Hump Day Headlines

Someone called here at 3:40 am. So I'm awake and miserable. Here's the news:

A bipartisan group of six members of Congress have stalled in their negotiations to craft a debt reduction plan. But conservative Dem Kent Conrad has come out with his own budget that eliminates tax deductions, lowers taxes, and cuts without eliminating Medicare. The details are too vague to report on -- or for me to take a position.

The GOP admits that attempts to defund health reform are playing to their base; they know they can't win. Still, they voted yesterday to eliminate funding to set up exchanges where consumers will be able to compare and purchase insurance. And today they will vote to eliminate funds for school-based health care.

And House Majority Leader Eric Cantor says rationing of health care by the insurance industry is better than rationing by government. Um, why?

The federal government says it will crack down on medical marijuana.

Would you choose your doctor based on price?

Should insurance companies pay for exercise plans, gym memberships? Some say yes.

Are low salt diets good for your health? Not so sure. Indeed, it might be bad for you.

That's all I have for you now, although it's so early that it may be that all the papers haven't fully updated yet. If I have time, I'll check back later and post updates. In the meantime, have a great day. Jennifer