It's been a long 2 years since my last post, but I couldn't resist adding my voice to this political season.
It's an interesting race by all accounts. Granted no presidential race is the same. With increasing technologies and changing/evolving of our country - it's always different. Media items alone increase the speed of this election to mach 4 compared to those cycles in history. Items that would have crushed a candidate 12 years ago, are gone in a blink of an eye today. It really makes one wonder would would have happened in history if Kennedy had to run today. And if that doesn't blow you away - what if George Washington had to run today?
Frankly, I am extremely surprised that the 2012 race is as close as it is. With the economy struggling, this should have been a GOP slam dunk. Really and truly. What happened? The GOP didn't get the right person to run. They didn't work hard enough to entice Christie, and really, Paul Ryan would have made a much better candidate than Mitt. Not enough recognition? Obama beat Hillary - that's not an excuse that holds water anymore. Try again. Ryan's track record is solid for the GOP base, meaning he would have difficulty in getting those swing votes - but everyone has trouble getting those. That is what the campaign is all about.
The debates. I was frustrated with Obama's performance last week. He didn't come out swinging like he should have. His energy was off somewhere else - probably expended on Syria and Turkey that day. Although running as an incumbent is great for recognition, you have to still do the job you're re-interviewing for. Romney is still heralded as 'winning' this debate.
Last evening's VP debate was a bit more lively for Biden. It was... interesting. Biden's experience in public office glowed. He fought. He knew his data. He's been around the block more than Ryan's looked at one, let alone traveled one. Biden is 'old school'. Biden is a true statesman. (Please note, the U.S. doesn't have many of these anymore. It's a sad but true fact.) Considering this, if you're amazed at what's coming out of someone else's mouth, you laugh (because it just wouldn't do to cry or really yell on national television). You fight. This is what Romney did last week - and has been heralded for. I find it greatly intriguing now that the 'fighter' switched parties, now the 'fighter' is seen as a childish bully. The spin masters are out working in droves. Please realize this and go with your gut reaction to performances. I found Ryan's lack of plan knowledge disturbing. Truly if you want to know more about the GOP ticket, this debate didn't assist you. You'd have better luck hitting their website. When this is taken into consideration, Ryan failed.
The people have an interesting way of viewing things as well. This is where the parties have to take care. Obama's base may want to see him sling mud. He cannot. He must appear presidential, because he is president. He will not tarnish the office as the last 2 of his predecessors have. This makes Romney's job easy. He can sling... but. He must appear that he can appear presidential.
What is a large struggle for the U.S. in general is the economy. Let's face it, our population is not a patient one. Immediate gratification drives us and our culture is centered around it. One thing that really isn't considered by us is that every minute that passes, our economy is internationally linked in a way that cannot be untangled. CANNOT. Even if we wanted to. What does this mean? This means, there is no solid, true answer for our economic woes. None. Just because we beg, borrow, or steal money to float our economy, cut taxes here, raise them there - NOBODY knows what will work. If someone tells you they know? They're lying. We've never had an economy like this. It is a living breathing beast and nobody knows how to tame it for U.S. domination. Think this is a stretch? Ponder this: Greece. Little, tiny, ancient Greece. It crashed and those effects were felt everywhere. And still are. Europe's not exactly steady Eddy right now - our stock market has been fluctuating based on European headlines. One item bad, WHOOSH, NYSE is down 200 points and pundits freak out about the worst drop in 'x' amount of time. A U.S. job's growth headline - ping - NYSE is up 100 points. But the reactions aren't predictable and do not appear proportionate. Nobody can predict these economic driving forces, let alone try to manipulate them to the benefit of the U.S. We're guessing. Everyone's guessing.
Our politicians cannot say this truth because people want a leader with answers to their largest woes. They cannot state: cuts must be made and we must adhere to a budget. People will say 'yes', but only if their programs aren't touched in any way. The 'Not In My Back Yard' syndrome. Well you wanna know something? It has to touch everyone's back yard. Nobody will like it. But sometimes you gotta do what's right. Not what's popular. Statesmanship. It's lacking here. I, for one, desperately want it back.
This race is up for grabs and there's less than a month left in this campaign. Had the election been held within 48 hours of the 1st debate, it'd be President Romney come January. Timing is everything, and no matter which party you're rooting for - you'd best hope they get their best swing in within 48 hours of those polls opening.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Shine ON inner-political-nerd-ness. Whhhooo-aaaaaaa!
It isn't often. Every 2 years at best. A rarity.
The 1st Tuesday in November I celebrate. I love love love election day. I get to formally and officially 'feed' my inner-political-nerd. I love election day? My nerd has been STARVING! Now its full. I love election day. But for some reason I don't think my nerd will remain full for 2 years. I love election day. In all reality though, my nerd will only have to wait about 6 months before the GOP decides who they'll stick up against Obama in the 2012 Presidential election. I love election day. So sit tight you political-haters. I love election day. Enjoy the ad-free television you have now - it won't last long. I love election day... did I mention that?
What do I like about election night? Well, pre-2000 it was the exit polling that was public information prior to the 8pm poll close. Now it's the fact that you can hop on-line and watch at the county and precinct level what votes are coming in and for who. WOW - complete information overload and I completely love it! I did learn in the 2008 Presidential election that the BBC calls states before any U.S. news site does & they can because they aren't here. By at least 5 to 15 minutes they are ahead of the pack. That election was great fun to witness and track online. 5 minutes doesn't seem like a big deal. But when you're waiting to see who takes Ohio, Michigan or Florida - it's HUGE! Makes you feel like you have the inside track - you know more than 'CCO. In that election, I knew the winner before it was announced. Very cool. Very VERY cool.
The candidates, their reactions, the elation, the defeat. A chance for the real people to state formally - YES or YOU SUCK. Not that I agree with the outcomes. But my vote does count the same as any other. My uncle used to vote GOP straight ticket. When I turned 18 I used to tease him relentlessly - 'YEA - now I can cancel out your vote!' Not that I ever have voted a straight ticket in my life - but it visually drove him nuts and I loved that. FYI - my uncle is a convert to the DNC, but not a straight ticket. I am so proud! See younger people don't think they can effect older people's vote. I did. I do. I argue politics with anyone who will argue with respect. That means you listen to me and I'll listen to you. No shredding, no name-calling, no trash. Just the facts mam. I believe this is why voters are soooo very angry this year. Arguments aren't being held with respect. People really are not listening. Trash is everywhere.
Why else do I love election day? I have always enjoyed coloring in my circles. A right of passage. Not just a duty - I call it a 'license to bitch.' You don't vote - you have no right to complain about what the politicians do or fail to do. I have renewed license for 2 more years. But really and truly - in addition to that - a friend reminded me, about a month ago, of the women who protested not even 100 years ago for MY right to vote. It's not all disconnected. When my Grandma was born, she wouldn't have been able to vote. When she was 18, she could. She's turning 90 within a few days now. I will NOT let that work go to waste. The women who peacefully picketed the Wilson White House were wrongfully imprisoned, starved and beaten. I think of them every time I vote. Even if it is 'only' for a primary. They physically hurt, and very badly I might add, for me and my girls. I won't forget it and I find it as part of my DUTY to ensure that my girls won't forget it either. Knowing me, I'll be personally offended if my kids do not vote. We'll see if I end up crying in my beer. Somehow, I don't think so.
