Blog #33 MAGA Outreach - We Only disagree on The Remedy

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Written by: Super User

• Tag: BillionaireRedemptionOrNot Blog

Roots of this website: Kidney Dialysis Intro:

After reading this article, it helped me understand the MAGA mind more.  One statement that stuck out was: "Youngstown (Ohio) is remarkable for the consensus between people of opposing views about the underlying problems and the frustrations that stem from them. They disagree only on the remedy.".  The citizens of Youngstown have been living in one of the most depressed cities in the US and politicians of both stripes have let them down.  The impression seems to be the Democrats will lie to your face, but the Republicans will screw you over straight to your face - many Ohioans seem to prefer the honest crook!  The alleged honest crook, Trump, whose "success was a symptom of the Democrats’ failure to address the catastrophic impact of international trade agreements on manufacturing jobs in the US – a failure he (Trump) pins on Bill Clinton and Barack Obama – and its further failure, under Obama, to take any meaningful action against Wall Street or the big banks after the housing collapse of 2007-08 (which Bush Jr. caused).  I'm understanding the reasoning of the Trump voter, there is the saying "It takes a thief to catch a thief" and there is the fact Trump was looking rough on the campaign trail.  Possibly he is starting to feel the limits of his mortality!  Maybe he would want to hedge his bets and actually do some good before he leaves this earth!  Where would be a good place to start?  How about healthcare!

As of this writing though, we are still waiting for things like his "concepts" of a healthcare plan to come to fruition, something we waited for during his first term.  Something he and his people could have been working on during Joe Biden's term.  Something that looks on a bad trajectory right now with Trump in his usual 'Weapon of Mass Distraction' mode with his plan to make Canada our 51st state (and here MAGA voters thought they were voting to bring down inflation and healthcare costs). Trump's statement at the end of January 2025 concerning Canada: "They’d have much better health coverage. I think the people of Canada would like it,” this isn't exactly inspiring confidence.  The people of Canada just might need some convincing about how much better off they would be under our wing: healthcare poll,  opinion of two physicians who have practiced in the US and Canada.

But before we give up, there are rays of hope that better angels maybe at work - even in the Trump administration!  There are signs that healthcare private equity investors might be facing some disappointment.  JD Vance, yes the fellow who declared war on cat ladies, has been known to find common ground with Biden's FTC chair Lina Khan - only the best monopoly fighter chair since the New Deal!  And yes, even Senators Josh Hawley and Marco Rubio (current Secretary of State) have been to known to make anti-trust noises!  From an article about anti-monopoly author Matt Stoller (book-Goliath):

That conservatism has to figure out how to embrace a kind of post-Trump populism that uses political power to build a capitalism that, as Rubio puts it, “promotes the common good, as opposed to one that prioritizes Wall Street and Beijing.”.

Many of the MAGA voters in the article at the beginning of this blog are people who would bump heads with MAGA true believers.  They were people who worried "about the cost of living and taking care of friends they’ve loved for decades and what it means to be working class in an era that has either outsourced or mechanised the work they used to do."  The non-ideologue Trump voters have felt abandoned by a political class that has seemed more intent on pleasing their big-money donors.  The wisdom of voting for the same sort of people who got us into this mess decades ago could be argued.  But some might point out a mercurial leader - who might be facing his maker sooner rather than later - could start thinking about what is in store for him in the Great Beyond.  It might be a wild card, but looks like something people have put their money and vote on.

A Start? Kidney Dialysis, High Mortality for High Prices - Unique in Medicine for a Rising Mortality Rate

So where could Trump start looking for a "Road to Redemption" in healthcare - just in case death isn't just an eternal dirt nap.  Trump is a fellow who doesn't seem to mind bumping heads with just about anybody.  Who knows?  He might turn his gaze towards a very rich DINO.  This Democrat-In-Name-Only has managed to avoid the public eye recently - and avoid the fur flying about.  Once upon a time this writer thought the aforementioned DINO was a benevolent teddy bear who only wanted to do good in the world - while making himself very, very rich!  Turns out this teddy bear investor is a monopolistic capitalist with little regard for "product quality" to put it mildly - to the point of allowing unnecessary deaths!  Yes, this DINO is none other than Warren Buffett - someone called America's 'Folksiest Predator'.  Do you have this feeling in you dear reader, a feeling similar to finding out Santa Claus isn't real?  This is the same feeling this 20+ year kidney dialysis advocate experienced when finding out who was at the top of the garbage heap that is for-profit kidney dialysis (numbers - scandals).  After years of trying to make Mr. Buffett aware of what is going on with one of his investments it looks like not much has changed.

So let's say Trump did decide to go after an evil that has been allowed to fester for decades (and bump heads with a DINO), how could he proceed?  Below is a roadmap:

*Encourage the formation of 'Community Dialysis Houses', there is already at least one prototype right here in the U.S. that has been running since 2009!  Kidney dialysis patients in rural areas often times have to drive many miles to receive care in clinics in more urban areas (rural areas, often times Trump strongholds).  Even in urban areas there are patients who would like to do more self-care, but aren't finding it in their clinics - and are unable to setup home dialysis in their homes.

