Did you know that 38 different religious symbols are allowed on headstones by the National Cemeteries Administration? This list includes Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Wiccan, Atheist, Jewish, Sikh and many more. Each one of these men and women were American Heroes, or they would not have been buried in military cemeteries. Each deserves our highest respect.
Some things that you may not know...
Winter Solstice or Yule- For Neopagans, Wiccans and other Religions, this is the celebration of the death and rebirth of the sun. (Celebrated around Dec. 21-22)
Hanukkah- Major Jewish Holiday celebrated in December.
Kwanzaah- Dec. 26- Jan. 1
Many Atheists celebrate Winter Solstice as a Secular winter holiday, not as a religious holiday.
New Years Day-Celebrating the coming of a new year.
There are many holidays during the winter months and they are not all religious ones.
So, what point am I trying to make?
Only this; some of the most Patriotic Americans there are fought and died for this country and many of them were not Christian. Many more non-Christians are serving in the military and dying for our country's ideals right now! This country and our own neighborhoods are made up of much more than just one religion or belief system.
Yet, we are to believe that Christians are being persecuted, or that it is political correctness that causes people to wish their neighbors Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas?
Someone wishing you Happy Holidays instead of a Merry Christmas takes nothing from you, as they are wishing you happiness and joy during YOUR holiday season. But, ignoring the beliefs and holidays of non-Christians, by only wishing others a Merry Christmas, IS taking something from THEM!
Namely, respect for the beliefs (and holidays) of ALL Americans; not just Christians.
http://www.cem.va.gov/hm/hmemb.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_holidays#Western_winter_holidays_in_the_Northern_Hemisphere
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
From the Fine Folks that Brought You The Wall Street Collapse; Introducing Death Bonds!
Do you dream of making a fortune like a Wall Street Trader?
Well, now you too can make a killing off of other people's desperation and misery!
Here's how it works; we buy peoples' existing Life Insurance Policies for a fraction of their worth, based on the age, health and desperation of the person. Bundle the policies together, pay the yearly premiums, and sell them. Simple!
The quicker they die; the HIGHER your profit margin!
It's the NEW Hedge Fund!
(GREAT for very sick people needing immediate cash to pay for medical treatment.)
Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/06/business/06insurance.html
Photo by Anna Cervova
http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?picture=dollars&image=702
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Pamper Yourself Green
SWEET BODY SCRUB
The ingredients for a pampering body scrub are right in your kitchen! This weekly scrub will shed scaly skin and promote a healthy glow.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions:
Combine ingredients and gently rub over your body. Concentrate on areas prone to dry, rough patches, like elbows, knees and heels. Rinse off and pat dry.
Banana Oatmeal Mask
Ingredients:
1 medium to large Banana; soft and peeled
1/3 to 1/2 cup oatmeal(depends on the size of the banana)
Instructions:
Mash the oatmeal into the soft peeled banana a little at a time. Continue until all of the oatmeal is moistened. Apply to your face evenly, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water or soft wash cloth.
Soothing Mask
Use this on irritated skin, like a sunburned face or shoulders.
Ingredients:
1 part plain yogurt, chilled
1/2 part old fashioned oatmeal
(optional)2 drops essential oil - jasmine
Instructions:
Stir ingredients together. Add jasmine essential oil. Apply to area and mleave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.
Going Green All Purpose Cleaner
With everyone going green this is the perfect all purpose cleaner
Ingredients:
1 cup household ammonia
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
1 gallon warm water
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together well.
*This is a very good all purpose cleaner!!
Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent
Great laundry detergent-and great for sensitive skin
Servings: 64 loads at about 3 cents per load
Prep time: about 3 minutes for grating
Cook time: about 10 minutes
Total time: 24 hours to thicken
Ingredients:
3 Pints Water
1/3 bar Fels Naptha Soap, grated
1/2 cup Washing Soda (Arm and Hammer, NOT baking soda though!!)
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
2 Gallon bucket to mix it in
Additional Hot Water
Directions:
Mix Fels Naptha soap in a saucepan with 3 pints hot water and heat on low until dissolved. Stir in Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened, and remove from heat. Add 1 Quart Hot Water to 2 gallon Bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill bucket to the two gallon line with additional hot water, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. You may add additional HOT water if the mixture becomes too thick. Pour into jugs. (I use empty car window washer jugs) Mix Well before each use. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load.
Sources:
http://www.mixingbowl.com/message/recipe/view.castle?g=699596&m=4172385
http://www.mixingbowl.com/message/recipe/view.castle?g=932065&m=5268025
http://www.mixingbowl.com/message/recipe/view.castle?g=866722&m=5505703
http://www.wittyliving.com/recipes/facial-mask-11.html
http://www.wittyliving.com/recipes/facial-mask-17.html
The ingredients for a pampering body scrub are right in your kitchen! This weekly scrub will shed scaly skin and promote a healthy glow.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions:
Combine ingredients and gently rub over your body. Concentrate on areas prone to dry, rough patches, like elbows, knees and heels. Rinse off and pat dry.
Banana Oatmeal Mask
Ingredients:
1 medium to large Banana; soft and peeled
1/3 to 1/2 cup oatmeal(depends on the size of the banana)
Instructions:
Mash the oatmeal into the soft peeled banana a little at a time. Continue until all of the oatmeal is moistened. Apply to your face evenly, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water or soft wash cloth.
Soothing Mask
Use this on irritated skin, like a sunburned face or shoulders.
Ingredients:
1 part plain yogurt, chilled
1/2 part old fashioned oatmeal
(optional)2 drops essential oil - jasmine
Instructions:
Stir ingredients together. Add jasmine essential oil. Apply to area and mleave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.
Going Green All Purpose Cleaner
With everyone going green this is the perfect all purpose cleaner
Ingredients:
1 cup household ammonia
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
1 gallon warm water
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together well.
*This is a very good all purpose cleaner!!
Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent
Great laundry detergent-and great for sensitive skin
Servings: 64 loads at about 3 cents per load
Prep time: about 3 minutes for grating
Cook time: about 10 minutes
Total time: 24 hours to thicken
Ingredients:
3 Pints Water
1/3 bar Fels Naptha Soap, grated
1/2 cup Washing Soda (Arm and Hammer, NOT baking soda though!!)
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
2 Gallon bucket to mix it in
Additional Hot Water
Directions:
Mix Fels Naptha soap in a saucepan with 3 pints hot water and heat on low until dissolved. Stir in Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened, and remove from heat. Add 1 Quart Hot Water to 2 gallon Bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill bucket to the two gallon line with additional hot water, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. You may add additional HOT water if the mixture becomes too thick. Pour into jugs. (I use empty car window washer jugs) Mix Well before each use. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load.
Sources:
http://www.mixingbowl.com/message/recipe/view.castle?g=699596&m=4172385
http://www.mixingbowl.com/message/recipe/view.castle?g=932065&m=5268025
http://www.mixingbowl.com/message/recipe/view.castle?g=866722&m=5505703
http://www.wittyliving.com/recipes/facial-mask-11.html
http://www.wittyliving.com/recipes/facial-mask-17.html
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Hometown Priorities
Taxpayers in KOKOMO, INDIANA will pay $1.6 million for proposed nuclear weapons in FY2009. For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided:
476 Kokomo Residents with Health Care for One Year
Taxpayers in KOKOMO, INDIANA will pay $92.2 million for total Iraq and Afghanistan war spending since 2001. For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided:
27,304 Kokomo Residents with Health Care for One Year
Taxpayers in KOKOMO, INDIANA will pay $21.7 million for the military cost of securing energy in FY2009 (includes Iraq war). For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided:
6,427 Kokomo Residents with Health Care for One Year
"Taxpayers in KOKOMO, INDIANA will pay $10.4 million for the military cost of securing energy in FY2009. For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided:
3,088 Kokomo Residents with Health Care for One Year"
"Taxpayers in Kokomo, Indiana will pay $11.7 million for TAX CUTS for the RICHEST 10% in FY 2009. For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided:
(In English; no more taxing the poor to save the very rich a couple of bucks.)