The 1st Tuesday in November I celebrate. I love love love election day. I get to formally and officially 'feed' my inner-political-nerd. I love election day? My nerd has been STARVING! Now its full. I love election day. But for some reason I don't think my nerd will remain full for 2 years. I love election day. In all reality though, my nerd will only have to wait about 6 months before the GOP decides who they'll stick up against Obama in the 2012 Presidential election. I love election day. So sit tight you political-haters. I love election day. Enjoy the ad-free television you have now - it won't last long. I love election day... did I mention that?
What do I like about election night? Well, pre-2000 it was the exit polling that was public information prior to the 8pm poll close. Now it's the fact that you can hop on-line and watch at the county and precinct level what votes are coming in and for who. WOW - complete information overload and I completely love it! I did learn in the 2008 Presidential election that the BBC calls states before any U.S. news site does & they can because they aren't here. By at least 5 to 15 minutes they are ahead of the pack. That election was great fun to witness and track online. 5 minutes doesn't seem like a big deal. But when you're waiting to see who takes Ohio, Michigan or Florida - it's HUGE! Makes you feel like you have the inside track - you know more than 'CCO. In that election, I knew the winner before it was announced. Very cool. Very VERY cool.
The candidates, their reactions, the elation, the defeat. A chance for the real people to state formally - YES or YOU SUCK. Not that I agree with the outcomes. But my vote does count the same as any other. My uncle used to vote GOP straight ticket. When I turned 18 I used to tease him relentlessly - 'YEA - now I can cancel out your vote!' Not that I ever have voted a straight ticket in my life - but it visually drove him nuts and I loved that. FYI - my uncle is a convert to the DNC, but not a straight ticket. I am so proud! See younger people don't think they can effect older people's vote. I did. I do. I argue politics with anyone who will argue with respect. That means you listen to me and I'll listen to you. No shredding, no name-calling, no trash. Just the facts mam. I believe this is why voters are soooo very angry this year. Arguments aren't being held with respect. People really are not listening. Trash is everywhere.
Why else do I love election day? I have always enjoyed coloring in my circles. A right of passage. Not just a duty - I call it a 'license to bitch.' You don't vote - you have no right to complain about what the politicians do or fail to do. I have renewed license for 2 more years. But really and truly - in addition to that - a friend reminded me, about a month ago, of the women who protested not even 100 years ago for MY right to vote. It's not all disconnected. When my Grandma was born, she wouldn't have been able to vote. When she was 18, she could. She's turning 90 within a few days now. I will NOT let that work go to waste. The women who peacefully picketed the Wilson White House were wrongfully imprisoned, starved and beaten. I think of them every time I vote. Even if it is 'only' for a primary. They physically hurt, and very badly I might add, for me and my girls. I won't forget it and I find it as part of my DUTY to ensure that my girls won't forget it either. Knowing me, I'll be personally offended if my kids do not vote. We'll see if I end up crying in my beer. Somehow, I don't think so.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Frustration Galore
Yes, I am frustrated. This may be a 'why why WHY' post... so hold on to your shorts.
Let's start with politics, since that really is in my heart. So why do I get so frustrated when I do love it so? The politicians are acting worse than my 2 year old. Grown men & women. This infuriates me whenever it is seen - and frankly it is becoming more often. How scary is THAT? In business too. How can inept people still hold jobs when the unemployment rate is so high? And people wonder why America is in this state? I can tell you 4 good reasons off the top of my head. 1. It starts with acting your age. 2. It continues with taking responsibility for your actions. 3. It goes on with having your WORD mean something. You know - if you say you will do something, then DO it. (A good friend rants on this one too!) 4. It ends with taking some initiative & striving to IMPROVE items around you.
So I am not even 4 sentences into this topic, and I was OFF topic! Sooooo much stuff that just doesn't make sense. I thought I was rational.... am I really off-base here? Back to the politicians. The status of the Minnesota budget is horrendous. This is the case all across the U.S. A poor economy will do that. No surprise there - as evidenced by California's I.O.U.'s... yeah, how'd you like to get one of those? hehehe. I digress again. The budget. 1 week left in the session and the budget is outstanding. It's always handled last because it is the biggest bargaining chip used through-out the session. This I understand. This I do NOT agree with. The first item that must be handled in the session is the budget. Is there anything more important? No. Sorry Vikes, your stadium isn't making the priority list. There should be a law - NOTHING ELSE IS DISCUSSED UNTIL A BUDGET IS PASSED. Yeah - just try to go pass that one, I know. But that doesn't mean it isn't the right thing to do. Because it is. I know it is.
The best thing that happened last week was that the MN State Supreme Court found Governor Tim Pawlenty's 2009 unallotment to be unconstitutional. Not in the action, as that was a power given to the office by the Legislature. But in TIMING. Very key there. He unallotted while the Legislature was still in session. Unallotment was a power granted for EMERGENCY situations. 2009 did not qualify as the session was still running. THIS was an outstanding decision. Magnificent even. I did a dance in my den. It wasn't pretty - but it was joyous! And so many people didn't even take notice. But then, they didn't notice when Tim-baby acted like a dictator in 2009 either. So I suppose I really shouldn't be surprised. I find this so very interesting. The GOP & fear-mongering that is still rampant out there had NO qualms what-so-ever with Tim abusing his powers. But if the shoe were on the other foot - I am very certain - that outrage would have ensued & the Tea-Partyers would have camped out on the Governor's front lawn. How quaint.
Since this court decision was passed down, the Legislature is in an even bigger mess - the budget deficit larger than before. My solution? Cut everyone across the board. This MUST include all legislators, state employees of EVERY sort. All offices. I don't care what you take care of. Yes, that includes YOU teachers. And YOU politicians. Frankly, the politicians should have taken the cuts 1st. But that's just my opinion.
So we've got a week. But there's more. A week ago, Mr. Pawlenty sent a letter to the House & Senate leaders: Dear Schmucks, Good work on your budget. I hate it & I will veto it. Have a great day suck-wads. Love, Mr. President OOPS Pawlenty. SO, because the Legislature is working together to get something done, and HE doesn't like it, he won't 'play nice'. Nope. So, does anyone else find it odd that Tim behave this way & still gets respect? I have lost the smidgen of respect I did have for the man. Granted, he didn't have far to go for that to happen - but STILL.
So back to the Legislature. Please pass the budget with enough votes to override Tim's veto. PLEASE. MN cannot function appropriately by cutting, cutting, cutting! I know there is still waste out there. Yes it needs to be gone. BUT, there are programs getting the hatchet that cannot get the hatchet before people won't be taken care of. Literally. My example? The elderly. Last year's cut was 5%. Oh, not to 'nursing homes', but to any facility that accepts termed 'elderly waver'. (aka Assisted Living). This year - they are looking at another 5% cut. So, should the Legislature keep cutting, there won't be facilities willing to take care of people on this elderly waver program. What then? Their response is 'We'll deal with that after it happens.' REALLY? Haven't our elders put up with enough of your crapola? Then they'll have to worry about being taken care of as well? REALLY? Oh, but don't cut education. AHHHHHHH! Studies have proven that throwing money at education does NOT make it better. Studies have shown that if elderly stay home too long, there is physical danger to them, their families & their neighbors - hospital costs increase, fires happen. Yet MN is ready to drive down this road willingly & readily.
My blood is boiling & I am certain my blood pressure is going through the roof. I've called my Legislators. I've emailed. I've lobbied! It isn't enough.
