Triad Conservative

Another Reason We Ought Not Enter USMCA With Canada (or North American Union)

When Debt No Longer Matters

Consider the following.

Within a period of five years, every dollar the United States borrows will go toward paying the interest on the federal debt. That is the conclusion of the U.S. Treasury Department.

Let that factoid sink in. We will be borrowing to pay the interest on previous borrowing. Does that seem sustainable?

John Mauldin has previously predicted that our next recession will bring annual deficits of upwards of $2 trillion.

There is a tendency within conservative circles to savor the prosperity that President Trump has helped spur. And I think he has helped ward off, at least temporarily, the recessionary period toward which we had been headed. His highly public pressure on the Fed to cut interest rates, for instance-- which was fairly extraordinary-- seems to have worked for now.

But let's remember when the last Great Recession took place-- which seemed like a depression at least in some parts of the country. After the financial crisis, the political class-- left and "right"-- rushed in to take extraordinary measures to resuscitate the economy. Governmental intervention was the rage. It began under Bush, and was magnified exponentially under Obama. The public charity caseload exploded. It all made the recovery much more prolonged and difficult; and the economy remained anemic for years.

Mauldin thinks the bursting of the debt bubble will lead to the imposition of a value-added tax, much like they have in Europe. There is little question in my mind that the next economic crisis will lead the media/left complex to beat the drums once again for ever-increasing levels of socialism. And our demographically altered, indoctrinated population likely will demand it.

Recall how the socialists believe that no crisis should go to waste. But in fact, neither major party wants to control spending. Republican elected officials at this point do not even pretend to prioritize limited government and fiscal responsibility. Trillion dollar deficits are now the norm. There is absolutely no commitment to make the tough choices that need to be made.

Even though things seem good right now, folks need to be making some preparations for difficulty periods that will likely follow. I don't know when it will happen; but the good times won't last forever.

Is Democratic Socialist Judge Trying to Interfere with 2020 Election? NC Voter ID Enjoined

A Christmas surprise was delivered this week by a black female U.S. District Court judge who works in the eastern district of North Carolina. This woman issued an injunction against Voter ID even though it had been passed by citizens in a constitutional amendment, and approved by their elected representatives.

Judge Loretta Biggs was appointed by Barack Obama to this judgeship during late 2014. She had once been appointed by former Governor Jim Hunt to a state appellate judgeship, but ultimately lost her seat when she had to face the voters. She worked a fair number of years in the Piedmont Triad.

Interestingly, under the Senate's "blue slip" tradition, Richard Burr likely had to signal his approval for her nomination to advance when Obama chose her. Perhaps he ought to explain that decision.

It is now up to State Attorney General Josh Stein to appeal the decision-- if he chooses to do so. And of course, if he does, we don't know how passionately he would defend Voter ID.

Let's put this in context. A year ago, the current U.S. Supreme Court allowed the state of North Dakota's voter ID law to stand. Republicans in the state of North Carolina had liberalized the ID requirement to the extent that the law is probably watered down significantly. But neither of these considerations constrains Judge Biggs.

Of course, she has not released the rationale for her decision. We don't need a rationale yet, after all, because this is primarily about the exercise of political power.

Biggs is an unfortunate example of how those who control the democratic socialist party have politically used African-Americans to enact socialist revolution on a gradual, incremental basis. Think Josh Stein's folks. Identity politics is utilized as a vehicle to achieve larger goals.

She might be an intelligent, educated woman. But her decision occurs in the context of the Holder/Obama attempt to use the courts to rewrite district lines to win elections for the democratic socialist party. And it occurs just in time for the 2020 presidential election when North Carolina is very much in play as a swing state. Does anybody see an agenda playing out? 

Biggs' judicial activism in this case is just the latest in a long series of numerous instances over many decades. The premise that a simple requirement to present an approved ID card is unacceptable-- even though widely publicized well in advance through multiple channels, and provided for free-- is plainly ridiculous.

Biggs' raw power grab, however, is ultimately the Republicans' responsibility. They have had many decades to deal definitively with the issue of judicial activism, and have chosen not to do so. Allowing the socialists to nominate and confirm activists whenever they hold power is not the way to fight judicial activism.

