will continue to be used in sandy soil with high water tables. This is unacceptable because of the aquifer pollution that will result in the future,” West warned.

Frances West is the immediate Past President of the Civic League and heads its Public Policy Committee.

~*~

Markell Increases Domestic Violence Awareness

(presser)

Markell Issues Proclamation Designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Delaware
Governor also signs executive order helping domestic violence victims who work for the state

WILMINGTON – Governor Jack A. Markell today officially declared October 2009 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Delaware and signed an executive order that will increase protections for domestic violence victims who work for the state.

According the State Bureau of Identification, a total of 16,281 criminal incidents of domestic violence were reported in 2008, and of those incidents, 2,867 resulted in physical injury. The Division of Family Services reported that it investigated more than 6,000 cases of child abuse and neglect that included allegations of domestic violence.

“We should not and will not tolerate domestic violence in Delaware,” Markell said. “Behind all these numbers are real people, whose lives are impacted and whose voices are not always heard. The goal of this month and this executive order is to say ‘speak up, speak out’ because this must not continue. We must protect victims, hold offenders accountable and break the dangerous cycle of violence.”

The executive order Markell signed will lead to a policy mitigating the “personal and financial” challenges faced by employees who have been victims of domestic violence. The policy, which will be drafted by the state’s Human Resources Management office in conjunction with advocacy groups, will address issues such as leave, reasonable work-related accommodations such as job assignments and schedules, confidentiality and training for personnel to respond to domestic violence situations.

“Domestic violence victims deserve our support as they move on with their lives,” Markell said. “State government must protect their privacy, allow them to receive the help they need and ensure they are not hurt by insensitive and inflexible policies.”

Senator Patricia M. Blevins, Chair of the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, stated “To help maintain the strong network of agencies that assist victims of domestic violence in Delaware, the Coordinating Council passed legislation establishing the Domestic Violence Fund. A portion of the fees charged for certified copies of a marriage license/certificate are allocated to the fund, which provides grants for domestic violence services in Delaware. The Request For Proposals (RFP) will be sent out shortly by the Criminal Justice Council, the agency designated to administer the funds.”

Carol Post, Executive Director of the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said “This year is especially significant as we recognize the 15th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) as well as the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The landmark VAWA legislation provided much needed financial and technical assistance to help communities improve their response.”

Commissioner Carl Danberg, DVCC Vice-Chair, spoke about the newly released Domestic Violence Coordinating Council Annual Report and the ongoing efforts of the Council to improve Delaware’s response to domestic violence.

In closing, Senator Blevins, said that “Delaware’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of the services available to assist victims and to let those living with abuse know, help is available and they are not alone.”

To speak with someone confidentially about domestic violence call:
24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline Numbers
New Castle County 302-762-6110
Northern Kent County 302-678-3886
Kent & Sussex Counties 302-422-8058
Bi-lingual Hotline 302-745-9874

~*~

Peter Jesson Writes: Specter Near Top Of Health Care Lobby Contributions

- pa2010.com - http://www.pa2010.com -

Study: Specter gets more money from health care interests than all but 3 others (Updated) Posted By Dan Hirschhorn On October 5, 2009 @ 10:32 am In Home Featured, Senate 1 Comment

Senator Arlen Specter has received about $225,000 in campaign contributions from the health care industry and its lobbyists since 2007, trailing only three other senators, according to a new study.

The study [1], by the Sunlight Foundation and the Center for Responsive Politics, found Specter receiving donations from seven industry players and 67 of their lobbyists, totaling just over $225,000. Since the data compiled end in the middle of this year, shortly after Specter switched parties, the numbers might be more of a reflection of the critical role Specter would have played as a rare Republican who could have been courted by Democrats to vote for health care reform legislation. Now that he faces a Democratic primary, he is assumed to be a safe vote in favor of any legislative package that emerges.

Three senators received more money than Specter. Senator John McCain led the pack with more than half-a-million total, thanks to his expensive presidential race last year. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was second, and Max Baucus, who chairs the critical Senate Finance Committee was third.
See the full study here [1] (hat-tip to The Morning Call [2]).

