September 11, 2001: Let Us Never Forget 
Fly your flag at half staff on September 11. Dedicate yourself to Lincoln's call for "a new birth of freedom"
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Message from the Chairman:
The Obama
Health Care Plan Medicare Cuts
The charges and counter-charges about health care reform have been flying
fast and furiously.
With it has come considerable condescension. According to many liberals, such as Montgomery County's Chris Van Hollen, no one would
oppose the health plan "if only they understood it." In effect, they cannot conceive of any
principled reason for opposition, only opposition out of "ignorance." In a country in which conservatives and moderates outnumber
liberals by four to one, this seems a remarkably out of touch position to
take.
Unwittingly perhaps one the most effective recruiting tools for the
intense town hall push back during the August recess has been seeing the
repeated instances in which some liberals have
shown an apparent contempt for
their constituents' questions. By repeatedly
belittling these critics, these
Congressmen and commentators are effectively confirming voters' fears that their concerns are
not being taken seriously.
If you Google the phrase, "Keep
your government hands off my Medicare," you will find many snide media comments from outlets such as
the New York Times, Slate, the Huffington Post, as well as
President Obama himself about the supposed "ignorance" of conservatives who do
not realize that Medicare is a government program.
Certainly Medicare is a
government program, we know that. But
Obama and Congress also intend to make very significant cuts to the program,
over a half a trillion dollars.
The largest part of these cuts are from the Medicare
Advantage program. Over 10 million
seniors- one out of five in Medicare - have enrolled in one of the many
competing Medicare Advantage plans. The program was enacted in 2003 to allow
seniors to use Medicare funds to buy private insurance plans that fit their
needs and budgets. These plans usually cover more services and have lower
out-of-pocket costs than the original Medicare Plan.
The "advantage" for the government is that
the program has built-in incentives to encourage insurers to offer lower costs
and better benefits. To be sure, many
seniors decide against participating in one of these private plans because
the plans can restrict participants to seeing only
certain doctors or going to certain hospitals in order to get covered services. But this
is a choice Medicare participants get to make now about their own care.
With these cuts, Obama and the
Democratic Congress are already breaking their promise that "if you like your
health care plan, you can keep it." They
are significantly reducing the money available to provide benefits by cutting
funding for Medicare Advantage by nearly 20%.
Medicare Advantage is not
the only part of Medicare being targeted.
Reimbursement rates are also being cut for medical specialists, such as
cardiologists and oncologists. For example cardiology payments will be cut by 11%
beginning next January, whether the rest of the Obama health care plan goes into effect or
not.
Payments for some specific cardiology
diagnostic services will be reduced by over 40%. Perhaps somewhere at HHS a
report exists that shows how lower payments will mean fewer tests and still
lower costs for further care. One
wonders, though, if the same analysis also estimates the number of lives that will be lost.
It seems to me then, that
those people saying "Keep your government hands off my Medicare" have
a far clearer appreciation of the Obama plan then the media and liberals are
giving them credit for.
Mark Uncapher
Montgomery County Republican Chairman
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Chris Van Hollen's Ploy:
Delay and Avoid Health Care Debate
Congressman Chris Van Hollen has had an entire month to
provide his constituents with an open forum on health reform before he votes
for a bill allowing a government takeover of one sixth of the nation's
economy. But he has preferred instead to wait until the
eleventh hour to provide only a controlled-entry meeting, followed by a
faceless "telephone townhall."
Unlike his colleagues Sen. Ben Cardin and Rep. Steny Hoyer,
Chris Van Hollen cannot see fit to meet with his constituents in an
unrestricted face-to-face forum.
On Friday, August 28, Van Hollen took a small peek under his
curtain by speaking at Leisure World at an event restricted to 200 residents of
that gated community. According to RNC
National Committeewoman Joyce Terhes, the
event was an "orchestrated sham" with Van Hollen regurgitating at length the
standard Democrat line. According to
another Leisure World resident, only 11 questions were permitted and although
Leisure World Republicans were prepared to ask questions and were well
represented in the audience, none of them were called on.
Then, on September 2, Van Hollen held a series of so-called "telephone
townhalls." Participation was luck of
the draw. Several Republicans reported
that they never received notice of the event although they had been in active
contact with Van Hollen's office in the recent past. Further, participants had no control over
what part of the townhall they could hear since Van Hollen's office staggered the
phone-ins to constituents throughout the event.
