Head out of the Sand Now

The Health Care Reform-Part 1

2010-03-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

When I reviewed the White House's Q&A segment on health care, it didn't take me long to become enraged. A statement is made that with this health care reform they will be able to 'rein in the worst insurance company abuses'. That's rich coming from the US Government.

I work as an ER nurse. I deal with patients who are part of our Medicaid and Medicare system. Obviously the government doesn't know the definition of abuse or they would try to control it in their own 'run' health care systems. I have seen patients who participate in these programs come in for the following:

1. A female presents with a complaint of nausea and abdominal pain. The patient states that she thinks she might be pregnant. She knew exactly which key phrases to use to get herself a bed. When she arrives in my room, however, her story changes. She tells me that she really only wants a pregnancy test. When I ask her if she tried taking a test from the drug store, she tells me that she doesn't trust 'those tests'. I again confirm with her that she is only there for a pregnancy test, she smiles and says, 'well yes, there's really nothing else wrong'. So she wastes an ER bed and taxpayer money because she won't go to the dollar store for a pregnancy test.

2. Parents come to the ER with their child who has a fever. The child has had a fever all day. When asked if they treated the child's fever with motrin or tylenol, the parents answer, 'no', they can't afford it. Note that these were the same parents who were out smoking prior to coming into the Triage room. Oh okay, so they can't afford medication for their sick child, but they can afford cigarettes, AND a blackberry cell phone. They state the reason for their visit is to get a prescription for motrin or tylenol. Now for my friends who do not understand why they would need a prescription for an over the counter medication, let me explain. The reason is that with a prescription, we the people will be paying for their medication. Yes, that's the way it works...if they have a script, our wonderful government, through our hard earned tax dollars, will buy their motrin so they can keep buying their cigarettes and paying for a phone that I myself can't (or won't) afford.

I will only include two examples...partly because they replicate themselves ten fold over the years...and partly because I do not want to cause you, my readers, to have an aneurysm from the details. These stories are true and the names have been excluded to protect HIPPA privacy. I cannot invent system abuse such as these for I do not possess the guile that is necessary to perpetrate such heinous acts.

All this to say that I scoff at the US government for thinking that it is the insurance companies who alone tolerate abuse. These examples are at one small hospital in the middle of Ohio, but they are replicated all over the country...how many tens of thousands of dollars are being wasted because of visits such as these? And it will get worse because now EVERYONE has coverage. Wake up America!

The Nightmare

2010-03-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

I just really couldn't imagine it. I had the false belief that our nation's leaders were only threatening socialism. I believed that those with the power would point to our great Constitution and decide that the government had no business being involved in its citizens' health care.

And then the day came when I awoke from this dream of our forefathers and was stunned into reality that the health care bill had indeed passed, and that our vice president has as much class as a University on spring break. (But that is a subject for another time.)

Ladies and gentlemen, we need to speak up! We cannot stand idly by and watch our great nation fold because of an administration who would push their own agenda and in effect have a mardi gras like celebration on our forefathers' graves!

In my coming posts I will discuss the health care bill and what it means to those of us in this nation who work hard. In the meantime, google socialism and study it well...because friends...the nightmare has only just begun as we are now on the path to a socialist state.

Opossum flu, the Media, and a Healthcare Bill

2009-11-16T06:43:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time there was leadership of a country that was trying to shove a health care bill down its citizens' throats. The leadership called a meeting together with their media friends and discussed how this failing bill might come to fruition.

After the meeting was called to order, one of the leaders pointed out that the flaw in the bill was that the everyday person was not feeling the affects of having no health care insurance. After opening it up to the floor, one of the reporters stood and suggested that fear is what moves the hearts of men so maybe there was something that could be done along that line. "Yes", states the leader, "that would work. How do you propose we instill fear in the hearts of these citizens?" The reporter, very proud to be speaking directly to the leader of his great nation states, "Well, there are rumors that the opossum flu might become a pandemic...let's make it one. Let's insight panic so that all the citizens will line up for hours at clinics, doctors' offices, emergency rooms, and health departments for vaccinations and treatment. We in the media can hit hard how horrible this virus is and make a point of strongly covering stories involving people dying from the virus. This will make people who wouldn't otherwise go to their physician or emergency room panic and rush in for treatment." The leader, considering this idea then questions, "But how will that accomplish what we are hoping to accomplish?" The reporter, filled with pride at this point states, "Because the average person stays home when sick until they are better. By pushing them out and into the crowded emergency rooms and doctors offices and making them wait for hours, fear will be instilled in them, bringing home to them how inadequate our health care system is. After waiting for hours in an emergency room with hundreds of others waiting for treatment, they will be forced to say, 'there must be a better way'." Smiling the leader states, "Yes that will work, that might just work."