5,562 Kokomo Children with Health CARE for One Year"
Mind you; I said Health Care; not Insurance Coverage. (One of those things, most definitely, is not like the other.)Insurance doesn't come into it. Only the actual Health CARE is important. (in the context of this article, anyway.)
How we finance it (Health CARE) should be our only question.
It is morally wrong to make your fortune(s) off of the dead bodies of others.
It is as simple and as complicated as that.
(local)
Sources:
http://www.nationalpriorities.org/
The Body Count Continues to Rise..
Why don't we have a tally of those killed North of that border?
"Isn't that strange? So far as I can tell, nobody has even tried to come up with a number.
6,487 dead Americans. Throw in overdoses and the cost of this country's paralyzing drug laws is closer to 15,000 lives." (Yes, 4,000 more American deaths per year than Mexico)
So, what caused Neill Franklin, a self-described "good soldier" in the Drug War, to research about legalizing all drugs?
"Franklin's turning point came in October of 2000. "I lost a very, very close friend of mine, a narcotics agent for Maryland State Police," he says. "His name was Ed Toatley. He was assassinated outside of Washington, D.C., trying to make a drug deal in a park. He had a wife, he had three kids. I had just spoken to him a couple of weeks prior to him getting assigned to this particular deal — he was finally going to bring this guy down, and lo and behold the guy kills him."
Definitely makes you think, doesn't it?
"Another turning point was 2002, when Angela Dawson and her five kids were murdered in East Baltimore by drug dealers. She had been trying to keep (them) from doing business in front of her house. "They fire-bombed the house late one night and the whole family perished," Franklin remembers."
"I started doing the research and asking the questions: What progress are we making on this thing? And it turns out that not only are we losing kids who are in the game, but we are losing communities and fellow cops. We had lost a number of police officers in Baltimore alone."
"I (the author) arrived at a rough estimate of 6,487 drug deaths. Using 75 percent, the toll rises to 9,731."
"And now we've got the cartel gangs coming up from Mexico," Franklin reminds me. "They're in over 130 cities in the U.S. already, and it's not going to get better."
There IS a solution, but.....
Neill Franklin's solution is radical: "You have to take the money out of it.
(Sounds simple. How would you do that?)
The ONLY way to do that is to legalize all drugs!
(I will give you a minute so that you can get that "HELL NO" out.)
Hear me out..
Make drug abuse a health issue, not a crime issue.
"Most drug-related prisoners are in prison for non-violent offenses. " In fact, non-violent offenders make up OVER half of all prison population.
Like Franklin says; "I do have sympathy. What they're dealing with is a health issue, not a criminal issue. And as long as you treat it as a criminal issue, we're treating the SYMPTOM and NOT the CAUSE."
"And WHY, exactly, don't we hear about a possibly overwhelming majority of police wanting to legalize — not just decriminalize, but legalize — major narcotics?"
"Selfish reasons," Franklin says. "There is a lot of money to be made in law enforcement. If we were to legalize, you could get rid of ONE THIRD of every law-enforcement agency in this country."
"Really? ONE THIRD?"
"And give back all the federal funds too. That's why very seldom will you see a police chief step forward and say, 'Yeah, we need to do this.'"
(They don't want to cut their own throats; financially, by legalizing. Why would they? This is a system gone bad for EVERYONE, folks.)
"The prison population is off the hook in this country," Franklin says. "In 1993, at the HEIGHT OF APARTHEID in South Africa, the incarceration of black males was 870 per 100,000. In 2004 in the U.S., for every 100,000 people we are sending 4,919 black males to prison. (We send many times more black males to prison, every year, than they did during Apartheid, in South Africa!)
And the majority of those are for nonviolent drug offenses."
"But, we'd rather send people to prison than give them information and treatment."
"I know jails are a big business and keep LOT of people employed, but it doesn't make it RIGHT."
(Emphasis is mine.)
"To review, using what seem to be very conservative numbers, our first unofficial tally of the drug war in the United States is staggering:
15,223 DEAD and $52.3 BILLION spent EACH YEAR — which is, incidentally, (and a bit ironically)
ALMOST ENOUGH TO PAY FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE."
Now, isn't THAT just a kick in the pants?
p.s. "We've got serious constitutional issues involved, too," Franklin adds. "Improper search and seizure is occurring every day (because of the Drug War)....."
But, that's a subject for another day..
http://www.esquire.com/the-side/richardson-report/drug-war-facts-090109?src=digg
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Wisdom and Wit (of mohandas gandhi)
On the subject of Jesus;
"A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act."
Mohandas Gandhi
On Strength;
"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."
Mohandas Gandhi
on Poverty;
"There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread."
Mohandas Gandhi
On Christians;
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
Mohandas Gandhi
on Truth;
"An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it."
Mohandas Gandhi
On Religious Freedom;
"Each one (person) prays to God according to his own light."
Mohandas Gandhi
On War and Pacifism;
"I believe that a man is the strongest soldier for daring to die unarmed."
Mohandas Gandhi
on Killing;
"I am prepared to die, but there is no cause for which I am prepared to kill."
Mohandas Gandhi
on Hypocrisy;
"I look only to the good qualities of men. Not being faultless myself, I won't presume to probe into the faults of others."
Mohandas Gandhi
on Life;
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
Mohandas Gandhi
on Personal Beliefs;
"My religion is based on truth and non-violence. Truth is my God. Non-violence is the means of realising Him."
Mohandas Gandhi
on Prayer;
"Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart."
Mohandas Gandhi
on Greed;
"There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed."
Mohandas Gandhi
on Personal Responsibility and Ethics;
"To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest."
Mohandas Gandhi
on Respect for one another;
"We may have our private opinions but why should they be a bar to the meeting of (our) hearts?"
Mohandas Gandhi
on the Plight of the Poor;
"What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?"
Mohandas Gandhi
and FINALLY...
on Western Civilization;
"What do I think of Western civilization? I think it would be a very good idea."
Mohandas Gandhi
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Why Having Cutting-Edge Medical Technology Doesn't Matter
I would like to introduce you to Remote Area Medical, or RAM. RAM is a medical charity that was started by Wild Kingdom's own Stan Brock, back in 1985.
For 15 years, Stan Brock, worked with the Wapishana Indians, in the Amazon. The idea for RAM came from his experiences there. "He lived with the pain and suffering created by isolation from medical care. He witnessed the near devastation of whole tribes by what would have been simple or minor illnesses to more advanced cultures. When he left South America to co-star in the television series, "Wild Kingdom, " he vowed to find a way to deliver basic medical aid to people in the world's inaccessible regions."
He did it, too.
However, here is where the story gets weird; approximately 64% of RAM's current medical expeditions are IN THE USA!
I was shocked by that fact.( You know, REMOTE Area Medical.) So, I contacted RAM. I wanted to know how they came to be providing free healthcare for residents in Inglewood, CA. Karen Wilson, the Executive Director, answered my email . (Thank you, Karen.) Here is what she said; "Soon after the airing of the Remote Area Medical (RAM) segment on 60 Minutes last year, we were contacted by several people and groups about the need in Los Angeles. A friend of RAM and its founder happened to be a resident there and offered to help organize the event. Since we understand that people can be as economically remote from medical care as geographically, we pursued it."
Please, pay special attention to her last sentence.
Since we understand that people can be as ECONOMICALLY remote from medical care as GEOGRAPHICALLY, we pursued it.
That is why, for MILLIONS of Americans, it doesn't really matter that we have cutting-edge medical technology available, because it isn't available to THEM.
Sources: http://www.ramusa.org/index.html
Karen Wilson, Executive Director of Remote Area Medical (RAM)
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Money_g61-Counting_The_Pennies_p5770.html
Saturday, August 22, 2009
You Can't Have Everything; Where Would You Put it?
Get this, folks;
"The top 1 percent incomes (the Super-Rich) captured HALF of all (profit) economic growth over the period 1993-2007," "...while the BOTTOM 99% of incomes (households) grew at a solid pace of 2.7 percent per year from 1993-2000, these incomes grew ONLY 1.3% per year from 2002-2007.