UPDATE: Specter spokeswoman Kate Kelly e-mails this response-"Senator Specter has a record and reputation for integrity in deciding issues on the merits. It is understandable that health care companies plus an additional $10 billion in the stimulus package for medical research. He has consistently fought to eliminate the current fundraising system, including contributions from lobbyists, with the Durbin-Specter legislation to provide for public financing of Senate campaigns. In context, it is worth noting that the contributions by health care lobbyists since 2007 total less than 1.5% of the cost of his last campaign."

Article printed from pa2010.com: http://www.pa2010.com
URL to article: http://www.pa2010.com/2009/10/study-specter-gets-more-money-from-health-care-interests-than-all-but-3-others?
URLs in this post:
[1] study: http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/lm_health.php
[2] hat-tip to The Morning Call: http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/state/all-a19_pau_1004.7042072oct04,0,5852194.story

~*~

Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta and Summer Bird Line Up As America's Best Of 2009

The Denver Post reports that Belmont's Gold Cup went to Summer Bird yesterday ~

NEW YORK — Summer Bird made it a sweep of the top races in New York as the chestnut colt fought off a determined Quality Road in a long battle down the stretch to win the $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup on Saturday by a length on a sloppy track at Belmont Park.
The victory may have clinched a divisional championship for Summer Bird, who is the first 3-year-old since Easy Goer in 1989 to win the Belmont Stakes, the Travers and the Gold Cup.
Since a sixth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, Summer Bird has been defeated only by Rachel Alexandra, the presumptive horse of the year, in the Aug. 2 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, where he was second.

Watch a YouTube of Zenyatta working out last spring HERE and a recent BloodHorse definative on Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta and how the twain shall not meet. (even as the Breeder's Cup Board tossed in an additional million to create a 6 million dollar purse should both of these ladies have entered).

(BloodHorse.com images)

~*~

Health Care Insurance Reform Update: Public Option? A Little Hope And Lots Of Neglect

Politico has laid the case for hope for a better health care reform bill coming out of the Senate ~

Yet even before the vote, the process of overhauling the nation's $2.5 trillion health care system has already begun to move to the discreet backrooms of the Capitol, where Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will begin huddling next week with other top Democrats to meld two competing Senate bills.

And for some senators, that's where the real action is. For all the build-up to the Baucus markup, many senators decided to hold their fire in the conservative-leaning Finance Committee. They kept their favored amendments out of the fray in hopes they'd have a better chance when the bills are merged, or on the floor of the Senate, or even in the House-Senate conference.

That has given the Baucus bill a feeling of being far from the final word.

Meanwhile, Obama is neglecting his public who overwhelmingly want relief NOW and health care insurance reform that includes a public option to control the costs of private insurers.

(via FDL) The White House never made a single call to Senators on the Senate Finance Committee to lobby for the public option...
The Hill reports ~

The White House’s silence calls into question the administration’s commitment to a public option plan at a time when the idea is teetering in the upper chamber. Schumer and other Democrats also expressed frustration with the administration’s lack of effort.

Asked if the administration played any role in Tuesday’s committee vote, or called any committee members, Schumer simply said, “No.”

“I would hope the president would weigh in,” Schumer said.Committee member Tom Carper (D-Del.), who voted yes on the Schumer amendment and no on the Rockefeller measure, said he wasn’t leaned on. “I expect the administration to play a far more active role in the days ahead as we report a bill out,” Carper said. “The administration has played pretty much the role they need to play, but there will be opportunities for them to play a greater role, to be more vocal.”

Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), a critic of the public option, said he couldn’t answer whether the administration did enough lobbying on amendment voting because “I don’t know how much they did.”

