I was listening to a program on NPR about hate groups in America, today, which disturbed me with some realizations. The discussion focussed on racially charged, divisive rhetoric taking place in the halls of Congress, and from leaders like Texas Governor Rick Perry (who is openly threatening Sucession from the union). The sentiments expressed are the top of a chain of communication which is inciting hate crimes across the United States. Now, I no more want to legislate niceness, than I assume to control such a thing as hate. I just think we could stand to have more of a conversation about it. Sunshine being the best disinfectant and all.
I grew up in a small town, with a tradition of honoring our forefathers in all the ways they have been honorable. As recently as this year, the 'Sons of Confederate Veterans' placed a wreath on my 3rd-great-grandfather's grave. I mentioned to a friend of mine that I wasn't sure how I should feel about it, and the response I got was surprisingly wise. My friend said, "Be proud of your family. Just don't keep fighting old fights."
My question about the event was "why?" though. The people living today have no idea who my 3rd-great-grandfather was, or anything he might have done in the service of the Confederate States of America. I have no idea whether he was a hero who saved the lives of his company, or a stamp clerk at a military post office. I just know he came back home and raised the man who was grandfather to my grandfather.
I'm not offended in any way about my heritage, nor do I find it particularly offensive. I just know that times have changed. The things people believed about other people are different these days, and, knowing the character of my family through the years, I believe my 3rd-great-grandfather would most likely agree with my assessment of our place in the world. We are not at fault for the past. History doesn't chain our development, it gives us a foundation to grow forth from.
Which brings me to the people who commit "hate" crimes. This particular character I have in mind, is proud past the point of respect of his forefathers. He wishes to hold the glory of those years in his hands today. He finds little honor in the way he can provides for his life, and thus yearns for times and trials and moments of real purpose. He imagines stories whereby his grandfather's rag-tag group of "rebels" (which has its own appeal), fight their way to safety in defense of their family and home. Anyone who's seen the movie "The Outlaw Josie Wales," with Clint Eastwood knows these tales. But times today are different.
The people who benefit most from the division of this nation are pulling every string they have at their disposal to invigorate the cracks in the ties that bind us all together. Using my great-grandfather, and Mexican drug violence, and ridiculous stories about socialism to divide us, while using a quote from Thomas Jefferson, with which they have nothing else in common, as just call to arms. I've not been fooled into believing some crazy plan is being hatched which could not possibly exist without overt evidence of itself. We all really do have to learn to live together in this place, if we all want to continue to have this country.
It would be great for me to carve out my place... a country all my own, where everyone thinks what I think, and there is no hunger or disease. But these are the fantasies of a child... even an adult-aged child. All the realities of life must be allowed to be real in our minds.
I will admit I have had romantic thoughts of my great-great-great-grandfather's adventures, but I realize there is still a fight going on. There is a cold war raging between the people who think Columbus "Discovered the New World," and those who think he and a band of Spanish pirates swindled and killed the indigenous peoples of America and assumed control of their lands... and its ok to realize the truth.
So, remember this come November. There are some of us who read, relate our thoughts about events, and address concerns about our safety, stability and overall well-being... And, there are some who believe they are in this self-same romantic dream where Pluto is the ninth planet, and whatever else "they" say about the world is true.
When your neighbor says ignorant things, you have a mildly ignorant neighborhood. When the supposed "leaders" of the nation say ignorant things, you have an ignorant country. We must address this life as though we actually believe we are looking toward the future. Participating in stories based on ignorant, or misinformed pasts, will never provide the security I feel we deserve. When the string pullers can reach the highest offices in the land, the subsequent subjugation of huge sectors of the population can be called nothing less than endentured servitude... or serfdom.
There is no one person I can think of, who may presume to lord over the rest of us. The are several that are trying. This is still the story of America. The preservation of our family names depend on our ability to talk about everything, including uncomfortable moments in the true history of the world.
Inequality still persists in the land where all people are "created equal." Be it racial, gender, ethnic or any other form, if you look closely, we still have much to discuss.
What can one person do? Just share your thoughts as I have shared mine. I'm certainly not above being wrong, but I do feel justified in feeling how I feel. If I've said something you agree with, share this essay with someone else. We can make our world better. We just have to stop fighting old fights.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Lake Worth's Housing Program Proposal
In an effort to understand my community better, on January 11, 2010, I attended the CRA/City Commission meeting in Lake Worth, FL. The topic of the meeting was the allocation of some $600,000 in funds available from the County for city projects, a part of the federal stimulus package. Mayor Varela proposed a new housing program to combat the depreciation of the housing stock in the city. Many of the houses in Lake Worth have several code violations, and some are awaiting demolition.
The proposed housing program is not a program, as it were, just yet. There are 3 initiatives that could comprise a whole package. The program will be groomed over the next few months, and will have taken shape by July, when the funds are made available. The prospective initiatives are: 1) a residential rehab program, 2) an emergency rehab/demolition program, and/or 3) a 1st time home buyer program. The overall program will contain one or all of these individual programs based on the research gleaned over the next 6 months.
Since there has never been a program like this in Lake Worth, there will be several time-consuming steps to take to find out how the funds may best serve the community. There are existing programs within city including the Community Development Corporation, neighborhood associations and local businesses, and the Adopt-a-Family program of the Palm Beaches, which was actually started by 3 local women and a radio station. The difference in the proposed program is that the funding will issued to the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) by the County, then to residents. In effect, the program is different because it is a government program which uses tax dollars repaid to the area for the stabilization of the city. Adding this measure sends a signal to all citizens that the City Commission finds the well being of the housing stock and rental percentages to be a consideration for the city government as well as community organizations.
Those who qualify include individuals making $31,000/year or less, and families of 4 making $64,000/year or less.
Concerns about the proposal came from Commissioner Maxwell, who pointed out that during the citizen proposal process for the funds, not one citizen proposed a new housing program. Several citizens present at the meeting echoed this concern as well as Maxwell's point that the goals of the plan are addressed through the previously mentioned community-driven programs.
Maxwell went on to say that he didn't “think we should be getting into the banking business,” and “I don't think we have the talent to implement a housing program.”
Commissioner Mulvehill, reading a CRA report, stated that several communities within the city have up to 70% rental rate. This means that the community is necessarily a temporary one, constantly changing with the businesses of the County.
City Manager Stanton added that the monies allocated, though not terribly much will find strength when they are leveraged with public funds, the rate of which could be as high as 7 or 8 to 1. It is, therefore, feasible that the city could find the effectiveness of the dollars added to the new program at 7 times the rate of investment.
As to the assessment that other programs exist within the city that share the same goals, Mayor Varela pointed out that since the city desperately needs a higher rate of ownership, additional programs to promote ownership is not a bad thing.
