HEALTH CARE REFORM COSTS

For months now I've been listening, studying and researching the topic of health care reform. It's actually depressing. The two loudest voices are the two most polar opposites: the status quo side and the government take-over side. Anyone dealing with the system over the last twenty years knows it can be a nightmare: needs not met, overcharges, mistakes (costing over 90,000 lives per year) and the feeling that you are just a piece of meat to those supposed to take care of us. Yet, given all that, I would rather face this than go to Canada, England or France to face their idea of state sponsored and supported health care.

It can't be denied that there needs to be change. Where we look for that change is the question. Is it, as our president believes, only through a massive government take-over of the entire system? All one has to do is read the largest, most comprehensive bill proposed on the the subject by congress--HR3200; the opening line of which starts out quite lofty but ends quir omminously: "to provide affordable, quality health care for all...and for other purposes." It's the "OTHER PURPOSES" that should worry us all. I'm one of the few people I know of who have actually bothered to read through the bill (not a fun or very easy task, trust me). It is rather scary the amount of power the government wants to give itself over my health.

I've worked many years to gain a good job with reasonably good health insurance benefits. HR 3200 allows a government bureaucrat to arbitrarily take it all away. If I choose to change any of my benefits, I WILL be put on the government insurance option. If he or she so chooses, they have the authority to take away my own insurance and replace it with government insurance It's nothing done on my part, it can just be a bureaucrat "deciding what's best for me."

What's even more sad is the fact that private, charity driven hospitals such as Shriners Hospitals for Children, the more than 600 hospitals of the Catholic Health Association or St. Judes Research Hospital will face disastrous new rules and regulations. Let's remember what these places do; they help those--usually the poorest of citizens--who can't help themselves. the Shriners help not only America's children, but go to other countries (usually Mexico and Central America) to treat children. They will even bring them to one of their hospitals in the states, letting them live and go the school at the hospital for months at a time, just so they can help children. New government regulations will curtail and even stop much of this. The same goes for St. Judes and the Catholic hospitals. The CHA also faces another challenge in that the government reform of health care also means ALL hospitals would be forced to perform abortions on demand. for the Catholics this is a stipulation that has brought much angst and concern.

Catholic Bishops have stated that they would have to shut down many, if not all, their hospitals rather than be forced to perform abortions. Many have asked, "why not just sell to another organization who can run the hospital?" It could be that committing a sin or just allowing the committing of a sin are one in the same. So the CHA is in a quandry; having to weigh the help they provide to so many who would otherwise be without help against one of the basic tenets of Catholic social teaching-- that ALL LIFE IS SACRED.

And what's the one thing that ties all of these institutions together? The fact that their only concern is for the welfare and health of those they treat. The don't care about political ties, monetary abilities, immigration status, parental lifestyles or what faith (or lack thereof) you may profess. They actually live up to their ideals of helping mankind. gosh, what a concept.

As far as the Obama administration is concerned, to reform health care to aid the small percentage of people who truly need help, the government has to destroy what does work, what does help and what a hundred million americans have acheived. I guess that's always been the cost of allowing the government to "fix" all our problems.

Where's America going?

So; I watched a four and a half minute video of all sorts of celebrities--the Hollywood types who, due to their grand and cool famousness, know more than us unfamousy types--making pledges: "I pledge to......work harder, be a voice, to meet my neighbors, to sell my obnoxious car and buy a hybrid." Most were like these; just general feel good platitudes, but, they got to the end and I heard: "I pledge to be of service to Barrak Obama," and "I pledge to be a servant to our President." Then the screen slowly pulled back to show a multi-screen of all the celebrities which then pulled back and morphed in to a multi colored iconic image of Obama superimposed over the American flag. The old Soviet Union, Cuba, Iran and North Korea came to mind quite quickly.