People only care about their pocketbook. Know what? I do understand that. But - lets get realistic. There are items that do need to be taken care of and taxes do accomplish it. Yes, it may be a terribly economy as to why we are in this mess. So let's look at that. Why not have taxes automatically bump up a bit based on the unemployment rate? (And YES, they would automatically bump DOWN as well!) This way a budget deficit wouldn't be AS bad. This is something that can be easily accomplished. I think this is a great way to lessen the impact of the next recession - there will be one... there always is the next dip in the road you know.
Let's look at the postal system. They are already looking at cutting Saturday service. This I am very OK with. I thought of this last fall. But let's take this 1 step further. Did you know that every person in the postal system gets FREE health insurance? FREE. Sorry, but this needs to stop - like yesterday. Phase it out until Uncle Sam pays the 70% to match the rate included in the national health care reform bill. Nobody should get FREE health insurance. Same goes for YOU teachers.
Have I talked about retirement plans yet? I do not recall. So I will. Sorry - the 'average' business out there doesn't provide a paid retirement plan for their employees. Most don't even match a 401(k) percentage any more. No government agency or employee should have an automatic retirement plan included in their benefits. This needs to stop - again - like yesterday. This includes ALL politicians & teachers.
People think MN taxes are so high. We're not even in the top 10 in the U.S. For how much we plow, salt & sand roads, I would have expected us to rank higher. Not that that is the only consideration. How much cutting can be done & still have a state you WANT to live in? I've said this before - you can tell how good a society is by how they treat their least citizen. We're not doing so hot. In fact, we SUCK. I do what I can in my community to make it better. I give to the food shelf on a regular basis. I volunteer at a FREE community meal (& donate food to make it fly). To help people. I freeze meals for my 89 year old Grandmother (I call it frozen meals on wheels) so she can stay at home longer. I practice what I preach. I teach my kids what they need to do to make this a better place. That is all I can do as 1 person. But if every person did the same - wow, what an amazing country we'd have!
Let's start with politics, since that really is in my heart. So why do I get so frustrated when I do love it so? The politicians are acting worse than my 2 year old. Grown men & women. This infuriates me whenever it is seen - and frankly it is becoming more often. How scary is THAT? In business too. How can inept people still hold jobs when the unemployment rate is so high? And people wonder why America is in this state? I can tell you 4 good reasons off the top of my head. 1. It starts with acting your age. 2. It continues with taking responsibility for your actions. 3. It goes on with having your WORD mean something. You know - if you say you will do something, then DO it. (A good friend rants on this one too!) 4. It ends with taking some initiative & striving to IMPROVE items around you.
So I am not even 4 sentences into this topic, and I was OFF topic! Sooooo much stuff that just doesn't make sense. I thought I was rational.... am I really off-base here? Back to the politicians. The status of the Minnesota budget is horrendous. This is the case all across the U.S. A poor economy will do that. No surprise there - as evidenced by California's I.O.U.'s... yeah, how'd you like to get one of those? hehehe. I digress again. The budget. 1 week left in the session and the budget is outstanding. It's always handled last because it is the biggest bargaining chip used through-out the session. This I understand. This I do NOT agree with. The first item that must be handled in the session is the budget. Is there anything more important? No. Sorry Vikes, your stadium isn't making the priority list. There should be a law - NOTHING ELSE IS DISCUSSED UNTIL A BUDGET IS PASSED. Yeah - just try to go pass that one, I know. But that doesn't mean it isn't the right thing to do. Because it is. I know it is.
The best thing that happened last week was that the MN State Supreme Court found Governor Tim Pawlenty's 2009 unallotment to be unconstitutional. Not in the action, as that was a power given to the office by the Legislature. But in TIMING. Very key there. He unallotted while the Legislature was still in session. Unallotment was a power granted for EMERGENCY situations. 2009 did not qualify as the session was still running. THIS was an outstanding decision. Magnificent even. I did a dance in my den. It wasn't pretty - but it was joyous! And so many people didn't even take notice. But then, they didn't notice when Tim-baby acted like a dictator in 2009 either. So I suppose I really shouldn't be surprised. I find this so very interesting. The GOP & fear-mongering that is still rampant out there had NO qualms what-so-ever with Tim abusing his powers. But if the shoe were on the other foot - I am very certain - that outrage would have ensued & the Tea-Partyers would have camped out on the Governor's front lawn. How quaint.
Since this court decision was passed down, the Legislature is in an even bigger mess - the budget deficit larger than before. My solution? Cut everyone across the board. This MUST include all legislators, state employees of EVERY sort. All offices. I don't care what you take care of. Yes, that includes YOU teachers. And YOU politicians. Frankly, the politicians should have taken the cuts 1st. But that's just my opinion.
So we've got a week. But there's more. A week ago, Mr. Pawlenty sent a letter to the House & Senate leaders: Dear Schmucks, Good work on your budget. I hate it & I will veto it. Have a great day suck-wads. Love, Mr. President OOPS Pawlenty. SO, because the Legislature is working together to get something done, and HE doesn't like it, he won't 'play nice'. Nope. So, does anyone else find it odd that Tim behave this way & still gets respect? I have lost the smidgen of respect I did have for the man. Granted, he didn't have far to go for that to happen - but STILL.
So back to the Legislature. Please pass the budget with enough votes to override Tim's veto. PLEASE. MN cannot function appropriately by cutting, cutting, cutting! I know there is still waste out there. Yes it needs to be gone. BUT, there are programs getting the hatchet that cannot get the hatchet before people won't be taken care of. Literally. My example? The elderly. Last year's cut was 5%. Oh, not to 'nursing homes', but to any facility that accepts termed 'elderly waver'. (aka Assisted Living). This year - they are looking at another 5% cut. So, should the Legislature keep cutting, there won't be facilities willing to take care of people on this elderly waver program. What then? Their response is 'We'll deal with that after it happens.' REALLY? Haven't our elders put up with enough of your crapola? Then they'll have to worry about being taken care of as well? REALLY? Oh, but don't cut education. AHHHHHHH! Studies have proven that throwing money at education does NOT make it better. Studies have shown that if elderly stay home too long, there is physical danger to them, their families & their neighbors - hospital costs increase, fires happen. Yet MN is ready to drive down this road willingly & readily.
My blood is boiling & I am certain my blood pressure is going through the roof. I've called my Legislators. I've emailed. I've lobbied! It isn't enough.
People only care about their pocketbook. Know what? I do understand that. But - lets get realistic. There are items that do need to be taken care of and taxes do accomplish it. Yes, it may be a terribly economy as to why we are in this mess. So let's look at that. Why not have taxes automatically bump up a bit based on the unemployment rate? (And YES, they would automatically bump DOWN as well!) This way a budget deficit wouldn't be AS bad. This is something that can be easily accomplished. I think this is a great way to lessen the impact of the next recession - there will be one... there always is the next dip in the road you know.
Let's look at the postal system. They are already looking at cutting Saturday service. This I am very OK with. I thought of this last fall. But let's take this 1 step further. Did you know that every person in the postal system gets FREE health insurance? FREE. Sorry, but this needs to stop - like yesterday. Phase it out until Uncle Sam pays the 70% to match the rate included in the national health care reform bill. Nobody should get FREE health insurance. Same goes for YOU teachers.
Have I talked about retirement plans yet? I do not recall. So I will. Sorry - the 'average' business out there doesn't provide a paid retirement plan for their employees. Most don't even match a 401(k) percentage any more. No government agency or employee should have an automatic retirement plan included in their benefits. This needs to stop - again - like yesterday. This includes ALL politicians & teachers.
