While the United states Armed Forces (private mercenaries) are stationed at 737 bases, in 130 nations around the world, defending “all freedom-loving people everywhere in the world,” Democratic (socialist/fascist) de facto senator Christopher J. Dodd, Esq., of connecticut, chairman of the senate banking committee, confirms the rumors that he is a “Friend of Angelo” (Chairman Mozilo, of Countrywide) and as such received special cut-rate mortgage financing from Mozilo.  Other “Friends of Angelo” include, Democratic senator Kent Conrad, of north dakota; Alphonso Jackson, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; former Chairman Jim Johnson, of the Federal National Mortgage Association (a.k.a. “Fannie Mae”); and Donna Shalala, former Secretary of Health and Human Services.

       In spite of the conflict of interest, Dodd also confirms that he is going to continue perusing for legislation that will allow for a Federal bailout of Countrywide, and other troubled mortgage lenders, which will make U.S. subject/enemy/citizens responsible for paying off 300,000,000,000 “dollars” worth of their “toxic” (worth less) assets.

       NOTE: As an attorney (Officer of the Court) Dodd was ineligible to serve in two branches of government at the same time, according to Article I, Section 6 [Clause 2].

       [restored 7/11/2024] Thanks to Chuck McGlawn for this entry.

            The American Medical Association releases its National Health Insurer Report Card for 2008, reporting that Medicare has a greater claim denial rate (6.85%) than CIGNA (3.4%), Coventry and Humana (both at 2.9%), and United HealthCare (2.7%).

       [added 7/11/2024] Thanks to Bill Holmes for this entry.