I was not a great fan of George Bush (massive government growth. spending in to the stratosphere, "no child left behind," and a war in Iraq that was ill conceived, poorly planned and the wrong place to be at the time) but many other people thought him to be a great President who dealt with terrorism and protected our country. What I didn't see from most of these people was any kind of mindless worship. No man is worthy of that. Yet today we see a president who enjoys the unquestioning adulation of tens of millions, including the majority of the nation's media--you can even go the the NBC site and buy Obama action figures.

While disparaging the exception--Fox news--for actually questioning the policies of this administration, MSNBC has an evening line up of Obama sycophants. First there is Ed Schultz, a typical mean spirited liberal (any who oppose the president are whacko, crazy or right wing zealots). Then you can watch Chris Mathews, a former Democtrat political player who wrangled his own talk show by playing "hardball." after Chris is the great (and he'll tell you this himself) Keith Olberman; without a doubt one of the angriest, most hate-filled ultra liberals on any network--and he has a very creepy obsession with Sarah Palin (kind of like the school yard bully who likes a girl but can't admit it so he bullies her instead). Finally, there is Rachel Maddow; a sarcastic, insulting liberal who puts down any discent from the liberal playbook with marginalizing insults and putdowns. She was one of the first to call the "Tea Party" protestors the "tea baggers," referencing a strange sexual practice. And they attack Fox for being too political? Sheesh!

We have a president who managed to take over a huge portion of the financial structure of this nation, a huge percentage of the auto industry, a monstrously huge share of the energy industry (cap and trade) and now demands a government take over of 16 percent of our GDP in the form of health care reform. He calls for a "civilan security force as large, as powerful, as well trained and as well funded as our military (uh, just who's the enemy big guy) and set up a watch-dog website for people to turn in anyone who may say anything bad about the president and his plans for us all (shades of Wilson and his secret spy network of civilians turning in civilians for speaking out against government policies). With all of this happening at a rapid pace, where are the media who are supposed to be watching a reporting this take over of our society? Panting after their new hero and savior, Obama! Where else.

When I say God help us, I really mean GOD, HELP US!

Quarter of a Century

What can I say about being married to a woman like Shanna for 25 years except WOW: what an adventure. It still amazes me that a cute, young and VERY naive preacher's daughter actually fell in love with me. There I was; a separated, soon to be divorced, hurt, angry, down on himself man who had blown one marriage and alienated his entire family (most were mad I didn't "stick it to the first wife"). I was working two jobs, keeping myself exhausted on purpose, and then here she came; all cute and bubbly--and flirty!!!!!!! RUBBER BANDS (inside joke). She helped me see that I didn't have to be down on myself; well, that actually took a few years and some heartache along the way, but she got it through to me.
What's so great about Shanna is that after 25 years, she's still cute and bubbly--AND FLIRTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy crap lady, I'm an old guy--take it easy on me!

She's everything a man could ever hope for in a wife: she supports me in my decisions (usually after she tells me just what I should decide--KIDDING), If I want to head to the mountains for the weekend she's helping me pack (hmmmm, sometimes a bit too eagerly), she makes me feel good about just being me, she's a fantastic mother to Christine and Alex (and also has a wonderful relationship with my oldest daughter Charity), and is the kindest, most loving person I have ever known.

Her strength of faith and of character are things I admire greatly in her. They are the bedrock that supports her very ispiring bravery in dealing with her M.S.. Though at times she gives in to the gravity of it all and just cries on me, which brings us closer together so we can BOTH deal with it.

She loves deeper than anyone I've ever known. She cares greater than anyone I've ever known. The depth of feeling she has for friends and family is amazing. Even at her lowest times, if someone calls or comes to her with a need, she responds with compassion, empathy and understanding; forgetting her own problems while taking care of the problems of others. It isn't a burden to her. In truly brings her joy to be someone people know they can come to for help and guidance. And when she feels joy, I feel joy for her. Seeing her happy: whether it's from listening to a new gospel CD, playing a game with our son, talking to friends on the phone (or flying half way across the country to visit them), or just snuggling together on the couch, is one of the precious aspects of marriage to Shanna.