~*~

Delaware Health Care for America Now To Show Blue Cross Blue Shield That It’s A Crime To Deny Care At 12PM, Oct. 6th In Wilmington

“Big Insurance: Sick of It” Campaign Escalates As Protesters Head Back to Scene of the ‘Crime’

Wilmington Delaware– On Tuesday October 6, healthcare supporter as part of Health Care for America Now (HCAN) – the nation’s largest health care campaign – will head back to the scene of the ‘crime,’ protesting Blue Cross Blue Shield’s putting Wall Street-driven profits before people’s health care needs.

On Tuesday September 22, protesters held more than 150 anti-insurance company actions nationwide.

Last Thursday, HCAN launched a new national TV and online advertising campaign featuring “Mansion,” a spot showing the vast difference between the home of a wealthy insurance company CEO and the average middle class family home in foreclosure due to medical debt. You can watch the “Mansion” ad online HERE

This Tuesday, the “Big Insurance: Sick of It” push continues as organizers and outraged Blue Cross Blue Shield’s customers return to the scene of the ‘crime’ armed with signs, personal stories, crime scene tape, and chalk to deliver a simple message: If the insurance companies win, we lose.

WHO: Healthcare for America Now Coalition
WHAT: We will form a circle using crime scene tape with our victims in the middle chanting, "It’s a crime to deny care” “Do not deny people health Coverage" "No Coverage No Life".
WHERE: 800 Delaware Ave. Wilmington
WHEN: October 6, 2009 Time: 12: pm

~*~

Lt. Governor Denn Promotes Stimulus Contract Opportunities And Delaware’s Division Of Public Health Seasonal Flu Vaccination Clinics

(presser)
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ADDRESSED WOMEN AND MINORITY OWNED BUSINESSES ABOUT CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES

Wilmington-Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn and representatives from state agencies held a forum on Thursday, October 1, to provide tips to women and minority owned businesses seeking opportunities under the federal stimulus package. The workshop was held during the City of Wilmington’s Mega Bizfest conference for women and minority business owners.

“The Governor and I are working hard every day to get Delaware’s economy going again and to create good jobs,” Denn said. “Businesses owned by women and minorities are an important part of Delaware’s economy and can play a large role in our future prosperity. That’s why we are determined to make sure those businesses are aware of every opportunity they may have from the federal stimulus package.”

Denn and state agency representatives provided several tips to attendees, including:

· Reviewing the state transportation agency’s web site (www.deldot.gov) to determine which major contractors have requested bid packages for stimulus funded road projects. Although many DelDOT projects exceed the capacity of small businesses, the general contractors who win the bids for these projects are required to seek out women and minority owned businesses as subcontractors. Marketing a small business to the general contractors who are considering bidding on major road projects can give women and minority owned businesses new opportunities.
· Taking advantage of new credit and bonding opportunities made available by the federal stimulus bill through the Small Business Administration. Because of the stimulus bill, many small businesses that were previously ineligible for SBA-backed loans are now eligible, many who were previously eligible only for small amounts of credit can now get larger loans, and small firms can get help obtaining bonds that are often necessary to bid on construction work.
· Seeking out opportunities in energy conservation work and educational support work, two of the areas where Delaware has received significant new funds from the federal stimulus bill that will ultimately make its way to private businesses.
· Obtaining both state and federal certification as a disadvantaged business enterprise, in order to ensure eligibility for all programs that have DBE hiring goals.

The forum featured representatives from the state’s energy office, transportation department, economic development, and the Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprise. The workshop was videotaped and will be posted on the state’s recovery website -

http://www.recovery.delaware.gov/

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Lt. Governor Denn will be one of the first Delawareans to get a seasonal flu shot at Delaware’s Division of Public Health seasonal flu vaccination clinics, which open on Monday. The Lieutenant Governor is getting his shot publicly to highlight the importance of Delawareans taking the proper steps to protect themselves and their families against influenza. Approximately 36,000 people in the U.S. die every year of the seasonal flu. Delaware’s vaccination clinics are targeted at Delawareans who cannot obtain vaccinations from a health care provider. The Lieutenant Governor will be making a donation to cover the cost of his vaccination. (Denn will be getting his flu shot at the Fraim Senior Center, 669 S. Union St. Wilmington)

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Maybe Obama Needs To Funnel Stimulus Money Directly Into A Modern Federal New Deal Since The States Aren't Stemming Unemployment Rapidly Enough

Atrios links to Calculated Risk ~ Revision

Numbers are preliminary, but look at the horror
in that graph... (click to enlarge)

How about it, Washington?