In theory, once the rate of ownership goes up, the rate of taxes collected will go up in turn. Increasing availability for middle class residents who are currently renting within the community will mean added security for the city, as well as increased property tax receipts. Currently, of around 12,600 properties in the city of Lake Worth, 1/3 of them produce no tax dollars, and 1/3 of them produce $100 or less.
The proposed housing program is an excellent way to signal to the citizens living in Lake Worth that the city government appreciates their living here, and would like to make it easier for them to stay. The current economic crisis affects everyone, but the city of Lake Worth is willing to take steps to make sure that the recovery of the area happens in a much more durable fashion than to simple allow developers to come in and scoop up all the property once the value drops to the level that demolition and redevelopment is the only answer.
Both Mayor Varela and City Manager Stanton tried to make it clear to the constituents present that this is a bold new move for the city that will not be quick or easy. The effort, however, will go a long way toward improving the lives of the people who consider themselves permanent residents of Lake Worth, and wish to see this community achieve the prominence that all our efforts can make possible.
The session yielded a motion that $125,000 be spent on a proposed gym renovation, $125,000 be spent on a traffic calming study, and $350,000 be spent on the new housing program. The motion passed unanimously, and the directive will be submitted to the county by January 22, 2010.
The average citizen living in Lake Worth can clearly see the degradation in the housing stock. There are homes in every district of the city that are condemned and/or set for demolition. I believe I represent a segment of people that is willing to do the work to make this place stable and secure going forward. If we are given the opportunity, we will take ownership of our city and be more capable of holding our city to a higher standard than what is possible today.
This city will see no such ownership if it sells the town to developers who will add more and more rental units to an already high market as it is. Why would someone care about the future of a town when they only consider themselves temporary residents?
This shift in policy by the city commission will create a reach back from the community as more people own, and even more look to own.
As for me personally, I was renting a place in Lake Worth so that I could pay off all my debts and move back to North Florida, where I already own land. I didn't expect to love living here, and Lake Worth is truly different from many of the other cities I've lived in during my time in South Florida. I believe this place can be great, and the steps taken by the city government in recent months has convinced me that many other people in town feel the same way.
The proposed housing program is not a program, as it were, just yet. There are 3 initiatives that could comprise a whole package. The program will be groomed over the next few months, and will have taken shape by July, when the funds are made available. The prospective initiatives are: 1) a residential rehab program, 2) an emergency rehab/demolition program, and/or 3) a 1st time home buyer program. The overall program will contain one or all of these individual programs based on the research gleaned over the next 6 months.
Since there has never been a program like this in Lake Worth, there will be several time-consuming steps to take to find out how the funds may best serve the community. There are existing programs within city including the Community Development Corporation, neighborhood associations and local businesses, and the Adopt-a-Family program of the Palm Beaches, which was actually started by 3 local women and a radio station. The difference in the proposed program is that the funding will issued to the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) by the County, then to residents. In effect, the program is different because it is a government program which uses tax dollars repaid to the area for the stabilization of the city. Adding this measure sends a signal to all citizens that the City Commission finds the well being of the housing stock and rental percentages to be a consideration for the city government as well as community organizations.
Those who qualify include individuals making $31,000/year or less, and families of 4 making $64,000/year or less.
Concerns about the proposal came from Commissioner Maxwell, who pointed out that during the citizen proposal process for the funds, not one citizen proposed a new housing program. Several citizens present at the meeting echoed this concern as well as Maxwell's point that the goals of the plan are addressed through the previously mentioned community-driven programs.
Maxwell went on to say that he didn't “think we should be getting into the banking business,” and “I don't think we have the talent to implement a housing program.”
Commissioner Mulvehill, reading a CRA report, stated that several communities within the city have up to 70% rental rate. This means that the community is necessarily a temporary one, constantly changing with the businesses of the County.
City Manager Stanton added that the monies allocated, though not terribly much will find strength when they are leveraged with public funds, the rate of which could be as high as 7 or 8 to 1. It is, therefore, feasible that the city could find the effectiveness of the dollars added to the new program at 7 times the rate of investment.
As to the assessment that other programs exist within the city that share the same goals, Mayor Varela pointed out that since the city desperately needs a higher rate of ownership, additional programs to promote ownership is not a bad thing.
In theory, once the rate of ownership goes up, the rate of taxes collected will go up in turn. Increasing availability for middle class residents who are currently renting within the community will mean added security for the city, as well as increased property tax receipts. Currently, of around 12,600 properties in the city of Lake Worth, 1/3 of them produce no tax dollars, and 1/3 of them produce $100 or less.
The proposed housing program is an excellent way to signal to the citizens living in Lake Worth that the city government appreciates their living here, and would like to make it easier for them to stay. The current economic crisis affects everyone, but the city of Lake Worth is willing to take steps to make sure that the recovery of the area happens in a much more durable fashion than to simple allow developers to come in and scoop up all the property once the value drops to the level that demolition and redevelopment is the only answer.
Both Mayor Varela and City Manager Stanton tried to make it clear to the constituents present that this is a bold new move for the city that will not be quick or easy. The effort, however, will go a long way toward improving the lives of the people who consider themselves permanent residents of Lake Worth, and wish to see this community achieve the prominence that all our efforts can make possible.
The session yielded a motion that $125,000 be spent on a proposed gym renovation, $125,000 be spent on a traffic calming study, and $350,000 be spent on the new housing program. The motion passed unanimously, and the directive will be submitted to the county by January 22, 2010.
The average citizen living in Lake Worth can clearly see the degradation in the housing stock. There are homes in every district of the city that are condemned and/or set for demolition. I believe I represent a segment of people that is willing to do the work to make this place stable and secure going forward. If we are given the opportunity, we will take ownership of our city and be more capable of holding our city to a higher standard than what is possible today.
This city will see no such ownership if it sells the town to developers who will add more and more rental units to an already high market as it is. Why would someone care about the future of a town when they only consider themselves temporary residents?
This shift in policy by the city commission will create a reach back from the community as more people own, and even more look to own.
As for me personally, I was renting a place in Lake Worth so that I could pay off all my debts and move back to North Florida, where I already own land. I didn't expect to love living here, and Lake Worth is truly different from many of the other cities I've lived in during my time in South Florida. I believe this place can be great, and the steps taken by the city government in recent months has convinced me that many other people in town feel the same way.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Holy &^%$ it's everywhere!
It seems, on the subject of political issues, the most common quote I hear is, “Man, this health care thing is everywhere... you can't get away from it.” On every channel. Even on the little side-of-the-page ads online. Its like you can't help but pay attention.
The unfortunate part comes when you actually do decide to pay attention. This guy or that lady or some old dude is saying “that job-killing bill,” or “Most people... Americans... the majority of America wants...” and all the other clips of direction this or that person is leaning. “Comprehensive plan...” and “step-by-step approach,” or even “people are screaming 'don't pass this bill!'” I wonder just who in the hell they're talking about?
