Monthly Archives: August 2008

Federal Medicaid waiver still not in hand

Posted on August 10, 2008 by billmanzi

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has sought and been granted a fourth extension on its request for a waiver from federal medicaid regulations. These negotiations between federal and state officials, critically important to the success of the Massachusetts health care initiative … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | 1 Comment

McCain stays on the attack

Posted on August 9, 2008 by billmanzi

John McCain continues to attack Barack Obama on the “celebrity issue”, coming out with a new ad that contrasts Obama’s “celebrity” with everyday Americans struggling to make ends meet. I have criticized the McCain effort up to this point as … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 3 Comments

Edwards admits affair

Posted on August 8, 2008 by billmanzi

John Edwards has admitted to an extramarital affair after apparently being ensnared by the National Enquirer. Edwards has acknowleged lying about the affair, and is the latest in a long line of pols who have been caught in similar situations. … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 17 Comments

The Clinton Role

Posted on August 8, 2008 by billmanzi

New pushing and shoving appears to be taking place between the camps of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. With the Democratic convention only a couple of weeks away new threats by the Clinton camp to enter Hillary’s name into nomination … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 1 Comment

The Paris Hilton Energy Plan

Posted on August 8, 2008 by billmanzi

Is there some merit to the hybrid approach advocated by big thinker Paris Hilton? You be the judge.

Posted in National News | 4 Comments

Dick Cheney Not Invited?

Posted on August 6, 2008 by billmanzi

The Wall Street Journal editorial page is up in arms over an American Spectator report that Dick Cheney would not be attending the Republican convention. The McCain campaign, when asked about a Cheney invite, sidestepped the question, according to the … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 7 Comments

U.S. Spends, while Iraq saves

Posted on August 6, 2008 by billmanzi

While the United States continues to spend billions of dollars on reconstruction of Iraq the Iraqi government is now showing a surplus of $79 billion, the result of increasing oil sales. From the New York Times: Soaring oil prices will … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 6 Comments

Another Monster Bill Coming Due

Posted on August 6, 2008 by billmanzi

The Boston Globe is reporting today that the state commission set up to report back on how the Commonwealth will finance its health care obligations to public retirees estimates that it will take $200 million a year for twenty years … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | 2 Comments

Obama fights back on energy

Posted on August 4, 2008 by billmanzi

Barack Obama, under attack by the McCain campaign on oil pricing, hit back with a new ad today. The lines are clearly drawn, as Obama dismisses the immediate benefit on oil pricing that additional drilling would bring. He lays out … Continue reading →

Posted in National News, State News | 3 Comments

A tough winter ahead

Posted on August 4, 2008 by billmanzi

The Boston Globe is reporting what most of us are expecting, and that is that home heating costs are likely to escalate sharply this coming winter. From the Globe: The increase will have an especially dramatic impact on the nearly … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, National News, State News | 8 Comments