Now, they are not even allowed to defend their own law because of Judge Biggs. She has banished the General Assembly from intervening in the case.

I suppose it might be possible, but it is difficult to see how the U.S. Supreme Court would have the opportunity to reverse this activist action before the 2020 election. How would the case get to the Supreme Court if the Republicans can't bring the case, and the socialist-controlled 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals stands in the way?

Adeste Fidelis

Guilford to Hike Sales Tax for School Construction?

An interesting report suggests a sales tax increase is being discussed to pay for the $2 billion in school construction expenses proposed for Guilford County. This would be intended to pay for school bonds.

There are at least a couple of advantages of pursuing the sales tax approach.

First, an increase in sales tax would require approval by voters. And historically, they tend to vote against sales tax increases. But if the need for school construction is so acute and compelling, we must assume they would have no choice but to approve the sales tax. And if they don't, we can assume the voters and taxpayers don't perceive the need justifies their involvement.

Second, those who use the schools would know that they are picking up a significant portion of the costs. By contrast, relying upon bonds and real estate taxes requires disproportionate payment directly by those who are less likely to use the public schools. Those who pay lots of real estate taxes will tend not to have kids in school-- or if they did, they often might be using various alternatives to the public schools. The only just tax to fund school construction is one that directly engages users of the public education system. Then, if the county schools system spends the monies in a profligate manner, those folks could demand accountability. That accountability has been non-existent in the past.

Third, those paying for school construction via sales tax would include larger numbers of people-- including many who do not even reside in Guilford County.

Even if the sales tax were increased, I still think we ought to refrain from using bonds. Instead, commissioners could direct monies toward construction as the sales tax revenues roll in. Let's get out of the business of huge bond packages.

And the best approach is to pay-as-you-go for school construction without using bonds or tax increases-- tackling the highest priority projects first.

McCrory's 2022 Bid for US Senate

I have a great idea.

The news today was that Pat McCrory is not going to run for governor; but is instead considering a race for U.S. Senate to replace Richard Burr.

Mark Walker has already expressed interest in running for that seat. Mark Meadows' announcement today that he is retiring from the House also raises questions regarding whether he will be interested.

But here is a great idea for McCrory. He ought to run for the seat as a Democrat. There are several reasons this would be desirable.

First, he would be quite compatible ideologically with the rapidly shrinking center-left wing of the party.

Second, if it turns out to be a great year for the democratic socialists, and they were to win the senatorial election, we would get someone perhaps one notch better than their usual candidates.

And third, it would help clear the way for perhaps a conservative, constitutional choice to run on the Republican line. Yes, I know this last one is somewhat of a pipe dream; but we can always hope that somehow, North Carolina Republicans will offer a good nomination for US Senate. That has not happened since Jesse Helms was running, many years ago.

It is absolutely tragic that there is no one good to oppose Tillis next year in the Republican primary. Perhaps, by some stroke of luck, 2022 will be better.

Christianity-- Not Diversity-- Is the Source of America's Strength

The USMCA Trade Agreement Enshrines the LGBT Agenda

I have previously pointed out that the New American has provided the only real, substantive reporting regarding the proposed USMCA trade agreement negotiated by the Trump Administration, and supported by many Republicans. Nancy Pelosi has negotiated key elements; and has thrown her support behind the agreement.

Within it are requirements for the countries participating in the USMCA agreement to adopt key parts of the LGBT agenda. Check it out:

In addition to workplace protections for migrant workers, Chapter 23 also promotes workplace protections for “gender identity” and other LGBTQ “gender-related issues.” For example, under “Sex-Based Discrimination in the Workplace,” in the USMCA’s labor chapter, all three countries are required to promote and “implement policies” protecting “gender identity.” And under Article 23.12, all three countries agree to cooperate on “addressing gender-related issues in the field of labor and employment,” as well as on “addressing the opportunities of a diverse workforce, including: ... promotion of equality and elimination of employment discrimination in the areas of age, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity.” In other words, if a man applies for a job and goes to the interview dressed as a woman with a demand to be addressed as if he were a lady and demonstrates even the mildest aptitude to do the job, the employer would be required to hire that individual or risk a lawsuit. This alone should be a deal breaker for Christians, especially religious businessmen and faith-based companies.