The fact is, this argument matters a great deal for the way you will see America develop. The big choices, and broken promises of the past have both conspired at this moment to form what will be the United States of America... or not.
We were used to the people on the evening news telling us who was doing this or that way off in Washington some where. Or at least somebody's dad knew a congressman that would explain what's happening with the things the police or some lawyer will eventually say is the law. Since our old sources aren't working well enough, we must find another way. I'm trying with these things that I write and post online.
I have a question for you... What kind of country do you see when you retire? We've had a mass-brainwash that has convinced sectors of at least the last 4 generations of Americans that life ends around 33, through whatever means. This thinking, or not thinking, must end as quickly as it can, just in case we actually want a world we're proud of once our days of working are over. Pull the shade off your idea of the future, and let's get our heads together. Start thinking about how you can affect your life, rather than having someone tell you how its going to be.
I've heard comment after comment from mostly Republican officials in the House of Representatives and Senate about what the majority of America “wants” or “screams for” or “will allow.” The fact is, the American people are trying to find something else on TV because they are so far removed from the idea they have a say! Republican representatives have no idea what the majority of America wants, they just say what they say is it.
“Stop telling the rest of the world what you think we want!!!”
The fact of the matter is, Republicans don't speak for the majority of America. Those American people picked someone else to listen to last November. America wasn't lost, or stolen. We weren't hijacked or confiscated or anything else that sounds like we're in distress because of the crazed fashion with which our leaders are moving this country forward.
I get up and go to work for around the same money, living in much the same fashion as I have for the past 6 or 7 years. I'm growing up the way I'm trying for, and my plans are shaped around the idea that Our Nation holds the history and strength that has made me proud to be from here. I am made painfully aware of the mistakes we, as a Country, are capable of, but that only stirs my desire for justice and tranquility even more.
I don't shout or scream with insane fear for the horrible future when I think about which domestic policy our government adopts. I weigh the pros and cons for myself. I judge this country by the rules we live by, as well as the ways we allow ourselves to live.
I'm afraid that we must unite even more significantly in the coming years in order to ensure that we can leave the trivial this or that's of Washington to itself again. Here's the argument: What do we as a country consider to be basic human rights? One side thinks we should use the government to ensure basic human rights. The other side thinks that government should not interfere with the everyday lives of the country (this means they believe that they shouldn't pay a lot of taxes).
Are all human beings created equal? It says so in the Declaration or Independence, even though it wasn't really true then. The fact that it wasn't true when it was suggested is terribly important because it shows the steps we have taken to get to where we are. We had to develop into the country we are, and we will continue to develop into the future. I have seen no finish line. Nothing in life has told any of us that it is over. We decide the future, and we must use our voices!
Anything and everything is available in many different formats all over the internet. The Whitehouse, Congress and Supreme Court all have websites, as well there are news clips on youtube, or full videos on CSPAN.org that will tell you virtually all aspects of everything that's going on. Every level from City to County to State to Federal, it's all available to you.
I say the Democrats are on the right path with regard to health care... If I'm wrong, read and develop an argument against this legislation and bring it! I have heard no Republican Representative in either body make anything that seems like a just and fair argument against this reform, and I've damn sure have been watching!
The unfortunate part comes when you actually do decide to pay attention. This guy or that lady or some old dude is saying “that job-killing bill,” or “Most people... Americans... the majority of America wants...” and all the other clips of direction this or that person is leaning. “Comprehensive plan...” and “step-by-step approach,” or even “people are screaming 'don't pass this bill!'” I wonder just who in the hell they're talking about?
The fact is, this argument matters a great deal for the way you will see America develop. The big choices, and broken promises of the past have both conspired at this moment to form what will be the United States of America... or not.
We were used to the people on the evening news telling us who was doing this or that way off in Washington some where. Or at least somebody's dad knew a congressman that would explain what's happening with the things the police or some lawyer will eventually say is the law. Since our old sources aren't working well enough, we must find another way. I'm trying with these things that I write and post online.
I have a question for you... What kind of country do you see when you retire? We've had a mass-brainwash that has convinced sectors of at least the last 4 generations of Americans that life ends around 33, through whatever means. This thinking, or not thinking, must end as quickly as it can, just in case we actually want a world we're proud of once our days of working are over. Pull the shade off your idea of the future, and let's get our heads together. Start thinking about how you can affect your life, rather than having someone tell you how its going to be.
I've heard comment after comment from mostly Republican officials in the House of Representatives and Senate about what the majority of America “wants” or “screams for” or “will allow.” The fact is, the American people are trying to find something else on TV because they are so far removed from the idea they have a say! Republican representatives have no idea what the majority of America wants, they just say what they say is it.
“Stop telling the rest of the world what you think we want!!!”
The fact of the matter is, Republicans don't speak for the majority of America. Those American people picked someone else to listen to last November. America wasn't lost, or stolen. We weren't hijacked or confiscated or anything else that sounds like we're in distress because of the crazed fashion with which our leaders are moving this country forward.
I get up and go to work for around the same money, living in much the same fashion as I have for the past 6 or 7 years. I'm growing up the way I'm trying for, and my plans are shaped around the idea that Our Nation holds the history and strength that has made me proud to be from here. I am made painfully aware of the mistakes we, as a Country, are capable of, but that only stirs my desire for justice and tranquility even more.
I don't shout or scream with insane fear for the horrible future when I think about which domestic policy our government adopts. I weigh the pros and cons for myself. I judge this country by the rules we live by, as well as the ways we allow ourselves to live.
I'm afraid that we must unite even more significantly in the coming years in order to ensure that we can leave the trivial this or that's of Washington to itself again. Here's the argument: What do we as a country consider to be basic human rights? One side thinks we should use the government to ensure basic human rights. The other side thinks that government should not interfere with the everyday lives of the country (this means they believe that they shouldn't pay a lot of taxes).
Are all human beings created equal? It says so in the Declaration or Independence, even though it wasn't really true then. The fact that it wasn't true when it was suggested is terribly important because it shows the steps we have taken to get to where we are. We had to develop into the country we are, and we will continue to develop into the future. I have seen no finish line. Nothing in life has told any of us that it is over. We decide the future, and we must use our voices!
Anything and everything is available in many different formats all over the internet. The Whitehouse, Congress and Supreme Court all have websites, as well there are news clips on youtube, or full videos on CSPAN.org that will tell you virtually all aspects of everything that's going on. Every level from City to County to State to Federal, it's all available to you.