If you wished to ask a question, you were asked to press a key that put
you into an already long Q & A queue.
The telephone format no
doubt was chosen by Van Hollen to avoid facing his constituents and to shut out
any follow-up questions. Once a question
was asked, all you could hear was the sound of Van Hollen's voice reading from
scripted talking points.
The Montgomery County Republican Party issued the following
press release "Van Hollen Decides to 'phone it in'":
Chris Van Hollen has again chosen to
avoid facing his constituents by shunning any freely assembled townhall meeting
on health reform. Today he sent out robocalls inviting some of
his constituents to participate in a "telephone
townhall" tomorrow evening at 6:10 p.m. when their phone is supposed
to ring.
Van Hollen is not serving his
constituents by expecting them to scramble at the last minute to participate in
a faceless and controlled "meeting" that leaves their participation
up to random chance.
"Rather than meet with his
constituents, Chris Van Hollen has decided to 'phone it in'
as Congressman. We have long been told that
Congressmen needed recesses or their so-called 'district work
periods' to learn what is on voters' minds. Yet despite a month long
recess, Van Hollen has never scheduled a town hall meeting" said
Mark Uncapher, Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman. "His
reluctance to meet in public suggests he is worried about the reaction he
would receive on health care."
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From the Maryland Senate Republican Caucus
Rah, Rah, Rah! Other States Are Worse Than Us!
Governor Martin O'Malley sounds like a tired and worn-out
cheerleader when he goes into the tiresome "other states are worse than
us" refrain.
But it seems to work. His media apologists fall in line with
pom-poms as headlines blare: "Could Be Worse, O'Malley Tells
Marylanders."
However, if you read beyond the editor's headlines, reporters and columnists do show some skepticism of the overall claim.
John Wagner of the Washington Post ("Could Be Worse, O'Malley Tells Marylanders") noted that O'Malley's speeches pull figures from economic reports "selectively" and offered the following contrasting quotes:
- Governor O'Malley - "There's no stronger ship in the nation than the good ship Maryland."
-
Delegate Murray D. Levy (D-Charles) - "Maryland saying we're not as bad off as other states is kind of like saying we have the best room on the Titanic."
Is O'Malley's media ploy working? Not according to a web poll - "Are
the state budget problems caused by the poor economy or poor
management?" - conducted this week by Fox 45 News. Over 78% of the
respondents believed that Maryland's budget problem is solely the
result of poor management by state officials. Poor management was
also a contributing factor for the 19% respondents who choose that
"both" the poor economy and poor management was at fault.
In total, 97.71 of respondents believe poor budget managment to be a
major factor in the state's budget woes and only 2.38% attribute
O'Malley's budget crisis to the poor economy.
Better bring out more cheerleaders on this one - cause the voting constituency ain't buyin' it yet.
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From the Free State Foundation Blog
"Maryland Should Emulate The Hoosiers" September 4, 2009 by Randolph J. May
There is a piece in today's Wall Street Journal by Indiana's Republican Governor, Mitch Daniels. It's titled "The Coming Reset in State Government" and it should be required reading for Maryland's Governor and all of the state's legislators.
Governor Daniels points out that Indiana has been able to meet its
fiscal obligations, "without raising taxes, and still have over $1
billion in reserve." He explains how the Hoosier state has maintained a
relatively healthy fiscal posture, even in these tough times, this way:
"We have reformed state procurement, contracted out some jobs, cut
costs, and relentlessly scrutinized expenditures in pushing for annual
improvement in departments large and small. We've also reduced the
number of state employees by some 5,000 from the 2004 level."
In contrast, Maryland's officialdom has shied away from making
enough tough choices when it comes to reducing state spending. So, soon
after the recent substantial 2007 tax hikes, the state is facing
yet another $1.5 billion budget deficit this fiscal year.
Governor O'Malley and Maryland's legislative leaders should pay
close attention to Governor's advice concerning the fiscal predicament
in which most states find themselves:
"This is a test of our adulthood as a democracy. Washington, as
long as our Chinese lenders enable it, can practice denial for a while
longer. But for states the real world is about to arrive."