CCC - Civilian Conservation Corps

The Civilian Conservation Corps was created in 1933 by Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat unemployment. This work relief program had the desired effect and provided jobs for many Americans during the Great Depression. The CCC was responsible for building many public works and created structures and trails in parks across the nation.

CWA - Civil Works Administration

The Civil Works Administration was created in 1933 to create jobs for the unemployed. Its focus on high paying jobs in the construction arena resulted in a much greater expense to the federal government than originally anticipated. The CWA ended in 1934 in large part due to opposition to its cost.

PWA - Public Works Administration

The Public Works Administration was a program created to provide economic stimulus and jobs during the Great Depression. The PWA was designed to create public works and continued until the US ramped up wartime production for World War II. It ended in 1941.

TVA - Tennessee Valley Authority

The Tennessee Valley Authority was established in 1933 to develop the economy in the Tennessee Valley region which had been hit extremely hard by the Great Depression. The TVA was and is a federally owned corporation that works in this region to this day. It is the largest public provider of electricity in the United States.

WPA - Works Progress Administration

The Works Progress Administration was created in 1935. As the largest New Deal Agency, the WPA impacted millions of Americans. It provided jobs across the nation. Because of it, numerous roads, buildings, and other projects were completed. It was renamed the Works Projects Administration in 1939. It officially ended in 1943.

(Top 10 New Deal Programs - Significant New Deal Programs to Combat the Great Depression By Martin Kelly, About.com American History)

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No More Bakesales For You~!

Kids in NYC schools will no longer be allowed to raise money for their activities by selling baked goods during school hours. Period. NADA. Nottin'.
The New York Times reports (via twitter) ~

In an effort to limit how much sugar and fat students put in their bellies at school, the Education Department has effectively banned most bake sales, the lucrative if not quite healthy fund-raising tool for generations of teams and clubs.

OVERKILL MUCH?
What does this say about an educated citizen base that we can't advise that students and parents bake healthy goods for sale? How much more ridiculous can a bunch of adults behave than by an across the board ban on this fundraising tool that is as American as, well, apple pie?

A typical weekday sale, he said, could bring in about $500 in profit. “If they wanted to buy some uniforms or go on a trip, that was enough,” he added. Mr. Sommers said he was trying to figure out other ways for students to raise money, perhaps by selling T-shirts or key chains. (All of which are decidedly more expensive to produce than a box of brownies.)

Department officials are suggesting that teams use walk-a-thons and similar activities as a way of raising money and doing something active. For all the changes, there is much the regulations do not address. For instance, there are no stipulations of what kind of treats students may bring to class, so birthday cupcakes appear to be safe. Snack bars of any kind are permitted at after-school sporting events, a prime time for cheese-laden nachos and fatty hot dogs.

Schools around the United States, including throughout California, have banned bake sales or put a limit on the sugar and fat content of the goodies. But New York’s regulations are among the strictest in the country, said Howard Wechsler, the director of the division of adolescent and school health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is not at all hard to bake healthy goods. It must be hard to educate a public on what is and isn't a common sense measure.

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Support Nonviolent Resistance Actions By The National Campaign For Nonviolent Resistance; Sign The Petition To President Obama

"A nation that year after year spends more on military expenditures than social uplift is approaching spiritual death."

June Eisley writes ~
On Oct. 5 I'll be in front of the White House with my friends from around the country, participating in nonviolent direct action against the continuing war in Afghanistan. As we begin the 9th year of war, US casualties are increasing by the mon...th. There is no military solution in Afghan. President Obama must figure out another way to deal with this.

