This suddenly popped into my mind, for no particular reason. One thing that really annoys me is the way people will go about their business, day after day, with no thought whatsoever for God, no gratitude for the blessings in their lives. Until they need something - maybe someone is sick, or there is a death in the family, or some other crisis - and then Suddenly you hear them prattling on about God, and his will, and "saying a prayer," and yada yada yada ad nauseum. Then when the sick person is better (or properly buried) it's business as usual till the next crisis. Why should he help you? You really think he OWES you?? If you give your kids everything they need, special stuff now and then, and they Never give you credit for it, and the only time they talk to you - or even ABOUT you in a positive way - is when they need something... Wouldn't that get old after a while?
Oh, and another one. Isn't it interesting how people will blatantly live their lives AGAINST God, doing everything he says NOT to do, and then when their lives fall apart they want to blame him. Really?? Come on! Play the game, pay the price, quit being such a Baby already. You deliberately ignore God's instructions - go so far as to say he has no Right to tell You what to do - and then blame him cause it didn't work out. Grow Up.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Health care bill
So it's happened. The health care bill has passed. A lot of folks around me are up in arms. Others are delighted. Personally, I am glad it passed -- and I am glad it didn't pass easy!! I am glad that Stupak, Ellsworth, and others insisted that the unborn be protected. Time will tell how it all plays out. More another time.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Let's be accurate
So some of my FB friends are posting this new "copy and paste if you have the guts" statement. It goes like this:
Well, that gives me hope - the part about 99% of people not reposting. Shows that 99% of people know better. Now, full disclosure, I am Definitely Not a diehard American patriot. I am more than happy to criticize if I think criticism is deserved. But seriously... "the only country"....? Deliver me. I am curious about the person who came up with this in the first place. How many countries have they lived in? Have they EVER been outside the United States? I doubt it. Which means they know NOTHING about conditions in other countries. Have you noticed people aren't flocking OUT of this country, they are flocking IN. I wonder if that should tell us something?
That said, of course this country has problems. Health care has Serious problems - I don't think anyone in their right mind denies that. And no one should have to choose between medicine and food, for sure. But I would like to know this: How many people really starve to death in this country? Not "how many have poor diets," but how many actually starve to death? So let's go through the enlightened statement, bit by bit.
First, "the only country." That is ridiculous. As previously noted, somebody needs to get out more. Second, as for the homeless without shelter, yes, that's a huge problem. But we do have a lot of rescue missions, and if you can't stand the thought of listening to several sermons throughout the day while you eat and stay warm, well, I guess that is your choice. There is the Red Cross, Salvation Army, dial 211 for United Way, and also your local police. There are options at least, and in other places there often are none. Third, children going to bed hungry, yes, that is sad. Again, most will not starve to death or become seriously malnourished. The same cannot be said elsewhere. In Asuncion - which is MUCH better than some places - I used to see 5- or 6-year-olds carting their younger siblings through the streets begging. Thin kids. In other places you have preteen girls working as prostitutes to feed themselves. Fourth, as for elderly without meds, the very fact that this is seen as a PROBLEM here is a major difference between the U.S. and other countries. The old Ayore didn't even have the OPTION of long-term medications, except maybe for blood pressure, and they sure as heck didn't have the government paying for it. They are just expected to die. And fifth, regarding the mentally ill - in many places they just get made fun of, mistreated, generally taken advantage of. Treatment? Yeah... If they DID get treatment, it would be in an asylum, and don't even get me started on that one.
So, my point is just... There are Many problems here, a Lot of things need to improve, but it is just UNTRUE to say that this is the "only country" with these issues. Should we take care of our own first? Yes - but don't begrudge the Haitian earthquake victims the aid they are getting.
"Shame on you America" the only country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed without eating, elderly going without needed meds, and mentally ill without treatment - yet we have a benefit for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations. 99% of people won't have the guts to copy and repost this!
Well, that gives me hope - the part about 99% of people not reposting. Shows that 99% of people know better. Now, full disclosure, I am Definitely Not a diehard American patriot. I am more than happy to criticize if I think criticism is deserved. But seriously... "the only country"....? Deliver me. I am curious about the person who came up with this in the first place. How many countries have they lived in? Have they EVER been outside the United States? I doubt it. Which means they know NOTHING about conditions in other countries. Have you noticed people aren't flocking OUT of this country, they are flocking IN. I wonder if that should tell us something?
That said, of course this country has problems. Health care has Serious problems - I don't think anyone in their right mind denies that. And no one should have to choose between medicine and food, for sure. But I would like to know this: How many people really starve to death in this country? Not "how many have poor diets," but how many actually starve to death? So let's go through the enlightened statement, bit by bit.