Somewhere in Newark, Ohio a mother of three, frightened when her youngest sneezes and coughs, scoops her children up and takes them to the local emergency room. She sits in fear with the other masked patients hoping and praying that her child doesn't have the opossum flu. As she waits she sees another story on the waiting room television of someone who has died from this dreadful virus. (Of course the media fails to mention the multi-system illness that plagued the patient prior to contracting the virus). As she waits in fear for three hours to be seen she thinks to herself, "Something needs to be done about health care...this is crazy."

And as she thinks this the leader of the country smiles, knowing that the mission has been accomplished and that health care reform is brought to the forefront of yet another citizen's mind. The end.

Mockery-something absurdly or offensively inadequate or unfitting.

2009-10-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

Thank you dictionary.com for the definition above. Thank you President Obama for modeling the definition in real life.

President Obama's entire life and political career is a mockery. Something that is absurdly or offensively inadequate? Well let's see, first there is his absurd absenteeism as a junior senator. Then there is his use of ACORN workers to "solicit" or shall we say "fabricate" voters in his Presidential election. Or how about the fact that he still has YET to prove that he is qualified as a United States citizen to serve us as the President of the United States. Or maybe it's the lack of keeping ANY of his promises to his supporters, (as chronicled beautifully by Saturday Night Live). Or his offensively inadequate patriotism? Every chance our President or first lady are afforded, they apologize for our country. There is NOTHING to apologize for!

And now he is participating in the mockery of accepting the Nobel Peace Prize. The prize that is usually awarded to people who ACTIVELY are involved with peace keeping projects. President Obama's contribution...well ladies and gentlemen...we are just so SURE that his contributions will be great that we're going to go ahead and give him the prize.

But we as the American people cannot fault this line of thinking by those awarding the prize...after all, the American people 'awarded' him a Presidency not based on what he HAD done but on what it was believed he COULD do.

Olympic Woes

2009-10-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting here watching Meet the Press and the liberal idiots with lisps praise President Obama for attempting to bring the Olympics to Chicago. And then move on to bash Palin and state again how they 'hope' she is the Republican candidate in the next election so the Democrats can win again. Thank God for Fox News!

The general public has begun to loose their awe of President Obama and yet the liberal press hasn't caught on. My only comfort is the fact that the world is obviously not fooled by President Obama and his supposed charisma either.

The Olympic committee voted this week to have the Olympics in Brazil. President Obama and the First Lady presented Chicago before the committee as the ideal Olympic venue. With everything else going on in the country from the war to health care to the ACORN scandal, the President decided to focus his attention and energy on bringing the Olympics to his "adopted" hometown. Hmmm...interesting priorities don't you think? And yet, the world saw through his mask and eliminated Chicago in the first round. And never have I been happier to see such a swift decision being made.

Maybe now that President Obama is back home, maybe he can focus his attention on....oh I don't know...running the country?

Really Mr. President? Really?

2009-09-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

If you haven't gone to www.biggovernment.com to view the ACORN videos, please do so now. Otherwise this post will make no sense to you.

ACORN, who has received $53 million in funds since 1994 is now under investigation due to some nicely filmed undercover reporting by James O'Keefe. Both the Senate and the House have voted to CUT federal funding to Acorn.

This is a very big story and a very big deal. So what does our President have to say to this? The President who was proud to associate with this organization during his campaign? When interviewed by George Stephanopoulos about this very matter he replies, "frankly, it's not really something I've followed closely. I didn't even know that ACORN was getting a whole lot of federal money." WOW! And further states, "George, this is not the biggest issue facing the country. It's not something I'm paying a lot of attention to." Really Mr. President? Really? Talk about not having your hand on the pulse of the nation! I guess he is simply too busy trying to spend millions more shoving a medical plan we don't want down our throats! (For the full interview go to http://blogs.abcnews.com/george/2009/09/obama-on-acorn-not-something-ive-followed-closely.html)

Thanks to James O'Keefe and his investigative reporting we now know Mr. President what a "community organizer" does...it's a shame the people of this nation didn't research that job description on your resume BEFORE they elected you.

Does he look like a racist or KKK member?

2009-09-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

After reading a lot of people's input on the internet about we "racists" and "red-necked hillbilly KKK clansman" that attended the Tea Party in Washington, DC on September 12th, I feel the need to set the record straight. (Which really, all you need to do is look at pictures from the event to see that it was comprised of people of all ages, races, and political affiliations).