National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance
Source: www.nogoodwar.org
Nonviolent resistance actions by the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance

Join us at the White House to act against the Afghanistan War!
Join us October 5th when we visit the White House, and you can sign the petition to President Obama... HERE!

If you plan on being a part of the October 5th mobilization in Washington, please fill out this online form. We will be gathering at McPherson Square (15th and I Streets NW) at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 5th and then silently processing (two and a half blocks) to the White House to deliver a letter to Obama and request a meeting. The gathering will feature Liz McAlister as a speaker.

In front of the White House we will be joined by various affinity groups, such as the Atlantic Life Community, Witness Against Torture, Veterans for Peace, World Can't Wait, and Activist Response Team. Other groups fully endorsing the action and participating are Peace Action, Code Pink, the War Resisters' League, Voters for Peace, The Washington Peace Center, and Student Peace Action Network.

During this action we will all be following the Nonviolence Guidelines listed on this site. For those actively participating, we ask that either a "We Will Not Be Silent" t-shirt, or a simple black shirt be worn.

We are calling for withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Afghanistan,ending the illegal bombing with US drones, including neighboring Pakistan, and the closing of the Bagram prison and ending indefinite detention and torture. We are calling for an end to these wars and occupations, including that of Iraq, so that our resources can be used for life sustaining actions including the funding and the rebuilding of Afghanistan's and Iraq's infrastructure and medical assistance to Afghans and Iraqis, in addition to poverty reduction programs in the United States and world wide. We are calling for accountability for those who have committed war crimes.

If you wish to join us in DC on the Monday of the same week our nation will be entering its 9th year of War in Afghanistan, contact the NCNR CoConveners! We will meet on Sunday, Oct. 4th, 2-5 p.m. at the Festival Center located at 1640 Columbia Road NW.

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Senate Finance Committee DEMs Finally Get A "Basic Health Plan" Passed

Cantwell plan's a winner. Comment rescue over at the Lake ~

readerOfTeaLeaves --Here are the most important things as I understand this shrewd amendment:

1. States don’t have to opt in, so those like Kyl who are all about ’state’s rights’ (or its many variants) just lost that argument.

2. It removes and diminishes a lot of the GOP claims about ‘competition’, because it basically simply puts a state-level negotiator between individuals and healthCos; the state has the clout to bargain down package prices, but the actual payment system is still implemented by healthCos. This moves toward what is called ‘managed care’ (the Cleveland Clinic is one example of a managed care system).In Washington state, the state negotiates on behalf of it’s Medicare and state retirees (troopers, cops, firefighters, teachers, legislators, etc, etc). If you are a healthCo, you negotiate to be part of the state system, but they set the parameters for costs, options, etc, etc.

Then, once you’re approved by the state negotiator, all those employees, retirees, and Medicare patients can decide which of the healthCos (and which state-approved plan offered by the healthCo) to sign up for — people then decide which of the plans they can afford that best meets their needs. They then sign up with **that** healthCo.

Which means that in one brilliant stroke, if I’m correct about Cantwell’s proposal, she’s completely and absolutely demolished the GOP fears of ’single payer,’ and ’states rights’, while at the same time moving the entire nation toward more functional, managed care health care models b/c the cost structures make it cheaper for health care providers to pay for exercise and cooking classes than to pay for coronary bypass surgery.

I still prefer Wyden’s plan (and Rockefeller’s) b/c they leave no stone unturned in the sense that the ENTIRE nation is covered.

But this strikes me as a genius move by Cantwell; looks like Schumer sees it the same way. This reveals the Dems to have a much, much deeper bench than the GOP. This was a triple-run homer by Cantwell, IMVHO.

