What would your story assignment be? Oct 27, 2009
All posts are subject to our and ... Robby Oct 24, 2009 8:44 PM Ya some sort of survey /question / comment section to see what really is the best and worst place to work in Platte County this would be a big hit for sure ... Sidewalks have barriers or there are no sidewalks directly into grocery stores etc. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Slashed dreams Oct 26, 2009
Three Butte area people shared their stories with of how the tanked economy has affected them ... For seven years he had been plugging away at the project: perfecting a business model, approaching buyers and investing capital ... "It's hard to see any silver lining in it. More than just hopes and expectations, we realized our plan for our personal transition wasn't going to happen." In the last year, Johnson's business has gone backward. (Montana Standard, MT)
How do you feel about President Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize? Oct 26, 2009
Special Reports/Sections ... When a veteran like John McCain can be told to shut his pie hole in a conversation about torture by the likes of Mr. Cheney that tells me all I need to know about the level of respect afforded by that administration ... " tater_salad wrote on Oct 19, 2009 1:03 PM:" Wow, this blog is proving a lot of things I suspected. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Click to read:Obesity: A Weighty Issue Oct 26, 2009
(CBS) The obesity epidemic affects adults and kids across America ... " And those costs are staggering "About $147 billion a year are spent directly related to obesity and the underlying health conditions related to that," said Sebelius. "That compares with all the cancers that people have across America, which cost a little under $100 billion a year ... "Every common human being simply wants the same protection for themselves and those they love as every uncommon human being.Because we are all... (CBS News)
Governor slashes additional $212 million from schools, More than $2.5 million for this area Oct 24, 2009
Good ole Jenny do this to us, I think a War happened that morphed into something no one could have expected ... trickle down effect again ... The trickle down effect - lack of jobs, closing of businesses, car manufacturers in a pinch, makes for a bad economy. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Sunflower Park needs permanent restrooms Oct 24, 2009
Keep your blogs comin';I am loggin' times, dates ect if you are on taxpayer's dime. " lettie10 wrote on Oct 22, 2009 2:32 PM:" Yawn. (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
India: Poor Nations Won't Slow Development Oct 23, 2009
The two nations agreed to work on slowing the growth of greenhouse gas emissions, but resisted making those limits binding and subject to international monitoring ... "We need technology solutions that are appropriate, affordable and effective," he said ... 6-degree-Fahrenheit (2-degree-Celsius) temperature rise could subject up to 2 billion people to water shortages by 2050, according to a 2007 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a U.N. network of 2,000 scientists. (CBS News -- World)
When Asthma and H1N1 Intersect Oct 21, 2009
So, if you have asthma, what do you need to know to prot 00004000 ect yourself ... If their lungs are infected with any upper respiratory infection, such as H1N1, they are then more prone to pneumonia and asthma exacerbation, which can turn into more critical health issues, Ashton said ... In addition, some of the steroid drugs people take to control their asthma can suppress their immune system, Ashton said, placing them at greater risk for infection and possibly serious disease by H1N1. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Hiding your mental illness Oct 21, 2009
When a teenage girl wrinkles her studded nose and insists she's not like all the other teenagers it's a perfectly acceptable way to negotiate a fledgling identity ... This instinct to reject the norms of our identity groups becomes more sinister when mentally ill people judge and discriminate other people with mental illness ... It is perfectly natural and socially encouraged to keep mental instabilities secret, lest employers or friends start assuming negative things. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Report: Students need more veggies, fewer calories Oct 20, 2009
You're in the - section ... We encourage a free and open exchange of ideas in a climate of mutual resp 0000000B ect, but an 000007CB y post that violates someone's right to use and enjoy fresnobee ... Historical Perspective: Clovis. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Insurers: Chinese Drywall? Go Away Oct 16, 2009
Defective Wallboard Causes Noxious Fumes, Illness; Insurers Canceling Homeowners' Policies ... In an effort to introduce reform to the inspection and safety of products on the market, Pres ... Thousands of homeowners nationwide who bought new houses constructed from the defective building materials are finding their hopes dashed, their lives in limbo. (CBS News -- US)