Has it all been easy? No! A quarter century of life with me is not a cake walk (hey, I'm a complex kind of guy). We've had plenty of tough times to work through. With God's grace, we're still here, we're still together and (do I dare get this mushy) I love her more and more every day.

Trust me when I say it's a privilege to be Shanna's husband and I am ALWAYS proud to call her my wife.

amazed

I am totally amazed at the moment. Yesterday I watched the patriotic displays from New York and Washington D.C., the music and the pagentry highlighting America's beauty and greatness. I also watched the news of the passage of the "cap and trade" bill in the House of Representatives, which was another giant power grab by the government at the expense of all our freedom. Massive increases in the cost of power, government inspectors authorizing the sale of private property and punishing or rewarding those who don't or do have the correct government approved showers are only a few of the ridiculous "feel good" regulations in this bill. A bill, I might add, that was voted on with out anyone reading it. It was still being written as the vote was being forced through and, as many Representatives were demanding copies to read (and were being refused), it was passed. This is getting to be the norm in congress. I suppose as long as those in congress feel good about what they've done and it gains them that little bit of more power they need, it's just fine.

It takes me back to last year when the government passed a bill that mandated the exclusive use of mini fluorescent light bulbs--no more evil regular bulbs. The only problem is that those mine twist bulbs are full of mercury and if you drop and break one, according to the very same government forcing you to use them, you now have a chemical hazard scene in your home. To take care of it you only have to go to your computer and download a 17 page EPA guideline on how to handle the situation.

It doesn't really matter who's in charge; we're just merrily steamrolling down the hill toward the pure nanny state where every aspect of our lives are micro-managed by the all-powerful, purely benevolent, paternal state. Just don't cross it by disobeying or voicing criticism. a spanking from that daddy is REALLY going to hurt.

Happy Independence Day?

I've listened to his grand and glorious speeches (which don't come close to matching his actions), studied his nominees for his cabinet--the cabinet that would be the most ethical in history and wouldn't have any lobbyists--that ended up full of tax cheats and lobbyists and watched the news in wonder (and with just a bit of disgust) as he toured the world apologizing for America being America and I think I have our President figured out. He isn't concerned with bipartisanship, compromise or with upholding the "traditional American values" he constantly references. Nope: what he wants is what progressives have wanted for over a century: to lift humanity out of chaos and give it order and purpose--you know, make us all totally and completely dependent upon the nanny state. And for this Utopian bliss all we need do is trade our individualism for a life of acting, speaking and thinking as directed by our benevolent leaders while we worship at the feet of an all-knowing priesthood of government experts.

Control! This, throughout history, is what kings, queens, despots, tyrants, czars and dictators have lusted for. They gain power, they grow power, and then, believing that power and authority to be unassailable, they use that power to "make the world right" by forcing their version of happiness (read--obedience) on their people. Even our democratically elected presidents aren't immune from these desires. And it's both parties. The only difference being in degree and swiftness. Progressives (liberals) have always been more radical and aggressive in their approach--with the media supporting them--but, of late, the new conservatives have been catching up. As far back as Woodrow Wilson--inarguably the first fascist world leader--they've forsaken their role as leader in favor of focusing on remaking American society to fit an ideological dream.

And what of those who dare to voice opposition? In other cultures, their might be midnight raids, torture and even death but in America we are much more civilized in our approach. Our leaders use fear, and the tactics of personal destruction to silence and marginalize the "enemy."
From Wilson's secret civilian spy network to Bush's Patriot Act, our government, along with a complicit media to aid it, can--and will--do what it wants to intimidate its own people. So, should I be careful in what I say? Through my website for my photography business I communicate with people as far away as England. Am I on a CIA watch-list? Through this blog I voice my political views. Am I on an FBI watch-list? Though I'm not--bad health and bad grades in high school--my father is an Army veteran--a 21 year Army vet (Vietnam twice--Saigon during the Tet offensive--2 bronze stars). Is he on a Homeland Security watch-list as a possible domestic terrorist? Today, if you don't tow the politically correct line, you can be in real trouble.

