Hag's Blog by John Haggard

Behind the 8 Ball, OT8 Bed Bugs moving up the ranks, despite “old” news….

A quick check of King 5 News web site shows Seattle is communicating the OT8 Bed Bug story. Ranked #3 up from # 4 yesterday:

 

Interesting comments on the whole situation. Read them here: http://www.king5.com/news/local/Apartment-Bedbugs-111089689.html

One Thousand 8th Avenue Apartments (OT8) - The Right Thing To Do Re: Bed Bugs… Eradicate or Release (please)

First, Seattle is taking note of the news…. As of 8:30 this morning this story ranked #5 and #4 on most viewed and emailed  respectively…

 

The right thing for OT8 to do is eradicate the building or release residents from their leases. Once OT8 becomes aware of a problem it is their responsibility to notify other residents at risk. If a fire breaks out in an apartment, you sound the alarm and then you deal with it. Same thing here.

Bed bugs are not something that can be dealt with on an isolated basis. At the very least, OT8 should turn this over to a professional contractor for dealing with an infested apartment and all adjacent apartments, sides, up, and down. Letting Wally and others to fend for themselves is absolutely shameful. Clearly OT8 did not go out and negligently introduce bed bugs for Wally and others, but it is also clearly evident that no single resident can solve this problem by themselves. Every single apartment at the OT8 can be fumigated one at a time in an uncoordinated fashion and the result will remain the same – bed bugs at OT8. It is in OT8’s best interest to be as proactive as possible to get ahead of this while they can.

Offering assistance to residents while being open and honest earns goodwill and avoids the Wally’s getting hurt and all of Seattle finding out about it. Now that Seattle knows Wally’s story, OT8 has a choice – respond positively or negatively (which of course includes no response at all).

If eradication cannot or will not be done, then release residents from their lease and allow them to flee the building’s bugs. To enforce leases while simultaneously not disclosing hazards and taking corrective action is flat out immoral. Non-disclosure on OT8’s part is laughable because people who get chewed on are going to find out, you cannot sweep bed bugs under the rug.

Full disclosure is I have a family member who is Wally’s neighbor and who is also fighting the bed bug plague. As a father, I am not too keen on looking at welts all over my daughter’s body; I thought she was having an allergic reaction and requested her to seek medical care immediately (Nov. 13, 2010). OT8 did not tell her that Wally’s apartment was infested and being exterminated. The complex’s strategy seems to be to exterminate one apartment while leaving the neighbors in the dark. Guess where the bugs go when one apartment gets nuked? They flee to the next unsuspecting victim.

At the moment, she and Wally are wondering if they are playing ping-pong with bed bugs – her apartment just got nuked and Wally’s place is now open season again.

Today is the 1st of December and rent’s are due. OT8, whatcha going to do? Eradicate, release, or let us keep telling this story?

One Thousand 8th Avenue Apartments have Bed Bugs….

In case this place (http://www.onethousand8thavenueapts.com/) doesn’t disclose this along with their “First Class Amenities.”

Just saying…

You can watch here: http://www.king5.com/news/local/Apartment-Bedbugs-111089689.html

 

Wally is 87 and dealing with this. A family member who is his neighbor is much younger and also having a hell of a time.

So now, automated Google search, do what you do, put me in the search for OT8, One Thousand 8th Ave Avenue Apts Apartments, etc… you get the idea.

If reading this, feel free to repost as often as you want….

Jesus, I just wanted to say I felt good last year….

Unreal, again in the same day?

Reichert, what are you doing? Another email to me today to tell me what? I get you are opposed, but what in the Sam Hell are YOU proposing? You are voting with your party regardless of health care and you are picking a fight with AARP. Good for you, lets see how that works out.

Send me an e-mail

November 3, 2009

VIDEO: Congressman Reichert speaks on his concerns with the Pelosi health care bill

Reichert Disappointed with Second AARP Response Meeting Set to Discuss Senior Organizations’ Advocacy for Drastic Medicare Cuts Nov 3, 2009 - Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) today expressed concern regarding AARP’s latest response to his inquiry into the potential hidden profit motive behind the organization’s vocal advocacy for a House health care proposal that contains nearly $500 billion in Medicare cuts affecting millions of seniors....  more More: AARP's Second Response (November 2, 2009) Reichert AARP Follow Up (October 15, 2009) AARP's Response Letter to Congressman Dave Reichert (October 1, 2009) Reichert Letter to AARP (September 21, 2009)

You have to be kidding me….