Mom of Boy Set on Fire: It's "Disgusting" Oct 16, 2009
Broward County police say Michael owed one of the suspects Matthew Bent $40 for a video game ... Detective Steve Feeley said, "(One suspect) told him pour it on him, pour it on him at which time a second suspect poured it on, then a third suspect lit him on fire." ... Sherry Jarvis, the suspects' mother told CBS News, "They're good kids, they have good grades, no problems in school. Wrong place, wrong people.". (CBS News)
Obama vs. Media Critics: Stop Whining Oct 14, 2009
These are not disconnected developments ... White House communications director Anita Dunn was not exactly breaking news when that Fox was neither fair nor balanced ... In fact, presidents should go out of their way to accept invites from media that can be expected to poke, prod and pester them. (CBS News)
Notebook: Defending Baldwin, injuries, ect. Oct 14, 2009
com: Notebook: Defending Baldwin, injuries, ect ... Notebook: Defending Baldwin, injuries, ect ... Today's notebook discusses the matchup against Pitt receiver Jonathan Baldwin, deals with the receiver rotation and also touches on a bit of humor as Devin McCourty tries to explain why his brother, Jason, broke out a "University of Rutgers'' reference during the NFL's Sunday night football. Limiting receiver is a key to slowing down s passing attack, but at least secondary has loads of... (RutgersInsider.com)
Understanding public pay: It's complicated — but essential over the long term (1) Oct 11, 2009
Connecting You to Your Community Lodi, California ... Our sense is that total compensation is growing as health insurance benefits increase, and that total compensation in the public sector is growing particularly fast because of generous pension contributions ... Some specialized skill positions, such as those in the city utility and water/wastewater departments, reflect a pretty clear supply demand relationship. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
'Devastated Our Family': Woman Sentenced in St. Clair Crash That Killed Two Oct 11, 2009
Judge Wood said that decision wouldn't be up to him, but made by officials in the Department of Corrections ... Clay is suspected of the murder and was offered three years by prosecutors ... Prosecutors in my opinion are not aggressive in these cases and seem to have no interest in protecting the communities they are suppose to be serving. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Pot Legalization Picks Up Steam in Calif. Oct 9, 2009
Of more than 847,000 marijuana-related arrests in 2008, for example, just over 6,300 suspects were booked by federal law enforcement, or fewer than 1 per cent.. State marijuana bans have allowed the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to focus on big cases, said Rosalie Pacula, director of drug policy research at the Rand Corp. ... The DEA would not speculate on the effects of any decision by California to legalize pot. (CBS News -- US)
DeLay has 'no idea' if Obama is a citizen Oct 8, 2009
BY Susan J. on 10/07/2009 at 16:55This whole stupid mess about the birth certificate could have been avoided way before the election was held ... It's a requirement for election and he should have been stopped in his tracks and not allowed to progress any further as a candidate until he produced it ... Such as passports, school records, college records, college theseis, ect. (TheHill.com)
School bus drivers vote to join Teamsters Oct 7, 2009
WASILLA By a wide margin, Valley school bus drivers elected to start the process of joining the Teamsters ... (ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman) By a margin of 134 to 43 out of 230 employees,Valley school bus drivers elected to start the process of joining the Teamsters ... He said the main goals were for improving working conditions such as better maintenance, safety, health care, wages, respect and benefits. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Expert: Letterman's Fate Far from Certain Oct 7, 2009
The star said Thursday he was the subject of an extortion plot ... Yet when this view is expressed, I got chastised as being to uptight, the segment is all in fun ect ... But the courts need to protect the celebrities from the dark side of people who go after their money. (CBS News -- Entertainment)
Names Surface of Women Linked to Letterman Oct 6, 2009
The Times adds that Halderman lived with Birkitt in Connecticut until last month ... Sunday's New York Post reported that Letterman's office in the Ed Sullivan Theater, off -imits except to a select few, had a bedroom with a pull-out couch ... Not everyone is perfect, and the only one that was was crucified on the cross. (CBS News -- Entertainment)
Medical premiums could still be a 'heavy lift' Oct 4, 2009
The trade-off directly affects people who buy their own coverage ... "This is not the loaves and the fishes - you can't just throw some subsidies out there and exp 00000A98 ect that will take care of everybody's needs," said Karen Pollitz, a Georgetown University professor who studies the insurance market for people buying their own coverage ... To hold down costs, the assistance won't come until 2013, after the next presidential election. (WCAX.com, VT)
