Kona Kohala Blog

There was a surprising shift in condo sales in the second quarter of '09.  Contrary to popular belief, the number of condos sold actually rose compared to last year's second quarter.  Not only that, the median price moved up as well.  This may be a freck a blip on the screen but it was a positive sign for those looking for such things.  It will be interesting to see if this trend continues.

What we're all waiting for is the unemployment figures to reverse and head into positive territory for a change.  The administration is pointing to the less than anticipated number of just 247,000 first time filers and saying, "see, the recession is over" which is like falling off a building and breaking fewer bones than spectators had expected.  It may just be that we're running out of jobs to lose.

A lot of our future depends on what happens when those wonderfully representative representatives return from their August break and start voting on some of the issues before them.  Watch for unemployment to stay in the negative numbers unless there are some tax breaks for business, heck, who can afford to hire anyone today?  The real estate market is primed for a recovery once people go back to work; prices are down, interest rates remain low and we have large inventories to choose from.

There are some items on the Obamacare health plan that are scaring some people, actually, just those reading the plan not our representatives.  Whether you're a democrat or republican, please learn about this plan that will be voted on probably in September.  Don't listen to what's being said about it, read the pages and inform yourself.

For example, on Page 59, I saw some language suggesting that the federal government will have access to all individual bank accounts for health-related electronic funds transfers.  Do you want the government to have that information?

On On Page 30, I discovered that a government committee will be established to decide what treatments and benefits I get. However, unlike an insurer, I see no evidence that there will be a process to appeal their decisions.

On Page 50, I read some non-discrimination language, which seems to suggest that all non-US citizens, illegal or not, will be provided with free health care services.

On Page 127, I read that the government will now set wages for physicians.  Will that really encourage the best and most capable physicians to practice in the United States?

Obama has said that regardless of what people say, he's going to have this bill passed because he knows what's best for us.  I was hoping we'd have some say in what's best for us.  If you're okay with all that's contained in the bill, no worries.  If you're at all concerned, read the plan and contact your representative.  You'll be labeled a rabble rouser, a disruptive activist and be reported to the white house (did you know that) but hey, that's just so they will be able to give you the right information.  They said we shouldn't believe the words in the plan that their intentions are good and we should accept that.  Hmmm, who's your daddy?  aloha