As a result, in the economic expansion of 2002-2007, the TOP 1% captured 2/3 of ALL income growth(PROFIT)."
All that gobbledy gook just says that we made LESS profit and the very rich made many X's MORE.
Doesn't that seem kinda WRONG to you?
Isn't the money (profits) supposed to, you know, TRICKLE DOWN at some point?
There comes a point where Capitalism and Socialism need to learn how to get along. Somewhere in the middle. Yes, it is the American Dream to get rich, marry well, be famous; have the perfect life.But, these days; even working very hard won't make you rich. The deck is already stacked against you.
And let's just say it; monopolies aren't doing We the People any favors.
More and more consolidation of companies and it ends up with little/no choices for the consumer. Not to mention the workers.
That's most ALL of us, folks!
Between the huge conglomerates of Insurance Companies, Banks consolidating, Telecom Companies buying each other out, Stores doing the same thing, (think Wal-Mart running the Mom and Pop stores out of business and you get my drift. )These things carry a lot of clout in our lives.
They fix the prices through buying up the competition.And that clout is not being used for OUR best advantage; you can lay money on that. In fact, you are already laying your money on that.
And the OWNERS of these companies are making outrageous amounts of money.
The President of the United States gets paid $400,000, a year; it makes me wonder why so many CEOs are worth so much more than he is ; the leader of our entire country.
So yeah, it is outrageous to me that when times are tough and the working poor are the first to get laid off or fired while, at the same time, the Owners/CEOs/stockholders are each getting millions of $$ in salary, benefits packages and company profits: it's just obscene!
Moral of this story:
*******************
There is NOTHING wrong with people making A LOT of money.
But, they CAN'T be allowed to make (and keep) ALL of the money.
*******************
All opinions are completely mine.
Sincerely, Your Loving Descendants and Dependents
Dear Parents, Grandparents, Great-Grandparents,
Listen; I know that some people on your favorite TV and radio stations have been hollering about "Socialized Medicine" that has "Death Panels" that are gonna kill you, if healthcare legislation gets passed.(The only question from any Death Panel is do you want a living will or not, pretty much.) You know; the things that people that can actually afford an actual lawyer asks.
I don't think that the elderly will get the short end of the stick. (I believe that is what worries them most about Medicare for all; that it will take valuable resources from them; a reasonable fear, really.)
But, it is mainly about reorganization of payment, folks.
Think of it this way; instead of seeing a doctor, then worrying about how you will pay for it, (Bankruptcy? Being Sued? Your insurance company denying your claim and/or dropping your policy?) You know, like we see a lot of, currently.
You would go to your doctor and he sends the bill to your not-for-profit healthcare Insurance agency that you would belong to. They pay it. That's it.
Insurance companies shouldn't get bonuses everytime someone has the bad luck as to get sick or old, after years of being faithful high-premium payers. But, they do tend to get a bonus when an employee saves the company money using rescission and denial of claims. (Around $300 million, last year.)
Making a fortune on the financial (and physical) ill-health of your (and my) families is just WRONG.
(In hippie-speak, it is "NOT Cool".)
7% of all of the USA's financial wealth is shared by 80% of the USA's population.( We pretty much ALL share the scraps already, folks.) I don't happen to think that 1% or even 2% tax on the very rich is gonna break them or permanently ruin investing.
We pool our money for our Police, Fire Departments, Social Services, Judges, and many other "public" agencies and we think nothing of it.
You know what? Not EVERYTHING has to make a profit beyond its expenses and salaries and we can STILL be a Capitalist country. It's true.
The law of the land is that if anyone goes into an emergency room, even if they can't pay a cent, gets life-saving treatment. They can't pay, so the federal government pays. Who is the Federal Government? That is US.
We pay out way more in federal money, right now, for healthcare than any "socialized medicine" country has to pay!
These countries have figured out a more efficient way and humane way to treat people. But, we can't seem to do the same and that doesn't speak well for us, in this country.
The actions of our Politicians is/ should be directly affected by citizens' thoughts and opinions You wanted us involved.
We are now involved.
Besides, making OUR insurance "pool" bigger, by adding younger and healthier people(and their money), gives you a BIGGER pool of money, compared to the older, smaller pool of money.
H.R.676/Extended Medicare for All
It (we) will be helping to PAY for your future healthcare too, Respected Elders.
Have some faith in your children and grandchildren's views, folks.
They can be wiser than you think.
They keep up on things.
Besides, they love you.
They will be paying for it for years to come anyway, right?
So, they should get a vote, too.
H.R.676/Extended Medicare for All
Remember it.
Short and simple and based on existing services (Medicare).
No more worrying yourself sick about medical bills.
No more big-money incentives to deny ANYONE'S medical insurance claim...
Sounds nice, doesn't it?
Sincerely,
Your Loving Descendants and Dependents
(Please comment and cite sources if you find that I am wrong about any facts on this blog. Thank you.)
http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?picture=feet-in-socks&image=146
http://sociology.ucsc.edu/whorulesamerica/power/wealth.html
http://www.pnhp.org/publications/united_states_national_health_care_act_hr_676.php
Opinions are entirely my own.
Monday, August 17, 2009
5 Things Britains Wish Americans Knew
1) The NHS (National Health Service) is so popular in the UK that virtually ALL politicians, INCLUDING CONSERVATIVES, support it.
2) Investor's Business Daily ran an anti-reform editorial claiming that "scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance in the UK, where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless." (Unfortunately for them; they were forced to retract that because Dr. Hawking is BRITISH and lives in the UK.) Hawking even wrote an editorial (electronically) singing the praises of the NHS.
3)Two UK women claim they were duped into appearing in anti-health reform ads broadcast in the US. They allege that their words were twisted to make it appear that they were against the NHS. (They happen to LIKE the NHS.) Neither woman was told that their words would be used in US ads.
4)The ads were sponsored by the Conservatives for Patients’ Rights, which is run by Rick Scott. Rick Scott was FORCED TO RESIGN as the HEAD of HEALTH PROVIDER (Insurance Co.) Columbia/HCA because of MASSIVE FRAUD at the company.
5) IT IS INTERESTING THAT BRITAIN'S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, WHICH GOES FAR BEYOND ANYTHING PROPOSED BY OBAMA, IS SO POPULAR IN BRITAIN THAT EVEN THE SLIGHTEST HINT THAT A PARTY WANTS TO DISMANTLE IT WILL COST THEM AN ELECTION.
Moral; Try really hard not to listen to anti-healthcare reform editorials written by Insurance Company shills. (You won't get the truth. They LIKE the status quo, you see.)
http://politicalirony.com/2009/08/17/gop-attacks-are-hurting-conservatives-in-the-uk/
2) Investor's Business Daily ran an anti-reform editorial claiming that "scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance in the UK, where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless." (Unfortunately for them; they were forced to retract that because Dr. Hawking is BRITISH and lives in the UK.) Hawking even wrote an editorial (electronically) singing the praises of the NHS.
3)Two UK women claim they were duped into appearing in anti-health reform ads broadcast in the US. They allege that their words were twisted to make it appear that they were against the NHS. (They happen to LIKE the NHS.) Neither woman was told that their words would be used in US ads.
4)The ads were sponsored by the Conservatives for Patients’ Rights, which is run by Rick Scott. Rick Scott was FORCED TO RESIGN as the HEAD of HEALTH PROVIDER (Insurance Co.) Columbia/HCA because of MASSIVE FRAUD at the company.
5) IT IS INTERESTING THAT BRITAIN'S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, WHICH GOES FAR BEYOND ANYTHING PROPOSED BY OBAMA, IS SO POPULAR IN BRITAIN THAT EVEN THE SLIGHTEST HINT THAT A PARTY WANTS TO DISMANTLE IT WILL COST THEM AN ELECTION.
Moral; Try really hard not to listen to anti-healthcare reform editorials written by Insurance Company shills. (You won't get the truth. They LIKE the status quo, you see.)
http://politicalirony.com/2009/08/17/gop-attacks-are-hurting-conservatives-in-the-uk/
Friday, August 14, 2009
We All Need a Laugh
(Because, sometimes, if you don't laugh; you'll cry.)