I say the Democrats are on the right path with regard to health care... If I'm wrong, read and develop an argument against this legislation and bring it! I have heard no Republican Representative in either body make anything that seems like a just and fair argument against this reform, and I've damn sure have been watching!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The consequences of a presidential address to eighth-graders
Recently, Pres. Obama announced he would be addressing students returning to school from their summer break. Spokespeople said that the president wanted to address students in a general manner in order to encourage their education. For reasons which are unclear, some people reacted by inventing a sinister motivation, then objecting to the speech under their false pretense.
The idea that Pres. Obama was attempting to indoctrinate America's youth with his rhetoric should be labeled exactly what it is: a terrible false accusation. I agree, however, that any time someone constructs a speech, they indicate and must refer to their philosophy. This is what made reviewing Pres. George H. W. Bush's address to the eighth grade class at Alice Deal Jr. High School, back in 1991 terribly enlightening.
Though overall it was clear Bush's message was meant to be inspirational, his worldview (and the worldview of the majority of the voting public) set clear boundaries and definitions for success that were out of touch with the way our country was growing.
The roughly 15 minute speech (available at http://www.cspan.org/Watch/Media/2009/09/04/HP/A/22807/US+Presidents+Address+Students.aspx ) paints a picture of the president's expectation. His stated goal in his direction of efforts was a 90% graduation rate by 2000. He attempted to make the students responsible for reaching his expectation by defining success. According to Pres. Bush, if you go to school, get good grades, and graduate college, you'll have fulfilled your dreams and be successful. Your life will be better than those goof-offs who “chicken out” and let the “bad people” take over schools... all of whom end up with “dead-end jobs” and/or on drugs, and “running the streets.”
President Bush said, “if someone goofs off today, are they cool? Are they still cool years from now when they're stuck in some dead-end job?” The idea behind this question indicates the conservative philosophy that constructs unrealistic ideas of success. Bush estimates that success is the balance between only two dynamics. In other words, the president divided the children into “winners” and “losers,” which begs the question of his own attempt at indoctrination: Is it correct to assume a “winners” and “losers” posture about the lives of a generation? I have neither won, nor lost, and I do not live my life as though I must live up to some one's expectation of a “winner.” We all have our experiences, and living through tough times is not an example of us being “losers.”
Bush's decree that being a dropout is equal to failing at life leaves no room for the reality of life in the 21st century. I suggest that it is not we who failed President Bush in his attempt to see a 90% graduation rate, but rather his philosophy did not lend itself to the realities of life outside what he was willing to experience or understand. Meaning, his ideological standard wasn't in touch with the direction the world was going to go.
It is in this time that we must make more earnest efforts to view things the way that they actually are. We must make progress in a fashion that makes sense for the future. We should set realistic goals for the future, and strive to achieve them over time, rather than dictate to everyone the wishes of a few of us.
In-depth experience and the ability to translate this experience in a manner which sufficiently demonstrates the aspects of it, will serve to aid the consciousness of humanity. All aspects may be made available to the individual, who may judge the value of a potential experience absent of prohibitive opinion, which may lack credibility or merit due to ignorance of experiential data. Attempting to limit the curiosity of a potential experience by demonstrating percieved character flaws within the individuals who partake in an activity, rather than addressing the merits of the experience itself, is ineffective and misguided. This means that it is inappropriate for someone to tell someone else that some action is "wrong" if they have neither experience in the matter, nor logical understanding of it.
Bush spoke about dead-end jobs and drug users as loathsome parcels of an intolerable existence. Now that these terms are regular aspects of the American lexicon, it appears the former president was either less than motivational, or insufficient in his direction.
We are forced to deal with people of all walks of life. Molding the nation into one ideologial box is not realistic. A strategy for the peaceful existence of all people must consider the characteristics and sensibilities of all people. Some find solace in the ways of the past, while others look to newer or more diverse ways of life. Neither philosophy is wrong, so it would behoove us to stop trying to vanquish either one.
The idea that Pres. Obama was attempting to indoctrinate America's youth with his rhetoric should be labeled exactly what it is: a terrible false accusation. I agree, however, that any time someone constructs a speech, they indicate and must refer to their philosophy. This is what made reviewing Pres. George H. W. Bush's address to the eighth grade class at Alice Deal Jr. High School, back in 1991 terribly enlightening.
Though overall it was clear Bush's message was meant to be inspirational, his worldview (and the worldview of the majority of the voting public) set clear boundaries and definitions for success that were out of touch with the way our country was growing.
The roughly 15 minute speech (available at http://www.cspan.org/Watch/Media/2009/09/04/HP/A/22807/US+Presidents+Address+Students.aspx ) paints a picture of the president's expectation. His stated goal in his direction of efforts was a 90% graduation rate by 2000. He attempted to make the students responsible for reaching his expectation by defining success. According to Pres. Bush, if you go to school, get good grades, and graduate college, you'll have fulfilled your dreams and be successful. Your life will be better than those goof-offs who “chicken out” and let the “bad people” take over schools... all of whom end up with “dead-end jobs” and/or on drugs, and “running the streets.”
President Bush said, “if someone goofs off today, are they cool? Are they still cool years from now when they're stuck in some dead-end job?” The idea behind this question indicates the conservative philosophy that constructs unrealistic ideas of success. Bush estimates that success is the balance between only two dynamics. In other words, the president divided the children into “winners” and “losers,” which begs the question of his own attempt at indoctrination: Is it correct to assume a “winners” and “losers” posture about the lives of a generation? I have neither won, nor lost, and I do not live my life as though I must live up to some one's expectation of a “winner.” We all have our experiences, and living through tough times is not an example of us being “losers.”
Bush's decree that being a dropout is equal to failing at life leaves no room for the reality of life in the 21st century. I suggest that it is not we who failed President Bush in his attempt to see a 90% graduation rate, but rather his philosophy did not lend itself to the realities of life outside what he was willing to experience or understand. Meaning, his ideological standard wasn't in touch with the direction the world was going to go.
It is in this time that we must make more earnest efforts to view things the way that they actually are. We must make progress in a fashion that makes sense for the future. We should set realistic goals for the future, and strive to achieve them over time, rather than dictate to everyone the wishes of a few of us.
In-depth experience and the ability to translate this experience in a manner which sufficiently demonstrates the aspects of it, will serve to aid the consciousness of humanity. All aspects may be made available to the individual, who may judge the value of a potential experience absent of prohibitive opinion, which may lack credibility or merit due to ignorance of experiential data. Attempting to limit the curiosity of a potential experience by demonstrating percieved character flaws within the individuals who partake in an activity, rather than addressing the merits of the experience itself, is ineffective and misguided. This means that it is inappropriate for someone to tell someone else that some action is "wrong" if they have neither experience in the matter, nor logical understanding of it.
Bush spoke about dead-end jobs and drug users as loathsome parcels of an intolerable existence. Now that these terms are regular aspects of the American lexicon, it appears the former president was either less than motivational, or insufficient in his direction.