He actually thinks he has done something to “protect and strengthen” our health care system? WTF? We just did over $1.5 Trillion in TARP and Stimulus in ONE year, spend well north of a Trillion in Wars, and we are going to go “bankrupting” our country with a bill that is a Trillion spread over 10 years?

Don’t tell me how you are saving our money, tell me how you are saving our lives…

Friends, This week, the House intends to consider the newest version of Speaker Pelosi's health care overhaul legislation. The bill's contents look strikingly similar to the bill I voted against in the House Ways and Means Committee in July: it allows the government to take over the health care system, raises taxes on hard-working Americans, families and small businesses, and makes deep cuts to Medicare benefits for millions of seniors. It even includes new taxes on the medical device industry – which will result in taxes on wheelchairs, heart monitors, and hearing aids. It's imperative that we adopt reforms for health care that make sense, and strengthen our health care system without raising costs, reducing choices, or bankrupting our nation, but I have deep concerns about this bill. I'll be spending more time this week reviewing the legislation and meeting with other members on how we can improve this legislation. Please share this email with your friends, talk to them about health care, and encourage them to share their thoughts or stories on this critical issue at http://reichert.house.gov/HealthCare. Thanks, Dave

Reichert Persists in AARP Inquiry Oct 15, 2009  - Congressman Dave Reichert sent a second letter to AARP to explore their response to his first letter, in a move to expand his inquiry into the organization’s vocal advocacy for H.R. 3200, a proposal that contains nearly $500 billion in Medicare cuts, including $156 billion in cuts to...  more More: Reichert Letter to AARP (September 21, 2009) AARP's response Letter to Congressman Dave Reichert Reichert AARP Follow Up (October 15, 2009)

Please respond Congressman Reichert...

Last week (Aug 13th) I sent the following message requesting clarification on statements made by Congressman Reichert and to seek his position on standing up for rational debate.

I have yet to receive an acknowledgement or response.

Sincerely,

John Haggard
1400 Lk Wash. Blvd. N.
Renton, WA 98056

(see: http://hagsblog.typepad.com/hags_blog_by_john_haggard/2009/08/my-response-to-representative-reichert.html)

And here is my nemesis AARP as a third party weighing in..

Editor Note: I have been avoiding these guys like the plague, but this time, I'm watching a rational voice appear in this debate and therefore, must concede they may have a useful purpose, damn. I don't however agree with the slippery slope of "delete the text above and forward.." Even though the following text attributes the information to the AARP, it is not good practice imho to filter the information. So with that...

Dear John,

If your inbox is anything like mine, you're getting a lot of emails about how SCARY health reform is. From allegations about rationing care to wild reports of government-sponsored euthanasia, the rumors just keep getting crazier.

And I've had enough. Enough of the fear-mongering. Enough of the myths and unfounded rumors. Enough of the interest groups twisting the truth to stop health reform.

I'm fighting back – and I'm asking for your help!

Below I've debunked some of the common myths going around. Will you forward this email to your friends and help get the truth out about reform?

The truth is real reform is at risk because opponents are using scare tactics and slogans to gin up fear and misunderstandings. Don't let that happen.

Sincerely,

Barry Jackson
AARP Online Advocacy Manager

P.S. Let's make sure everyone gets the truth. After you've forwarded the message below, please share these myths and facts on Facebook if you have an account, or post them on other networking sites. If you're active on Twitter, please tweet the truth now.

******Delete the text above and forward this message to friends and family ******

Hi,

My inbox has been flooded with emails spreading crazy rumors about health reform so I wanted to share some facts from AARP about what's really going on. Please join me in forwarding these facts to everyone you know. Print them out and pass them around at your social gatherings and other places where people are discussing the issues of the day.

FACT #1: Medicare will not be ended, and no benefits or services will be cut.

Your services will not be ended, nor will your benefits be cut. AARP's position on this could not be clearer. And we have sent this message loud and clear to Congress. While the current proposals include savings in Medicare by cutting out fraud, abuse, waste, and inefficiency, we're standing up and making sure benefits for Medicare recipients are not only fully protected, but are improved.¹

FACT #2: No legislation currently in Congress would mandate the rationing of care. Period.

Our staff has read all of the legislation circulating in Congress and there are no provisions in these bills that would ration care for our members. None. If any ever did, we would vigorously fight to stop that legislation.²

FACT #3: There is no provision of any piece of legislation that would promote euthanasia of any kind.