I'd like to introduce you to Charles Lollar, one of the key speakers at the march and the single best reason to move to Maryland once he is elected to Congress. Mr. Lollar served in the Marines for 13 years as an officer, has been married to his wife for 16 years and is raising his beautiful children, and is one hell of a speaker! He shared the story of one of his tours overseas. He said that he and his men had secured a city and were doing one last check of the city when they came upon a man and his family standing outside the remains of their recently destroyed home. Officer Lollar and his men offered to secure the area for the man and help him rebuild. In a spirit that was so the America of old, the gentleman said, "I don't need help rebuilding my house, I can do that...I just need you to provide the security so I can do so". Wow! Now isn't that a concept foreign to most of the citizens of the United States...or should I say a concept foreign to our government leaders who believe we need them to rescue us? And that was Mr. Lollar's point. We in this country need to let government know that we don't need them to "take care of us", but to protect, serve and defend the constitution; which is their sworn duty. (I wonder how many of them have even read the constitution.)

I hope that Mr. Lollar not only becomes a congressman, but through that experience might one day make a run for the White House. He embodies the spirit of all that is American!

Proud to be an American

2009-09-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

After a long drive full of rain and traffic, the 5:00 am alarm came very early. After donning our homemade t-shirts and with Metro passes in hand, our small group of four headed out to the unknown to voice our concerns over big government and excessive spending.

After entering the Metro station and taking the escalator to the platform, we were pleasantly surprised to be joined by two other protesters from St. Louis, Missouri on our journey. Although we didn't know each other before this day, we shared a kinship in the desire for freedom from taxes and getting back to the Constitution. After a few more stops, we saw others board the Metro line dressed in red, white, and blue and carrying signs with various slogans all in support of the cause we too were fighting for.

After arriving to Metro Center, the last stop on our morning train journey, we climbed the stairs to the daylight and found we were joined not by 10 or 20, but by hundreds pouring out onto the streets to voice our desire for freedom.

People poured into Freedom Plaza. Excitement turned to joy and joy to pride and pride to tears. Seeing so many people; (old and young, black and white, republican and democrat), coming together for one purpose...to keep the United States from becoming a socialist nation...made me more proud to be an American than I believe I ever have. You could see peoples' passion in their signs, the determination on their faces, and the pride they carried in their hearts.

Speakers inspired people not towards change; but rather a return to the moral and spiritual foundations of this great nation. We may not remember their names, but we will always remember the way they stirred the hearts and minds of we the protesters.

And then the word came that we had reached critical capacity at Freedom Plaza and the march would begin early. As we entered the threshold of Pennsylvania Avenue we saw a sea of people leading all the way to the Capitol. People poured in from side streets to join us in the march. For two and a half hours people made their way from Freedom Plaza to the Capitol; a distance of 1.1 mile. There were more speeches, and more songs, but the one thing that resonated with the crowd was pride of country.

We are taught in this country at a very young age to be "color" blind. I must say though that I failed at this today...for I saw colors...and those colors were red, white, and blue.

God bless America!

Did We Over-react?

2009-09-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

Today is September 8th and President Obama delivered his speech to the students of the nation. For a quick summary of the speech, here's a link : http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/08/obama-schoolchildren-stay-school-responsibility/.

If you read the speech, you might think, what was the issue? This was simply a speech to encourage students to reach for their dreams, stay in school and respect their teachers. And that is what officials would like you to believe...that the conservatives over-reacted; as we always do, and they were simply trying to deliver a speech to inspire a generation.

Well folks, you have to know that this was not the original speech. This speech is what came AFTER all the protest. This speech did not include the original planned follow-up activity of students recording what they were going to do to SERVE President Obama. This speech did not have the lesson plan accompaniment that was also originally planned.

So either one of two things happened and I'll let you draw your own conclusion: 1) The conservative voices were heard and the changes were made or 2) This was the perfect opportunity to show that the conservatives go off "half-cocked" and make a big deal about nothing...(which is perfect timing considering the Tea Party draws to a conclusion in Washington DC this Saturday). Points to ponder ladies and gentlemen...points to ponder!

Listening for the Jackboots

2009-09-03T12:21:00.001-07:00

I went to sleep last night secure in the fact that I lived in a free, democracy-driven nation that was built on faith, and the desire to be free from evil tyranny and dictatorship. This morning is a different story. Now, before you accuse me of being John the Baptist, alone crying in the wilderness; or a person over dramatizing a threat that is very real; consider what those in Germany might have said months before the Nazis took over.