I'm a student of history and know full well the heritage of this great nation, and with all its triumphs and failures. As an army brat, and later as a truck driver, I've been all around America and met people of every race, color and creed, and think I'm a better person for it. I like to think the only real prejudice I have is against those who prove themselves to be an ass: no matter what they look like or what they believe. I love this country. The tears well up when I hear the National Anthem or see the flag blowing in the breeze. I respect and admire those who have worn--and do wear--the uniform of our armed forces. I understand--and appreciate--the sacrifices made by so many over the centuries to build this nation. We all should. So why are we giving it all over to bureaucrats and so-called experts? What are we allowing to happen?

Yep, America, Happy "Independence" day!

Do we remember Memorial Day

As I look at how we "celebrate" Memorial Day I am dismayed. On a day when we should be observing with reverence the sacrifices of those who defend and protect this nation, we instead scramble for the great bargains and load up on beer for the big barbecue. I asked a dozen or so people at work about Memorial day and only three could tell me what this holiday is all about. For those who don't know, it's about duty, honor and sacrifice. It's about giving all you have for all you believe in. It's about those who have taken on the sacred duty to defend their home and family and have lost their lives in the continuing battle to defend freedom.

Decades ago, this country as a whole would stop and show its appreciation for all those who gave their all for this country. There would be community-wide events to commemorate and
honor our fallen heroes. Today, the Honor Guards and VFW commanders still go the the local cemetery to show respect, but only a hand full of citizens attend. It's sad.

With so much wrong with this country right now, it would do us good to remember--and live up to--the example of those who gave all to preserve it.

This is teaching?

Is there any wonder why our kids have a hard time in school? My son, a 4.0 student is in an
American history class where the teacher jumps from teaching the revolution one week and the civil war the next week; and how does he teach them about these two history changing events? By having the students watch NATIONAL TREASURE and NATIONAL TREASURE TWO.
WHAT THE---------------------------------?????????????????????

More later.

What America is About

Okay, we keep hearing about the trials and troubles of American life, how we're all in such dire straits that the president has to save us all and every petty special interest group is scrambling to make sure they get their piece of the bail-out and stimulus pie. It's both sad and sickening at the same time. This is not what America is supposed to be about. for a while I was somewhat depressed about the state we're in but a friend sent us an update on her life and reminded me
what this country is about and that there are still some who can prove it.

A dear friend of our family, Becky Oprean, e-mailed a detailed description of her adventures of the last few months. Though her family lives in San Antonio, many people here in the Valley know and adore this young woman. You see, shortly after her family moved to America from Romania in 1987, little Becky was born--with drastic problems. She was born with Spina Bifida and her parents were told that she wouldn't live too long. That was 21 years ago and she's still going strong; albeit, in a wheelchair and still with many health problems.
Her life is spent in giving and helping others, both in America and in Romania. During her teen years she was part of Joni and Friends, an organization that took wheelchairs and other medical aids to Eastern Europe. A few years ago Becky and her family began Beckyshope, which does the same thing, only on a smaller scale.

Last December President Bush, while on a trip to Texas, honored Becky for her volunteer work
and being the shy type of gal she is, she asked when she was going to get a tour of the white house. Well, three and a half weeks later, Becky-boo (as Mr. Bush calls her), her parents and her brother and sister-in-law were sitting in the oval office for a 20 minute private meeting with President and Laura bush, followed by a tour of the White House.

That's what America is about, people: an immigrant family, a young girl facing and overcoming incredible difficulties (and always cheerful and smiling), the TRUE spreading of hope and encouragement, and sitting in the most famous Office in the world. It isn't politics or ideology
or parties or presidents that gives me hope, it's someone like Becky who absolutely embodies
courage and determination who gives me hope.

leave the dirty laundry at home

We've all heard the saying about not "airing dirty laundry in public." It basically means that we don't want the general public to know all our petty little troubles and problems. Today, literally and figuratively, too many people don't care one bit about who experiences their dirty laundry.

