As reported by the NY Times, one of Obama's most impressive campaign promises was that no appointees would be " permitted to work on regulations or contracts directly and substantially related to their prior employer for two years."


Obama's pick for Secretary of Health & Human Services, Tom Daschle, has spent part of the past 4 years serving on the board of the Mayo Clinic, in addition to advising numerous clients regarding health care issues in his position as a lawyer at the firm Alston & Bird. Much of this work has in fact occured over the past two years.

Sounds like Obama is in a pickle.

Why would he make such an appointment?

At this stage, it appears as though his staff is going to great lengths to explain that Mr. Daschle is not an appointee, as no official appointment has been made; rather, he is merely an individual who has accepted an INVITATION TO BECOME AN APPOINTEE.

Remember how Obama reneged on his promise to accept federal campaign funding?

Anyone else starting to think that Obama only adheres to his promises when it is convenient for him?

A keen insight from JudicialWatch.org

well, sort of.

There's a catch. A big one.

They want the government to mandate coverage - - for everyone.

The industry's largest support group, AHIP, has set forth a proposal under which insurers would accept individuals with pre-existing coverage, so long as everyone is required to carry insurance.

Obama opposes mandated coverage. Hillary (& others) supports it.

This is going to be fun.

The insurers, of course, are right. They know their business better than the government. People like Hillary and Obama just kick back and enjoy the benefits of their cushy government jobs. They don't truly understand the wheels behind the machine. How could they?

Cherry picking. That's the street slang for adverse selection in the underwriting process. If insurers are forced to take people who they ordinarily would not want to insure, then who is going to pay the bills? Answer: People who have no claims -- but still pay premiums. That's the way the game works. Shifting dollars.

Notice the irony yet?

Obama wants to "spread the wealth" around. Fine. Start with health care Mister President-Elect.

Prediction: Typical insurance premiums may rise by 30% to 50% by the end of Obama's first term.

CDR