People think MN taxes are so high. We're not even in the top 10 in the U.S. For how much we plow, salt & sand roads, I would have expected us to rank higher. Not that that is the only consideration. How much cutting can be done & still have a state you WANT to live in? I've said this before - you can tell how good a society is by how they treat their least citizen. We're not doing so hot. In fact, we SUCK. I do what I can in my community to make it better. I give to the food shelf on a regular basis. I volunteer at a FREE community meal (& donate food to make it fly). To help people. I freeze meals for my 89 year old Grandmother (I call it frozen meals on wheels) so she can stay at home longer. I practice what I preach. I teach my kids what they need to do to make this a better place. That is all I can do as 1 person. But if every person did the same - wow, what an amazing country we'd have!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Mumbo Jumbo
Wow, has it been awhile or what! Oopsie. Oh internet, I do love you... a bit too much. That is my excuse & I'm stickin' to it.
Monday I did something that I had studied for 6 years for. I lobbied my State Senator (for long-term health care). I spent the morning at the Capitol in St. Paul. Had a semi-private tour because my meeting time was later than others in our group. It'd been years since I'd been there. Mom did her civic duty & brought my brother and I down when we were in 5th & 9th grades (or there about). I remembered more than I thought. I satisfied my inner-political nerd-ness... for a day! It was fun. It was interesting. It made me realize that running for office isn't out of the realm of my reality. I could be a politician. I could easily like it. And people would swear at me & I'd probably swear back & not be re-elected! Would that be so bad either? Nope.
Since I've blogged last, Ks 1 & 2 have started karate lessons. Such great fun to watch them grow in their technique and knowledge. So wonderful that lessons learned there directly transfer to our home, school & life. Wonderful that kids are 'bribed' into acting well to do better in karate - and it WORKS! Who knew? Morgan has traveled through the following belts: white, gold, green & is presently a purple belt. Alec is a 'Mighty Dragon'. This is a class for younger kids (3-5). The belts are all while with different colored stripes through the middle that show his skill level. His belts have been: white, white w/yellow stripe, white w/green stripe, and he is presently white w/purple stripe. We have just discussed him moving to the normal belt program, which he'd enter as a yellow belt - and will probably happen in May or June. Morgan will attend a few sparring classes to see if she likes that. Not so sure full-contact will be for her - even if she's all padded up. I can easily see Alec enjoying this - really - 'Hey Alec, you can hit & kick people, go for it!' "All RIGHT!!" Yep - that'll be an easy sell. Now the big question will be if MOM can handle her kids in the sparring class... I haven't decided yet, but I am thinking I'll need to leave while class is in session.
An entire SLEW of blog posts was missed in January when we dog-sat for my parents yellow lab, Jett. He arrived December 24th. We had him just over a month. The kids loved loved loved it. They bonded well with Jett. That's a great thing because with the summer coming, it'll make the cabin time easier. They know each other well. Morgan would take Jett for her own if all the adults agreed. Which they definitely will NOT. Jett proceeded to move into & take over our mud/laundry room. If he walked by a toy or lego on the floor, it went in his mouth. So I wasn't about to make the kids clean up everything ALL the time. Nor was I about to buy my kids new toys. I'm not that crazy! So the laundry room was Mr. Jett's. We have an end table in there to set stuff on. He chewed it up. We have a full size deep freezer in there. He chewed up the freezer knob that was duct-taped in place (to prevent children from turning it off). He ate 3 pieces of duct tape before he quit. Uuuummmmm, fiber! He chewed up a rug. Good thing it was an old one that needed replacement anyway. This was all while having chew toys at his disposal 100% of the time. So WHY? I dunno. Jett attempted to do some landscaping in our front yard. Other than the au natural furtilizer left in the midst of our shrubbery, he pruned all the shrubs he would walk past. We had some new lilacs a year ago & I really wasn't sure they'd make it through Jett. But they all have leaves on that just peaked through last week - so relief there! 1 day, he tried to pull other established shrubs out of the ground by grabbing onto a few branches & pulling with all his might a la tug-o-war. This was the day he learned some massive respect for H. We won't detail Jett's punishment for the entire www to see. But if you want to know, gimmie a call. It wasn't pretty. However we didn't have this issue afterward. Bottom line, H & I were past-ready to have Jett go home. His last 3 days with us were perfect & he was a little gentleman. When the parents came to take Jett home - we had tears. All the kids were so upset & crying their eyes out. I told them "Look, Jett is just going HOME. It isn't like he's dying & you'll never see him again! Get OVER it!" Well, live & learn. Should not have mentioned dying. Because then the whole thing was 'We'll never see Jazzie - she's dead - why did she die?' and on and tears and on and tears and on and tears... (Jazzie was my parents' last yellow lab that died from Lyme's Disease last summer.) Needless to say, it'd been a little past their bedtime & they needed to get to bed ASAP.
So what's next? A lot. I've saved a few items for another day. When will that be? Your guess is as good as mine!
Monday I did something that I had studied for 6 years for. I lobbied my State Senator (for long-term health care). I spent the morning at the Capitol in St. Paul. Had a semi-private tour because my meeting time was later than others in our group. It'd been years since I'd been there. Mom did her civic duty & brought my brother and I down when we were in 5th & 9th grades (or there about). I remembered more than I thought. I satisfied my inner-political nerd-ness... for a day! It was fun. It was interesting. It made me realize that running for office isn't out of the realm of my reality. I could be a politician. I could easily like it. And people would swear at me & I'd probably swear back & not be re-elected! Would that be so bad either? Nope.
Since I've blogged last, Ks 1 & 2 have started karate lessons. Such great fun to watch them grow in their technique and knowledge. So wonderful that lessons learned there directly transfer to our home, school & life. Wonderful that kids are 'bribed' into acting well to do better in karate - and it WORKS! Who knew? Morgan has traveled through the following belts: white, gold, green & is presently a purple belt. Alec is a 'Mighty Dragon'. This is a class for younger kids (3-5). The belts are all while with different colored stripes through the middle that show his skill level. His belts have been: white, white w/yellow stripe, white w/green stripe, and he is presently white w/purple stripe. We have just discussed him moving to the normal belt program, which he'd enter as a yellow belt - and will probably happen in May or June. Morgan will attend a few sparring classes to see if she likes that. Not so sure full-contact will be for her - even if she's all padded up. I can easily see Alec enjoying this - really - 'Hey Alec, you can hit & kick people, go for it!' "All RIGHT!!" Yep - that'll be an easy sell. Now the big question will be if MOM can handle her kids in the sparring class... I haven't decided yet, but I am thinking I'll need to leave while class is in session.