We are forced to deal with people of all walks of life. Molding the nation into one ideologial box is not realistic. A strategy for the peaceful existence of all people must consider the characteristics and sensibilities of all people. Some find solace in the ways of the past, while others look to newer or more diverse ways of life. Neither philosophy is wrong, so it would behoove us to stop trying to vanquish either one.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Game is Up
I believe most people in the US are not thinking about what's happening to the US as the whole, but rather they are supporting their local way of life. The ways in which common people live regularly doesn't require they know or care much about even the next County, let alone the next State. The size and happenstance of development of the United States has now left us in a different country from the one even 15 years ago, though each region has remained roughly the same the entire time.
Rather than deny that this country is evolving, or hopelessly cling to the ignorance of the past (meaning that we understand each other much better now thanks to the improvement in communication), Americans, if we wish for that to mean something, need to figure out exactly what being an American means. What is it that we want to represent?
I grew up in Florida. I've never lived in any other state. That must either say something about me or Florida. I've lived in North Florida, in the northwest panhandle, and in South Florida, in the city that is the I95 corridor. If you've never been to Florida, might not know these places seem like different states. My South Florida side, in its kindest form, says North Florida is more rural, while my North Florida side says once you pass Orlando, you cross into New Jersey. While that may be crass, it at least indicates a difference in the available ways of life between the two regions.
For all the idiosyncrasies represented in these populations, a general respect for human life and happiness is reflected in both societies. In fact, it's been my experience that most people from anywhere in the world share that same philosophy. We don't immediately disagree upon meeting people, unless there's something overtly objectionable about their appearance. We may, however, be divided.
If you average six hours of television a day for 16 or so years, you develop a sense for the means by which common people are divided. I'm not saying I recommend it, but the development and the voice or tenor of the nation when approached on the broad scale of trivia is eerily discernible.
On average, I think America took the Bush administration exactly for what it was. The power of the shady politician was unleashed for eight years. People regularly talked about it, it was joked about on TV, and many many people became utterly exacerbated and left the conversation. People gave up and said, “well that's the government for you.” It is to these people, the silent majority, I say this:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Is the future of this nation really that easy to ignore? Are we really so caught up in the trivial events of the day, that we will allow ourselves to be tended sheep to a power-drunk sociopathic shepherd? I don't just want to change the shepherd, I want us to stop acting like sheep. A very thoughtful person once said, “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime.” Understand, you don't teach sheep to fish.
In the past month, I've read the town charter for the town I live in (posted online), and the Constitution of the United States (also posted online). I have familiarized myself with the fundamentals of governance in my town and country.
I wish nothing more than for the stability of my town and my country for the sake of my family, and the baby I have on the way. I have a longer future to consider, and I want her to be able to say her father tried to make a difference. Her father knew people don't often listen, but also knew if we speak together, we tend to stop shouting at each other.
We can't let ourselves get caught up in which side is going to win, but rather decide it is all of us who should win and throw the sides in the video games where they belong. If an idea is the best idea, then it should be supported as the best idea, and any other idea should have a concrete merit, lest it only be an obstacle to our collective progress.
(If the idea of collective progress is in any way to be misconstrued, then I should clarify. Universal collective progress for mankind is required in the philosophy of government regardless of the region, town or country... If not, then regrettable decisions may be made, even by people who love other people.)
The Bush administration made itself available to criticism on a number of issues, criticism met the Obama administration at the door. With nothing less than the future stability of this country at stake, it is obscene that people play sour grapes politics with efforts so vital as healthcare and carbon cap and trade. To ignore the scientific data that supports the idea of changing a flawed way of living, because of the way one makes money is indelibly reminiscent of classical hubris.
If a farm boy from Sneads, Florida can think up that line, and an urban-esc Lake Worth, Florida man can type it, I'd bet we can get a few people to consider reasonable alternatives to stifling the future with problems we see today. It just takes a little getting in touch with our inner patriot. I love this country, and I love the state of Florida... and I want it to look right when my daughter arrives.
I don't know all the right ways, but I've got a few good ideas and am willing to share them in an effort to make all of this world safer and more secure ( and I do assume that is possible). I don't see my value as a human and my ability to reason as properties that I should hoard or use with like-abled peers without regard for the rest of humanity. I'm interested in the well-being of this State, Country and Planet, and am offering my opinion in the hopes for that” more perfect union.”
Rather than deny that this country is evolving, or hopelessly cling to the ignorance of the past (meaning that we understand each other much better now thanks to the improvement in communication), Americans, if we wish for that to mean something, need to figure out exactly what being an American means. What is it that we want to represent?
I grew up in Florida. I've never lived in any other state. That must either say something about me or Florida. I've lived in North Florida, in the northwest panhandle, and in South Florida, in the city that is the I95 corridor. If you've never been to Florida, might not know these places seem like different states. My South Florida side, in its kindest form, says North Florida is more rural, while my North Florida side says once you pass Orlando, you cross into New Jersey. While that may be crass, it at least indicates a difference in the available ways of life between the two regions.
For all the idiosyncrasies represented in these populations, a general respect for human life and happiness is reflected in both societies. In fact, it's been my experience that most people from anywhere in the world share that same philosophy. We don't immediately disagree upon meeting people, unless there's something overtly objectionable about their appearance. We may, however, be divided.
If you average six hours of television a day for 16 or so years, you develop a sense for the means by which common people are divided. I'm not saying I recommend it, but the development and the voice or tenor of the nation when approached on the broad scale of trivia is eerily discernible.
On average, I think America took the Bush administration exactly for what it was. The power of the shady politician was unleashed for eight years. People regularly talked about it, it was joked about on TV, and many many people became utterly exacerbated and left the conversation. People gave up and said, “well that's the government for you.” It is to these people, the silent majority, I say this:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Is the future of this nation really that easy to ignore? Are we really so caught up in the trivial events of the day, that we will allow ourselves to be tended sheep to a power-drunk sociopathic shepherd? I don't just want to change the shepherd, I want us to stop acting like sheep. A very thoughtful person once said, “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime.” Understand, you don't teach sheep to fish.
In the past month, I've read the town charter for the town I live in (posted online), and the Constitution of the United States (also posted online). I have familiarized myself with the fundamentals of governance in my town and country.
I wish nothing more than for the stability of my town and my country for the sake of my family, and the baby I have on the way. I have a longer future to consider, and I want her to be able to say her father tried to make a difference. Her father knew people don't often listen, but also knew if we speak together, we tend to stop shouting at each other.
We can't let ourselves get caught up in which side is going to win, but rather decide it is all of us who should win and throw the sides in the video games where they belong. If an idea is the best idea, then it should be supported as the best idea, and any other idea should have a concrete merit, lest it only be an obstacle to our collective progress.