The rumors out there are flat out lies. Right now Medicare does not cover counseling for end-of-life care. The portion of the bill in question would simply provide coverage for optional end-of-life consultations with doctors, so that the patient can be aware of all of the treatment options on the table. It is not mandatory and it has nothing to do with euthanasia.³

FACT #4: We have not endorsed President Obama's plan.

In fact, we haven't endorsed any plan. We are supporting reform of our health care system, something that AARP has pushed for many years. We're working closely with Republican and Democratic members of Congress to lower health care costs and to ensure quality affordable coverage for older Americans – and we want reform legislation passed and signed by the president this year.⁴

So what is AARP fighting for in health reform?

1. Stopping insurance companies from charging older Americans unaffordable premiums because of their age.
2. Ending the practice of excluding people from insurance because of pre-existing conditions.
3. Holding down health costs and making insurance coverage more affordable for all Americans.
4. Making prescription drugs more affordable by narrowing the Medicare doughnut hole, bringing generics to market faster, and allowing Medicare to negotiate better drug prices.

Find out more and take action at HealthActionNow.org.

Thanks,

John

---

1. "AARP to Congress: Don’t Make Medicare More Expensive," AARP, July 30, 2009 http://www.aarp.org/aarp/presscenter/pressrelease/articles/rand_medicare_statement.html

2. "Debunked: Health Reform Means Rationed Care For Seniors," AARP, August 4, 2009 http://blog.aarp.org/shaarpsession/2009/08/debunked_health_reform_means_r.html

3. "AARP Responds to Health Reform Scare Tactics," AARP, July 24, 2009 http://www.aarp.org/aarp/presscenter/pressrelease/articles/mccaughey_statement.html

4. "Obama Vows No Cuts To Medicare Benefits," AARP, July 29, 2009 http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/policy/articles/
obama_fields_tough_questions_on_health_care_reforms_at_aarp_tele_town_hall.html

White House Clarifications...

Dear Friend,

This is probably one of the longest emails I’ve ever sent, but it could be the most important.

Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back — even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions.

As President Obama said at the town hall in New Hampshire, “where we do disagree, let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed.”

So let’s start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you’ll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now.

Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what’s below. So what are you waiting for? Forward this email.

Thanks,

David

David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President

P.S. We launched www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck this week to knock down the rumors and lies that are floating around the internet. You can find the information below, and much more, there. For example, we've just added a video of Nancy-Ann DeParle from our Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check it out:

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
5. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

Learn more and get details: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1. Reform will stop "rationing" - not increase it: It’s a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.
2. We can’t afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It’s a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.
3. Reform would encourage "euthanasia": It does not. It’s a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.
4. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.
5. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.
6. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It’s myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare "doughnut" hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
7. You can keep your own insurance: It’s myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.
8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.  Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose.  Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you – and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.

Learn more and get details:

http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq

8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now

1. Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that 12.6 million non-elderly adults – 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market – were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage when they became seriously ill. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html
2. Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job.  Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html
3. Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html
4. Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes
5. Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured – 13 million people – are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline
6. The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction
7. Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 - were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html
8. The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf

This email was sent to john@haggardmail.net

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My Response to Representative Reichert...

Representative Reichert,

I visited your Mercer Island office this past Monday to explain why I support HR 3200. I've read your troubling response which includes the following:

You stated: "…while neglecting the unique health needs of individuals, families, and seniors.

I will continue to fight against a government-run public plan that could force millions of Americans to lose their health coverage…"

The above statement lines up more with the Pharma-based professionals stoking mob rule rather than lining up with real facts in the bill. I’ll be glad to supply you with bona-fide journalist reports of the specific links between Pharma-Lobbiest-Mob (we can start with 2:32 minutes into this interview by Rachel Maddow of Wendell Potter.

I wish for a rational fact based debate. There are plenty of valid issues on both sides of this to work with.

I voted for you in 2008, however I voted Democratic for Senate and President Obama. I cast my vote for you because I felt you were the "adult" on the ticket who carried wisdom. I trusted your integrity and honesty.

I beg of you to publicly stand up and be a voice of reason in the Republican Party against unethical tactics - paid professionals spreading disinformation and hiding their role in the debate. I also beg of you to publicly distance yourself from the mouth pieces of agents such as Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh who are playing to the lowest common denominator and causing great harm in the ability of people to rationally discuss any topic. Silence on these issues is loud.

And finally, I would sincerely like to know how HR 3200 is going to “force millions of Americans to lose their health coverage?” I find this statement to be blatantly false. I may very well be wrong which is why I sincerely wish for a clarification on this statement.

Regards,

John Haggard