In the News: Prop 8 Goes to Court With Some New Supporters

Theodore B. Olson is not a name synonymous with social activism. He is, however, known for his position as the head of the Office of Legal Counsel at the Justice Department under the Reagan administration. Perhaps he is even better known for his role in the Supreme Court case of Bush V. Gore in 2000, in which he represented President Bush and secured his first term in the White House. In fact, Mr. Olson has stood before the bench in the Supreme Court 55 times.

But now, Mr. Olson is taking on what could be one of the most important cases he has ever tried. Mr. Olson has filed a lawsuit on behalf of two gay couples in the Federal District Court in San Francisco, challenging Proposition 8, the state-wide ban on same-sex marriage. Proposition 8 passed last year as a state referendum in a 52-48 vote.

Mr. Olson hopes that the case will lead him to his 56th case in front of the United States Supreme Court, where he hopes to argue for the rights of gay couples across the nation. Mr. Olson has drawn fire from both sides of the political spectrum over his support for same-sex marriage. Despite the recent support of same-sex marriage from conservatives like Former Vice President Dick Cheney and Senator John McCain, many conservatives are baffled by Mr. Olson's support. On the left, many longtime advocates for same-sex marriage have expressed not only distrust for Mr. Olson but also apprehension at bringing same-sex marriage before the courts, for fear that a loss could set back marriage equality considerably.

But Mr. Olson keeps his head high and anticipates the legal battle that will hopefully bring marriage equality to gay couples across America. The trial is set to start January 11th in front of Judge Vaughn R. Walker of the Federal District Court in San Francisco.

Sources:

NY Times

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey guys, sorry it has been awhile since my last post. I've been hard at work on an original piece that I think you will all really like. Just to give you all a taste, it's a piece on the New York State Bailout of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and some of the opposition to it. The piece will be complete with interviews from not only the opposition to the bill, but some of those that it is hurting. I should have it for you soon. In the meantime, keep reading. Thank you all for your support!

- Kyle

In the News: $147 Billion Weight We Can Trim from Health Care

Health Affairs Journal published yesterday that new studies, "estimate that the medical costs of obesity could have risen to $147 billion per year by 2008." This is almost double the $78.5 billion dollars spent on obesity 10 years ago, half of which was being financed by Medicaid and Medicare. This new "analysis presents updated estimates of the costs of obesity for the United States across payers (Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers), in separate categories for inpatient, non inpatient, and prescription drug spending," Health Affairs says in the article published yesterday online.

In a time of economic recession as our government is struggling to find a solution to curb mounting health care costs, (emphasis on the struggling), it is clear where we need to trim some fat. The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cite two-thirds of the American population as being overweight to obese. This huge problem also brings with it, clearly, tremendous medical bills. An estimated 9.1 percent of all medical spending is on obesity and weight related problems.

These figures make it clear that if we want to trim our health care budget, we need to trim our weights. It's become clearer than ever that we need to do more to get Americans leading healthier lifestyles. Clearly fast food and video games aren't the recommended diet anymore. Anyone living in New York City can now clearly see the calorie counters at any fast food restaurant. However, let me be the one to clue you in that to reach the lower end of the counter (450 calories vs. 1500 calories) you need to peel the skin off your chicken, not eat your sides or biscuit and drink water. But what would help Americans more than anything? EDUCATION! I can't stress the importance of not just teaching the same old "proper dieting" schpeel. It's important to teach people about how to comprehend the revamped food pyramid, which I don't think I speak for just myself when I say it's slightly more than complicated to read. It's also important to teach people that the so-called "Nutrition Facts" on the back of every soda bottle are not quite so straight forward. (200 calories per serving isn't that bad, except when you just unknowingly drank 3 servings.) Finally, how many people do you know that live on a 2000 calorie diet? It's great to imagine a world in which we all do and we can look at our percent daily intake based on that. But let's face the facts, if we all lived on a 2000 calorie diet... I wouldn't be writing this article.

The answer is clear. Educate people. Let them know that, contrary to what the television tells you, you can't lose weight just from taking a miracle pill. And you aren't taking in only a few calories with each soda you drink. Let's take the time to develop a physical education program in schools that doesn't alienate those who aren't quite so athletic. Frankly, it's quite sad that one of the greatest health issues facing our country is obesity, and I personally, have faith that with some education.... and maybe some motivation... we can move ourselves in a better direction.

Sources:

Health Affairs Journal


New York Post

Welcome to The Fabulous States of America!

This is my first post on the Fabulous States. This has been some time in the making. I would like to thank everyone who inspired me to create this outlet for my own political thoughts and ideas as well as all the people who have and are continuing to help make this a reality.

The Fabulous States of America will offer a great range of material from: Original pieces and interviews, news commentary and campaign coverage. I look forward to giving all of my readers alot to chew on. So keep your eyes open for some great stuff!

Here's to the Fabulous States of America!