This is going to be an absolute mess for orthodox Christians. Remember how we were reassured everything would be fine with same-sex marriage, and how there would be no problems from the standpoint of religious conscience and liberty. And then remember all that happened, almost instantaneously, to the contrary. 

Also remember how the Republicans quickly folded and betrayed their Christian conservative supporters. We have been resisting these kinds of laws for many years because it is quite clear how they will be used against us-- by some of the worst elements in society.

Canada, which has been persecuting orthodox Christians for years over LGBT issues, will have no problem with the above provisions. Mexico is now led by a socialist who also will have no problem with the above.

These parts of the trade deal ought be no surprise to conservatives. The Family Research Council has on multiple occasions expressed concerns that the Trump State Department had been quietly advancing the LGBT agenda overseas. (Addendum 12/18: Here is some evidence of the Trump Administration's activities at the UN.)

But this new trade agreement will impose additional mess upon all of us.

When you hear that your Republican members of Congress and Senators are planning to support the USMCA trade deal, consider the information above. You might want to let them know about it.

Budd and Walker Continue to Support Highly Flawed USMCA Trade Agreement

You can be sure about one thing. If Nancy Pelosi approves of something, chances are that it is highly problematic. 

The news this week that Pelosi supports the USMCA trade agreement, and will allow a vote, is an ominous sign. That would mean that multiple horrid provisions demanded by Pelosi were added over a period of time. I had posted about this issue here nearly two months ago. 

Ted Budd and Mark Walker continue to support this highly flawed agreement. While I understand the impulse to support the President, secure a "win" for him, help our farmers, and tweak our trade imbalances, this is precisely the wrong way to do it.

I had explained previously that the agreement will:

• Jeopardize our religious liberty. Remember that Canada has engaged in horrific persecution against orthodox Christians. Look at what is in the agreement.
• Create the equivalent of a North American Union: It is ironic that Pelosi's support and the upcoming vote were announced the very same week that the British people voted in dramatic fashion to exit the European Union. Meanwhile, we would be entering a structure similar to the European Union-- i.e., essentially a North American Union. We would have Mexicans and Canadians directing our domestic policy on energy, the environment, labor and other matters.
• Open the floodgates of migration into the United States just as we saw happen in the European Union.

Senators Pat Toomey and John Cornyn have expressed major concerns about the agreement. Fortunately, the Mexicans are also getting cold feet. They don't like the fact that the agreement would require foreign labor monitors.

The New American has done the best reporting, by far, regarding what is actually in the agreement. It has been compared to the failed Trans-Pacific Partnership that was such a bad deal for the United States.

It would be best if this thing dies a merciful death, and if Trump simply stops NAFTA. There would be some economic repercussions; but we would then be able to negotiate a clean agreement, and use tariffs wherever necessary. It would be better to negotiate two separate agreements-- one with Mexico, and one with Canada. Trying to negotiate with both simultaneously unnecessarily complicates things.

Congress needs to stop this thing, if the Mexicans do not.

Hospital Systems' Behavior

The Trump administration recently issued a rule requiring that hospital systems disclose the discounted, contractual prices they have with various insurance companies.

Some commentators have argued that this rule would harm the hospital systems severely because the public would become aware of the dramatic variations in charges from one customer to the next. It would ultimately force them to drive their prices downward.

Of course, Trump has no constitutional authority to require this of the health systems. It is not even remotely connected to the federal government's lawful, enumerated powers described in the constitution.

Then again, the vast majority of the federal government's activities are unlawful and unconstitutional. The hospital systems, you might recall, were major cheerleaders for Obamacare, which is a huge constitutional mess. So let's not pretend they possess some glow of virtue over protecting the constitution.