P. O. Box 60680
Potomac, MD 20859
Tel: 301-299-3182
Fax: 301-299-5007
Free State Foundation |
Please support the First Annual FreedomFest BBQ and Concert at Walter Reed Hospital on September 12, 2009, sponsored by the Montgomery County Young Republicans
They will be hosting a bar-b-que and a concert for the soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital as a "Thank You!" for their sacrifices and service.
It will take place at the Mologne House, a hotel situated on the medical base which provides housing to 280 soldiers and their families.
Please click here for more information and a letter from MCYR president Mike Gibble:
Invitation to Freedom Fest
Mike can be reached at michael_a_gibble@yahoo.com or by calling 202-441-6963
Please show your gratitude by supporting this noble cause. |
Last Call for Nominations! Do you know a hardworking GOP activist deserving of an award?
The
Montgomery County Republican Party continues to seek nominations for four
prestigious awards categories. Deadline for consideration is September 10, 2009. Categories are:
ALBERT
BULLOCK YOUTH AWARD - Presented to honor and recognize outstanding
achievement and work for the Montgomery County Republican Party in 2008
by a person under the age of 25.
FORBES
BLAIR AWARD - Presented to honor and recognize lifetime achievement and
work for the Montgomery County Republican Party by an individual.
REPUBLICAN
MAN OF THE YEAR - Presented to honor and recognize outstanding
achievement and work for the Montgomery County Republican Party in 2008
by a man.
REPUBLICAN
WOMAN OF THE YEAR - Presented to honor and recognize outstanding
achievement and work for the Montgomery County Republican Party in 2008
by a woman.
To
be considered for an award, a nomination form must be completed and
should include a statement of justification with supporting
documentation. Nominations may be sent to Rachael Gingrich at rachaelgingrich@hotmail.com or the Montgomery County Republican Central Committee, Attention Awards Committee, 15833 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville, MD 20855. (301) 417-9256. Nomination forms may be found on the Montgomery County Republican Party website: http://www.mcgop.net or by writing to the awards committee at the email/address above.
Please note that MontgomeryCounty Republican Central Committee members
and elected officials are ineligible for the awards.
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Quotes to Remember:
'The
most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the
government and I'm here to help.' - Ronald
Reagan
But take heart as our friend also reminds us:
'No
arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable
as the will and moral courage of free men and women.' |
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The Montgomery
County
Republican Party
invites
you to the 7th Annual
Grand Old Party Picnic
Sunday,
October 4th, 12:00-4:00PM
The Meadows at Smokey
Glen Farm, 16407 Riffleford
Road,
Gaithersburg,
MD
20878
Adults: $35.00 adults; Children 3-11: $25; children under 3 are free.
Reserve your ticket - Pay Online
Menu:
Barbeque Chicken, ribs,
hot dogs, veggie burgers, baked beans, salads, chips, pretzels,
assorted
pies, ice cream, sodas, wine and beer.
Special
Activities, including awards, Redskins game on TV, prominent
Republican guest speakers,local Republican clubs and businesses, and more!
For
more information, contact the event chairman, Hon. Denise Siegel at 301-581-5897
or
desiegel@cvty.com
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The Teaparty Express Comes to Washington
Sat., September 12
Gather at 9:00 a.m. at Freedom Plaza (Pennsylvania Ave., NW near 14th and D Streets, NW) March on the Capitol begins at 11:30 a.m.
Rally west front of Capitol at 1:00 p.m. For a more complete agenda, including activities on Thurs and Friday, 9-10 and 9-11, see:
http://www.912dc.org/agenda/
Montgomery County participants are encouraged to take the Metro downtown. If you want to meet up with fellow Marylanders, let us know by sending an e-mail to:
mdmcrp@comcast.net
We will provide further details later in the week.
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Events, Events, Events !!!
Mark Your Calendar!
The next month is packed.
Take a Look:
Monday, September 7, Show Montgomery County a Republican presence by joining fellow Republicans marching in the Gaithersburg and Kensington Labor Day Parades. Saturday Seaptember 12, Tea Party Express March and Rally at US Capitol. See separate item
above in this issue of The Party Line.
Saturday, September 12, Fundraiser for Fisher House and Bar-b-que
at Walter Reed Hospital. See newsletter item.
