I'm one of the 45 million people that has no healthcare. Not too long ago I had a decent job with a full benefit package. When I became disabled I knew it would be a challenge providing for my families healthcare needs. I never made it somebody else's problem. I think we as American citizens are aware that healthcare is in crisis. A plan needs to be drafted and if need be partly funded by us the people. I would also hope that people in general would not be opposed to invest in such a plan that benefited all and paid for by all. This new initiative to provide better coverage to our children whose families are unable to provide coverage for them there selves is a good thought but to be wholly funded by smokers? What is wrong with this? Our country has tried to shed the image of being a nation of racial or discriminate bigots by enacting policy that ensured we all be treated equally and have the same opportunities. People in general have raised their children to accept people for who they are not what color or nationality they are. Now our own government a government who has fought for equality is doing the very thing they have preached against. They have targeted a particular sector of people and imposed an enormous new federal tax on top of the federal tax they already have. You know the individual states are going to want a piece of the action and us smokers are to just take our medicine. No! that's just out and out discrimination. Oops that dirty word again. The African American people endured treatment that in today's world would be considered atrocities against mankind. Laws have been enacted to stop that and now our government is starting to attack sectors of people. I know some of you are reading this and think I'm rambling on about nothing but just stop and think. Smokers are people. We come in all different shapes, sizes and colors, but we pay taxes and we work and live just as you do. The only difference between me and you is...... nothing. Smoking is my right a personal liberty not a cash cow for some radicals to use as their own personal bank. Every person has a vice and most can lead to health problems and eventually death. Try to imagine if the government started taxing just the obese people who buy foods that's not good for them. Then after they tax you they tell you the money they collect from there new found cash cow is going to be used to help people that can't afford insurance. Yet everyone else goes on living as normal and being able to use your tax money you paid to get medical care... Oh but you have to pay for your insurance. Sorry don't see the logic in that.. It feels kind of Robin Hood to me. But who am I but just a dirty old smoker but the next time you see me on the street don't scowl at me for smoking just say Thank you. 

I have been following this somewhat in the news. This just my opinion. I do agree that if you decide to detain prisoners whether they are criminals or terrorist they do deserve a trial or tribunal. I however am sick of hearing this left wing liberal fodder that says we are abusing these detainees. Sleep deprivation and solitary confinement are now considered unfair punishment? I would like to ask the people who are arguing this point what exactly are we to do to get the information that many of these detainees have out of them? Oh let's just ask them nicely or let's give them 200 channels of cable, a fully equipped rec room and ice cream on Wednesdays. That should persuade them to relinquish any and all information we need from them. This country has become a nation of unfounded principles. Afraid of the truth and afraid to get our hands dirty. It's a admiral trait to forgive but not to forget. Do the people that are fighting for the expanded rights of these detainees think for a minute that most of those people in Gitmo if given a chance would do the most horrible acts imaginable to us because as spoken by them we are infidels, the enemy. I'm sadden daily when I see Americans standing up in defense of these alleged terrorist and allowing them as with the person in this story a chance to pull off another 9/11. As President Bush has said numerous times that [they only have to be successful once where we have to be all the time.] I know some people will pick this blog to pieces sighting every violation of basic human rights. I'm not arguing that. What I'm arguing about is this sudden outpouring of how we are not following the rules, not being just and fair. I want to hear the explanation from these groups when another national tragedy happens. What will happen is overwhelming displeasure in our government ability to stop yet another attack against our people and infrastructure. News Flash people! Can't have it both ways. Either let our people do their jobs or brace for another attack!!! It's just that simple. 

Bin Laden driver to seek leniency from Gitmo jury - Yahoo! News

I don't want to get into a political disagreement with anyone but you need to read this. I think this subject matter is becoming one of the leading topics of this presidential election. Read on and tell me what you think