But when the hospital systems are threatened, they lash back to protect their cash flow. We saw that earlier this year here in North Carolina with their response to State Treasurer Dale Folwell's proposal for the State Health Plan. And in response to Trump's rule for price transparency, they have sued.

Mounting numbers of Americans are becoming acutely aware of the hospital systems' behaviors; and are becoming increasingly disenchanted.

An interesting article by Craig Wax, D.O. describes in precise detail the behaviors of our nation's hospital systems. I had the opportunity several years ago to meet Dr. Wax very briefly; and in this article, he absolutely nails it. I am taking the liberty of republishing it here, so check it out:  

Do you want to be the highly-paid CEO of a hospital/“health” system?

MASTER THIS HOW-TO GUIDE AND YOU’LL BE ON YOUR WAY.

STEP 1: Have the local university use eminent domain to seize acreage for a huge campus and then sell that acreage to you.

STEP 2: Obtain donations for your charitable foundation, secure state grants, and float a loan on the taxpayers for your fabulous new facility. 

STEP 3: Declare your company a “non-profit,” and eliminate your tax burden by shifting it onto the backs of taxpayers, thereby increasing the percentage of household income devoted to the cost of all things related to healthcare.

STEP 4: Turn as much of your workforce as possible into subcontractors by outsourcing day-to-day departmental functions to outside entities, such as lab work to Quest Diagnostics; and the emergency department to TeamHealth; and home care to Bayada; and inpatient services to neighboring health systems.

STEP 5: In response to a simple visit to the emergency room and overnight stay for observation, send a statement that show charges in the amount of the “Chargemaster” retail price ($23,000) to (a) government, (b) insurance, and (c) the patient.¹

STEP 5a: If the bill is not paid by (a) government, or (b) insurance, send the bill to (c), the patient, for the full amount.

STEP 5b: If (c), the patient, cannot pay, alert “collections” of the need to recover the full amount.

STEP 5c: If (c), the patient, cannot pay and appeals the bill,

(i) designate the service as “charity care,”

(ii) reduce the patient’s bill to the real cost (say, $1,300), and

(iii) write off the difference as a loss so that the hospital/”health” system can get a huge tax break.

STEP 6: In response to the low allowable charges that Medicare and commercial insurance set for private medical practices, overbill Medicare and commercial insurance even while you, a hospital system, simultaneously collect exorbitant “facility fees” that are well above your actual costs.

STEP 7: Build and rent urgent-care and primary-care centers in every small town to push out the private physician offices who previously had privileges in your hospital/”health” system, and who functioned, effectively, as your staff. You won’t need those relationships anymore. Under the wildly misnamed Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (aka “Obamacare”), you’ve become an “ACO” (an Accountable Care Organization), an entity that has especially privileged status. You can now hire any physicians you may need as employees, while replacing a significant percentage of them with nurse practitioners, doctors of nursing practice, and physician’s assistants, who are cheaper.

STEP 8: Build an executive/administrative class from people with degrees in studying healthcare as a business and administrative specialty. After all, Medicare prohibits physicians from owning and operating hospitals. And who, among the public, understands that most of the money spent on “healthcare” in the United States doesn’t go to the people who deal directly and personally with the sick, but to an administrative class that outnumbers physicians by ten to one? I mean, it’s the consistent finding, isn’t it, of opinion poll after opinion poll that the public trusts administrators, health insurance companies, lawyers, and the politicians who create the public policy that favors them much more than they trust physicians? (NOTE: It’s possible that you can find such polls in an alternate universe. We’ll wait as you search for them.)

STEP 9: Pay your executives handsomely, like the CEO who receives $839,000 per year.

STEP 10: Finally, make provision for the unanticipated consequences that may arise from a new hospital that destroys rural towns in its vicinity. 

Whether you’re a public or private hospital system, the foregoing has become standard operating procedure.

But for patients and for taxpayers in New Jersey, and everywhere else in the United States, it is the practice of legalized price gouging, and of making a killing under a system that has been thoroughly warped and corrupted by government public policy and by the rampant corporatizing of medical care in this country.

¹ Actual ER hospital bill for $23,000.