Sunday, September 20, Grand Old Party with Bob and Kendell
Ehrlich. See separate article below.
Monday, September 21: Leisure World Republican Club: Tom Firey, managing editor of the
Cato Institute's Magazine, Regulation, will discuss the financial
implications of Congress's health reform bill. 9:30 coffee, 10:00
program, at Clubhouse One in Leisure World, Georgia Ave., Silver
Spring. For more information, call
Tuesday, September 22. At 11:00 a.m. RNC National Committeewoman Joyce
Lyons Terhes will speak at a luncheon of the Rock Creek Women's Republican Club
at Alfio's Restaurant, 4515 Willard Ave., Chevy Chase. To RSVP call
301-216-5880 $20.
Sunday, October 4, Grand Old Picnic at Smokey Glen Farm. See separate
item above in this issue of The Party Line.
Monday, October 5, 7:30 p.m. First Monday in October will feature guest speaker Eric Wargatz, candidate for US
Senate. Headquarters is located at 15833 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville MD
20855. Each month the Montgomery County Republican Party's First Monday is an open forum welcoming activists and those interested in learning more about our party, candidates and issues. Saturday, October 10, starting at 5:00 p.m., Saturday Night in the Country, see separate item below. Monday, October 19, Tom Fitton, President of Judicial Watch will speak to the Leisure World Republican Club at Leisure World. 9:30 coffee, 10:00 a.m. program at Clubhouse One in Leisure World, Georgia Ave., Silver
Spring. |
Come to a Grand Old Party with Bob and Kendell Ehrlich!
on Sunday, September 20, 5:00-7:30 p.m.
cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Bid on terrific silent auction items!
Hosted by the Chevy Chase Women's Republican Club, $40. To RSVP and for more information, e-mail Martha Scully
or call at 301-910-3189 |
47th Annual Saturday Night in the Country! October 10, 2009
sponsored by the Rural Women's Republican Club
Cash Bar at 5:00 pm; BBQ
Chicken at 6:00 pm
Live Auction - Back by popular demand, Anne-Lynn Gross,
"The Singing Auctioneer"
To be held at:
BCC-Izaak
Walton League Chapter House, 20601 Izaak
Walton Way, Poolesville, MD
Adults $35.00
Children 5-12, $15.00
RSVP: 301- 570-4599
or 301- 972-8609
General phone: 301-972-8134 |
Republican Central Committee Seeks Bookkeeper
The Montgomery County Central Central Committee is currently looking for a
part-time bookkeeper.
The candidate should be experienced with Intuit QuickBooks, able to maintain the
Committee's contributor database and familiar with Maryland State Board
of Elections 'ELECTrack' filing system.
Send resumes to: mdmcrp@comcast.net
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| Special thanks to Our AUGUST 2009
MONTGOMERY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR - REPUBLICAN TENT
VOLUNTEERS
Ruth Melson - Republican Tent
Coordinator
Deanna Stewart , Carola Lewis, Al Eisner, Norman Petersen ,
Patricia McMahon, Joan Pleiman, Katja Bullock, Jason Fabritz, Amarilis
Fabritz, Jeannette Cotter, David Cotter, Josephine Wang, Nelson Ring, Martha
Hale, Sheldon Sacks, Sharon Begosh,
Barbara Leurig, Joe Gillin , Mark Uncapher, Jessie Rubin, Rolando Perez, Al Phillips, Patti-Jo Witham, Liz Lawrence, Adol
Owen-Willimas, Joanne Schroeder, Nelson Ring, Barbara Leurig, Tess Ronson, Helen
Powell, Jeanne Allen and Kids, Mary
Monica Allen
.....and thank you to all the visitors who stopped by our tent
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CONTACT YOUR CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Hon. Moshe Starkman - 19
Treasurer
mstarkman@moshetechnologies.com
Hon. Gus Alzona - 16 augustus@alzona.com
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Past Party Line
Newsletters
August 22, 2009
August 8, 2009
July 25, 2009
July 4, 2009
June 20, 2009
June 6, 2009
May 23, 2009
May 9, 2009
April 25, 2009
April 11, 2009
March 28, 2009
March 14, 2009
February 28, 2009
February 3, 2009
January 2009
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