(If the idea of collective progress is in any way to be misconstrued, then I should clarify. Universal collective progress for mankind is required in the philosophy of government regardless of the region, town or country... If not, then regrettable decisions may be made, even by people who love other people.)
The Bush administration made itself available to criticism on a number of issues, criticism met the Obama administration at the door. With nothing less than the future stability of this country at stake, it is obscene that people play sour grapes politics with efforts so vital as healthcare and carbon cap and trade. To ignore the scientific data that supports the idea of changing a flawed way of living, because of the way one makes money is indelibly reminiscent of classical hubris.
If a farm boy from Sneads, Florida can think up that line, and an urban-esc Lake Worth, Florida man can type it, I'd bet we can get a few people to consider reasonable alternatives to stifling the future with problems we see today. It just takes a little getting in touch with our inner patriot. I love this country, and I love the state of Florida... and I want it to look right when my daughter arrives.
I don't know all the right ways, but I've got a few good ideas and am willing to share them in an effort to make all of this world safer and more secure ( and I do assume that is possible). I don't see my value as a human and my ability to reason as properties that I should hoard or use with like-abled peers without regard for the rest of humanity. I'm interested in the well-being of this State, Country and Planet, and am offering my opinion in the hopes for that” more perfect union.”
Friday, August 14, 2009
Let's play health!
Today, we're experiencing what I consider a healthy debate on the business of Healthcare in America. With so many sides involved in the argument, the details tend to become unclear. There is a growing rift between the system of healthcare and the business of healthcare. Initial finger-pointing, the immediate response, has now given way to an intensely detailed discussion of the facts concerning the state of health in the US, or perhaps more appropriately, how healthy we are as a nation. However, with each side armed with suggestive reports and similar opinion-delivery-systems, it is easy to see how the average person could be led out or even exclude themselves from the debate.
The structural problems with healthcare in America reminds me of another business that has struggled it's way back to relevance after many errors in judgment. The game of baseball... or rather, the business of baseball. I'm sure correlations may exist to many other businesses, and some may be more closely related, but baseball serves as a clear litmus for the effort to improve relevance in businesses dealing with public dollars. Common people pay for the relevance of baseball and healthcare alike.
The owners of baseball vary from media conglomerates and corporations to individual franchise owners (did you know Nintendo owns the Seattle Mariners?). All have a stake in the well-being of the league, since they, as owners, seek the reward of all that comes with having the team they own be winners.
The owners of healthcare tend to be a much more varied list of doctors, practitioners, hospitals nurse-residential-and-social assistance providers, and insurance companies. The definition of the job description of these "owner" entities varies widely based on their section of the business. The difficulty in this area is that the "league" that is the healthcare sector in America doesn't seem to have a clear objective.
Business managers in baseball (GMs) manage the hierarchy of decisions and talents that produce the bottom line profits for the owners. Both the GM and the owner have a vested interest in the team's well-being as well as that of the league in general, so that profit may be maximized as fans show support for "their" team.
Business managers in healthcare (HMOs) manage the hierarchy of doctors and other care providers to produce bottom line profits for the owners also. This is where a breakdown occurs with the baseball metaphor, because the fans (or patients) are so far removed from the discussion, where team decisions are public knowledge.
Club managers in baseball are responsible for holding teams accountable for the fans. Managers must reconcile the business needs of the GM, as well as deciding on strategy and motivating the players to reach their goal. In this case, political influence, while present, doesn't hide the fact that there are good club managers and temporary club managers (as well as good and temp GMs).
Club managers in healthcare are the office administrators and various chiefs of staff that keep the balance of revenue and expenditure so that the providers can focus on the business of making the patients more healthy.
Baseball players are the talent by which the game is made more interesting, and therefore viable as a business. Players decide their level of commitment, also, and deal directly with the fans, and reporters to the fans - who judge their performance, as well as the performance of the club as a whole - thereby directly affecting the relevance of the league. In essence, the fans and players make the game... the business decides how it will be presented.
Healthcare players, or talent, are the people who apply the knowledge they seek or sought with great effort from systems of education designed (hopefully) to produce the best doctor, practitioner, nurse, etc... which makes the contribution of the patient more justified. After all, if Joe down the street could offer the same care, we'd be the healthiest nation in the world (which we are not). The healthcare providers are the show, and business decides how it will be presented (or accessed).
And finally we reach my level... the common person's level... the fan level. Fans are the people who support the industry through financial contributions in the form of tickets sales, merchandising and ad dollars, and local taxes for updated facilities, by which the team they support may succeed to the benefit of everyone involved in the venture. The "win, win" nature of fan support makes it the single biggest contributor of long term success for any team.
The common person's level when it comes to healthcare is that of the patient. Patients support the industry though payment of insurance premiums, co-pays and doctor, clinic or hospital fees. The primary means of support, though, comes from benefit packages offered by employers. Employers pay the lion's share of healthcare premiums, and represent the single biggest account for the industry. The reason people support the current industry is that they seldom see the money that's spent in their name, and they fear that something might go wrong with their bodies that would require a medical professional to "fix" them.
The another disconnect in the baseball/healthcare metaphor is that I know a helluva lot more people that would rather go to a ballgame that a doctor's office. The perpetuated stigma that clinics and hospitals are bad or sick places has brought to a head the argument over the importance between healthcare and the business of healthcare in America. The fan principle still applies though. The common person's level of involvement directly reflects the judgement of the resulting product. Before you take a side and argue one of the points of view available, ask yourself just how healthy do you want to be? Is medicine a "fix," or a "process?"
Baseball teams are forced to adjust constantly in many different areas in order to stay relevant to the fans. In a nation that ranks 45th in the world in life expectancy, how relevant is health?
The structural problems with healthcare in America reminds me of another business that has struggled it's way back to relevance after many errors in judgment. The game of baseball... or rather, the business of baseball. I'm sure correlations may exist to many other businesses, and some may be more closely related, but baseball serves as a clear litmus for the effort to improve relevance in businesses dealing with public dollars. Common people pay for the relevance of baseball and healthcare alike.
The owners of baseball vary from media conglomerates and corporations to individual franchise owners (did you know Nintendo owns the Seattle Mariners?). All have a stake in the well-being of the league, since they, as owners, seek the reward of all that comes with having the team they own be winners.
The owners of healthcare tend to be a much more varied list of doctors, practitioners, hospitals nurse-residential-and-social assistance providers, and insurance companies. The definition of the job description of these "owner" entities varies widely based on their section of the business. The difficulty in this area is that the "league" that is the healthcare sector in America doesn't seem to have a clear objective.