An entire SLEW of blog posts was missed in January when we dog-sat for my parents yellow lab, Jett. He arrived December 24th. We had him just over a month. The kids loved loved loved it. They bonded well with Jett. That's a great thing because with the summer coming, it'll make the cabin time easier. They know each other well. Morgan would take Jett for her own if all the adults agreed. Which they definitely will NOT. Jett proceeded to move into & take over our mud/laundry room. If he walked by a toy or lego on the floor, it went in his mouth. So I wasn't about to make the kids clean up everything ALL the time. Nor was I about to buy my kids new toys. I'm not that crazy! So the laundry room was Mr. Jett's. We have an end table in there to set stuff on. He chewed it up. We have a full size deep freezer in there. He chewed up the freezer knob that was duct-taped in place (to prevent children from turning it off). He ate 3 pieces of duct tape before he quit. Uuuummmmm, fiber! He chewed up a rug. Good thing it was an old one that needed replacement anyway. This was all while having chew toys at his disposal 100% of the time. So WHY? I dunno. Jett attempted to do some landscaping in our front yard. Other than the au natural furtilizer left in the midst of our shrubbery, he pruned all the shrubs he would walk past. We had some new lilacs a year ago & I really wasn't sure they'd make it through Jett. But they all have leaves on that just peaked through last week - so relief there! 1 day, he tried to pull other established shrubs out of the ground by grabbing onto a few branches & pulling with all his might a la tug-o-war. This was the day he learned some massive respect for H. We won't detail Jett's punishment for the entire www to see. But if you want to know, gimmie a call. It wasn't pretty. However we didn't have this issue afterward. Bottom line, H & I were past-ready to have Jett go home. His last 3 days with us were perfect & he was a little gentleman. When the parents came to take Jett home - we had tears. All the kids were so upset & crying their eyes out. I told them "Look, Jett is just going HOME. It isn't like he's dying & you'll never see him again! Get OVER it!" Well, live & learn. Should not have mentioned dying. Because then the whole thing was 'We'll never see Jazzie - she's dead - why did she die?' and on and tears and on and tears and on and tears... (Jazzie was my parents' last yellow lab that died from Lyme's Disease last summer.) Needless to say, it'd been a little past their bedtime & they needed to get to bed ASAP.
So what's next? A lot. I've saved a few items for another day. When will that be? Your guess is as good as mine!
Monday, November 23, 2009
WHY is it???
Why is it that the older and 'wiser' (wink wink) you get, the more you realize that everything is so messed up & it's all in some crappy state of chaos?
When you're 'young', people have it together. Professionals are truly professionals. Then...
BAM
WTF?
What am I referring to? Well, just about anything. Let's take a look:
1. Toy manufacturing & the lead paint issue out of China.
This really shouldn't have been an issue. But millions of children were needlessly put in harms way by playing with a tainted toy. We can track, to the exact farm & cow, tainted hamburger, but we couldn't have manufacturing tests in place on toys? Really?
2. Bernie Madoff & his financial scheme
Didn't you hear your mother say 'If you hear something that is too good to be true, it usually IS?' And these people didn't have a clue? Here's my guess - they've lived their lives finding bazillions of loopholes in the U.S. tax code, so this really wasn't a surprising enterprise after all. Well, can't say I feel too sorry for them anyway.
3. Recycling programs
Oh they're everywhere now - but have you read the 'fine print' on yours lately? WHY IS IT that certain recycling programs only take the 1s and 2s in the cool little arrow-triangle dealey? If it has an arrow-triangle dealey with a number, it is recyclable. So take it, and here's a novel concept... RECYCLE the darned thing. It is too much to ask to do a little coordination with those who DO take 3s, 4s, 5s and more to handle what you are either too lazy or inefficient to do yourselves? I guess so. But this would require going against your company 'policy', a few extra phone calls, going out of your way, and doing the right thing. GASP! Oh the horror!
4. Organizational skills - in almost any profession... take your pick.
My example will be of a bank. I know that you know that I hate banks. But we're at it again. Here's a month extension to handle paperwork. OK. 3 weeks later, new bill, no new paperwork completed, and oh, here's a few more questions we need answered by 'corporate' to process your application. Oh, but what about this bill? I don't know. Blame 'corporate' all you want - it spells crappy service and even crappier business practices. And people wonder why banks needed a bailout? How would households do if they functioned the way banks do? Actually - only bankers wonder this. Us 'regular' Janes and Joes already know the reasons why. But there they go - still acting stupidly because 'Hey - they'll bail us out again.' Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Not again. (But then again, I didn't want them bailed out this time... and I have proof!)
5. Medicine #1
Western medicine is truly miraculous in many ways. I've used it my whole life. But still I wonder where I'd be if I'd been a bit holistic in approach. But let's look at the way the system is set up. Treatment based on reimbursement per procedure. Even though X, Y & Z aren't the best for you, you need to do those first before the sure-fire way to treat this, M, is tried. Oh, and X, Y & Z are each done by different doctors so all your prep tests need to be re-done EACH time you switch Docs because we don't want to be sued. AHHHHHHH. OK, this one has too many issues in it to be just 1, but it is. Deal with it.
6. Medicine #2
Children's cold medicine. Oh, we sold this for years, but in 2009 it was deemed to not be effective on children under 2 without a Dr. consent. But we will still sell this now, but with new warnings on it. REALLY? As IF it won't be used on children under 2 anyway. Jeez.
7. Medicine #3
Back & neck injuries. Presently these are treated with muscle relaxers fit for a horse. And people wonder why addiction to pain meds is on the rise? Holy hannah. And when push comes to shove, will the muscle relaxers treat the problem? No. They cover it up. I am relieved to see health insurance covering chiropractor fees better now, but there's a long way to go there. And you want to dicuss over medicating? I am allergic to ibuprofen. When I had K3, they gave me percocet. My, that was nice. BUT, they were going to have me take 2 pills for a dose. Didn't even ask my reaction to pain meds. Let's just say Benadryl knocks me on my a$. I refused to take the 2 because I KNOW this. These poor nurses thought I was the crazy one. Think again ladies. 1 pill was MORE than enough to put the pain at bay. Really and truly. I shiver to think what I would have been like on 2 of those things - a puddle of goo not even able to hold my new baby. But I was the crazy one. Yeah.... right.
8. Building stadiums for professional teams
I've lived in MN for 99.9% of my life. The dome was finished in the 1980s. When entering for the 1st time, and being completely overwhelmed, I remember asking if the roof could be pulled back. No. No? No. Well why not? That's silly - baseball & football should be outside WHEN it's nice out. But no. A kid got this. Here we are - just finishing building a new Twins stadium - all outdoors. Won't that be nice in April when its still snowing. And if we'd be so lucky to hit the World Series again, it'd be snowing then too. But according to all the hype I've heard "Baseball belongs outside". Yeah, we shall see buddy. So why wasn't there a retractable roof on this one? Did we NOT learn our lesson from the dome? Evidently not. Let me say again - KIDS see this. WHY can't adults? My true point is funding these stadiums - sorry for the tangent. In the NFL, the League pays the owner(s) of the teams $$ from the television contracts. That huge amount of cashola COMPLETELY funds the salaries for the entire team. ALL OF IT. So here's the question of the day - WHY should we, the ordinary Joe & Jane Taxpayer, pay for a stadium for an NFL team? Do taxpayers build office buildings for Target Corp., 3M, or any other MN based business? No. If so, can I have my business apply for this program? How can I do that? How silly is this?
9. Tax incentives for companies who send jobs overseas
I really want to know the name of the dumb-a$$ who 1st thought this up. #2 I want to meet him because I think he could sell ice to an Eskimo - and that's talent. #3, then I'd like to kick his/her rear for completely being an idiot for selling out American jobs for tax breaks. Now - let's get this sucker repealed - and then reversed completely. All those tax 'benefits' claimed need to get paid in full plus interest - retroactively of course. THAT can help pay for the stimulus package.
Don't stop me now... I think I may be on a roll! :-)
After reading just 9 items, and I didn't even hit on a smidgen of the industries out there - that's some pretty STUPID stuff we've got going on. And really, the only things I can link it to are: #1 - CYA (Cover Your A$$ - I need my job so I'll do all I can to keep it as well as make more work for myself even though it is really not needed). and #2 - Greed. Down & dirty. How sad is this? What a waste. This is severe waste when added all together. And it's completely through every section of our society. Another 'kicker' is that even when your job is to streamline and to help - it's not taken well. There's kicking & screaming the entire way. That's the CYA. Even if without taking the help, you'd be shortly extinct anyway. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Risk a little people. Change a little people. It's not that scary - truly it's not. Try it. You may like it - GASP - and then what?