*Update Feb. 7th, 2025: It was pointed out on a Common Defense Signal Channel I and others post on, that I'm dreaming a little big with this blog.  It made me realize I ought to mention if I were to take a first step, the 'Community Dialysis Houses' above might be a good place.  Possibly my federal rep (Jason Crow) could take an interest in this?  It could be a rural outreach for him!  P.S.  I mentioned the Common Defense organization I'm a new member of.  It is  nationwide and veteran-led.  While I'm at it, I'm also a new member of a more local organization Colorado Rapid Response Network.  I just recently got to show up at a live ICE raid with CRRN (a story for another day).

*Revive the Lina Khan's FTC effort to ban noncompete contracts - it would have affected kidney dialysis by allowing the doctors to leave less than stellar clinics and go to clinics more in line with their values for one thing.  More on that and a latter article on the status of the noncompete ban.  (as mentioned Lina Khan has often times found common ground with Vance, Hawley, and Rubio)

*Get rid of the exemption the nephrologists, kidney doctors, have to the Stark Law - a law that says doctors aren't allowed to profit off their patients.  Doctors will often times have a financial stake in these dialysis clinics.  Guess where doctors will often refer their patients, not the best clinic, but the one where they have a financial interest!  A restaurant example helped me understand this.

*Warren Buffett could divest from his stake in the huge for-profit dialysis company DaVita: a quick, humorous intro to DaVita by the comedian John Oliver - and a deeper dive by NYT's best-selling author Tom Mueller, book 'How To Make a Killing'.  Plus a Bonus: the SCANDALS!!!

*THE BIG ASK: bust up the huge for-profit dialysis companies like DaVita and Fresenius into a bunch of manageable itty-bitty pieces - right now they are stock market driven near-monopoly companies more beholden to upper-management bonuses, and the whims of their biggest shareholders than the needs of their patients.  These companies provide their own oversight for the most part.  This is a classic case of the fox watching the hen house.  Choice and competition are two main factors that make capitalism work.  THESE TWO FACTORS ARE SEVERELY LACKING IN KIDNEY DIALYSIS.  These companies could be busted up into something like small care-coops where staff and patients could do the hiring and firing of management!

In conclusion, if Trump and DOGE are serious about saving money - while also saving lives - they ought to take a hard look at kidney dialysis!

Roots of this website: Kidney Dialysis Intro:

For a Deeper Dive
Reading List 
(includes NYT's best-selling author Tom Mueller's book 'How to Make a Killing' about kidney dialysis)

 

Blog #32 Michael Moore: Genocide Arms Dealers (our Senate)

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Written by: Super User

• Warren-Sanders RipTide

(Roots of this website: Kidney Dialysis Intro:

But Back to the Michael Moore article:

These Democratic and Independent Senators Voted to Send More Weapons to Israel to Kill Civilians in Gaza.

Michael Moore
Nov 30, 2024

 

What better way to celebrate losing the November 5th election than by continuing to ignore the will of the American people who oppose Israel’s war on Gaza. Nothing says to the public “we hear you” better than the Democratic Party announcing that “we’re going to kill even more children in Palestine now with your/our American tax dollars.”

And what better way to celebrate the current holiday season — including the one where we feast and remember how the Indigenous people of the Americas saved our lives by feeding us a meal right in the middle of our European ancestors committing the largest mass genocide in human history… AND the upcoming celebration of the birth of the Prince of PEACE, plus the celebration of the Maccabees killing the Syrians who had stolen their land and their Temple with Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights and thanksgiving,” commemorating the rededication and reopening of the Temple.

But something amazing happened exactly 10 days ago: 19 Democratic and Independent Senators stood up for the first time and voted to STOP the sending of three shipments of American weapons to Israel. It was a never-before rebuke to warn Netanyahu that millions of Americans have had enough of his slaughter of innocent civilians. Of course, to Netanyahu, Palestinians are not “innocent” because, well, they don’t exist. The 1977 manifesto/ charter of his Likud Party makes this very clear:

“Between the Sea and the Jordan there will only be Israeli sovereignty.”

In other words, “From the River to the Sea,” just driving the other way. He intends to remove these non-existent humans from Israel’s occupied territories and push them into the deserts of Egypt and Jordan — and, as we currently witness every day, to exterminate them, preferably when they are infants and children. Saves the trouble of having to do it later. Ask the Germans and the American pioneers. They were both convinced that annihilation was the answer — the Solution — to removing “the problem.”