I had an e-mail regarding President Obama's Diversity Czar, Mark Lloyd. Hm, maybe I should back up a minute. Did you know that President Obama has Czars? Even the name causes one to picture Russia. If you don't believe me, go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/ and enter the word, "Czar" into the search. Yes, we do have them. Actually I should say that President Obama has them. And he is the only President of the United States to do so. Before I digress into a diatribe on the lack of necessity for Czars, I want to continue on my point of the one in question, Mark Lloyd.

Now, if I came out and said that Mark Lloyd, Diversity Czar was going to silence free speech, you might stand up and take notice. Aha, but our current President is MUCH smarter than that. He's simply going to impose fines to radio stations that produce anti-President sentiment such as Fox news. The fine would be equal to their operating costs for the year. And what happens with these fines? Wait for it...that's right...it will be given to smaller radio stations, ones with pro-President agendas, so that they can produce programming. Yes, you need to re-read that sentence. First of all, what radio station has enough money for their operating costs PLUS a fine equal to that amount? Second, wouldn't it be a great way to 'shut these people up' if they simply closed due to lack of finances? Third, what would the option be for these stations?...either change their programming or close. Fourth, what would we have left if this happened...all pro-Presidental propaganda. Very sneaky, isn't it?

Does it make you think of Nazi Germany and Goebbels? The Nazis first came to power by utilizing propaganda. It began subtly and then built. Do you think the very first day the Nazis came to power they opened their concentration camps and began killing innocent people? No, they started with simple ideas and thoughts and then 'sold' those to their fellow-countrymen. If you don't think it could happen here, talk to someone who lived in Germany during those times; I have...they didn't think it could happen either. Think about the liberties we have in this country and those who fought and are continuing to fight for our freedom. We owe to to them to not be complacent, and to stand up for our rights. This is not an anti-Obama agenda, but rather a Pro-American agenda.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is these subtleties that slip in when we aren't paying attention that shape the future of our country...if we don't stand up now, then we WILL start hearing the jackboots, and just as in Germany, it will be too late.

Personal Responsibilty

2009-08-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

So I was looking over the White House Website and reviewing some of the latest legislation and I see an act that President Obama signed, called the CARD act that will help us poor, defenseless consumers who are "hard-working people who took real hits, and a litany of ways credit card companies can find to take advantage." Poor, poor, ignorant Americans.

So once again, the government is going to step up, President Obama will don his cape, with Nancy Pelosi at his side, and swoop in and save the day! Where is the personal responsibility? This goes back to my problem with the term "preditory lending". Once again, I was taught to read what I signed. It's the same with a credit card. When I signed up for a credit card, I knew what it was. I knew I would be charged interest, I knew I would be charged penalties if I didn't pay it on time, and I knew that I risked my interest rate going up if I was not responsible with my credit card. I take personal responsibility to educate myself on what I am getting myself into and learn the penalties if I don't play by their rules.

But if you listen to President Obama, I am just a poor, ignorant American who was easy prey for those evil credit card companies. They tricked me into signing up for their credit card with promises of a free toaster or t-shirt. They didn't tell me that I would be charged interest. (Oh and aren't they evil for doing that?). People, people, people. Credit Card companies are no different than any other industry...they are there to make a buck just like everyone else. They aren't some back-alley loan shark...they are a business like any other.

Once again, socialism is rearing its ugly head and we are being told that we are too ignorant to live our own lives and make our own decisions and big government is the answer...they are here to save the day. I say that we go back to the constitution of the United States of America, and go back to taking personal responsibility for the decisions, (however bad they may be), that we make.

It's Been a Long Time

2009-08-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

I was really surprised when I pulled up my blog and realized it had been since February that I had blogged. And it's not like President Obama hasn't given me anything to talk about...maybe it was that the utter volume of blogging that could go on was overwhelming in light of the fact that I live a busy life. But now my silence is broken.

I would like to first educate my readers very simply on socialism and communism as that is the path that President Obama is leading us down. People in this country that support him and his policies are under the impression that this nation is floundering and if it is not for the government jumping in, we will sink. Not only is this a false belief, it is unconstitutional. Basically, here is how socialism begins...the government becomes involved in every area of the citizens' lives. The people are happy for awhile because everything is being taken care of by the government and they don't need to worry. Then the honeymoon period is over, the citizens realize they received a raw deal and now are ready to go back to the way things were. The problem is that the government LOVES this new found power, like the way things are being run, and don't care what the people think so communism is born out of necessity for the government to retain power. Don't believe me? Ask any citizen of a communist nation how it came about.

