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    ‘health care’


    By: Kelly Holleran

    News Round-Up: Wednesday, February 1, 2012

    Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

    Julian Assange brings his extradition case to Britain’s Supreme Court; Mitt Romney, Chrysler, and the health care industry see gains. Also, Pfizer recalls one million birth control packets, and Pakistan is allegedly helping the Taliban. Meanwhile, ‘Soul Train’ creator Don Cornelius is dead after an apparent suicide, and ‘Seinfeld’ jumps into the Super Bowl commercial fray.

    Kelly + Caitlin

    CRUCIAL:

    Julian Assange Starts Extradition Trial In UK Supreme Court, http://huff.to/wb9IuZ
    Julian Assange continues his extradition battle in Britain’s Supreme Court, arguing that sending him to Sweden would violate “fundamental principles of natural law.” Assange’s case teeters on whether Sweden’s public prosecutor can properly issue a warrant for Assange’s arrest on charges of sex crime allegations. Lawyers in Assange’s case argue that only judges can issue arrest warrants and that the prosecutor does not qualify for judicial authority. If Assange were to be sent to Sweden and effectively charged and convicted, he would face fines and as much as six years in prison.

    Jobs Increase as Health Care Eclipses Factories, http://bloom.bg/zPAQP8
    America’s readiness to take care of a growing number of aging Americans has spurred job growth in the health care market. The health care market was one of the few sectors to add jobs during the secession, as demand for nursing aides to surgeons rose. Almost 87 million Americans will be 65 or older by 2050. Health care is expected to add four million employees and be the second-biggest job gainer by 2018.

    Pakistan helping Afghan Taliban – NATO, http://bbc.in/ytoYMc
    According to a secret NATO report, derived from thousands of interrogations, the Taliban remains active and has wide support from the Afghan people and Pakistani security services. Pakistani officials are denying the report’s allegations that they know the locations of senior Taliban leaders. The report is based on 27,000 interrogations with more than 4,000 captured Taliban, al-Qaeda foreign fighters and civilians.

    Two Years After Rescue, Chrysler Posts First Profit Since 1997, http://bit.ly/xqbWZi
    After President Obama’s bailout of the auto industry in 2008, Chrysler is showing a comeback, posting its first operating profit and first net profit since 1997. CEO Sergio Marchionne said Chrysler expects to earn a profit of $1.5 billion this year. Since the rescue, Chrysler has added 9,400 jobs and plans to announce it will add 1,600 more in Illinois.

    Contraceptive pill recalled in US, http://bbc.in/x5bOQ9
    Pharmaceutical company Pfizer says a “packaging error” led to the mislabeling of one million packets of birth control. Fourteen lots of Lo/Ovral-28 tablets and 14 lots of Norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets have been recalled. The company advises that the doses in these packages are not correct, and while there are not any health dangers, there is the risk of unintended pregnancy.

    Florida primary: Mitt Romney wins decisive victory, http://wapo.st/yyFTgy
    With superior fundraising and resources, Mitt Romney dealt a major setback to opponent Newt Gingrich by sweeping the Florida primary last night, leading by double digits. While Romney lost in Florida four years ago, effectively ending his previous campaign, his support last night came from a range of Florida supporters. Santorum, who came in third as he tended to his hospitalized daughter, has moved on to Nevada already, presenting himself as the Gingrich alternative. Ron Paul, who came in fourth place for the second time straight has also started campaigning in Nevada.

    Tech World Buzzes With Word That Facebook’s IPO Filing is Imminent, http://n.pr/yNbB91
    Facebook is taking its first step toward going public today. The Facebook IPO will be the biggest tech offering and one of the biggest on the market. Facebook’s revenue doubled from $2 billion in 2010 to $4.2 billion in 2011. AP reports that the company, when ready for public sale, will be valued at $75 billion to $100 billion.