Business managers in baseball (GMs) manage the hierarchy of decisions and talents that produce the bottom line profits for the owners. Both the GM and the owner have a vested interest in the team's well-being as well as that of the league in general, so that profit may be maximized as fans show support for "their" team.
Business managers in healthcare (HMOs) manage the hierarchy of doctors and other care providers to produce bottom line profits for the owners also. This is where a breakdown occurs with the baseball metaphor, because the fans (or patients) are so far removed from the discussion, where team decisions are public knowledge.
Club managers in baseball are responsible for holding teams accountable for the fans. Managers must reconcile the business needs of the GM, as well as deciding on strategy and motivating the players to reach their goal. In this case, political influence, while present, doesn't hide the fact that there are good club managers and temporary club managers (as well as good and temp GMs).
Club managers in healthcare are the office administrators and various chiefs of staff that keep the balance of revenue and expenditure so that the providers can focus on the business of making the patients more healthy.
Baseball players are the talent by which the game is made more interesting, and therefore viable as a business. Players decide their level of commitment, also, and deal directly with the fans, and reporters to the fans - who judge their performance, as well as the performance of the club as a whole - thereby directly affecting the relevance of the league. In essence, the fans and players make the game... the business decides how it will be presented.
Healthcare players, or talent, are the people who apply the knowledge they seek or sought with great effort from systems of education designed (hopefully) to produce the best doctor, practitioner, nurse, etc... which makes the contribution of the patient more justified. After all, if Joe down the street could offer the same care, we'd be the healthiest nation in the world (which we are not). The healthcare providers are the show, and business decides how it will be presented (or accessed).
And finally we reach my level... the common person's level... the fan level. Fans are the people who support the industry through financial contributions in the form of tickets sales, merchandising and ad dollars, and local taxes for updated facilities, by which the team they support may succeed to the benefit of everyone involved in the venture. The "win, win" nature of fan support makes it the single biggest contributor of long term success for any team.
The common person's level when it comes to healthcare is that of the patient. Patients support the industry though payment of insurance premiums, co-pays and doctor, clinic or hospital fees. The primary means of support, though, comes from benefit packages offered by employers. Employers pay the lion's share of healthcare premiums, and represent the single biggest account for the industry. The reason people support the current industry is that they seldom see the money that's spent in their name, and they fear that something might go wrong with their bodies that would require a medical professional to "fix" them.
The another disconnect in the baseball/healthcare metaphor is that I know a helluva lot more people that would rather go to a ballgame that a doctor's office. The perpetuated stigma that clinics and hospitals are bad or sick places has brought to a head the argument over the importance between healthcare and the business of healthcare in America. The fan principle still applies though. The common person's level of involvement directly reflects the judgement of the resulting product. Before you take a side and argue one of the points of view available, ask yourself just how healthy do you want to be? Is medicine a "fix," or a "process?"
Baseball teams are forced to adjust constantly in many different areas in order to stay relevant to the fans. In a nation that ranks 45th in the world in life expectancy, how relevant is health?
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Health and Patriotism
On July 29, 2009 The Palm Beach Post ran an article on page 6A by Dr. Charles Krauthammer, entitled "Why Obamacare is sinking," which was Dr. Krauthammer's response to the President's plan to provide nationwide Healthcare, and the incorporation of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report on the cost of the initial bill from the House of Representatives.
The view of the article appears to be an historical look at the end of "Obamacare" and what brought about its demise. It begins with the author calling the President of the United States "the master rhetoritician," thus implying that the debate is merely insincere political banter. As I recall, President Obama made a thorough speech about Healthcare reform in which he said that people who are discussing the fate of this sector of the economy and America's future need to understand that the Healthcare system is the biggest problem related to the stagnation of our economy and must be fixed this year. The President said, "Make no mistake, Healthcare reform will happen... and it will happen this year."
Rhetoric means that the speaker is using words merely for the sake of their oratory value, and cares only about the way in which they say things... not that the person is saying something in support of their own belief. Thusly, Dr. Krauthammer believes that the President of the United States plans to talk about reforming Healthcare in convincing and grand order, though he does not truly wish the best system be available to the people of the United States of America, all of which he represents.
Dr. Krauthammer was apparently spurred to action by the release of the CBO report that says House Bill 3200 increases "cost in the range of $1 trillion plus," and based on this, the man who was elected President of the United States has been revealed as a "master rhetoritician." Since the specifics on how that money will be allocated, and the cost savings from revamping our Healthcare system (which ranks 37th in the world and is more than 15% of GDP) have yet to be determined, it seems a bit premature to call the effort to reform Healthcare sunk just yet… especially since we've only taken the first step toward working on it. Of course deciding to spend money costs more money, but we haven't even been able to consider what we're getting yet.
C-SPAN coverage of Senate Committee meetings in each of the 5 committees show that both Republicans and Democrats are considering all the possibilities in an effort to create a completely new system that will work for the majority of Americans (roughly 98%). The US Senate is in no way considering adopting a Healthcare system established by any other country, as their systems were established based on each individual country's circumstance. If the talk on Capital Hill consisted of a series of Senators discussing which country we were going to borrow a system of Healthcare from, I think Americans would see that their representatives lacked the capabilities for such a task. No, Americans from all areas of the country are considering many if not all aspects of what this legislation will mean, and those who suggest otherwise might better be called "rhetoriticians." Senators are working though their fall breaks in committee to get this done.
I disagree with the rather smug analysis that the effort to reform Healthcare is merely political rhetoric. As a common American, I realize that if I get Healthcare coverage guaranteed by the government to be affordable, I am then untethered by one of the most important parts of the necessity of work. People don't stay where they work all their lives anymore, and companies realize they are better served by that fact. Your average person stays in their career for less than 5 years today, where it was 25-35 years in recent history.
It would be a tremendous relief to know I may leave a workplace once I am able to see my usefulness wane, without the worry of losing my Healthcare coverage or paying through the nose for COBRA. Often times people must work until they die (quite literally) to have Healthcare for themselves and their family. Someone telling me there might be a way for me to not share that fate has my undivided attention. Those who tell me I shouldn't want this security are out of touch with my reality. I am starting out in life (32yo), and I won't choose to live in a manner I can clearly see isn't working.
Dr. Krauthammer says "Didn't Obama promise a new politics that puts people over special interests? Sure. And now he promises expanded, portable, secure, higher-quality medical care -- at lower cost! The only thing he hasn't promised is to extirpate evil from the human heart. That legislation will be introduced next week. (6A)"
1) Obama is speaking as clearly and forthrightly as I have ever seen a President speak, using pointed addresses on TV, the Internet, and in town-hall meetings about a subject of tremendous importance to me (one of the 200,000,000 workers in America making less that $58,000/yr). The President is setting goals, and leaving a clear path of accountability for the betterment of health for all Americans. I never thought I would qualify as a special interest group to President Obama, but I'm honored.