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Memorable Greenwald On "The Third Way"

DKos on that pesky NeoLiberal thing ~

Lieberdem Lanny Davis is a funny creature. Glenn Greenwald still has the best distillation of Davis I've seen anywhere, from back in August:

Lanny Davis is just a face that reflects the grime and sleaze that lies at the core of our political culture. But it's a rather vivid face for what is typically meant by

Centrism (i.e., it's shrill and irresponsible to suggest there's anything fundamentally wrong with our political culture);

Civility (it's rude and disrespectful to highlight the oozing conflicts of interests and paid whoredom which animate our leading political luminaries); and

Bipartisanship (the same narrow set of corporateforces always prevail no matter which party is in "control" by constantlypaying those who control those parties). As unpleasant as it is, that's why there's value in casting one's eyes on how Lanny Davis functions.

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Creating New AAA Securities Out Of Abject, Double-B-Minus Junk. What could possibly go wrong?

Atrios links to this Mother Jones article where Kevin Drum articulates what Michael Greenberger had spent a lot of time explaining to a rather large Delaware Press Club-DELCOG event crowd last month at the Delaware Theatre Company:
PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSST ~

The way it works is that insurers and banks that hold battered securities on their books have Wall Street firms separate the good from the bad. The good mortgages are bundled together and create a security designed to get a higher rating. The weaker securities get low ratings.
....A hypothetical example cited in research by BarclaysCapital said that a $100 million asset that required $2 million in capital at a triple-A rating may require $35 million if downgraded to double-B-minus. At triple-C, the capital requirement might rise to 100%, or $100 million.

In a re-remic, three-fourths of the same asset may regain a triple-A rating, requiring just $1.5 million in capital, Barclays said. The remaining one-quarter may require 100% capital, but the total capital requirement would fall to $26.5 million.
...."There is $350 billion to $400 billion in market value of securities with no natural buyer due to their rating," Barclays said in a June report. "The re-remic market provides a way out of this gridlock by creating new AAA securities, which are likely to be viewed as attractively priced."

Shiny new AAA securities!
Hooray! And there's more! Ratings for re-remics come from the same ratings agencies that bollixed up the original ratings. And investment banks pocket fat fees for performing the financial alchemy. What could possibly go wrong?

I wonder how many of my fellow Delawareans have contacted our Congressional Delegation about this alarming state of affairs? Michael Greenberger gave us some very clear solutions. I am going to have to dig out my notes. Why hasn't the Delaware Press written more about this?

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MoveOn Writes: Thank Senator Carper For His Vote And Remind Him That We Need A Public Option To Save Us All Money

Dear MoveOn member,
This week, Senator Tom Carper voted for the public health insurance option on the Senate Finance Committee.1 This is really good news: Until now, Sen. Carper hadn't taken a clear position on the public option. Now, in order to help him stick with it when the going gets tough, let's make sure he's armed with all the facts about how great the public option really is.

Many members of Congress are concerned about the overall cost of the health care bill. But one of the best reasons to include a public option in the health care reform bill is how much money it would save for regular Americans and for our country.2

Can you sign a letter thanking Sen. Carper for his vote and reminding him that we need a public option to save us all money? Click to send a free fax HERE.

Here are the facts about health care and the public health insurance option:

According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, current legislation with a public option will be fully paid for over ten years and will not add a penny to the deficit.3

The public plan will be paid for by health insurance premiums, not taxpayers.

Subsidies would go directly to individuals and families who can use them to select the plan they want.4

Premiums for a public plan would be about 10% less than premiums for private insurance.5

Meanwhile, if Congress refuses to act, health insurance premiums for the average Delaware family are projected to rise from $14,560 to $24,845 in the next ten years.6

Thanks for all you do. –Nita, Peter, Michael, Kat, and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "Live Blogging: Senate Finance Committee Debate on Public Option," The New York Times, September 29, 2009
2. "CBO Scores Confirm Deficit Neutrality of Health Insurance Reform Bill," Office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, July 18, 2009
"CBO: A Strong Public Plan Saves Lots of Money," The Washington Post, September 25, 2009
3. Ibid.
4. "Why We Need a Public Health-Care Plan," The Wall Street Journal, June 24, 2009
5. Letter to Rep. Charles B. Rangel, Congressional Budget Office, July 14, 2009
6. "Why Delaware Needs Health Reform: By the Numbers," Center for American Progress, July 31, 2009

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Join CREDO Action and Open Left By Signing Public Option Petition To President Obama

From the inbox ~

Dear Nancy,
Right now, there are two health care reform bills in the U.S. Senate: one from the Senate HELP committee with a public health insurance option, and from the Senate Finance committee without a public option. Before any health care bill is sent to the floor of the Senate for debate and voting, the Senate Democratic leadership and the White House must merge the two bills into a single bill.

