I’m taking a break from the blog to bang out revisions for my novel and bang out edits for a university course. Also, there’s a baby on the way (that’s not a labor announcement, Mom, just a general statement). Not to worry, Colorado Progressive will return. Thanks for your patience, and as always, thanks for [...]
Entries from September 30th, 2009
Comparing Health Insurance to Car Insurance is Misleading
September 24th, 2009 · No Comments · Health care reform
Via Jon Caldara, Ari Armstrong argues that comparing mandatory health insurance coverage to mandatory car insurance coverage is flawed:
It is simply not true that states “require you to carry auto insurance.” Rather, you must buy auto insurance (or face fines) only if you drive an automobile on politically operated roads.
For example, Colorado’s statute 10-4-619 states [...]
Dan Hayes and Denver Ballot Initiative 300 (aka “The Impound Initiative”)
September 22nd, 2009 · No Comments · Denver, Elections
Mayor Hickenlooper doesn’t like it. Denver police don’t like it. City Council doesn’t like it. Interfaith leaders don’t like it. And yet, Dan Hayes persists.
This year, at least, the rhetoric is a little softer. “Getting unlicensed drivers off the road is a big deal because if one hits you, you have to have enough insurance [...]
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Should Yellowcake Uranium Travel Freely in Colorado?
September 22nd, 2009 · No Comments · Colorado, Environment, Nuclear Energy
The Colorado Independent reviews some tough questions about a proposed uranium mill in southwestern Colorado. While nuclear energy enjoys a mixed resurgence in the United States, alarm about logistical challenges presented by the Piñon Ridge Mill highlights Coloradans’ fears.
To be clear, the Piñon Ridge Mill is a uranium processing site, not a nuclear power plant. [...]
Tags: Pinon Ridge Mill·The Colorado Independent·Uranium·Yellowcake
Loneliest Man in the Senate
September 17th, 2009 · No Comments · Health care reform
From the opening line, Carolyn Lochhead paints a sorrowful picture of Max Baucus’ less-than-triumphant moment as he unveiled his committee’s long-awaited health care reform plan yesterday in the Capitol. “Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus stood alone Wednesday, delivering his long-awaited health care plan without one Republican at his side and a chilly welcome from [...]
Tags: Carolyn Locchead·Health Care Reform Plan·Max Baucus·Public option·Senate Finance Committee
Lillis Advocates Starting Strong with Single Payer (alternately titled “What Could Have Been”)
September 16th, 2009 · No Comments · Health care reform
The Washington Independent’s Mike Lillis makes a compelling case for single-payer health care, but not like you might expect. It’s an article to which I found myself nodding throughout and thinking “Huh. Never thought of it like that.” And it’s strikingly simple. Read it here.
Lillis argues that single-payer health care should have been Democrats’ starting [...]
Tags: Health Care Negotiation·Mike LIllis·Public option·Single Payer
Tancredo Crabby Over Norton/McCain Power Brokerage
September 15th, 2009 · No Comments · Colorado, Elections
Two weeks ago I posted on the NSRC’s involvement in Jane Norton’s pending Senate run and the corresponding conservative discord in the state. Seems that topic is just not ready to go away. This week’s installment sponsored by Tom Tancredo. From the Denver Post:
Former Lt. Gov. Jane Norton will announce her candidacy for the [...]
Tags: 2010 U.S. Senate Race·Jane Norton·John McCain·Tom Tancredo
Nic Lumpp: Finalist for GQ’s 2009 Better Men Better World Search
September 10th, 2009 · No Comments · Social Justice
Nicholas Lumpp improves lives and affects social change through his work to rescue women and children from sexual slavery. As a founder and the executive vice president of the Somaly Mam Foundation, Nic facilitates efforts in Cambodia to eliminate slavery, extend microfinancing opportunities, and create employment opportunities for victims of sexual slavery. This month, GQ’s [...]
Tags: GQ Gentlemen's Fund 2009 Better Men Better World Search·Nicholas Lumpp·Somaly Mam Foundation
AgriHouse Answers Colorado Pine Beetle Problem–Without Chemicals
September 10th, 2009 · No Comments · Colorado, Environment, Forests
Based on recent successful testing by the U.S. Forest Service, Berthoud-based AgriHouse, Inc., is ramping up efforts to publicize its non-toxic answer to Colorado’s worrisome pine beetle problem: ODC Colloidal Chitosan. It sounds like a mouthful, but it’s actually pretty simple: ground crustaceans. Take a little listen.
Tags: AgriHouse·ODC Colloidal Chitosan·Pine Beetles·Richard Stoner
Getting to Ben: Obama’s Concessions to Blue Dog Democrats
September 10th, 2009 · No Comments · Health care reform
Ben Nelson’s response to the president’s speech is significant: “I think it was a bit of a game changer.” Here’s hoping he doesn’t walk that back in the next few days. I’m pretty down on the “trigger” idea, mostly because I think it’s the emptiest of solutions and gives pols cover to maintain a significant [...]
Tags: Ben Nelson·Joint Session·Obama Health Care Speech·Olympia Snowe