So get off your rear today and get rid of the stupid waste around you. It can be as simple as de-cluttering your 'to do' pile (of which I am notorious for). It could be as large as streamlining community projects between organizations seeking to accomplish the same thing.
We gotta start somewhere, and I guess the best place to start - is with me.
When you're 'young', people have it together. Professionals are truly professionals. Then...
BAM
WTF?
What am I referring to? Well, just about anything. Let's take a look:
1. Toy manufacturing & the lead paint issue out of China.
This really shouldn't have been an issue. But millions of children were needlessly put in harms way by playing with a tainted toy. We can track, to the exact farm & cow, tainted hamburger, but we couldn't have manufacturing tests in place on toys? Really?
2. Bernie Madoff & his financial scheme
Didn't you hear your mother say 'If you hear something that is too good to be true, it usually IS?' And these people didn't have a clue? Here's my guess - they've lived their lives finding bazillions of loopholes in the U.S. tax code, so this really wasn't a surprising enterprise after all. Well, can't say I feel too sorry for them anyway.
3. Recycling programs
Oh they're everywhere now - but have you read the 'fine print' on yours lately? WHY IS IT that certain recycling programs only take the 1s and 2s in the cool little arrow-triangle dealey? If it has an arrow-triangle dealey with a number, it is recyclable. So take it, and here's a novel concept... RECYCLE the darned thing. It is too much to ask to do a little coordination with those who DO take 3s, 4s, 5s and more to handle what you are either too lazy or inefficient to do yourselves? I guess so. But this would require going against your company 'policy', a few extra phone calls, going out of your way, and doing the right thing. GASP! Oh the horror!
4. Organizational skills - in almost any profession... take your pick.
My example will be of a bank. I know that you know that I hate banks. But we're at it again. Here's a month extension to handle paperwork. OK. 3 weeks later, new bill, no new paperwork completed, and oh, here's a few more questions we need answered by 'corporate' to process your application. Oh, but what about this bill? I don't know. Blame 'corporate' all you want - it spells crappy service and even crappier business practices. And people wonder why banks needed a bailout? How would households do if they functioned the way banks do? Actually - only bankers wonder this. Us 'regular' Janes and Joes already know the reasons why. But there they go - still acting stupidly because 'Hey - they'll bail us out again.' Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Not again. (But then again, I didn't want them bailed out this time... and I have proof!)
5. Medicine #1
Western medicine is truly miraculous in many ways. I've used it my whole life. But still I wonder where I'd be if I'd been a bit holistic in approach. But let's look at the way the system is set up. Treatment based on reimbursement per procedure. Even though X, Y & Z aren't the best for you, you need to do those first before the sure-fire way to treat this, M, is tried. Oh, and X, Y & Z are each done by different doctors so all your prep tests need to be re-done EACH time you switch Docs because we don't want to be sued. AHHHHHHH. OK, this one has too many issues in it to be just 1, but it is. Deal with it.
6. Medicine #2
Children's cold medicine. Oh, we sold this for years, but in 2009 it was deemed to not be effective on children under 2 without a Dr. consent. But we will still sell this now, but with new warnings on it. REALLY? As IF it won't be used on children under 2 anyway. Jeez.
7. Medicine #3
Back & neck injuries. Presently these are treated with muscle relaxers fit for a horse. And people wonder why addiction to pain meds is on the rise? Holy hannah. And when push comes to shove, will the muscle relaxers treat the problem? No. They cover it up. I am relieved to see health insurance covering chiropractor fees better now, but there's a long way to go there. And you want to dicuss over medicating? I am allergic to ibuprofen. When I had K3, they gave me percocet. My, that was nice. BUT, they were going to have me take 2 pills for a dose. Didn't even ask my reaction to pain meds. Let's just say Benadryl knocks me on my a$. I refused to take the 2 because I KNOW this. These poor nurses thought I was the crazy one. Think again ladies. 1 pill was MORE than enough to put the pain at bay. Really and truly. I shiver to think what I would have been like on 2 of those things - a puddle of goo not even able to hold my new baby. But I was the crazy one. Yeah.... right.
8. Building stadiums for professional teams
I've lived in MN for 99.9% of my life. The dome was finished in the 1980s. When entering for the 1st time, and being completely overwhelmed, I remember asking if the roof could be pulled back. No. No? No. Well why not? That's silly - baseball & football should be outside WHEN it's nice out. But no. A kid got this. Here we are - just finishing building a new Twins stadium - all outdoors. Won't that be nice in April when its still snowing. And if we'd be so lucky to hit the World Series again, it'd be snowing then too. But according to all the hype I've heard "Baseball belongs outside". Yeah, we shall see buddy. So why wasn't there a retractable roof on this one? Did we NOT learn our lesson from the dome? Evidently not. Let me say again - KIDS see this. WHY can't adults? My true point is funding these stadiums - sorry for the tangent. In the NFL, the League pays the owner(s) of the teams $$ from the television contracts. That huge amount of cashola COMPLETELY funds the salaries for the entire team. ALL OF IT. So here's the question of the day - WHY should we, the ordinary Joe & Jane Taxpayer, pay for a stadium for an NFL team? Do taxpayers build office buildings for Target Corp., 3M, or any other MN based business? No. If so, can I have my business apply for this program? How can I do that? How silly is this?
9. Tax incentives for companies who send jobs overseas
I really want to know the name of the dumb-a$$ who 1st thought this up. #2 I want to meet him because I think he could sell ice to an Eskimo - and that's talent. #3, then I'd like to kick his/her rear for completely being an idiot for selling out American jobs for tax breaks. Now - let's get this sucker repealed - and then reversed completely. All those tax 'benefits' claimed need to get paid in full plus interest - retroactively of course. THAT can help pay for the stimulus package.
Don't stop me now... I think I may be on a roll! :-)
After reading just 9 items, and I didn't even hit on a smidgen of the industries out there - that's some pretty STUPID stuff we've got going on. And really, the only things I can link it to are: #1 - CYA (Cover Your A$$ - I need my job so I'll do all I can to keep it as well as make more work for myself even though it is really not needed). and #2 - Greed. Down & dirty. How sad is this? What a waste. This is severe waste when added all together. And it's completely through every section of our society. Another 'kicker' is that even when your job is to streamline and to help - it's not taken well. There's kicking & screaming the entire way. That's the CYA. Even if without taking the help, you'd be shortly extinct anyway. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Risk a little people. Change a little people. It's not that scary - truly it's not. Try it. You may like it - GASP - and then what?
So get off your rear today and get rid of the stupid waste around you. It can be as simple as de-cluttering your 'to do' pile (of which I am notorious for). It could be as large as streamlining community projects between organizations seeking to accomplish the same thing.
We gotta start somewhere, and I guess the best place to start - is with me.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Airline Pilots did WHAT?
Hasn't this just been an interesting week for Northwest Airlines. A flight that overshot the Minneapolis airport by 150 miles and over an hour of no communication with the pilots. Huh. http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/27/airliner.fly.by/index.html 2 fighter jets were prepped ready to go get this flight. They were fueled & sitting on the tarmac for the 'go' signal. First thoughts were that the pilots had fallen asleep. There's a comforting thought. Actually, any excuse the 2 pilots would give in this scenario are just plain freaky. Yesterday the result was that they were using laptop computers, against policy, and lost track of time. These guys, today, lost their licenses.