If a merged bill that includes a public health insurance option is sent to the floor, it will be a huge boost in our campaign to win a public option. If no public option is included in the bill sent before the full Senate, it will be tougher to add it later in the process.

We need the most influential person in these negotiations, President Obama, to tell the Senate Democratic leadership to include a public option in the bill that is sent before the full Senate. Join with CREDO Action and Open Left by signing our petition to President Obama today:

President Obama: tell the Democratic Senate leadership to include a public option in the health care bill brought to the floor of the Senate!

An overwhelming majority of Americans --including a plurality of Republicans according to a recent poll -- support a public option. President Obama says that he is also in favor of a public option to keep insurance companies accountable. With the will of the people behind him, we need President Obama to tell the Senate leadership to include a public option in the bill that is sent before the full Senate.

As the President of the United States, elected by voters who want big change to the health care status quo, President Obama has tremendous political power to influence Democratic Senators. Call on him to use that influence, and keep a public option in the bill sent to the full Senate:

In solidarity,
Chris Bowers, Open Left

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If The Baucus Bill Gets Stalled, PhRMA, AHIP, The Hospitals, The AMA, (etc,) Start To Get Nervous And Then What!!!

Jane Hamsher revisits moments in health care reform history ~

While [the White House] may or may not be writing their own bill, they need to reassure health care industry stake holders that those deals will be honored in the final bill, even if Baucus can't get them through is committee. Because the last thing the White House needs right now is stakeholders leaking embarrassing documents because they're getting hinky at the thought that their deals might go south.

Plus, Jon Walker has a funny ~

It sounds like Carper's plan is a trigger, but a trigger that, once pulled, requires each state legislature to then act. If the state legislature acts it must then choose from three basically worthless options, a state-based public option, co-ops, or some kind of managed government partnership with private insurance companies.

If this is the case, then Carper has the dubious distinction of coming up with the worst “alternative” to the public option so far. A trigger for co-ops. This idea is so bad, it makes Conrad's worthless state-based co-ops look robust.

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Relay For Life - Country Barbecue American Cancer Society Fundraiser Set For Oct. 10th In Townsend

Relay For Life - Country Barbecue
fund raising event for the American Cancer Society.

Join us for fun, good food and celebrate life.

Team: Relay for Life Middletown The Messengers Team
Where: The Carters Place
When: 10/10/2009 -- 4-8PM
Contact: Debbie - 302-378-7234 - TheMessengers@aiellos.net
Flyer: Relay For Life - Country Barbecue

Dave Carter adds ~
We are having another Pig Roast and Beef Brisket (now an annual event for one cause or another). There will be lots of food, beer, a live band, hay rides, and of course a bonfire.

As always, it will be a lot of fun, and for a good cause. A few friends, Debbie Craig and Sandy Buckworth are listed on the flyer for contact, but people can also contact me directly at David Carter: Davidctr@aol.com if they want to attend.

(Minnesota Harvest image)

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Peter Jesson Writes: GOP Healthcare Plan Garners Supporters

SNARK ALERT!

National Association of Undertakers Backs GOP Health Plan; Funeral Directors: 'Works for Us'

WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report) -
Congressional Republicans received key backing today for their health care plan, picking up support from the National Association of Undertakers.
The funeral directors' group, which represents undertakers, embalmers and hearse drivers
across the country, gave the GOP plan a big thumbs up, saying in a press release, "Finally, a health care plan that works for us."
The endorsement from the undertakers' association was the second major endorsement in two days for the GOP plan, which yesterday picked up support from the National Association of Viruses and Bacteria.

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