    CULTURAL:

    Don Cornelius Dead: Apparent Suicide, http://bit.ly/zsZTnJ

    ‘Star Trek’ Star Popped for DUI, http://bit.ly/ylpyUu

    Acura Super Bowl ad brings back Seinfeld, Soup Nazi, http://thedc.com/yfI3hC

    Argentina calls Prince William a “conquistador” over Falklands mission, http://tgr.ph/zkLfgr

      Kelly Holleran
      Bio:

      Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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      Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »


      By: Katie Scholick

      News Round-Up: Tuesday, June 21, 2011

      Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

      Obama will announce his plan for Afghanistan tomorrow, a North Caronlina man robs a bank for health care, plaintiffs will pursue the Wal-Mart case, and we may need to take drastic efforts to keep our oceans alive.  Meanwhile, Mitt Romney remains the GOP 2012 frontrunner, while Huntsman officially launches his campaign.

      Caitlin, Katie, + Perry

      CRUCIAL:

      Obama to announce plan to pull 30,000 troops out of Afghanistan, http://bit.ly/msGyl0

      President Obama will announce tomorrow how he plans to end the war in Afghanistan. Specifically, he will address his schedule to bring troops home and how Afghanistan government will take responsibility.

      N.C. Man Allegedly Robs Bank of $1 to Get Health Care in Jail, http://abcn.ws/lzzB9y

      A 59-year-old North Carolina man robbed a bank, demanding just one dollar. What he was really after, though, was the health care he would get in prison. After handing his robbery note to the teller, he told her he would be “sitting right over here, on the chair, waiting for the police.”

      Despite Setback, Plaintiffs to Pursue Wal-Mart Cases, http://nyti.ms/jHS2xO

      The Supreme Court ruled that the 1.5 million women who worked at Wal-Mart could not file a class-action lawsuit together. The court did not make a decision on the allegation of gender discrimination, but it is a major blow to plaintiffs regardless. In her dissent, Justice Ginsburg noted that while 70% of hourly employees are women, only a third of management employees are female.

      24 killed in twin bombings in Iraq, http://wapo.st/mErDhn

      Two car bombs in south-central Iraq detonated at a compound that includes both the governor’s home and the provincial government headquarters.  Nobody died from the first detonation, but when police and emergency personnel arrived, the second car bomb exploded which killed at least 24 and injured at least 40.

      State Of The Ocean: ‘Shocking’ Report Warns Of Mass Extinction From Current Rate Of Marine Distress, http://huff.to/iPe0H3

      Scientists warn that a mass man-made extinction of marine life is on the way if drastic steps aren’t taken. All coral reefs could be gone by 2050, and oysters are already “functionally extinct” in the oceans.

      Fresh Libya civilian deaths pile pressure on NATO,       http://yhoo.it/jkn30j

      The Libyan government reports that 19 civilians were killed in a NATO air strike on Monday.  Khouildi Hamidi, a member of Libya’s 12-strong Revolutionary Command Council, remains alive but some of his family members have been killed.  If the civilian death count is confirmed, the NATO-led military alliance could feel even more strain, as this operation is taking longer and costing more than planned.

      Montana ranks fourth-best in access for young voters, http://bit.ly/lVXIQY

      Rock the Vote’s Scorecard ranks Montana high in its treatment of young voters ages 18 to 29. “By providing Election Day registration, making the ballot box accessible and prioritizing teaching civics in high schools, Montana has addressed some of the key components of a modern and functioning elections system,” said Heather Smith, president of Rock the Vote.

      (via POLITICO Breaking News)       Jon Huntsman officially launched his campaign for the Republican nomination for president on Tuesday at Liberty State Park in New Jersey. “Today I’m a candidate for the office of president of the United States of America,” the former Utah governor and ambassador to China told a crowd of supporters.

      CULTURAL:

      Green Mile Actor, 51, Marries 16-Year-Old Aspiring Country Singer; Says “True Love Can Be Ageless,” http://eonli.ne/jTIuny

      Q&A: Brian Grazer And Ron Howard On 25 Years Together As Imagine Partners, http://bit.ly/jYKwGP

      Roger Ebert derided after tweet on Ryan Dunn’s death, http://bit.ly/kRi3vt

      Amy Winehouse Cancels Entire Tour, http://bit.ly/jcXqis

      Isner-Mahut II: What were the odds? http://bit.ly/lX0Hzs

        Katie Scholick
        Bio: Duke University, Class of 2013 Majoring in Psychology, Certificate in Markets and Management.

        Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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        Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off


        By: Maeve Coyle

        News Round-Up: Thursday, February 3, 2011

        Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

        The Senate fails to repeal the entire health care bill but Republicans vow to keep trying, Rupert Murdoch revolutionizes the world of journalism with his iPad newspaper, and Justin Bieber holds more power than any past presidents.

        CRUCIAL:

        Obama, McCain break ice in Oval Office meeting: http://huff.to/dELxb8

        Former rivals President Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain meet in Oval Office to discuss issues such as immigration, relations with Egypt, and fiscal problems.

        Full repeal of health care law fails in Senate: http://politi.co/dJffUl

        A Democratic amendment to repeal the law’s tax reporting requirement passed last night with widespread support, but a full repeal of healthcare was unsuccessful in the Senate, with a final vote of 47-51.

        Fewer people applied for jobless aid last week: http://wapo.st/gl1Jw7

        Applications for jobless benefits dropped last week, following a weather-related spike the previous week, signaling that the economy continues to recover.

        All The Daily Details: http://gizmo.do/fOWPsT

        Rupert Murdoch’s newspaper, “fully championed by Steve Jobs,” promises to establish a new way of viewing the news and establish a completely new category in news delivery and consumption.

        Restoring honor to troops discharged as gay: http://nyti.ms/gjcyqh

        Wisconsin Representative Gwen Moore is urging Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to restore honor to veterans who did not receive honorable discharges.  A dishonorable discharge prevents them from receiving veteran benefits or reenlisting now that the policy has been repealed.

        Egypt’s Facebook use skyrockets following Internet’s return: http://huff.to/dQkFDV

        A Facebook spokesperson said Wednesday that the site now has more users than ever following the restoration of Internet service in Egypt, as well as the lifting of the block on Facebook and Twitter.

        CULTURAL:

        Da Vinci Decoded? Mona Lisa Identity Solved!: http://bit.ly/gOu7vP

        Justin Timberlake & Mila Kunis: ‘They’re Friends,’ Source Says: http://bit.ly/ejKKaK

        See Who Will Play Kate Middleton in the Royal Wedding Movie: http://bit.ly/ejg8Nh

        Grammy Museum Unveils First Ever Hip-Hop Exhibit: http://bit.ly/fgG8qr

        Drake and Rihanna Hook Up – For Grammy Awards: http://bit.ly/eMUxCQ

        South By Southwest Sets Festival Slate: http://bit.ly/gm4tUS

        Why Justin Bieber Is More Powerful Than the President: http://eonli.ne/gzpoKj

          Maeve Coyle
          Bio: Maeve is Rock the Vote's Communications intern.
          @mmcoyle
          Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

          Tags: , , , , ,
          Posted in News Round-Up | 1 Comment »


          By: Maeve Coyle

          Revisiting Healthcare

          Wednesday, January 19th, 2011
          This afternoon, the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted 245 to 189 to repeal the Affordable Care Act (also known as the health care bill from last year). Three Democrats joined all Republicans to vote for repeal. You can see the tally here. (Worth noting: the legislation isn’t likely to go anywhere. The Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate isn’t going to bring the bill up for a vote.)

          The Affordable Care Act (“ACA”), signed into law last March, may just win the “Bill with the Most Names” award. Republicans dubbed the bill the “job-killing” – then just “job-crushing” after the events in Tucson – health care act, “ObamaCare,” and their proposed repeal the “Reform Americans Can Afford Act.” Democrats have branded repeal efforts as the “Patient’s Rights Repeal Act.”

          The repeal of the health care reform bill was a major campaign promise for Republicans, and one they took a step closer to today with the vote in the U.S. House. They believe the health care reform will slow economic growth, increase the deficit and decrease job growth.  The GOP has a summary of their proposed “repeal and replace” plan on their website.

          The original passage of the bill was a major achievement for the President and fellow Democrats, who believe the reforms will keep down health care costs, decrease the deficit and create jobs.  Supporters of the current health care reform law cite a report recently released by the CBO that states repeal of the bill would increase the deficit by nearly $230 billion over the next decade.

          As dizzying as the back and forth between parties may seem, it’s important to understand how some of the law’s provisions (either repealed or implemented) will affect young people.