2) Americans like me need a Healthcare system that is expanded, portable, secure, of higher-quality and at a lower cost. If I can keep track of 100 or more people on a social networking site, why can't doctors keep track of 10,000 or more patients on a medical networking site? (Or even allow people to be able to access their own medical records online so that their history isn't lost or delayed if they move)
3) Though it may not be possible to remove or cleanse the human heart of evil, it is possible and quite necessary to create a new Healthcare system that works for most (if not all) Americans this year. It seems that this process would help to extirpate the evil of privately owned corporations and insurance companies keeping quality Healthcare from the average American.
I would ask Dr. Krauthammer (and anyone else with an interest in stopping me from getting security for my health and the health of my family) to claim who they actually represent, for it is not me or anyone I know. If anyone could convince the majority of people to be against this process by discussing the specifics, then we would not be talking about it. If Dr. Krauthammer is trying to convince me that because the CBO says that a bill that authorizes spending money on Healthcare is going to cost money, and that fact is reason enough for me to not want the security that this reform will afford the future of the nation I love, then he is sorely mistaken. I am aware of the discussion beyond persuasion from insignificant reports bent to try to mean something politically.
America, and the World, is changing. We are all vastly more aware of each other regardless of our location or walks of life. If our elected officials and "leaders" are unable to foster the security we demand for future generations, then perhaps they should remove themselves from the conversation, lest they be removed. The use of scare tactics will not dissuade me from wanting something I can see is best for my country going forward.
A patriot stands up to discuss the best direction of the country. A tyrant tries to prevent such thoughts. Where do you fit in?
The view of the article appears to be an historical look at the end of "Obamacare" and what brought about its demise. It begins with the author calling the President of the United States "the master rhetoritician," thus implying that the debate is merely insincere political banter. As I recall, President Obama made a thorough speech about Healthcare reform in which he said that people who are discussing the fate of this sector of the economy and America's future need to understand that the Healthcare system is the biggest problem related to the stagnation of our economy and must be fixed this year. The President said, "Make no mistake, Healthcare reform will happen... and it will happen this year."
Rhetoric means that the speaker is using words merely for the sake of their oratory value, and cares only about the way in which they say things... not that the person is saying something in support of their own belief. Thusly, Dr. Krauthammer believes that the President of the United States plans to talk about reforming Healthcare in convincing and grand order, though he does not truly wish the best system be available to the people of the United States of America, all of which he represents.
Dr. Krauthammer was apparently spurred to action by the release of the CBO report that says House Bill 3200 increases "cost in the range of $1 trillion plus," and based on this, the man who was elected President of the United States has been revealed as a "master rhetoritician." Since the specifics on how that money will be allocated, and the cost savings from revamping our Healthcare system (which ranks 37th in the world and is more than 15% of GDP) have yet to be determined, it seems a bit premature to call the effort to reform Healthcare sunk just yet… especially since we've only taken the first step toward working on it. Of course deciding to spend money costs more money, but we haven't even been able to consider what we're getting yet.
C-SPAN coverage of Senate Committee meetings in each of the 5 committees show that both Republicans and Democrats are considering all the possibilities in an effort to create a completely new system that will work for the majority of Americans (roughly 98%). The US Senate is in no way considering adopting a Healthcare system established by any other country, as their systems were established based on each individual country's circumstance. If the talk on Capital Hill consisted of a series of Senators discussing which country we were going to borrow a system of Healthcare from, I think Americans would see that their representatives lacked the capabilities for such a task. No, Americans from all areas of the country are considering many if not all aspects of what this legislation will mean, and those who suggest otherwise might better be called "rhetoriticians." Senators are working though their fall breaks in committee to get this done.
I disagree with the rather smug analysis that the effort to reform Healthcare is merely political rhetoric. As a common American, I realize that if I get Healthcare coverage guaranteed by the government to be affordable, I am then untethered by one of the most important parts of the necessity of work. People don't stay where they work all their lives anymore, and companies realize they are better served by that fact. Your average person stays in their career for less than 5 years today, where it was 25-35 years in recent history.
It would be a tremendous relief to know I may leave a workplace once I am able to see my usefulness wane, without the worry of losing my Healthcare coverage or paying through the nose for COBRA. Often times people must work until they die (quite literally) to have Healthcare for themselves and their family. Someone telling me there might be a way for me to not share that fate has my undivided attention. Those who tell me I shouldn't want this security are out of touch with my reality. I am starting out in life (32yo), and I won't choose to live in a manner I can clearly see isn't working.
Dr. Krauthammer says "Didn't Obama promise a new politics that puts people over special interests? Sure. And now he promises expanded, portable, secure, higher-quality medical care -- at lower cost! The only thing he hasn't promised is to extirpate evil from the human heart. That legislation will be introduced next week. (6A)"
1) Obama is speaking as clearly and forthrightly as I have ever seen a President speak, using pointed addresses on TV, the Internet, and in town-hall meetings about a subject of tremendous importance to me (one of the 200,000,000 workers in America making less that $58,000/yr). The President is setting goals, and leaving a clear path of accountability for the betterment of health for all Americans. I never thought I would qualify as a special interest group to President Obama, but I'm honored.
2) Americans like me need a Healthcare system that is expanded, portable, secure, of higher-quality and at a lower cost. If I can keep track of 100 or more people on a social networking site, why can't doctors keep track of 10,000 or more patients on a medical networking site? (Or even allow people to be able to access their own medical records online so that their history isn't lost or delayed if they move)
3) Though it may not be possible to remove or cleanse the human heart of evil, it is possible and quite necessary to create a new Healthcare system that works for most (if not all) Americans this year. It seems that this process would help to extirpate the evil of privately owned corporations and insurance companies keeping quality Healthcare from the average American.
I would ask Dr. Krauthammer (and anyone else with an interest in stopping me from getting security for my health and the health of my family) to claim who they actually represent, for it is not me or anyone I know. If anyone could convince the majority of people to be against this process by discussing the specifics, then we would not be talking about it. If Dr. Krauthammer is trying to convince me that because the CBO says that a bill that authorizes spending money on Healthcare is going to cost money, and that fact is reason enough for me to not want the security that this reform will afford the future of the nation I love, then he is sorely mistaken. I am aware of the discussion beyond persuasion from insignificant reports bent to try to mean something politically.
America, and the World, is changing. We are all vastly more aware of each other regardless of our location or walks of life. If our elected officials and "leaders" are unable to foster the security we demand for future generations, then perhaps they should remove themselves from the conversation, lest they be removed. The use of scare tactics will not dissuade me from wanting something I can see is best for my country going forward.
A patriot stands up to discuss the best direction of the country. A tyrant tries to prevent such thoughts. Where do you fit in?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