This very day, as we roamed around Winco doing some grocery shopping, we were treated to a young man (who's face had at least a pound of metal studs in it) walking back and forth in an aisle as he talked on his cell phone. He was quite upset with some friends--former friends now--who wouldn't give back his boots: "his g*****n boots." Apparently he can't stand these people anymore. Then, as my wife and I were at a Wok and Grill for some supper, I was treated to a woman's cell phone conversation about problems with her children and their "rotten" behavior. Neither one of these people seemed to care one bit that they were sharing their lives with every total stranger around them. I can promise you that I really didn't desire in any way to be a part of their little soap operas.

At the same restaurant, we were also treated to the sight of a young man walking by our table and proudly wearing his pants down to his lower butt cheeks; his somewhat ratty boxers on display for all to see. Of course that is exactly what he wants to show, as that's the fashion. I just wonder why a person would want to show his nasty, skid marked drawers or, in the case of the fashionable female, her stretched out, stringy thong underwear. I'm sure most of these people have something more to share with the world than the fact that they know how to put underwear on. At least one would hope so.

Of course if you look at the soap opera or underwear sharing folks in any sort of disapproving way, they will lose their temper and yell at you for looking at them. Even though all they do is designed to make people look at them. "Hey, look at me, I'm talking on a cell phone." "Hey, look at me, I'm wearing underwear and tripping on my baggy, dragging pants." "HEY, LOOK AT US, WE'RE IDIOTS." But when you look at them as though they were idiots, you're accused of invading their privacy or attacking their freedom of expression.

As far as I'm concerned, if you're not shy about sharing your private lives around me, I won't be shy about commenting about it and if you just have to flash your boxers or thongs, then I just have to laugh at you. That's MY free expression.

So, if you don't appreciate my comments about your "dirty laundry," then don't air it in public anymore.

Thanks

there are still good people

we made the trip yesterday to Salt Lake to see the doctors at the Shriners Hospital. It was the six week check for our son after his back surgery last December. These people are wonderful. With no expectation of anything but the feeling of doing good things for children and their families, they treat and take care of children from all over the world. And it isn't just the Shriners who do this; it's also the many people who support the Shrine organization. Schools hold benefits to collect toys and blankets to give to the children in the hospital. The local National Guard does the same thing. There are so many people who want to help those who help the children it brings even someone as hard hearted as I to tears.

Here's how you can help them too. Of course money always helps but in these hard times anything will do. If your kids have outgrown their stuffed animals or toys, box them up and send them to the nearest hospital and it doesn't have to be a Shrine hospital, it can be any children's hospital. As long as they take care of kids, they need all they can get.

JUST A MAN

So, I have a few days of vacation from work and was actually able to sleep in 'til about 5:30 this morning. I thought I would watch some morning news shows to see what's happening in the world. I was amazed. Still days away from his inauguration and taking office, Obama is already being portrayed as our nation's greatest president. He's being held up as some sort of mythic hero sent here to save us from the evil that...well...Obama pronounces as evil and that we must be saved from. Admiration--adulation even--is understandable, but this absolute worship is over the top.

During the primaries we saw Obama touted as the new messiah, compared to J.F.K. (sorry, but Kennedy's "greatness" was a myth building triumph of propaganda) and lauded as the new Martin Luther King, Jr. (King truly was a great man and, other than skin color, there's no comparison between the two). Just look today at the cover of Ms. Magazine and see how Obama is viewed: as a political "superman," here on earth to protect us all.

What are we doing? Barrack Obama is just a man who campaigned and was elected to be our president for the next four years. He doesn't deserve hate but he isn't above criticism. We'll all just have to wait and see what kind of leader he will turn out to be. So far, I'm not impressed( but then, it takes a lot to impress me) but he really hasn't had the chance to prove himself. We'll see.