You know - in the world that is post-9/11, my thought is: why weren't those fighter jets released after 15 minutes of zero communication? Think about it - if another plane is, heaven-forbid, taken by terrorists - wouldn't you want those fighters on your side within minutes & not over an hour later when some unthinkable thing could have happened? Granted, they still may not be able to do a darn thing about it - but STILL.
So let's say they would have released the fighters & this still was the scenario - the pilots were on their laptops. I think the U.S. government could & should then charge the airline for the time & supplies spent for the mission. The airline can then bill the pilots - sounds good to me. A government money-maker based on the idiot civilian pilots that are out there.
You know, I do understand that people are people & that we all make mistakes. And these 2 guys had clean flight records with a combined 30,000 hours of flight time in. But you know what? In their job, it's completely inexcusable. There ARE jobs like that, and they had one of those.
You know - in the world that is post-9/11, my thought is: why weren't those fighter jets released after 15 minutes of zero communication? Think about it - if another plane is, heaven-forbid, taken by terrorists - wouldn't you want those fighters on your side within minutes & not over an hour later when some unthinkable thing could have happened? Granted, they still may not be able to do a darn thing about it - but STILL.
So let's say they would have released the fighters & this still was the scenario - the pilots were on their laptops. I think the U.S. government could & should then charge the airline for the time & supplies spent for the mission. The airline can then bill the pilots - sounds good to me. A government money-maker based on the idiot civilian pilots that are out there.
You know, I do understand that people are people & that we all make mistakes. And these 2 guys had clean flight records with a combined 30,000 hours of flight time in. But you know what? In their job, it's completely inexcusable. There ARE jobs like that, and they had one of those.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Politics - my FAVORITE!
There were so many political items this summer that I completely missed out on blogging about them - aka spewing my thoughts to the internet as if anyone really cares what I think about stuff anyway. But I love to do it - so here I go again. Get ready for the cheers, jeers, rants and raves. Buckle up baby!
#1 best thing to happen this summer (and perhaps this entire DECADE) was (drum roll please)... the resignation of Sarah Palin. (Insert the Hallelujah Chorus here.) I was to the point whenever she'd be on television I'd just turn the channel. Wouldn't even listen to the story. Never read an article online about what she was spewing about that second. It's literally like whenever she opens her mouth, puke just falls out everywhere and the Charlie Brown 'wa wa wa wa' stuff starts. Terrible thing she is subjecting us innocent Americans to, isn't it? We were at the cabin when the story broke - and I almost missed it because I was reaching for the remote to turn the channel. I guess that time it was most excellent that I was stopped - good thing I was cooking in the kitchen and had further to go to reach the remote I guess! The sad part is, Ms. Palin just won't GO AWAY. Seriously, so make millions speaking to those who are as closed-minded as you are, and leave the rest of us alone. One excellent item to stem from her action is her complete inability to run for President in the near future. To do so she would have to complete 1 term of an elected something, and I think Alaska is tired of her crap and won't go down her road again after she bailed on them the 1st time. So YEA for the rest of the country. She won't get a shot at messing the other 49 states up. WAHOO!
Moving on - Senator Ted Kennedy died. I never really cared for Teddy when he was alive. Sure he was seen as 'the' Daddy of all things liberal. But this is the sad part. The public never really knew all the great stuff he did until after the guy died. How sad is that? Republicans & Democrats extolled his career in their highest regard. But publicly when he was living - they shredded him constantly. Part of the Kennedy 'curse'? Probably. My line this summer was that I had to give GW Bush 1 complement on his Presidency. And that was that he passed prescription drug coverage. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start. Well you know what? Come to find out - it was Teddy's bill. So now I still can't find anything to complement Bush on! And you all know that that actually makes me really really really happy, because giving that guy a complement was extremely difficult. It was like when you puke a little of something up in your mouth and swollow it back down again. Eeewwwwww - I know. But THAT was what it was like. And I did it more than once too with several witnesses! SOOOOO nobody can say that I don't at least try to get along with Republicans. Because I swollowed my puke more than once to try it just this summer! lol Teddy - rest in peace.
The topic of the summer was health care and the HR 3200 bill that Obama is promoting. There isn't 1 person you talk with that doesn't think our system needs changing. Everyone agrees on that point. But I think that is where the agreement ends - oh yes - it of course needs to be cheaper. Frustration set in when the emails started flowing about what was in the bill. False emails. One, in specific, included a link to the bill online. So I went there one day. The pdf file was 1,018 pages. At least it is double spaced. So I read 20 pages (before my 'natives' got restless). In those 20 pages alone I was able to negate 1/2 the email statements. I never did go back and read the rest. I probably should to be a fully in formed citizen and critic. However what is so frustrating is the time people take to make stuff up to stuff the internet with incorrect information. It inflames people for the wrong reasons. Then to talk about 'death panels' on top of it all? Right. People get mad when access to care is restricted or denied. But you know what??? It ALREADY IS. By your insurance company. I am not saying a government run system should exist. Usually government messes stuff up pretty badly. But would you rather have an insurance company restricting or denying coverage of a procedure or an elected official that can get booted out for their actions? Let's face it - a 99 year old person should not be receiving a quadruple by-pass. Not a popular thing to say - and if it were my parent on the table, it'd be the absolute last thing I'd want to hear. But is that a realistic procedure to be performing? No. It's not. Is it ethical? No. It's not. In my lovely state of MN, and this is not even under 3200, the Department of Health has decided to change how people can use and acquire long term health care services (nursing home/assisted living). But only if you are on Medicare. If you are, and the DOH doesn't believe you should be in one of these facilities, they will be asking you to leave and move - and they won't pay your bill. This is even if a Dr. doesn't agree with them. Even if the family doesn't agree with them. Even if the elderly person doesn't agree with them. And if you move back in within 6 months, the building who admits this person will be punished financially for taking them back. Now when have you ever seen people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities that shouldn't be there? People aren't exactly lining up, bombarding these places. Generally they are the last places people want to go. What could possibly save money in this scenario? If you know, please enlighten me. This is happening. It was passed this summer as a cost saving measure within the MN State budget. Now I know this isn't directly related to 3200, but you want to discuss limitation of services? We're there. And it's being done based on being POOR of all things. It violates civil rights completely. And you know what will happen when the DOH makes these actions? Elderly will end up in the hospital more, more ER visits and more homes burning. Is that cost saving? Nope. It's spending a whole bunch more. THAT is what happens when elderly do not receive the services needed. It's been proven. We know this. But we're willingly going down this road in the name of balancing the state budget. It's sick. I'll probably add to my FBI file for this one - be on some euthanasia listing too. That is completely NOT my point. There are some very taboo things to discuss regarding health care - like giving a 99 year old person a quadruple by-pass. But they DO need to be discussed. And until we discuss the hard stuff, true and complete reform won't happen and costs will still be high.
More on health care? Yes. The GOP has blasted 3200 from every angle they possibly can. And most of it is P&M-ing all the way. In this regard, I really do wish our system was a bit more like the Brits. Why doesn't the GOP put a bill on the table? They want reform as well, on their terms. Well, put in writing what you would agree to. Get an opposing bill on the table. One that is a bit more 'middle of the road' that Dems could agree to. That sucker passes - and you know what? You've just re-invigorated your party that seemed to be dead a few months ago. You've done what the party in the complete majority has failed to do & pledged to do. Pass reform. They could claim it. But they won't. They won't put a bill on the table - they'll P&M about 3200 and campaign that 'see, the dems can't get anything done when they're in the majority, so we deserve your vote.' routine. It's sick and sad. People want something done. And it doesn't happen just so these bozos can be re-elected. I am so proud.