Zero Tolerance Oct 4, 2009
Authorities found numerous weapons and a large amount of ammunition after searching the vehicle of the suspect accused of killing a Jefferson City couple on Monday morning ... Detectives from the Jefferson City Police Department are in Oklahoma working on the investigation ... Court records show Angela Gilpin had sought an ex-parte order of protection against Hosier from the Cole County Circuit Court on Sept. 15. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Flap Over "Homeless" American Girl Doll Sep 30, 2009
"I think it's really a good idea, because homelessness affects everybody, at different economic levels," Herb Smith, president of the Los Angeles Mission, remarked to Kauffman ... American Girl says the dolls "offer valuable lessons about life," and it is "disheartened that there has been any confusion over our fictional characters." The company adds that, while no proceeds from sales of Gwen and related offerings go directly to help the homeless, it has given almost $500,000 since 2006 to , a... (CBS News -- Early Show)
Were ArmorGroup Allegations Quashed? Sep 30, 2009
State Department Inspector Gen.'s Office "Lost" Complaint against Troubled Security Co. ... Former State Department Inspector General Howard Krongard ... Krongard is accused of improperly burying legitimate allegations against security contractors Blackwater and ArmorGroup while, and perhaps because, his brother sat on the boards of directors of those compines while he was charged with investigating them. (CBS News)
Authorities use GPS to help prevent potential suicide in the woods Sep 25, 2009
The man disconnected the call several times, but the dispatcher kept calling back, he said ... I attempted to talk to him directly several times but he would not speak to me, Huffine said ... We started heading that direction, continuing to hit the siren. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Mackenzie Phillips: I Slept With My Father Sep 24, 2009
BBC America actually has in depth news broadcasting and not just 45 second blurbs about the war, health care reform, ect ... This article IS in the celebrity section ... Select type of offense. (CBS News)
CRACKDOWN: Thousand Los Angeles cops take on notorious street gang... Sep 23, 2009
"With the auditorium at LAPD headquarters filled with a few hundred officers, a recording was played of the phone call Escalantes hysterical wife made to a 911 dispatcher after discovering him in the street. If anyone has any doubt about the rationale or reason behind this operation, it was this, a detective said.". That statement really infuriates me. (The Drudge Report)
Are the homeless throughout the city violating any law? Sep 20, 2009
I would like to know why the El Centro Police Department and/or the California Highway Patrol do not enforce either the municipal code or the vehicle code, respectively, when it comes to the networking of the self-identified homeless persons who staff the same locations throughout the city ... Another fact: When the studies concerning drug addiction were done in the mid fifties and the "theory" of genetic connection was purposed, it was purposed for all drugs not just alcohol ... Even with... (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
Protesters Compare Obama to Hitler Sep 19, 2009
The democrats did'nt threaten violent takeovers of government, of inssurection against the Bush Administration ... Democrats are'nt perfect ... Republicans are'nt perfect either. (CBS News)
Do you hunt? Sep 18, 2009
All posts are subject to our and ... Most farmers that used to allow hunting now want a significant amount of money to go on their land and thin out one of the varments that affects their crop yield ... I reccommend you hunt with a friend who has connections with a farmer. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Major Depression Treatment Options Sep 17, 2009
Psychotherapy, Antidepressants, and Electric Shock Therapy ... Some people have to try several depression medications before discovering the one that alleviates their symptoms without causing unwanted side effects ... The most common choices for depression medication are SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which regulate levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. (Suite101.com)
Tanveer Ahmed Sep 14, 2009
I often shock people - with electricity ... It's called electroconvulsive therapy or ECT, known in lay terms as shock treatment. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Clovis couple robbed on Barstow Ave. Sep 14, 2009
You're in the section ... One of the victims tried to flee, but was chased and caught by one the suspects, police said ... Clovis police, with the help of a Clovis K-9 and a helicopter from the Fresno County Sheriffs Office, found and arrested one of the suspects, a 26-year-old Fresno man. (Fresno Bee)
