“Hendricks: Town hall anger misdirected - Primebuzz.kcstar.com” plus 4 more |
- Hendricks: Town hall anger misdirected - Primebuzz.kcstar.com
- 10-minute wait to start this car is aggravating - Minneapolis Star Tribune
- Maryland Attorney General: Top 10 Consumer Complaints Include ... - TMCnet
- Insurers Respond To Blumenthal's 'Steering' Claims - Hartford Courant
- Late Endorsements May Mean Close Primary Races - Western Queens Gazette
| Hendricks: Town hall anger misdirected - Primebuzz.kcstar.com Posted: 02 Sep 2009 02:33 PM PDT What is it, something like two-thirds of us are supposedly happy with our health coverage? A few years ago, you could have counted Mary Casey in that number. But then she made the mistake of contracting a rare form of cancer. Her insurance company wouldn't pay for the drug that her doctor said might save her life. Corporate bureaucrats were the ones rationing health care then – and still are. And when Casey appealed the decision, she learned of the existence of death panels long before Sarah Palin started mouthing off about the mythical ones in the House proposal. The company's denial of her appeal left Casey and her family to count the months she had left, or slowly go bankrupt because, naturally, the drug that her doctor felt gave her the best chance of survival was also expensive. I told you about Casey's battle against her disease and a broken system back in 2007. She eventually got coverage for the drug she needed, but only after her story went national, and because her husband's employer switched insurance carriers. Her thoughts about today's rancorous debate: "People have no idea, unless they have a chronic illness, what happens if they have to go above and beyond going for a physical or needing anything more than a prescription for their high blood pressure." No, I think we all know what can happen. It's just that some of us would rather fool ourselves into thinking it could never happen to us. Like the shouters at the town hall meetings. You wonder if they'd like the current system so much if they or someone in their family came down with a deadly or debilitating disease, only to have their insurer dump them. Three Republican senators came to town this week to rail against government health care at an invitation-only forum. Meaning it was a friendly crowd. Nobody asked Kit Bond, Mitch McConnell or John McCain if they've done without regular medical screenings since becoming members of Congress. Yet millions of Americans do go without. Faced with shelling out hundreds of dollars in co-pays for a routine colonoscopy, people choose to buy groceries instead. The shouters rail about "socialized medicine," even the ones on Medicare, ironically enough. They pop off about rationing, when rationing already exists, as Mary Casey and others know. But what Americans ought to be hollering about is the fact that, in a country with supposedly the best health care in the world, some of our friends and neighbors are holding bake sales and raffles so sick relatives can get the treatment they need. If in this health care debate you feel anger rising within you, direct it at that disgrace – and at those who would leave a broken system unchanged  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 10-minute wait to start this car is aggravating - Minneapolis Star Tribune Posted: 02 Sep 2009 02:11 PM PDT Q I own a '99 Pontiac Grand Am V6. When I turn the key, it dings seven times and I hear the fuel pump working. But if the car doesn't start, the security light comes on and blinks for about 10 minutes before it goes off. Once it goes off, I try to start it again. It might catch, but if not, the light blinks again and I have to wait another 10 minutes for it to reset. What causes this? Is it a bad ignition or do I need a tuneup? Is there a way I can bypass this without putting in a new ignition switch? A You can't bypass this issue because the anti-theft system is disabling the engine. When you turn the key to start the engine, the PCM (powertrain control module) looks for a password from the BCM (body control module). If it doesn't see this password, it disables the engine and flashes the security light. If it fails to see the proper password in three consecutive attempts to start the engine, it disables the engine and the security light stays on solid for 10 minutes. According to my Alldata database, the two most likely causes are a loss of "Class 2" communication between the PCM and BCM, or, if no fault codes are present, a problem with the instrument cluster. Q I have a 2003 Chevy TrailBlazer with aluminum wheels. Recently the roads in the neighborhood were seal coated. Now there's tar on my aluminum wheels. What can I use to get the tar off? A Most auto parts stores carry 3M's "Bug & Tar" remover, which should do the job. If you've got an aerosol "Brake" cleaner on hand, give that a try. Q My 2003 Ford Taurus has 79,000 miles. When the motor is at 3,000 rpm or higher and I attempt to accelerate rapidly, the motor coughs violently, all six cylinders seem to miss, then fire repeatedly. This does not stop until I take my foot off the gas pedal. I have taken the car to two dealers, and they refuse to look at the car and tell me they have no idea what the problem might be. The fuel pump and fuel filter have been replaced. What's happening?  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Maryland Attorney General: Top 10 Consumer Complaints Include ... - TMCnet Posted: 02 Sep 2009 11:41 AM PDT BALTIMORE, MD, Sep 02, 2009 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler today released the 2008 top 10 list of consumer complaints as compiled by the Office of Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. Complaints about automobiles and home repair construction are common complaints to Attorneys General offices across the country.