More? Yes. Tort reform. It's required - and that's not a very Dem thing to say. But come on. When Docs pay over six figures a year just for mal-practice insurance something needs to change. And some ob-gyns pay upwards of $200k annually. Think of the insurance dollars saved - and therefore the less you'd need to pay Docs - where could that money be doing? Think of those possibilities. Wow. Completely mind-blowing.
More? No. I'm on to South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford and his mistress escapades in Argentina. I must say, I was so glad his wife Jenny refused to stand at his side. This was huge. Never in American history has a politician's wife NOT stood at the guy's side whilst publicly proclaiming his adulterous actions. GO JENNY. No woman should ever be asked to do that. Ever. And Mark needs to resign and pack up and move to Argentina & take his 'family values' with him (More than likely the dude campaigned on it - idiot.) Bon voyage!
#1 best thing to happen this summer (and perhaps this entire DECADE) was (drum roll please)... the resignation of Sarah Palin. (Insert the Hallelujah Chorus here.) I was to the point whenever she'd be on television I'd just turn the channel. Wouldn't even listen to the story. Never read an article online about what she was spewing about that second. It's literally like whenever she opens her mouth, puke just falls out everywhere and the Charlie Brown 'wa wa wa wa' stuff starts. Terrible thing she is subjecting us innocent Americans to, isn't it? We were at the cabin when the story broke - and I almost missed it because I was reaching for the remote to turn the channel. I guess that time it was most excellent that I was stopped - good thing I was cooking in the kitchen and had further to go to reach the remote I guess! The sad part is, Ms. Palin just won't GO AWAY. Seriously, so make millions speaking to those who are as closed-minded as you are, and leave the rest of us alone. One excellent item to stem from her action is her complete inability to run for President in the near future. To do so she would have to complete 1 term of an elected something, and I think Alaska is tired of her crap and won't go down her road again after she bailed on them the 1st time. So YEA for the rest of the country. She won't get a shot at messing the other 49 states up. WAHOO!
Moving on - Senator Ted Kennedy died. I never really cared for Teddy when he was alive. Sure he was seen as 'the' Daddy of all things liberal. But this is the sad part. The public never really knew all the great stuff he did until after the guy died. How sad is that? Republicans & Democrats extolled his career in their highest regard. But publicly when he was living - they shredded him constantly. Part of the Kennedy 'curse'? Probably. My line this summer was that I had to give GW Bush 1 complement on his Presidency. And that was that he passed prescription drug coverage. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start. Well you know what? Come to find out - it was Teddy's bill. So now I still can't find anything to complement Bush on! And you all know that that actually makes me really really really happy, because giving that guy a complement was extremely difficult. It was like when you puke a little of something up in your mouth and swollow it back down again. Eeewwwwww - I know. But THAT was what it was like. And I did it more than once too with several witnesses! SOOOOO nobody can say that I don't at least try to get along with Republicans. Because I swollowed my puke more than once to try it just this summer! lol Teddy - rest in peace.
The topic of the summer was health care and the HR 3200 bill that Obama is promoting. There isn't 1 person you talk with that doesn't think our system needs changing. Everyone agrees on that point. But I think that is where the agreement ends - oh yes - it of course needs to be cheaper. Frustration set in when the emails started flowing about what was in the bill. False emails. One, in specific, included a link to the bill online. So I went there one day. The pdf file was 1,018 pages. At least it is double spaced. So I read 20 pages (before my 'natives' got restless). In those 20 pages alone I was able to negate 1/2 the email statements. I never did go back and read the rest. I probably should to be a fully in formed citizen and critic. However what is so frustrating is the time people take to make stuff up to stuff the internet with incorrect information. It inflames people for the wrong reasons. Then to talk about 'death panels' on top of it all? Right. People get mad when access to care is restricted or denied. But you know what??? It ALREADY IS. By your insurance company. I am not saying a government run system should exist. Usually government messes stuff up pretty badly. But would you rather have an insurance company restricting or denying coverage of a procedure or an elected official that can get booted out for their actions? Let's face it - a 99 year old person should not be receiving a quadruple by-pass. Not a popular thing to say - and if it were my parent on the table, it'd be the absolute last thing I'd want to hear. But is that a realistic procedure to be performing? No. It's not. Is it ethical? No. It's not. In my lovely state of MN, and this is not even under 3200, the Department of Health has decided to change how people can use and acquire long term health care services (nursing home/assisted living). But only if you are on Medicare. If you are, and the DOH doesn't believe you should be in one of these facilities, they will be asking you to leave and move - and they won't pay your bill. This is even if a Dr. doesn't agree with them. Even if the family doesn't agree with them. Even if the elderly person doesn't agree with them. And if you move back in within 6 months, the building who admits this person will be punished financially for taking them back. Now when have you ever seen people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities that shouldn't be there? People aren't exactly lining up, bombarding these places. Generally they are the last places people want to go. What could possibly save money in this scenario? If you know, please enlighten me. This is happening. It was passed this summer as a cost saving measure within the MN State budget. Now I know this isn't directly related to 3200, but you want to discuss limitation of services? We're there. And it's being done based on being POOR of all things. It violates civil rights completely. And you know what will happen when the DOH makes these actions? Elderly will end up in the hospital more, more ER visits and more homes burning. Is that cost saving? Nope. It's spending a whole bunch more. THAT is what happens when elderly do not receive the services needed. It's been proven. We know this. But we're willingly going down this road in the name of balancing the state budget. It's sick. I'll probably add to my FBI file for this one - be on some euthanasia listing too. That is completely NOT my point. There are some very taboo things to discuss regarding health care - like giving a 99 year old person a quadruple by-pass. But they DO need to be discussed. And until we discuss the hard stuff, true and complete reform won't happen and costs will still be high.
More on health care? Yes. The GOP has blasted 3200 from every angle they possibly can. And most of it is P&M-ing all the way. In this regard, I really do wish our system was a bit more like the Brits. Why doesn't the GOP put a bill on the table? They want reform as well, on their terms. Well, put in writing what you would agree to. Get an opposing bill on the table. One that is a bit more 'middle of the road' that Dems could agree to. That sucker passes - and you know what? You've just re-invigorated your party that seemed to be dead a few months ago. You've done what the party in the complete majority has failed to do & pledged to do. Pass reform. They could claim it. But they won't. They won't put a bill on the table - they'll P&M about 3200 and campaign that 'see, the dems can't get anything done when they're in the majority, so we deserve your vote.' routine. It's sick and sad. People want something done. And it doesn't happen just so these bozos can be re-elected. I am so proud.
More? Yes. Tort reform. It's required - and that's not a very Dem thing to say. But come on. When Docs pay over six figures a year just for mal-practice insurance something needs to change. And some ob-gyns pay upwards of $200k annually. Think of the insurance dollars saved - and therefore the less you'd need to pay Docs - where could that money be doing? Think of those possibilities. Wow. Completely mind-blowing.
More? No. I'm on to South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford and his mistress escapades in Argentina. I must say, I was so glad his wife Jenny refused to stand at his side. This was huge. Never in American history has a politician's wife NOT stood at the guy's side whilst publicly proclaiming his adulterous actions. GO JENNY. No woman should ever be asked to do that. Ever. And Mark needs to resign and pack up and move to Argentina & take his 'family values' with him (More than likely the dude campaigned on it - idiot.) Bon voyage!
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