Poll: Support for Public Option Grows Sep 12, 2009
A sizeable number thinks these reforms would either have no effect (42 percent) or would hurt them personally (27 percent) ... cs4466, yes and with the disrespect shown by the Confederate Party it's really looking good for the President ... Doesn't THAT pretty much reflect the percentage, Democrats, Independents and lastly Republican's in society. (CBS News)
State clears way for Longview Wye retail project Sep 12, 2009
It s just a critical project, Richards said ... But Segale s construction plans conflicted with WSDOT s plans to reconfigure the Wye to improve safety, ease congestion and create better connections to existing roads ... WSDOT has been working more than a decade on the 45 million redesign and is putting the project out for bid at the end of this month. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Inmate claims unfairness Sep 12, 2009
Now my brothers and I do not expect or even want to be moved to camp ... Shut your mouth, deal the hand you have been given and respect authority, yourself and parent the children you have brought into this world ... Responsibility is respect, dude. (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
What to do when your baby grows up? Sep 10, 2009
While crying on the couch one night I broached the subject with Michael ... Of course, now I m giving her some she didn t expect one of her boys running for office for the first time, hopefully one of her boys IN office ... I m enjoying my new found freedom, and I do enjoy rattling around my house, looking for projects, or just being lazy. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Private citizens need to protect themselves Sep 9, 2009
Special Reports/Sections ... Felons and habitual criminals don t respect proper boundaries and thus deserve to be dealt with accordingly ... There remain a lot of myths about restraining orders and so-called 911 police protection. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Jeff Schultz Sep 8, 2009
I agree NCBravesFan about Chipper, who I also noticed seemed to be carrying around a burr up his backside that was affecting all aspects of his play ... I dont expect too much next year ... Chipper has played the worst defense of his career this year, bothe fielding and throwing and I believe that has had an effect on his hitting as well as he has playedmore games this year than the last several years. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Blinded By the Light of Discovery Sep 6, 2009
Manipulation of genetic material can affect not only individuals, but generations yet to come ... Many in the field are excited at the prospect of using this technology to help women with genetic maladies produce healthy children ... Proponents of implementing this technology with human beings admit they have no way of predicting how future generations may be impacted by this kind of genetic manipulation but insist that we must take the chance because of the possibility of eliminating inherited... (Townhall.com)
33 comment(s) Sep 6, 2009
cubbyblue wrote on Sep 5, 2009 8:06 AM:" While I am certainly not against any organization raising money - and this is certainly a good cause, I would like to know who else could stand in the middle of a major intersection and lobby for cash? I don't see the Knights of Columbus, the Boy Scouts, any of the local ball teams or anyone else being allowed to do this.I find it annoying, dangerous, and unfair. Why can't they sit outside of Hy Vee or Wal Mart, like everyone else - or call Pizza Ranch.... (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Update II: GOP senators plan move to stop health care reform in Georgia Sep 4, 2009
Hill and Rogers argue that the health care reform bill being debated in Congress would violate the 10th Amendment and that their state amendment would protect Georgia from having to participate in any federal reform. The 10th Amendment protects us from such federal mandates, Hill said ... United we stand to protect Georgians, united we stand to protect these freedoms for Georgians. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Home foreclosures continue to mount Sep 2, 2009
The collection rep I spoke to last night told me that if I even qualified for a loan modification that it could take three months just to find out - that s a big IF. He also advised me to seek out friends or relatives for loans (we are all hurting so there s no way and wouldn t I just be getting in deeper ... Due to family circumstances (an unexpected baby and very ill in-laws) our two bedroom, one bath home is no longer the right size for our family ... As far as the government how many old... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
UPDATE: UTV accident victim identified Sep 1, 2009