'With the country in the midst of a recession and more and more homeowners facing the prospect of foreclosure, consumers need to be on high alert now more than ever,' said Attorney General Gansler. 'The Office of the Attorney General is a great resource for citizens when it comes to obtaining the information necessary to be a savvy consumer.' Top 10 Complaints in the Office of Attorney General for Maryland: 1. Health 2. Automobiles 3. Home Repair and Construction 4. Retail Sales 5. Telecommunications 6. Loans 7. Landlord-Tenant and Mobile Homes 8. Internet 9. Furniture, Appliances, and Home Furnishings 10. Debt Collection State Attorneys General have primary responsibility in their states for the enforcement of their states' consumer protection laws. Every state has a consumer protection statute prohibiting deceptive acts and practices, including those that happen online. Attorneys General can take action against businesses that commit fraud in such areas as debt collection, auto sales and repair, telemarketing and misleading advertising. National Top 10 Consumer Complaints for 2008: 1. Debt Collection 2. Auto Sales 3. Home Repair/Construction 4. Credit Cards 5. Internet Goods and Services 6. Predatory Lending/Mortgages 7. Telemarketing/Do-Not-Call 8. Auto Repair 9. Auto Warranties 10. Telecom/Slamming/Cramming The 2008 national consumer complaints list is generated from survey responses completed by the offices of the Attorney General and tallied by the NAAG Consumer Protection Project. Maryland consumers can file a complaint with Attorney General Gansler's Consumer Protection Division at (410) 528-8662 or toll-free in Maryland at 1-888-743-0023. Complaints may also be filed online at www.oag.state.md.us/consumer/complaint.htm .
CONTACT: Raquel Guillory, Maryland Attorney General
Tel: +1 410 576 6357
e-mail: rguillory@oag.state.md.us
Attorney General of Maryland
Tel: +1 888 743 0023 (toll-free)
Tel: +1 410 576 6372 (TDD)
((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com.
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| Insurers Respond To Blumenthal's 'Steering' Claims - Hartford Courant Posted: 02 Sep 2009 10:08 AM PDT Property casualty insurers lashed out at Attorney General Richard Blumenthal Tuesday following his call for federal scrutiny of auto insurers' practice of directing consumers to preferred auto body repair shops. "This seems motivated by a lobbying campaign by disgruntled auto body shops who are only concerned about their own bottom lines, and not about consumers," Paul Magaril, regional manager for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, said in a statement. Megaril said direct repair programs -- which Blumenthal says may amount to illegal steering -- simply offer consumers suggestions that promote proper and timely repairs, sometimes at lower cost. "Consumers always have the right to take their vehicles to the shops they choose and we believe consumers should have the ability to make an informed decision when selecting their auto repair facility," he said. "Consumers benefit from more, rather than less, information." PCIA represents about 1,000 insurance companies. The Auto Body Association of Connecticut is lobbying state and federal officials for an investigation of direct repair programs, saying they can lead to hasty repairs and hurt auto body shops that don't or can't participate. Blumenthal has long sought to strengthen Connecticut's anti-steering laws. Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Late Endorsements May Mean Close Primary Races - Western Queens Gazette Posted: 02 Sep 2009 10:01 AM PDT Late Endorsements May Mean Close Primary Races With primary elections just 13 days away, several late endorsements which could affect close races were reported last week. In the expected-to-be close Democratic Party primary in the 25th Council District (Jackson Heights), school teacher and gay advocate Daniel Dromm has received an important endorsement from former Assemblymember Ivan Lafayette. In choosing Dromm, Lafayette, one of the highest-ranked regular Democratic former office holders in the district, bypassed another longtime regular Democratic official, incumbent Councilmember Helen Sears. For many years both Lafayette and Sears served as Democratic district leaders in Jackson Heights. Lafayette, who served for 32 years in the Assembly before retiring, said he endorsed Dromm after years of working personally with him and also because of Dromm's "commitment and effectiveness on the issues that matter most to me, —better schools, more access to doctors and health care, and improved quality of life". Dromm also was recently endorsed by the Citizens Union, United Auto Workers and the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys. Also in the 25th district primary is Stanley Joseph Kalathara. Sears has been in the council for two terms (eight years). 