First, "the only country." That is ridiculous. As previously noted, somebody needs to get out more. Second, as for the homeless without shelter, yes, that's a huge problem. But we do have a lot of rescue missions, and if you can't stand the thought of listening to several sermons throughout the day while you eat and stay warm, well, I guess that is your choice. There is the Red Cross, Salvation Army, dial 211 for United Way, and also your local police. There are options at least, and in other places there often are none. Third, children going to bed hungry, yes, that is sad. Again, most will not starve to death or become seriously malnourished. The same cannot be said elsewhere. In Asuncion - which is MUCH better than some places - I used to see 5- or 6-year-olds carting their younger siblings through the streets begging. Thin kids. In other places you have preteen girls working as prostitutes to feed themselves. Fourth, as for elderly without meds, the very fact that this is seen as a PROBLEM here is a major difference between the U.S. and other countries. The old Ayore didn't even have the OPTION of long-term medications, except maybe for blood pressure, and they sure as heck didn't have the government paying for it. They are just expected to die. And fifth, regarding the mentally ill - in many places they just get made fun of, mistreated, generally taken advantage of. Treatment? Yeah... If they DID get treatment, it would be in an asylum, and don't even get me started on that one.
So, my point is just... There are Many problems here, a Lot of things need to improve, but it is just UNTRUE to say that this is the "only country" with these issues. Should we take care of our own first? Yes - but don't begrudge the Haitian earthquake victims the aid they are getting.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Good news; random stuff
Well, I am feeling chipper, just found out I am getting paid for some of my jobs this week. Wasn't really expecting it so that is great. Unfortunately, there are no jobs in the immediate future, which is not so great. But, such is life. If I don't have editing work I will just concentrate more on my Melaleuca business and my schoolwork. Also will try to focus more on keeping the house clean. Heheheheh...
Also Wyatt is feeling a lot better, which eases my mind. Since his surgery he had not felt like eating much, lost several pounds etc. Which is a big deal, as he only weighed like 78 to start with. But, today he said his throat did not hurt when he ate, and was interested in ice cream etc. :)
School I think will go well this semester. Earth science is interesting, and reading has always been something I enjoy. This week it's Frankenstein, lol. We shall see if I can stay awake for that. I'm only taking 7 credits, so it should not be too hard.
Anyway... SpongeBob is on, kids are fighting... time to referee. Ho-hum. :)
Also Wyatt is feeling a lot better, which eases my mind. Since his surgery he had not felt like eating much, lost several pounds etc. Which is a big deal, as he only weighed like 78 to start with. But, today he said his throat did not hurt when he ate, and was interested in ice cream etc. :)
School I think will go well this semester. Earth science is interesting, and reading has always been something I enjoy. This week it's Frankenstein, lol. We shall see if I can stay awake for that. I'm only taking 7 credits, so it should not be too hard.
Anyway... SpongeBob is on, kids are fighting... time to referee. Ho-hum. :)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Scott Brown
So it appears the people of Massachusetts are done, for the moment at least, with the Kennedy dynasty. I really don't care about it - I don't live there, and as for Scott Brown, I am not sure why folks are so excited (unless they are really just That Tired of the Kennedys). At least, I don't know why conservatives are excited. The man believes that a child's life should ultimately be a decision between a woman and her doctor, hello. Not exactly what I call pro-life.
But at least he is not in favor of taxpayer money being used to end that life, which is an improvement over Martha Coakley. And although I believe we need this health care, need a public option (which we probably won't get), we also need transparency, we need to know what is going on with this bill, instead of having it get shoved thru like cattle thru a chute. Why isn't everything being aired on CSPAN? That is what Obama promised.
And, it is good that the Democrats do not have such unlimited control over the Senate anymore. It isn't good for either party to feel so comfortable, like they can do what they want no matter what. They forget that they were elected by CONSTITUENTS, who can vote them out the next time around. Power corrupts, goes to people's heads when they don't think they have to be accountable anymore.
So. I guess the people of Massachusetts remembered that, even if Congress didn't.
But at least he is not in favor of taxpayer money being used to end that life, which is an improvement over Martha Coakley. And although I believe we need this health care, need a public option (which we probably won't get), we also need transparency, we need to know what is going on with this bill, instead of having it get shoved thru like cattle thru a chute. Why isn't everything being aired on CSPAN? That is what Obama promised.
And, it is good that the Democrats do not have such unlimited control over the Senate anymore. It isn't good for either party to feel so comfortable, like they can do what they want no matter what. They forget that they were elected by CONSTITUENTS, who can vote them out the next time around. Power corrupts, goes to people's heads when they don't think they have to be accountable anymore.
So. I guess the people of Massachusetts remembered that, even if Congress didn't.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Various injustices etc.
In my current project I was reading about how (supposedly, I was not there so I am assuming this is accurate) back in the middle part of the 1900s police used to routinely raid gay bars, arrest people, and publish their names/pictures in the paper. I just can't figure out what that could possibly accomplish. Really. I mean what, is that supposed to make people want to go straight? How could we ever think that was a good thing?