What do you get when you divide the circumference of your jack-o-lantern by its diameter?
Pumpkin Pi!
http://www.jokes.com/stand-up-search/jokes/tag/whatever
~Tips for Traveling in the South~
Pumpkin Pi!
http://www.jokes.com/stand-up-search/jokes/tag/whatever
~Tips for Traveling in the South~
--If it can't be fried in bacon grease, it ain't worth eating.
-- If you run your car into a ditch, don't panic. Four men in the cab of a four-wheel-drive truck with a 12-pack of beer and a tow chain will be along shortly. Don't try to help, just stay out of their way -- this is what they live for.
-- Don't be surprised to find boiled peanuts, movie rentals and fishing bait in the same store.
-- If you run your car into a ditch, don't panic. Four men in the cab of a four-wheel-drive truck with a 12-pack of beer and a tow chain will be along shortly. Don't try to help, just stay out of their way -- this is what they live for.
-- Don't be surprised to find boiled peanuts, movie rentals and fishing bait in the same store.
~And cold Coca-Cola in little glass bottles. They taste AMAZING!~
-- Remember: "Y'all" is singular. "All y'all" is plural. "All y'all's" is plural possessive.
-- Don't be worried that you don't understand anyone. They don't understand you either.
-- Remember: "Y'all" is singular. "All y'all" is plural. "All y'all's" is plural possessive.
-- Don't be worried that you don't understand anyone. They don't understand you either.
(My mom had to translate for me, when I was a child.)
-- If you hear a Southerner exclaim, "Hey, y'all, watch this!" -- stay out of his way. These are likely the last words he will ever say.
-- If you see a turn signal blinking on a car with a southern license plate, you may rest assured that it was on when the car was purchased.
-- Satellite dishes are very popular in the South. They are to be positioned directly in front of one's trailer, since it cost considerably more than the trailer and should, therefore, be displayed.
-- As you are cursing the person driving 15 mph in a 55 mph zone, directly in the middle of the road, remember: many Southerners learned to drive on a John Deere, and this is the proper speed and lane position for that vehicle.
-- You can ask a Southerner for directions, but unless you already know the positions of key hills, trees and rocks, you're better off trying to find it yourself.
http://www.jokes.com/funny/blue+collar/tips-for-traveling-in-the-south
~An Easy Ridde~
Q:If a cowboy rides into town on Friday, and three days later, he leaves on Friday, how does he do it?
A: The horse's name is Friday.
http://www.jokes.com/funny/blue+collar/traveling-on-friday
-- If you hear a Southerner exclaim, "Hey, y'all, watch this!" -- stay out of his way. These are likely the last words he will ever say.
-- If you see a turn signal blinking on a car with a southern license plate, you may rest assured that it was on when the car was purchased.
-- Satellite dishes are very popular in the South. They are to be positioned directly in front of one's trailer, since it cost considerably more than the trailer and should, therefore, be displayed.
-- As you are cursing the person driving 15 mph in a 55 mph zone, directly in the middle of the road, remember: many Southerners learned to drive on a John Deere, and this is the proper speed and lane position for that vehicle.
-- You can ask a Southerner for directions, but unless you already know the positions of key hills, trees and rocks, you're better off trying to find it yourself.
http://www.jokes.com/funny/blue+collar/tips-for-traveling-in-the-south
~An Easy Ridde~
Q:If a cowboy rides into town on Friday, and three days later, he leaves on Friday, how does he do it?
A: The horse's name is Friday.
http://www.jokes.com/funny/blue+collar/traveling-on-friday
~Right of Way~
Q: Who has the right of way any time?
A: The car with a gun rack and a bumper sticker that reads "Guns don't kill people, I do."
http://www.jokes.com/funny/blue+collar/right-of-way
~Computer Language~
What is the first programming language you learn when studying computer science?
Profanity
http://www.jokes.com/funny/whatever/programming---------
~Airplane Humor~
An airplane pilot had had a particularly difficult flight and a rough landing. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, smile and give them a ''Thanks for riding Delta Airlines.'' But, in light of his bad landing, the pilot had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally, everyone had gotten off except for this little old lady walking with a cane. She said, ''Sonny, mind if I ask you a question?''
''Why no, Ma'am,'' replied the pilot,'' ''what is it?''
The little old lady said, ''Did we land or were we shot down?'''
http://www.jokes.com/funny/whatever/airplane-humor
Healthcare Providers in Mexico Doing a Booming Business
~IN A NUTSHELL: "The very wealthy can afford whatever they want, the very poor get it through aid, but the working and the middle-class have to struggle to pay insurance," That pretty much covers it.~
"Retired police officer Bob Ritz has health insurance that covers his medical and dental care in the United States.
"I pay $400 a month for my health insurance, and it's still cheaper to come to Mexico," says Ritz, 60, as he stood outside a sun-bleached pharmacy in Naco, a few hours drive southeast of Phoenix."
Bob Ritz{Retired Public Servant, no less.}
"The total number making the trip is unclear. But a recent study by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research estimated that nearly 1 million people from California alone seek medical, dental or prescription services in Mexico each year."
"The very wealthy can afford whatever they want, the very poor get it through aid, but the working and the middle-class have to struggle to pay insurance," said Ritz, who worked as a police officer in Chicago for 28 years.
"I'm very lucky to live near enough to Mexico to get good healthcare at a reasonable price," he added.
~There just HAS to be a better way, folks. This is killing us. Insurance companies have priced themselves out of the market.
Daily, I hear about a bank buying out another one. Big Insurance company bought by a bigger Insurance company. Pharmaceutical company bought out by a bigger Pharmaceutical company, Huge cable monopolies, Phone monopolies, Hospitals owned by Doctors, and our options get fewer, AGAIN, while the prices continue to rise. Huge oil companies and Shareholders' Profits....
Are you getting my point?
Whatever we eventually decide about healthcare reform, change; it is coming.
"May You Live in Interesting Times"
"Retired police officer Bob Ritz has health insurance that covers his medical and dental care in the United States.
"I pay $400 a month for my health insurance, and it's still cheaper to come to Mexico," says Ritz, 60, as he stood outside a sun-bleached pharmacy in Naco, a few hours drive southeast of Phoenix."
Bob Ritz{Retired Public Servant, no less.}
"The total number making the trip is unclear. But a recent study by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research estimated that nearly 1 million people from California alone seek medical, dental or prescription services in Mexico each year."
"The very wealthy can afford whatever they want, the very poor get it through aid, but the working and the middle-class have to struggle to pay insurance," said Ritz, who worked as a police officer in Chicago for 28 years.
"I'm very lucky to live near enough to Mexico to get good healthcare at a reasonable price," he added.
~There just HAS to be a better way, folks. This is killing us. Insurance companies have priced themselves out of the market.
Daily, I hear about a bank buying out another one. Big Insurance company bought by a bigger Insurance company. Pharmaceutical company bought out by a bigger Pharmaceutical company, Huge cable monopolies, Phone monopolies, Hospitals owned by Doctors, and our options get fewer, AGAIN, while the prices continue to rise. Huge oil companies and Shareholders' Profits....
Are you getting my point?
Whatever we eventually decide about healthcare reform, change; it is coming.
