A Very Telling Line

The LA Times article addresses and focuses on the artist's, Shepard Fairey, "fair use" and copyright problems. They also spend considerable time pointing out how he lied, lied to cover-up a mistake, and based a counter lawsuit on his lie. I am not disagreeing with that angle of the article.

What I found so telling is the paragraph:

"The artist expressed his remorse in his statement, saying that he is taking 'full responsibility for my actions which were mine alone. I am taking every step to correct the information and I regret I did not come forward sooner.'"

His admission that he acted alone and take "full responsibility" raises a huge flag, at least to me, that he is the fallguy for someone or some group. Why would he have to say this, as a caveat? A prosecutor may be accusing him of being part of a conspiracy, and if so, his defense is understandable. Please understand, I am not stating that he is taking the hit, but with dealings recently uncovered with the National Endowment for the Arts, it is questionable.

Shepard Fairey admits to wrongdoing in Associated Press lawsuit

How many contradictions can one cram into a single article?

From a recent Yahoo! News/AP article¹, I have collected a barrage of quotes from Lawmakers and aides in this article. The Associated Press attempted to "cover" fall out regarding illegal aliens and the Healthcare Bill as prompted from Rep. Joe Wilson's [R-S.C.] peanut gallery outburst during President Obama's speech to a joint session.

"What we are trying to prevent is anyone who is here illegally from getting any federal benefit," said Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D...."

"The White House says that Obama does not want illegal immigrants to be able to buy insurance through the new purchasing exchange as they would be allowed to do under Democratic legislation in the House."

"... although the Finance Committee bill is also expected to let illegal immigrants shop in the exchange..."

"'Illegal immigrants would not be allowed to access the exchange that is set up,' Gibbs said Friday. Verification requirements are 'something we'd work out with Congress,' he said."

"Republicans' contention that illegal immigrants would be able to get federally funded health coverage under the House health bill — even though the bill expressly prohibits federal subsidies for illegals.Critics note that there are no enforcement mechanisms, or language on how to verify whether or not someone is in this country legally."

"Democrats in two House committees defeated amendments that would have required verification of legal status."

All of these quotes are from the news piece. These quotes clearly illustrate that there is nothing in the bill which would back up Obama's guarantee that illegal aliens would use my families healthcare dollars!

What happened to 'truth to power'?

The tactic of placing anger (and unashamed claims of racism) towards a Representative who chose to speak up only direct our attention away from the content and promises Obama made in his speech.  Another aspect leads me to inquire: what has changed in the last few weeks?  During Obama's August push to reform healthcare, he refused to counter "death panel" concerns, siting that the bill had not been finalized.  Yet he promises things which cannot be guaranteed, because portions are still being resolved in committees? In essence, President Obama is contradicting himself, but very few are catching on.

1. Health care talks focus on illegal immigrants

Illegal Aliens and Obama Untruths

A recent Yahoo! News/AP piece¹, reveals how the White House takes a stand against the Dems in an attempt to pacify the Right Wing claims that illegal aliens will be covered under the pending Healthcare Bill.

By recent estimates, there are 11-12 million illegal aliens² in this country; according to this article that means 4-5 million people within our borders illegally, have health insurance?

Do 4 or 5 million illegal immigrants obtain insurance? From the article:

"In explaining its new position, the White House said that ...illegal immigrants could continue to buy insurance in the private insurance market outside the exchange..."

I guess so.

According to the White House, these aliens are currently able to buy health insurance, and would, in some aspects of the new healthcare bill, be able to buy coverage with their own money. But some 35 million Americans can't afford it now? What is wrong with this picture?

This quote places a new light on boilerplate claims from the Left.

While slightly off topic, it ties into affordable health insurance. Illegal immigrants purchasing health insurance? This could be taken to mean there are "living wages" in America!

Despite the picture painted by poor/labor/immigration activists, immigrants working for less than minimum wage, those working for cash, often under-the-table (and tax-free!), can shell out for a private medical insuarnce policy. I can't imagine too many illegals are pulling down $300K a year.

As the popular arguement goes, illegals are taking jobs Americans won't; are they also taking insurance policies Americans won't?

But, the wider point is, Obama has vigorously defended his claim that "the reforms I'm proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally."

• Where is "his" bill? He is no longer a Senator.
• The bill is not out of numerous committees, but Obama refers to the bill as if it is ready to pass by a vote.
• How much sway does he think he has? Several attempts to add language which bar illegal aliens, have been stricken by Obama's party.

Why would Obama be working so hard to advertise barring illegals from the public health exchange? A stated goal of his is to cover everyone. Primarily, using the Left's logic, is because those who don't have insurance create a burden on those who pay their bills.

It doesn't make much sense. Yet, when your main goal is not insuring everyone in the country, but fundamentally changing the Land of Liberty, little details like illegal immigrants are expendable.

1. White House stiffens against illegal immigrants
2. Center for Immigration Studies