          Yesterday, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs held a conference call for college journalists to sell the effects of health care reform on young adults. Gibbs opened the call by outlining the specific provisions that concern young adults.  Here’s a recap:

          1. Young adults can stay on their parent’s health care plan until they are 26 if their employer does not offer them health care.  Before the ACA, most insurance companies removed children from parent’s plans at 19.  In 2014, all young adults will be able to stay on their parent’s health care even if their employer offers health care benefits.
          2. The law ends discrimination against those under the age of 65 with pre-existing conditions.  Gibbs cited a report released by the HHS that states 129 million Americans under the age of 65 have pre-existing conditions that may disqualify them from receiving insurance without the reform bill.  In 2014, the law will prohibit denial of insurance based on pre-existing conditions for all age groups.
          3. The new law helps create jobs.  Gibbs stated that since the law’s implementation, over 1 million private sector jobs have been created.  He estimated that the without the law, 250,000 to 400,000 jobs will be lost each year.

          To get a better idea of the major provisions in the reform bill, check out this timeline.

          Gibbs echoed a sentiment expressed earlier this week that the Democrats were excited to have a second chance to explain health care reform to the American people. He also stated that though the parties may not agree on how to reform this country’s health care system, the leaders should use the current bill as a foundation and build on it rather than taking steps backwards and repealing the entire bill.

          Despite the overwhelming vote today, former Republican Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (TN) disagreed with his party’s efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. He argued that health care reform is now the “law of the land” and, as such, Republicans should drop the repeal and build on the current law, echoing Gibbs’s idea of last year’s bill as a foundation for health care reform in this country.

          Despite the revival of the health care debate, voters neither support nor oppose the current bill in an overwhelming majority. Polls indicate that some voters love the reforms, some hate them, but the majority of Americans fall somewhere in the middle.  About half the country trusts President Obama with health care reforms, while the other half trust the Republican party.  Experts, meanwhile, have cast doubt on the job killing-ness (or crushing-ness) of bill. The debate rages on.

          Do you support the Affordable Care Act or do you want it repealed? Comment below and let us know!

            Maeve Coyle
            Bio: Maeve is Rock the Vote's Communications intern.
            @mmcoyle
            Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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            Posted in health care | Comments Off


            By: Maeve Coyle

            News Round-Up: Wednesday, January 19, 2010

            Wednesday, January 19th, 2011

            Senator Joe Lieberman plans to retire at the end of his term, and potential candidates are already jockeying for the Connecticut Democrat’s seat. Chinese leader Hu Jintao visits Washington this week, and the Kardashian sisters expand their empire once again with Silly Bandz. Jury’s still out on whether wearing a Kardashian on your wrist will be the hottest trend in 2011, or this venture will fail as miserably as the Kredit Kard did.

            CRUCIAL:

            Joe Lieberman unlikely to seek reelection in 2012:  http://politi.co/ffQl5p

            Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman is set to announce today that he will not run for a fifth term in 2012. The news came on the heels of the announcement that another Democratic veteran, Kent Conrad, is also retiring.

            Susan Bysiewicz To Run For U.S. Senate Seat Held By Joe Lieberman: http://bit.ly/gJJOT3

            Former Connecticut Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz announced Tuesday that she plans to run for the Senate seat currently held by Joe Lieberman.

            Bill Frist: Health care is ‘law of the land,’ GOP should drop repeal and build on it: http://huff.to/ibOnPR

            Former Republican Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is voicing opposition for the GOP health care repeal plan.  He believes Republicans should take the opportunity to build on the law rather than repeal it altogether.

            Hu faces an Obama administration more hard- nosed about Chinese government:  http://wapo.st/emFymB

            President Obama intends to take a firmer stance on US priorities when dealing with the up and coming world power.

            CULTURAL:

            The Kardashians Get Silly (Bandz): http://bit.ly/fyfq8D

            Katy Perry Joins Adidas!: http://bit.ly/gYN5P1

            RENT To Be Performed On GLEE!: http://bit.ly/gkVioQ

            Jake Gyllenhaal and Mila Kunis Getting Cozy!: http://bit.ly/fKqN6T

              Maeve Coyle
              Bio: Maeve is Rock the Vote's Communications intern.
              @mmcoyle
              Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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              Posted in News Round-Up | 1 Comment »

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