26TH COUNCIL (SUNNYSIDE, WOODSIDE, LONG ISLAND CITY): In the 26th Council District, presently represented by Councilmember Eric Gioia, Democratic primary candidate Jimmy Van Bramer was endorsed by the public service organization Citizens Union, which also endorsed several other candidates who will be listed later on in this column. Party, the municipal labor union DC 37 and several other large labor groups and Democratic City Comptroller candidate Councilmember Melinda Katz. 19TH COUNCIL DISTRICT (BAYSIDE, WHITESTONE, COLLEGE POINT): In this Democratic primary contest, candidate Jerry Iannece picked up a late endorsement from the Uniformed Firefighters' Association. Also entered in this contest are Paul Vallone, Bayside; Steven Anthony Behar, Oakland Gardens; Thomas E. Cooke, Flushing; Kevin D. Kim, Bayside, and Debra Markell-Kleinert, Whitestone. The seat is presently held by Councilmember Tony Avella, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for mayor. Avella has endorsed Behar. 23RD COUNCIL DISTRICT (HOLLIS): Several highly placed public officials, including Congressmember Gregory Meeks, state Senator Malcolm Smith, Borough President Helen Marshall and former Councilmember Archie Spigner endorsed Assemblymember Mark Weprin in the Democratic primary. Mark Weprin is seeking to succeed his brother, David, as councilmember representing the 23rd district. David Weprin is running in the city comptroller Democratic primary. Other candidates in the race against Assemblymember Weprin are Bob Friedrich, Glen Oaks, and Swarinjil Singh, Bellerose. Assemblymember Weprin has served in that office since 1994. OTHER CITIZEN UNION ENDORSEMENTS: Also endorsed by the prestigious Citizens Union were Kevin Kim (19th District), S.J. Jung (20th District), Leroy Comrie (27th District) and Lynn Schulman (29th District). 38TH AD DEM CANDIDATE OFF BALLOT: Farouk Samaroo, an Army veteran from Richmond Hill who circulated nominating petitions for what the Board of Elections said would be a Democratic Party primary on September 15, will not be on the ballot because there will be no Democratic primary that day. Instead, there will be a special election in the 38th Assembly District (Ozone Park/Richmond Hill/Woodhaven), to fill the seat vacated recently by Assemblymember Tony Seminerio, who pleaded guilty to fraud charges. Governor David Paterson called for the special election, for which candidates can be chosen only by established political parties or run as independents. The Brooklyn federal court judge who heard Samaroo's case said Samaroo can run as an independent, but Samaroo did not accept the offer. Democrats, who will be favored to win the special election because of the overwhelming voter registration in the 38th AD, have chosen Michael Miller as their candidate. Republicans chose Donna Marie Caltabiana of Woodhaven as their candidate. She will also have the Conservative Party ballot line. Albert Baldeo, an Ozone Park attorney, had also planned to run in the originally scheduled 38th AD Democratic primary, but it was not known whether he will run in the special election as an independent. Samaroo, 26, served in Afghanistan. NON-ASIAN CANDIDATES BATTLE: The two non-Asian candidates in the 20th Council District Democratic primary in Flushing are in a battle. Constantine Kavadas, a 27-year-old Greek-American, was knocked off the ballot by Isaac Sasson, who's using some of the $13 million he won in the state lottery to fund his campaign. A judge ruled Kavadas and some campaign aides fraudulently secured signatures on nominating petitions and dumped him from the September 15 ballot. Kavadas is now taking that decision to an appeals court. Kavadas charged Sasson was targeting his Greek-American background and wanted him off the ballot to enhance his chances as the only non-Asian on the ballot. The other four candidates running for the seat being vacated by Councilmember John Liu are S. J. Jung, Yen Chou, John Choe and James Wu. CANDIDATE FORUMS: Several community organizations are sponsoring a forum tonight at 7 p.m. at the Officers Club at Fort Totten for Democratic primary candidates seeking the 19th Council District seat in Bayside. On Thursday evening at 7 p.m., the Young Democrats and Young Republicans at St. John's University will host a forum for city comptroller candidates in the Democratic primary. LIBRARY REPAIR FUNDS: Councilmember Eric Ulrich (R- C, Howard Beach) has secured $1 million of city funds to make needed repairs to local libraries in Broad Channel, Ozone Park and Howard Beach.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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