"May You Live in Interesting Times"
Ancient Chinese Curse
Well, they ARE interesting and I understand now why it is a curse...~
Subject from: As U.S. health row rages, many seek care in Mexico
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090814/us_nm/us_usa_healthcare_mexico;_ylt=Av5noq7Alp8CGuIVZKcrYo5H2ocA;_ylu=X3oDMTJyY2llZTUxBGFzc2V0A25tLzIwMDkwODE0L3VzX3VzYV9oZWFsdGhjYXJlX21leGljbwRjcG9zAzUEcG9zAzUEc2VjA3luX3RvcF9zdG9yaWVzBHNsawNhc3VzaGVhbHRocm8-
~Blogger~/the Cranky Quaker~
Well, they ARE interesting and I understand now why it is a curse...~
Subject from: As U.S. health row rages, many seek care in Mexico
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090814/us_nm/us_usa_healthcare_mexico;_ylt=Av5noq7Alp8CGuIVZKcrYo5H2ocA;_ylu=X3oDMTJyY2llZTUxBGFzc2V0A25tLzIwMDkwODE0L3VzX3VzYV9oZWFsdGhjYXJlX21leGljbwRjcG9zAzUEcG9zAzUEc2VjA3luX3RvcF9zdG9yaWVzBHNsawNhc3VzaGVhbHRocm8-
~Blogger~/the Cranky Quaker~
Monday, August 10, 2009
Old Sayings; New Subjects
1)(on Politics)If the grass is always greener under the septic tank; shouldn't Washington, D.C. have the greenest grass on the planet?
2)(on Healthcare Reform) If a man were asking the public to donate money for his hospital bills; why would he be against reforming healthcare?*
3)(on Wall Street)If a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush; why do we have speculators?
4)(on Blue Dogs) You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. (Or get him out of the way so that others can drink.)**
5)(on Politicians) An open foe may prove a curse but a pretended friend is worse. - Ben Franklin (1706-1790)
6)(on Life) As the spokes of a wheel are attached to the hub, so all things are attached to life.- Sanskrit
7)(on the Drug War) Avoid a cure that is worse than the disease. - Aesop (c.620-560 BC)***
8)(on The Party of No) An empty barrel makes the most noise. - Russian Proverb
9)(on H.R. 3200) Froth is not beer. - Dutch (on appearance on reality)
10)(on Marriage) Every pot will find its lid.- Yiddish
11)(on Insurance Company Lobbyists and Politicians) He that pays the piper, calls the tune. -
unknown**
12)(on Wealth and Poverty) If the rich could hire people to die for them, the poor could make a nice living. - Yiddish
13)(on Justice) Laws catch flies but let hornets go free.- Scottish
14) (on Attitude) Nothing is easy to the unwilling. - Gaelic
15)(on Life and Death) The rain falls on every roof. - African Proverb
16)(on Generosity) The strong should help the weak so that the lives of both shall be made easier. - Aesop (c.620-560 BC)
17)(on Ambition) There is no eel so small but it hopes to become a whale. - German
18)(on Hope) Where there's life, there's hope. - Theocritus (c.270 BC)
19)(on Basic Truths) You can't see the whole sky through a bamboo tube. - Japanese
20)(on Trying Something New) Go for it! - American
*http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/10/gladney-uninsured/
**http://www.reformer.com/opinion/ci_12986820
***http://www.mpp.org/victims/
http://www.wiseoldsayings.com/wosdirectorya1.htm
2)(on Healthcare Reform) If a man were asking the public to donate money for his hospital bills; why would he be against reforming healthcare?*
3)(on Wall Street)If a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush; why do we have speculators?
4)(on Blue Dogs) You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. (Or get him out of the way so that others can drink.)**
5)(on Politicians) An open foe may prove a curse but a pretended friend is worse. - Ben Franklin (1706-1790)
6)(on Life) As the spokes of a wheel are attached to the hub, so all things are attached to life.- Sanskrit
7)(on the Drug War) Avoid a cure that is worse than the disease. - Aesop (c.620-560 BC)***
8)(on The Party of No) An empty barrel makes the most noise. - Russian Proverb
9)(on H.R. 3200) Froth is not beer. - Dutch (on appearance on reality)
10)(on Marriage) Every pot will find its lid.- Yiddish
11)(on Insurance Company Lobbyists and Politicians) He that pays the piper, calls the tune. -
unknown**
12)(on Wealth and Poverty) If the rich could hire people to die for them, the poor could make a nice living. - Yiddish
13)(on Justice) Laws catch flies but let hornets go free.- Scottish
14) (on Attitude) Nothing is easy to the unwilling. - Gaelic
15)(on Life and Death) The rain falls on every roof. - African Proverb
16)(on Generosity) The strong should help the weak so that the lives of both shall be made easier. - Aesop (c.620-560 BC)
17)(on Ambition) There is no eel so small but it hopes to become a whale. - German
18)(on Hope) Where there's life, there's hope. - Theocritus (c.270 BC)
19)(on Basic Truths) You can't see the whole sky through a bamboo tube. - Japanese
20)(on Trying Something New) Go for it! - American
*http://thinkprogress.org/2009/08/10/gladney-uninsured/
**http://www.reformer.com/opinion/ci_12986820
***http://www.mpp.org/victims/
http://www.wiseoldsayings.com/wosdirectorya1.htm
Saturday, August 8, 2009
~ Some Laughs for Today ~
Q: Did you hear about the dyslexic, agnostic insomniac?
A: He stayed up all night wondering if there was a dog.
A woman walks into the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards.
"What denomination?" asks the clerk.
"Oh, good heavens! Have we come to this?" said the woman. "Well, give me 50 Baptist and 50 Catholic and one Methodist."
Q: Who has the right of way any time?
A: The car with a gun rack and a bumper sticker that reads "Guns don't kill people, I do."
Rules of the Southern Lifestyle
All good Southerners already know these, but in fairness to those Yankees who were dumb enough to stay down here:
1. Don't order a steak at a Waffle House. They serve breakfast 24 hrs a day, so let them cook something they know.
2. Don't laugh at people's names. Merleen, Bodie, Luther Ray, Tammy Ann, Mari Beth, and Inez have all been known to whip a man's ass for less than that.
3. Don't order a bottle of pop or a can of soda -- this can lead to a merciless beating. Down South it's called Coke, even if you want a Pepsi.
4. Don't show allegiances to any college football squad that isn't an SEC team. All the others are a bunch of candy asses who get to play Wyoming every week.
5. Don't refer to Southerner's as a bunch of hillbillies. Many of us are/have been more literate than you (e.g. Welty, Williams, Faulkner), better educated, and generally much nicer to boot. We've got plenty of business sense (e.g.Turner Broadcasting, MCI WorldCom, MTV, and Netscape). Naturally, we can have lapses of judgment from time to time (e.g. Clinton, Fordice, Duke). We don't care if you think we're dumb, we know better!
6. We are fully aware that the humidity is high. Quit your bitching, spend your money, and leave.
7. Don't order wheat toast at the Cracker Barrel. If you do this, everyone will know you're from Ohio. Eat the biscuits like God intended and for goodness sake, don't put sugar in your grits.
8. Don't attempt to fake a Southern accent. Nothing will incite a riot faster.
9. Don't go around talking about how much better it is back home. If you don't like it here, take your Yankee ass back home.
10. We don't play lacrosse, hockey or any of those other sissy ass Northern games, so don't ask about the scores. We...simply...don't...care.
11. We know how to speak proper English, we talk this way because we want to and we can. It's like playing jazz, you have to know how to do it right first.
12. Last, but by no means least...DO NOT try to tell us how to Bar-B-Q.
This could lead to permanent expulsion and revocation of your work visa. Consider yourself just damn lucky that we let you come down here in the first place. Don't push your luck!
http://www.jokes.com/funny/animals/dyslexic-agnostic-insomniac
http://www.jokes.com/stand-up-search/jokes/tag/religion
http://www.jokes.com/stand-up-search/all/tag/blue+collar
http://www.jokes.com/funny/blue+collar/rules-of-the-southern-lifestyle
A: He stayed up all night wondering if there was a dog.
A woman walks into the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards.
"What denomination?" asks the clerk.
"Oh, good heavens! Have we come to this?" said the woman. "Well, give me 50 Baptist and 50 Catholic and one Methodist."
Q: Who has the right of way any time?
A: The car with a gun rack and a bumper sticker that reads "Guns don't kill people, I do."
Rules of the Southern Lifestyle
All good Southerners already know these, but in fairness to those Yankees who were dumb enough to stay down here:
1. Don't order a steak at a Waffle House. They serve breakfast 24 hrs a day, so let them cook something they know.
2. Don't laugh at people's names. Merleen, Bodie, Luther Ray, Tammy Ann, Mari Beth, and Inez have all been known to whip a man's ass for less than that.