chshrcat wrote on Aug 31, 2009 9:48 AM:" I think people like IowaHawk1969 are the reason that manufacturers have to put warnings on things like these:"Remember, objects in the mirror are actually behind you ... Do not use orally after using rectally ... " -- In the instructions for an electric thermometerIH69... You should seriously consider asking for a refund from the college you say you went to... they failed miserably. ". (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Environmentalists Stumble in Climate Fight Sep 1, 2009
Next month, the Senate is expected to take up legislation that would cap greenhouse-gas emissions ... The chamber has demanded a new "Scopes Monkey Trial," saying the Environmental Protection Agency needs to show it is certain about climate change ... "I often refer to it as 'The Moment.' It's the moment we've all been waiting and working for, for a very long time," said Maggie L. Fox, CEO of the Alliance for Climate Protection, an activist group founded by former vice president Al Gore. (CBS News)
Police seek 2 teens in murder Aug 31, 2009
Special Reports/Sections ... Saturday, August 29, 2009 11:56 PM PDT Authorities were searching Saturday for two teenagers they say are connected to the shooting death of a man whose body was found in the garden of a Klamath Falls home ... Authorities believe the suspects and victim were in the same group of friends, Klamath County District Attorney Ed Caleb said. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Ruling Conservatives Crushed in Japan Vote Aug 31, 2009
A poster of Yukio Hatoyama, leader of Japan's main opposition Democratic Party of Japan, is seen among other candidates' at the party's election center before ballot counting in Tokyo, Japan, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009 ... (AP) Japan's ruling conservative party suffered a crushing defeat in elections Sunday as voters overwhelmingly cast their ballots in favor of a left-of-center opposition camp that has promised to rebuild the economy and breathe new life into the country after 54 years of virtual... (CBS News)
Mans death a homicide Aug 30, 2009
Special Reports/Sections ... She saw a neighbor on the phone and suspected he was calling in a noise complaint ... A pool of blood had collected under the man. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
College Mamas: Are you adjusting to the college semester? Aug 29, 2009
I have loved my classes, teachers, ect ... BTW - in relation to my previous post, if there is a caretaker, parent or teacher or know anyone who is, I need an "electronic pen pal" to discuss my lessons with as they relate to the "real world". (Florida Today)
'This is what the people want' Aug 28, 2009
These representatives were elected by a majority, and now they are implementing legislation they feel is critical to our future ... This is what the people want, and I'm glad a representative finally stood up for the people who elected him ... Ken wrote on Aug 26, 2009 1:08 PM:" C and Jon- Thank for a civil reply. It is a breath of fresh air.I agree with a lot of what you both said, but I truly believe we are headed down the path of total government control in the U.S. It has been slowly... (Sioux City Journal)
Covenant to pay feds $4.5M to settle fraud allegations Aug 27, 2009
In its statement, Covenant also said, "From the beginning of this inquiry, Covenant Medical Center fully cooperated with the government and provided extensive evidence to the government that the physician compensation was consistent with the approved compensation plan, was based on work personally performed by the physicians, and reflected their exceptionally high level of productivity. "The government never disputed Covenant s assertion that the compensation paid to the employed physicians was... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
W.H., Congress Project Record Deficits Aug 26, 2009
The federal government faces exploding deficits and mounting debt over the next decade, White House and congressional budget officials projected Tuesday in competing but similar economic forecasts ... One reason for the difference: The CBO projection is based on an assumption that all the tax cuts put into place in the administration of former President George W. Bush will expire on 00004000 schedule by 2011 as dictated by current law ... The Bernanke news, and a report that consumers are... (CBS News)
Click to read:H1N1 Poses "Serious" Threat, Group Says Aug 25, 2009
Epidemic's effects are seen around the world ... A look at which countries have been affected and how officials are responding ... For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects to issue revised flu treatment guidelines by month's end. (CBS News)
Inside the Courts: Calculating child support Aug 25, 2009
Most child support orders are established in connection with divorce or paternity proceedings, but separate actions to establish support may also be brought by a parent, a nonparent with physical custody of a child or the Arizona Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) ... Informal agreements or changes in custody arrangements do not affect an existing child support order ... An order modifying support is generally effective the month after notice of the petition was served on the other... (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Mullen: Afghanistan "Serious and Deteriorating" Aug 24, 2009
