Mike_B

Is there a Parallel Between Carbon Trading and Subprime Lending?

Dana H:

I am by no means an "enviro", and I won't dispute that carbon dioxide is essential for human life.

This fact does not change the fact that the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere by a heavily industrial global economy is significant. By releasing any substance into the atmosphere at a rate that may affect the earth's capacity to regulate itself, we run the risk of throwing off the delicate balance which we all depend on.

I agree that a carbon tax translates into a tax on human life, and the cost associated to any meaningful carbon legislation will ultimately be borne by each of us. However, I find this to be an extremely weak agrument against taking the necessary steps to be good stewards over the earth.

The Ensign Group: Stable Medical Investment

Just a few more pieces to the puzzle...

I disagree with your assertion that ENSG's dependence on Medicare & Medicaid reimbursement brings security to the company. Take a look at the Medi-CAL situation (California's budget may not last through 1Q'09), compare it with what portion of ENSG's portfolio is in California, then think about what happened in '08 when reimbursements were held up in the state. There's no reason why that won't be repeated this year.

Also, ENSG's stock will be held back by an ongoing DOJ investigation into the some of company's Medicare reimbursement claims. The company doesn't claim to be worried, but you need to consider the potential impact if the investigations uncovers wrongdoing.