3. Don't order a bottle of pop or a can of soda -- this can lead to a merciless beating. Down South it's called Coke, even if you want a Pepsi.
4. Don't show allegiances to any college football squad that isn't an SEC team. All the others are a bunch of candy asses who get to play Wyoming every week.
5. Don't refer to Southerner's as a bunch of hillbillies. Many of us are/have been more literate than you (e.g. Welty, Williams, Faulkner), better educated, and generally much nicer to boot. We've got plenty of business sense (e.g.Turner Broadcasting, MCI WorldCom, MTV, and Netscape). Naturally, we can have lapses of judgment from time to time (e.g. Clinton, Fordice, Duke). We don't care if you think we're dumb, we know better!
6. We are fully aware that the humidity is high. Quit your bitching, spend your money, and leave.
7. Don't order wheat toast at the Cracker Barrel. If you do this, everyone will know you're from Ohio. Eat the biscuits like God intended and for goodness sake, don't put sugar in your grits.
8. Don't attempt to fake a Southern accent. Nothing will incite a riot faster.
9. Don't go around talking about how much better it is back home. If you don't like it here, take your Yankee ass back home.
10. We don't play lacrosse, hockey or any of those other sissy ass Northern games, so don't ask about the scores. We...simply...don't...care.
11. We know how to speak proper English, we talk this way because we want to and we can. It's like playing jazz, you have to know how to do it right first.
12. Last, but by no means least...DO NOT try to tell us how to Bar-B-Q.
This could lead to permanent expulsion and revocation of your work visa. Consider yourself just damn lucky that we let you come down here in the first place. Don't push your luck!
http://www.jokes.com/funny/animals/dyslexic-agnostic-insomniac
http://www.jokes.com/stand-up-search/jokes/tag/religion
http://www.jokes.com/stand-up-search/all/tag/blue+collar
http://www.jokes.com/funny/blue+collar/rules-of-the-southern-lifestyle
10 Things That Most Americans Don't Know, but Should.
1) 80% of the USA's population SHARES 7% of its financial wealth(money).
(Think about that a minute and reread number 1.)
2)Tommy Douglas was a Baptist Minister and Keifer Sutherlands's grandfather.
He (Rev. Douglas), the author of Canada's Universal Healthcare System, was voted by Canadian citizens as THE GREATEST CANADIAN OF ALL TIME.
3) -- This "angry mob" (above), which successfully stopped the recount in Miami-Dade County during the 2000 election standoff, was PORTRAYED by the MEDIA as an UPRISING BY FLORIDA VOTERS.(Emphasis is mine.)
1. Tom Pyle, policy analyst, office of House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-Tex.).
2. Garry Malphrus, majority chief counsel and staff director, House Judiciary subcommittee on criminal justice.
3. Rory Cooper, political division staff member at the National Republican Congressional Committee.
4. Kevin Smith, former House Republican conference analyst and more recently of Voter.com.
5. Steven Brophy, former aide to Sen. Fred D. Thompson (R-Tenn.), now working at the consulting firm KPMG.
6. Matt Schlapp, former chief of staff for Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.), now on the Bush campaign staff in Austin.
7. Roger Morse, aide to Rep. Van Hilleary (R-Tenn.).
8. Duane Gibson, aide to Chairman Don Young (R-Alaska) of the House Resources Committee.
9. Chuck Royal, legislative assistant to Rep. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.).
10. Layna McConkey, former legislative assistant to former Rep. Jim Ross Lightfoot (R-Iowa) now at Steelman Health Strategies.)
4)Definition of Astroturf-- Astroturf refers to APPARENTLY grassroots-based citizen groups or coalitions that are primarily conceived, created and/or funded by corporations, industry trade associations, political interests or PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRMS. (Grassroots support is people-wealthy and money-poor. Astroturfing is money-wealthy and people-poor.)
5)The DCI Group, a Lobbying and Public Relations Firm, is behind The Coalition to Protect Patients' Rights (CPPR), an ANTI-healthcare reform group.
The DCI Group also worked for the tobacco industry, setting up fake "smokers' rights" groups to fight public health measures.
(Props must be offered to the DCI Group. They seem to be very good at their jobs. They were very helpful in stopping the 1993 Healthcare Reform.)
Many Americans have died, due to lack of healthcare, since then.
See, also: Astroturf
6)Rep. Mike Pence, a Representative from Indiana, DOESN'T seem to KNOW that Medicare IS Government-run Healthcare.
Rep. Pence made CONTRADICTORY statements about Government-run Healthcare on the SAME DAY.
a) "If you oppose government-run health care, call your congressman." -- Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), 7/28/09
b) "I support Medicare." -- Pence, 7/28/09
Yes, in the same interview, he says both things, in all seriousness.
(Let me provide "Rep." Pence with a clue; Medicare IS a Government-run Healthcare Program.)
7) Canada has BETTER Healthcare outcomes than the USA in ALL of these categories:
(a)Circulatory disease deaths
(b)Child maltreatment deaths
(c)Digestive disease deaths
(d)Infant mortality rate
(e)Intestinal diseases death
(f)Proability of not reaching age 60
(g)Respiratory disease child death
(h)Heart disease deaths
(i)HIV deaths
(You get the point. If this is “socialized medicine,” sign me up. Please and Thank You.)
8) Michelle Bachmann (MN-R) claims that the government can provide cheaper, and better care than the private sector, and that this is something that we should be afraid of. In (her) Republican thought, it is more important to protect the private sector than it is to fix healthcare.
(Can someone explain this to me, because I am just not getting it.)
9) If you take all of the hysteria out of Birther situation you have a bunch of people that don't want to pull up their big-boy and big-girl panties and get to work on anything meaningful...period.(author)
Michael Medved, a leading FAR-RIGHT voice, recently referred to the Birthers as "the worst enemy of the conservative movement." He added, "It makes us look weird. It makes us look crazy. It makes us look demented. It makes us look sick, troubled, and not suitable for civilized company." (I agree completely; scary.)
10) The Canadian system of Healthcare is NOT like H.R. 3200. It IS like H.R. 676.
Without something Single-Payer Healthcare, like H.R. 676 in place, like Medicare, something already proven by use, then they ("Representatives in Washington) are just putting on a political MAGIC show for the voters.
(and are already bought and paid for by Insurance companies and big business.)
See, also; Medicare ; popular (Government Controlled) Healthcare SAFETY NET for American Seniors.
(We are becoming a Third World Nation when it comes to a lot of important things, like lack of access to a doctor, and I am trying to say, in this article and in my own weird and pacifist way, that it is UNACCEPTABLE to let it CONTINUE.)
Exception: See, also; Medicare ; popular (Government Controlled) Healthcare SAFETY NET for American Seniors.
All sources for this article are cited at the bottom.
All opinions are strictly my own.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a) http://www.mikepence.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3603:healthcare-one-minute&catid=48:speeches-and-floor-statements&Itemid=94
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Happy Dream and Sad Reality
I had an unnusual (for me) thing happen last night; I dreamt and actually remembered that I had a dream!
Two long-time friends and I were shopping, laughing, teasing each other and generally having a great time. Both of these friends have been a big part of my heart for over 15 years. I am sure that I was smiling in my sleep. I don't remember a lot of details about this dream, but I was left with a feeling/memory of laughter, happiness and well-being. It was a blessing.
I was smiling when I woke up. Then reality set in and I remembered that they were gone...and I cried. Like most people; I hate to cry.
However, during the day, today, I found myself smiling again, while remembering my dream so, in spite of my pain; I consider that dream a big blessing.
Moral of this little story; the only thing worse than losing loved ones is never having had them in the first place.
RIP Missy-Nov. 28, 2004
RIP Philly-Nov. 1, 2008
I miss you both.
p.s. The picture above is what Philly left me; her most important possession, so I am honored.
His name is Jack.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Why Are Americans So Scared of "Socialized" Healthcare?
These days, all you have to do is mention the term "Socialized Healthcare", to see a lot of people have screaming hissy fits. A lot of it comes out as anger, but I believe that most of that anger is really fear.