A soldier from U.S. Marines Echo Company in Afghanistan moves through a canal during a covert operation to prevent the Taliban from intimidating voters in the presidential election held Aug. 19, 2009 ... Despite Taliban threats, Afghans head to the polls for the country's second presidential election ... In joint TV interviews, Mullen and U.S. Ambassador Karl Eikenberry said last week's presidential election in Afghanistan was historic, given the threats of intimidation voters faced as they... (CBS News)
Obama: Honesty Needed in Health Debate Aug 23, 2009
"We all know that when the government is setting the rules and is backed by tax dollars, it will destroy, not compete with, the private sector," said Price, a physician ... the nice death panel called The Comparative Effectiveness Research Commission ... formerly Tom Daschle's Comparative Effectiveness Research Council whose total ideology is HEALTH CARE RATIONING.. (CBS News)
Afghan Election Workers Begin Vote Count Aug 21, 2009
Fear of violence is keeping many Afghans from voting in their presidential election, reports Mandy Clark ... Afghan women workers of the election commission office wait for voters at a polling station in Kandahar province, south of Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 20, 2009 ... Despite Taliban threats, Afghans head to the polls for the country's second presidential election. (CBS News -- World)
Siblings close now; siblings close later? Aug 21, 2009
Actually, they love each other to death, and from time to time will show affection ... Theresa, enjoy your children and their unique bond I hope they will always adore each other and protect the baby ... you are correct about putting forth an effort. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Ciber completes credit financing deal Aug 21, 2009
You're in the - section ... CIBER Completes Phase I Go Live for Omnitrans and Contracts for $6 Million Phase II Proj 000019FF ect ... This was an important undertaking for Omnitrans, governed by a 20-member Board of Directors representing the County of San Bernardino and 15 surrounding cities. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Keeping Klamath clean Aug 20, 2009
Special Reports/Sections ... The Mills Addition, where Crist lives, is one of four neighborhoods in Klamath Falls known for hoarders or junk collectors, Bowman said ... Other things people commonly collect include scrap lumber that has no value as a building material because it has been exposed to weather, broken toys, upholstered furniture designed to be indoors and cast off appliances. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Top Democrats Stand Firm on Public Option Aug 19, 2009
Several leading Democrats voiced concern Monday about an apparent White House shift on health-care reform, objecting to signals from senior administration officials that they would abandon the idea of a government-run insurance plan if it lacked the backing to pass Congress ... - to back the compromise measure that is expected to emerge from that panel ... A bright side to these top democrats supporting the public option is , they won't be re-elected. (CBS News -- Politics)
Obama Birth Flap Reopens Older Controversy Aug 18, 2009
Arthur went on to become a teacher, lawyer and political operative, serving as quartermaster general for the state of New York during the Civil War and later Collector of the Port of New York, appointed by President Ulysses Grant ... He later incorporated the findings into a book titled "How A British Subject Became President of the United States." ... Another reads, "Today, in an era when virtually every detail of a politician's life is open to public view, there is no concrete proof of the... (CBS News)
Americans Historically Resistant to Reform Aug 17, 2009
Sunday Morning: Health Care Debate Provides 'Forum' for GOP Voters to Voice Frustration Months After Losing Election ... "Members of Congress are getting more than an earful," political professor Larry Sabato, who directs the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, told CBS News Correspondent Sharyl Attkisson for CBS' "Sunday Morning." "They're getting a belly full." ... "It's about a whole range of issues that started to develop last November after Barack Obama's election," Sabato said. (CBS News)
What should be done with health care? Aug 17, 2009
All posts are subject to our and ... Perfect Aug 10, 2009 1:40 PM ChrisYou must be a complete idiot to think the government could run health care better then the private sector ... andy Aug 10, 2009 5:15 PM I dont know about smokers rates but should increase the rates for out of shape and obeast people die are more likely to be infected by virus and other diseases due to lack of proper circulation Government cant run what it has now and to give them a chance to run that would just lead to more... (Columbus Telegram, NE)