**Don't get me wrong. I believe the Bible, and it says homosexuality is an abomination to God. I believe that, and believing that is NOT being judgmental. And I have the Right to teach my children that.**
Having said that, I also believe it is not my place to heckle or in any way harass, mock, or trouble (and for heaven's sake, assault??) someone who lives this way. That is between them and God. Anyway why single out that particular issue? Gossip is also a big deal - mentioned SO many times in scripture as harmful. Hypocrisy. Adultery - that includes the men involved, yes. Not just the women.
But I am getting off topic here. Why do we not reach out more to people in general? Especially if we disagree with their lifestyle. Why do we not simply treat every person with dignity and respect, and not concern ourselves with what we can't - and shouldn't - control? Also, why do we want to control other people anyway? Is it because we can't control our own selves?
On the flip side of that, why do we sometimes think that just because we know someone who is gay (I have relatives who are, for instance) it means we have to condone it? It really is perfectly ok to love someone without AGREEING with everything they do. It seems like we either think we have to be AGAINST the person, or completely approve of their actions. We don't. We also don't need to try to change them. It is not our job.
Anyway. Back to the original topic, I find it really sad that we could ever think it was ok to brutalize people - for any reason. Whether for race, gender, or lifestyle choice, it is just so not ok.
**Don't get me wrong. I believe the Bible, and it says homosexuality is an abomination to God. I believe that, and believing that is NOT being judgmental. And I have the Right to teach my children that.**
Having said that, I also believe it is not my place to heckle or in any way harass, mock, or trouble (and for heaven's sake, assault??) someone who lives this way. That is between them and God. Anyway why single out that particular issue? Gossip is also a big deal - mentioned SO many times in scripture as harmful. Hypocrisy. Adultery - that includes the men involved, yes. Not just the women.
But I am getting off topic here. Why do we not reach out more to people in general? Especially if we disagree with their lifestyle. Why do we not simply treat every person with dignity and respect, and not concern ourselves with what we can't - and shouldn't - control? Also, why do we want to control other people anyway? Is it because we can't control our own selves?
On the flip side of that, why do we sometimes think that just because we know someone who is gay (I have relatives who are, for instance) it means we have to condone it? It really is perfectly ok to love someone without AGREEING with everything they do. It seems like we either think we have to be AGAINST the person, or completely approve of their actions. We don't. We also don't need to try to change them. It is not our job.
Anyway. Back to the original topic, I find it really sad that we could ever think it was ok to brutalize people - for any reason. Whether for race, gender, or lifestyle choice, it is just so not ok.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Why we need health care reform
We need health care reform, and a government option, because there is little to no help for those who have no insurance through an employer. When Gary lost his job earlier this year it would have cost us $218 a month, WITH the government subsidy, to continue our coverage -- then $645 a month after the subsidy ran out. Not doable, not. (Oh, and that was just for him and me, not the kids.) But what options did we have? Thank God he got a new job right away and insurance within 3 months. But for that, we would have been up a creek. It is a myth that all low-income people can get medicaid, by the way -- at federal poverty level, if you aren't disabled you DO NOT qualify if you are a non-pregnant adult without kids. It isn't right that a family or individual should be one major illness away from bankruptcy. It really isn't. Why is treatment so expensive anyway? I understand people want to make money but come on!
I am not sure that reform is being pursued in the right way, but at least it is being pursued. Still, they need to get rid of frivolous lawsuits that drive up costs for everybody and make doctors afraid to do anything for fear of getting sued -- or they do Everything, run Every conceivable expensive test, just so they don't get sued for missing something. What nonsense.
But it annoys me immensely when people say everyone has health care, you can go to the ER if you need health care. The ER is not health care! They don't have to treat you for cancer or other long-term illnesses. They stabilize you, and send you home. We need to be able to get help when we need it.
Back on the other side of the argument, I believe with ever fiber of my being that quality will deteriorate when they pass this reform. Whether they pass it now, or 10 years from now, quality of care will go down. And for that, I am very sorry for those who have serious illnesses, because they will be less likely to live through it. But, at least they will have access to some sort of help, which so many do not have now.
I am not sure that reform is being pursued in the right way, but at least it is being pursued. Still, they need to get rid of frivolous lawsuits that drive up costs for everybody and make doctors afraid to do anything for fear of getting sued -- or they do Everything, run Every conceivable expensive test, just so they don't get sued for missing something. What nonsense.
But it annoys me immensely when people say everyone has health care, you can go to the ER if you need health care. The ER is not health care! They don't have to treat you for cancer or other long-term illnesses. They stabilize you, and send you home. We need to be able to get help when we need it.
Back on the other side of the argument, I believe with ever fiber of my being that quality will deteriorate when they pass this reform. Whether they pass it now, or 10 years from now, quality of care will go down. And for that, I am very sorry for those who have serious illnesses, because they will be less likely to live through it. But, at least they will have access to some sort of help, which so many do not have now.
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