Where is that fear coming from? From what I have seen, mostly talking points without a lot of data to back it up. Frank Luntz is in the business of making sure we keep the status quo, which means SCARING PEOPLE away from change, of any kind, that might hurt Insurance Companys' bottom-line.
(http://blog.sunlightfoundation.com/2009/07/16/health-care-word-soup-luntz-memo/)
While I realize that change is scary, sometimes the alternative to change is self-destruction. In the case of a lack of Healthcare Reform it is the deaths of the poor and middle class. I find this unacceptable. So, I did some digging. (You just never know what you will find, while digging.lol)
Here are some interesting bits of information that I found concerning USA (For-Profit) Healthcare and Canadian (Socialized) Healthcare:
Circulatory disease deaths per 100,000:
Canada: 219
United States: 265
Child maltreatment deaths per 100,000:
Canada: 0.7
United States: 2.2
Digestive disease deaths per 100,000:
Canada: 17.4
United States: 20.5
Infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births
Canada: 5.08
United States: 6.3
Intestinal diseases death rate
Canada: 0.3%
United States: 7.3%
Proability of not reaching age 60:
Canada: 9.5%
United States: 12.8%
Respiratory disease child death rate per 100,000
Canada: 0.62
United States: 40.43
Heart disease deaths per 100,000:
Canada: 94.9
United States: 106.5
HIV deaths per million people:
Canada: 47.423
United States: 48.141
Socialized Healthcare does not make a Socialized Country. The USA is a wonderful melting-pot of people, cultures, and ideas; some Capitalistic, some Socialistic, etc. You get the idea.
For me, though, caring for my fellow citizens is stronger than my fear of change. If the above is the results of Socialized Healthcare then sign me up.
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/141534/you%27re_also_more_likely_to_be_eaten_by_a_sasquatch_in_%27socialist%27_canada/
EDIT: Here is some information about Socialized Healthcare from some UK Citizens. (Horse's mouth, you know.lol)
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090721075851AAphiOk
Where is that fear coming from? From what I have seen, mostly talking points without a lot of data to back it up. Frank Luntz is in the business of making sure we keep the status quo, which means SCARING PEOPLE away from change, of any kind, that might hurt Insurance Companys' bottom-line.
(http://blog.sunlightfoundation.com/2009/07/16/health-care-word-soup-luntz-memo/)
While I realize that change is scary, sometimes the alternative to change is self-destruction. In the case of a lack of Healthcare Reform it is the deaths of the poor and middle class. I find this unacceptable. So, I did some digging. (You just never know what you will find, while digging.lol)
Here are some interesting bits of information that I found concerning USA (For-Profit) Healthcare and Canadian (Socialized) Healthcare:
Circulatory disease deaths per 100,000:
Canada: 219
United States: 265
Child maltreatment deaths per 100,000:
Canada: 0.7
United States: 2.2
Digestive disease deaths per 100,000:
Canada: 17.4
United States: 20.5
Infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births
Canada: 5.08
United States: 6.3
Intestinal diseases death rate
Canada: 0.3%
United States: 7.3%
Proability of not reaching age 60:
Canada: 9.5%
United States: 12.8%
Respiratory disease child death rate per 100,000
Canada: 0.62
United States: 40.43
Heart disease deaths per 100,000:
Canada: 94.9
United States: 106.5
HIV deaths per million people:
Canada: 47.423
United States: 48.141
Socialized Healthcare does not make a Socialized Country. The USA is a wonderful melting-pot of people, cultures, and ideas; some Capitalistic, some Socialistic, etc. You get the idea.
For me, though, caring for my fellow citizens is stronger than my fear of change. If the above is the results of Socialized Healthcare then sign me up.
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/141534/you%27re_also_more_likely_to_be_eaten_by_a_sasquatch_in_%27socialist%27_canada/
EDIT: Here is some information about Socialized Healthcare from some UK Citizens. (Horse's mouth, you know.lol)
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090721075851AAphiOk
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Homework Assignment for the Day~7/19/09~
Statement 1: American Soldier held by Taliban is "scared I won't be able to go home."
Statement 2: Each person being held at Guantanamo by US Forces, Soldier or not, is "scared I won't be able to go home."
Explain why the first statement is appalling.
Explain why the second statement isn't appalling.
Statement 3: But, the Taliban cut people's heads off.
Statement 4: But, the US Government, with impunity, rapes and sodomizes their foreign prisoners.
Male, Female, Child.
Explain why being held captive, tortured and raped daily is preferable to a quick death.
Statement 5: But, but the Taliban doesn't respect human rights.
Statement 6: But, the United States Tortures with impunity.
Explain how Torture (done by ANYONE) is respectful of Human Rights.
So, by not investigating, ie. letting everyone that tortured get off scott-free; the United States is, in effect, ordering, allowing and condoning Torture.
True or False?
Is holding an American Soldier, indefinitely, BAD? If so; explain why.
Is holding foreign citizens, by the USA, indefinitely, GOOD? If so; explain why.
Assignment is due in the comments section by~7/20/09~
Get to it. I mean it.
Statement 2: Each person being held at Guantanamo by US Forces, Soldier or not, is "scared I won't be able to go home."
Explain why the first statement is appalling.
Explain why the second statement isn't appalling.
Statement 3: But, the Taliban cut people's heads off.
Statement 4: But, the US Government, with impunity, rapes and sodomizes their foreign prisoners.
Male, Female, Child.
Explain why being held captive, tortured and raped daily is preferable to a quick death.
Statement 5: But, but the Taliban doesn't respect human rights.
Statement 6: But, the United States Tortures with impunity.
Explain how Torture (done by ANYONE) is respectful of Human Rights.
So, by not investigating, ie. letting everyone that tortured get off scott-free; the United States is, in effect, ordering, allowing and condoning Torture.
True or False?
Is holding an American Soldier, indefinitely, BAD? If so; explain why.
Is holding foreign citizens, by the USA, indefinitely, GOOD? If so; explain why.
Assignment is due in the comments section by~7/20/09~
Get to it. I mean it.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
If You Disagree, Don't do Anything. If You Disagree and can Prove it, Even Better
(I don't think President Obama is perfect, by any means, but I am PROUD to have him as my President.)Initially, this email was forwarded to me by a caring Republican.
(I googled Natasha Richardson's death. Here is what I found out...)
The actress Natasha Richardson died after falling skiing in Canada .. It took eight hours to drive her to a hospital.(FALSE: 40 minute drive.*)If Canada had our health care she might be alive today. We now have helicopters that would have gotten her to the hospital in 30 minutes. Obama wants to have our health care like Canada's and England's.
(She initially refused to go to the hospital. It won't matter where the hospital is if you won't go, though, true?)
"Paul Brunet, president of the(Canadian)Council for the protection of patients, said the question of whether a medical ambulance would have made a difference was moot.“If she had worn a helmet and accepted to see a doctor would there be any talk of this need for a helicopter?“And with all due to respect to the Americans, we don’t need any lessons from them about health care,” Brunet added. Canada doesn’t “have 50 million people without health care like they do.”**
In England anyone over 59 cannot receive heart repairs or stents or bypass because it is not covered as being too expensive and not needed. (Absolutely nothing is true about this one.) *Per Snopes, Urban legends.
I got this today and am sending it on. If Obama's plans in other areas don't scare you, this should. Please do not let Obama sign senior death warrants
(In other words, Obama is the Boogeyman, be afraid; be very afraid. PASS IT ON.)
Everybody that is on this mailing list is either a senior citizen, is getting close or knows somebody that is. (Isn't that pretty much everyone?)
Most of you know by now that the Senate version (at least) of the"stimulus" bill includes provisions for extensive rationing of health care for senior citizens.. The author of this part of the bill, former senator and tax evader, Tom Daschle was credited today by Bloomberg with the following statement. Bloomberg: Daschle says "health-care reform will not be pain free. Seniors should be more accepting of the conditions that come with age instead of treating them."!!!!
