BobH's blog

Let's face it, the middle class is loosing the power struggle with conservatives. Republicans and conservative Democrats have long been enacting policies that hurt and diminish the influence of Americas strong post war middle. North Carolinian's are told our lack of unions protects us, yet tens of thousands of our jobs have been exported to even more low wage, low regulation territories. Now the NCAE has been punished for supporting "progressive" causes. It will not be enough to return the teachers automatic dues payment. I support restoring hope to all North Carolina families by eliminating our regressive Right to Work legislation. All workers deserve an opportunity for an improved future, our new economy will not satisfy the people until this is true. Unions have done this in the past and deserve a role in returning power to the middle class.

The most searched word on miriam-webster.com for the year 2010 - austerity. You do not have to look very far to see that folks are resigned to a future not as bright as the past. It's the new normal - shrinking expectations, stagnating income, long-term unemployment, a smaller government, more work in our later years, a growing permanent underclass, and a select few that are super wealthy paying a smaller percent of taxes than most workers. All this can be ignored because enough of us are doing well even in these conditions. We are a nation of plenty. The national debt soars, while state and local governments are forced to cut budgets in ways that reinforce the expectation. The consequences of the national debt are not as immediate. The increasing percentage of the federal budget that goes to pay down the debt will prompt calls for even more austerity on a national scale. Our future as a people joined together is at stake. Do not forget we are a nation of plenty.

Open letter to Senator Hagan

The health insurance companies must not be allowed to continue business as usual.

I am publicly asking you to sign the "Bennet Letter." Senator Bennet's letter to Senator Reid supporting the passage of a public insurance option via the reconciliation process.

According to The North Carolina Institute of Medicine our state experienced the nation's largest percentage increase (22.5%) of uninsured between 2007-2009. A robust public option could allow health security for your constituents, reduce health-care costs and restore confidence in our government.

Sincerely,

Robert Hrozencik R. N.