Please keep in mind that the polls show most Americans these days do not support this war. And I believe that most Americans still believe the following:

1. Ethnic cleansing Is a War Crime.

2. Apartheid Is a Racist System that is a Crime Against Humanity.

3. A Theocracy Is Never a Democracy. Not in Iran. Not in an America run by the Moral Majority or Christian Nationalists. Not in an Israel that has sadly lost its way.

Please take a moment on this special holiday weekend to let your elected representatives know you do not want your tax dollars going to a right-wing government that is hell-bent on civilian mass starvation and death.

Democratic senators should know better. And their behavior in supporting this aggression will only cost them more elections. Voters under 45 and people of color combined (making up nearly half the electorate), have no interest in war and would rather our government spend our money on our schools, our elderly, and our broken health care system. Time to cut Bibi off.

Speaking of a broken health care system: Murder closer to Home (below)

Kidney Dialysis:  Even KIDS haven't been spared!!!!

Petition (and see our visit to DC and DC Press Conference + Rally)

 

 

Blog #31 Colorado's Federal Representative Jason Crow addresses the Blatant Misinformation spread by Trump about the CO city of Aurora's Gang Problem

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Written by: Super User

• Warren-Sanders RipTide

  

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding reports of gang activity in Aurora, Colorado. Hearing directly from constituents is one of the most important parts of my job and provides me with valuable feedback to better represent our community. 

Earlier this summer, rumors began circulating that a Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA), had seized control of an apartment complex in Aurora and “taken over” areas of the city. This rumor was also circulated by the owner of the apartment complex and subsequently amplified by local officials and political candidates. 

Aurora Police Department has since confirmed that these (Trump's) claims are false and confirmed there is no gang takeover in any part of Aurora. Current gang activity is consistent with trends across Colorado and law enforcement is working together with the community to address isolated gang activity. The Aurora Police Department has also established a task force with federal, state, and local partners to address concerns related to TdA and other gang activity.

The residential building at the center of the false claims has since been condemned due to the squalid and unsafe living conditions maintained by the building’s owner, including exposed wiring, black mold, and collapsing roofs. This condemnation was not a result of gang activity but the next step in a long history of complaints regarding substandard conditions at the apartment complex.

Those distorting this issue have only made it harder for law enforcement to do their job. I've met and spoken with federal law enforcement and local leaders and confirmed that gang issues are being grossly exaggerated and misrepresented. Violent crime is going down in the metro area and Aurora remains a thriving community and wonderful place to raise a family.

This issue has been distorted in service of an anti-immigrant agenda, incited dangerous rhetoric against our immigrant community, and made it harder for the residents impacted by poor living conditions to find suitable housing. To be clear, those aiming to capitalize on the issues facing our community have not made commitments to address or bolster our community's response to youth violence, housing insecurity, or refugee resettlement.

Today, I represent one of the most diverse districts in Colorado. The 6th District is home to over 120,000 immigrants and our community is stronger and more vibrant because of our diversity. As your representative, it is my responsibility to provide an honest accounting of events in our district, and I appreciate your outreach. 

I encourage you to keep contacting me about issues that are important to you. Please sign up for our newsletter at crow.house.gov/updates to stay up to date on how I am representing you in Congress.

Sincerely,
Jason Crow

Blog #30 Senator Elizabeth Warren: Here's the Plan to Fight Back

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Written by: Super User

• Warren-Sanders RipTide

To everyone who feels like their heart has been ripped out of their chest, I feel the same. To everyone who is afraid of what happens next, I share your fears. But what we do next is important, and I need you in this fight with me.

As we confront a second Donald Trump presidency, we have two tasks ahead. First, try to learn from what happened. And then, make a plan.

Many political experts and D.C. insiders are already blaming President Joe Biden’s economic agenda for Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss. This does not stand up to scrutiny. Even though the Biden economy produced strong economic growth while reining in inflation, incumbent parties across the globe have been tossed out by voters after the pandemic. American voters also showed support for Democratic economic policies, for example, approving ballot initiatives to raise the minimum wage in Alaska and to guarantee paid sick leave in Missouri.

But good economic policies do not erase painful underlying truths about our country. For my entire career, I’ve studied how the system is rigged against working-class families. On paper, the U.S. economy is the strongest in the world. But working families are struggling with big expenses like the cost of housing, health care, and childcare. Giant corporations get tax breaks and favorable rules while workers are gouged by higher prices. Billionaires pay paltry taxes on their wealth while families can’t afford to buy their first homes.

Americans do not want a country where political parties each field their own team of billionaires who then squabble over how to divvy up the spoils of government. Vice President Harris deserves credit for running an inspiring campaign under unprecedented circumstances. But if Democrats want to earn back the trust of working people and govern again, we need to convince voters we can—and will—unrig the economy.

What comes next? Trump won the election, but more than 67 million people voted for Democrats and they don’t expect us to roll over and play dead. We will have a peaceful transition of power, followed by a vigorous challenge from the party out of power, because that’s how democracy works.

Here’s a path forward.

(Continued)