(He was talking about Cosmetic Surgeries and such. Talking wrinkles, not heart disease, folks.)*
If this does not sufficiently raise your ire, just remember that Senators and Congressmen have their own health care plan that is first dollar or very low co-pay which they are guaranteed the remainder of their lives and are not subject to this new law if it passes.
(Cause, you know; Senators and Congresspeople already have "socialized healthcare". You think about that a minute....)
Please use the power of the Internet to get this message out. Talk it up at the grassroots level.... We have an election coming up in one year and nine months. We have the ability to address and reverse the dangerous direction the Obama administration and it allies have begun and in the interim, we can make their lives miserable. Lets do it! If you disagree, don't do anything.
(In other words, spread the word. Unless you are a Liberal; then, don't do anything.)
Folks, almost 3/4 of all Americans polled want Health Care Reform.
Almost 3/4!
If you are an elected Rep and not actively pursuing ideas for single-payer; I have to ask, who are you representing?
Grassroots support is just what we need. Just make sure you are touting FACTS. Fearmongering doesn't cut it, anymore.
This is a subject of life and death; ours.
Debate; it's healthy.
But, check your facts.
*http://www.snopes.com/politics/medical/seniordeath.asp
**http://www.vancouversun.com/Health/Socialized+medicine+didn+kill+Natasha+Richardson+says+doctor/1440316/story.html
***http://www.huffingtonpost.com/labourlist/socialized-healthcare-les_b_214162.html
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Seat of Your Pants, Easy and Lazy Butterscotch-Chip Pancakes
"banana (or pineapple) butterscotch-chip pancakes"
instant pancake mix (8 servings; Any brand is fine)make as per directions on the box.
half-bag of butterscotch chips (WIH)*
diced banana and/or drained (and dried), crushed pineapple
Just eyeball the amount.
Cook according to box directions
Eat piping-hot, with a big glass of cold milk.
Awesome with melted butter.
Makes great hors douvres, if made in small sizes.
(Some kind of baked muffins? have to think on that one...)
*WIH-what I had on hand.
P.S. If you don't want to use butterscotch chips, substitute a warm, melted mixture of brown sugar and butter as a topping. (no syrup necessary)
This is IN NO WAY, as is, a healthy recipe; although it could be tweaked to make it healthy.
Recipe by the Cranky Quaker.
instant pancake mix (8 servings; Any brand is fine)make as per directions on the box.
half-bag of butterscotch chips (WIH)*
diced banana and/or drained (and dried), crushed pineapple
Just eyeball the amount.
Cook according to box directions
Eat piping-hot, with a big glass of cold milk.
Awesome with melted butter.
Makes great hors douvres, if made in small sizes.
(Some kind of baked muffins? have to think on that one...)
*WIH-what I had on hand.
P.S. If you don't want to use butterscotch chips, substitute a warm, melted mixture of brown sugar and butter as a topping. (no syrup necessary)
This is IN NO WAY, as is, a healthy recipe; although it could be tweaked to make it healthy.
Recipe by the Cranky Quaker.
Monday, July 13, 2009
What Do U.S. Prisons and U.S. Healthcare Have in Common?
More than what you might think, folks.
For one thing, both have went from a Society Obligation to major Big Business profits.
So, what has the privatization (for profit) of our nation's Healthcare and Prison Systems done FOR us?While it is true that a few people have made a LOT of profit from both Industries; what about the U.S. Citizenry as a whole?
According to the New York Times; 1 OF EVERY 31 adults is in prison, parole or probation, at a cost of 47 BILLION dollars to states, in 2008. "Criminal correction spending is outpacing budget growth in education, transportation and public assistance, based on state and federal data."* (sidenote: Taxpayers pay for these budgets, folks.)
In other words; "The United States has LESS than 5 percent of the world’s population. But it has almost 25% of the world’s prisoners."**(sidenote: About HALF of ALL people incarcerated are for NON-violent offenses. More than the combined populations of Wyoming and Alaska. *****)
(Wow, I had no idea that incarceration was so much more important than education, transportation AND caring for our poor and sick citizens! Good to know where we stand, though, isn't it?)
Now, let's look at the privatization of Healthcare and its effects on the U.S. Citizenry.
pbs.org compared Japan, the U.S.A, Germany, Switzerland and the UK, regarding Healthcare.
Some quick comparison examples:
1)The U.S. spends MORE (percent-wise) of our GDP on Healthcare for our citizens than the other 4.
2)The U.S. has the LOWEST life expectancy (at birth).
3)The U.S. has the HIGHEST infant mortality rate.
4)Japan has almost TWICE the amount of MRI machines as the U.S. (number per million population).
5)Japan has almost THREE TIMES the amount of CT machines as the U.S. (number per million population).***
Not so amazingly, The Urban Institute estimated that 22,000 adults died in 2006 because they did not have health insurance.(ie. access to healthcare.)****
(Folks, we are NOT getting our money's worth.)
So people, decide for yourself if having for-profit Healthcare and for-profit Prisons are the way to go.
But, MY opinion is that both Healthcare (LIFE) and Incarceration (LIBERTY) is too important and should NOT be controlled by shareholders that are just out to make a buck. (Or a billion.)
I also have a question. I wonder how many of our Representatives have invested in Insurance Companies and Prisons? (And since they make the laws, that would make such investments VERY secure, wouldn't it?)
*http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/us/03prison.html?_r=2
**http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/23/us/23prison.html
***http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/sickaroundtheworld/etc/graphs.html
****http://familiesusa.org/issues/uninsured/publications/dying-for-coverage.html
*****http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/2006/05/23/con-nation/
(This article is my opinion; albeit, with facts and sources cited)
For one thing, both have went from a Society Obligation to major Big Business profits.
So, what has the privatization (for profit) of our nation's Healthcare and Prison Systems done FOR us?While it is true that a few people have made a LOT of profit from both Industries; what about the U.S. Citizenry as a whole?
According to the New York Times; 1 OF EVERY 31 adults is in prison, parole or probation, at a cost of 47 BILLION dollars to states, in 2008. "Criminal correction spending is outpacing budget growth in education, transportation and public assistance, based on state and federal data."* (sidenote: Taxpayers pay for these budgets, folks.)
In other words; "The United States has LESS than 5 percent of the world’s population. But it has almost 25% of the world’s prisoners."**(sidenote: About HALF of ALL people incarcerated are for NON-violent offenses. More than the combined populations of Wyoming and Alaska. *****)
(Wow, I had no idea that incarceration was so much more important than education, transportation AND caring for our poor and sick citizens! Good to know where we stand, though, isn't it?)
Now, let's look at the privatization of Healthcare and its effects on the U.S. Citizenry.
pbs.org compared Japan, the U.S.A, Germany, Switzerland and the UK, regarding Healthcare.
Some quick comparison examples:
1)The U.S. spends MORE (percent-wise) of our GDP on Healthcare for our citizens than the other 4.
2)The U.S. has the LOWEST life expectancy (at birth).
3)The U.S. has the HIGHEST infant mortality rate.
4)Japan has almost TWICE the amount of MRI machines as the U.S. (number per million population).
5)Japan has almost THREE TIMES the amount of CT machines as the U.S. (number per million population).***
Not so amazingly, The Urban Institute estimated that 22,000 adults died in 2006 because they did not have health insurance.(ie. access to healthcare.)****
(Folks, we are NOT getting our money's worth.)
So people, decide for yourself if having for-profit Healthcare and for-profit Prisons are the way to go.
But, MY opinion is that both Healthcare (LIFE) and Incarceration (LIBERTY) is too important and should NOT be controlled by shareholders that are just out to make a buck. (Or a billion.)
I also have a question. I wonder how many of our Representatives have invested in Insurance Companies and Prisons? (And since they make the laws, that would make such investments VERY secure, wouldn't it?)
*http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/us/03prison.html?_r=2
**http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/23/us/23prison.html
***http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/sickaroundtheworld/etc/graphs.html
****http://familiesusa.org/issues/uninsured/publications/dying-for-coverage.html
*****http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/2006/05/23/con-nation/
(This article is my opinion; albeit, with facts and sources cited)
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