So the government has taken control of the banking industry and the auto industry and now they are gunning for healthcare. The problem is that the government talks about all these people who don't have health insurance and how we need a solution for them. The truth is though that people without health insurance have options, programs, and alternatives. I know this because as a nurse in a busy ER I see them everyday.

The ones that need help are the UNDERinsured. I have a friend that I can use as an example. Recently this friend found themself in an emergency situation where surgery was the only option. This friend had health insurance but a $5,000 deductible. Where was the help for them? After three visits to the ER for their painful situation, they eventually gave in and agreed to surgery. They let the cost of their solution dictate their health. So you might be asking, wouldn't this healthcare bill solve this problem? The simple answer is 'no'. People who already have health insurance will not be benefitted by this plan. This plan will only further help those WITHOUT health insurance. And if the plan goes through, the penalities applied to independent health insurance companies will be passed on to policy holders such as my friend mentioned above.

So bottom line...national healthcare may sound good but it is 1. an unconstitutional decision that pushes us closer to socialism and communism and 2. will do nothing to help the hardworking under insured, insurance-carrying Americans, but will further help those who do not have health insurance and already have programs to help them.

I've Been Quiet Long Enough-The US Government Rewards Bad Behavior and Punishes Those Who Try Do the Right Thing

2009-02-21T05:11:00.000-08:00

The stimulus package approved by the government includes assistance for people who are losing, or are in danger of losing their home. President Obama said that we are in danger of losing the American dream and that is why he earmarked money for this purpose.

Once I heard that I realized that it's important that I tell my personal story in order to show how wrong this plan is. I know my story is certainly not unique, but it is mine.

I was working as a project manager for Bank One for four years. Our President, Jamie Dimon, decided that he would merge our bank with JP Morgan Chase. Even though it ruined the lives of several thousand employees, his income and future with the merger was completely set, (as he was promised the presidency of the combined bank (now called Chase), when the current president retired in two years). So, because of the duplicate positions that would be created once a company is merged, positions for Bank One needed to be eliminated. Since I had the lowest seniority, I lost my job in November of 2003 and my severance ended on Christmas day of that year. (Thank you Jamie Dimon).

I tried to get a job with Bank One after being laid off but because of the merger, most open positions were placed on hold. So I made the decision to go back to school for nursing. This may have seemed like a simple decision, but I had a mortgage and car payments, and everything else to consider. I reluctantly signed up for unemployment (my family said I paid into it since I was 16 and that's what it was there for), cashed in my retirement, and traded my truck in for a cheaper car. My unemployment check was half of my income, but it covered the bills as long as I didn't spend any extra money. I ended up taking a job at a hospital as a patient care tech (nurse's aid) for $8.00 an hour; thus giving up my unemployment. I was making $45,000 a year with Bank One which works out to $3500 a month after taxes. With my new job I was making about $1150 a month. My severance paid me about $1700 a month. So this is the first of the "punishments" I get for doing the right thing and getting a job.

I made the decision to sell my house and my parents graciously said I could move back home until I could get on my feet. This was right at the beginning of the housing slump and my house would simply not sell. So now I was faced with the need to come up with money to save my home. Now you must understand, for me it wasn't a matter of "saving the American dream", for me it was a matter of fulfilling the promise I made by signing my mortgage papers to continue paying my mortgage. It was about responsibility. So, I began taking out student loans and cash advances from my credit cards to cover my mortgage. I put my house on the market again. But again, no one would buy it.

I went through four years of school and worked and didn't spend money and now I have between student loans, mortgage, and credit cards, about $250,000 of debt. I'm a nurse and make pretty good money, but I live paycheck to paycheck. My priority for that paycheck is my mortgage and come hell or high water, I pay my mortgage; I've only been late twice and paid the fees for it. And my credit rating is over 700. So I may have an ugly number in my checking account, but my credit rating is good.

So, what happens with someone like me when it comes to the stimulus money earmarked for people with mortgage issues? Well, for me to benefit, I would have to be heading to foreclosure. So, you might be saying..."Do it! You'll benefit". I can't do that. Because the American dream that President Obama speaks about isn't about sticks and drywall...it's about pride. It's about being responsible. It's about keeping promises. Sure if I did default, or put myself closer to foreclosure I'd benefit financially, but what would I sacrifice in the process. I can tell you...I'd sacrifice not only my pride, but my beliefs, and I'd be spitting on those who raised me to be responsible and pay my debts.

The big buzz word right now is "predatory lending". And I understand that there may have been some of that going on with the elderly, but for people like me, I think it's an exaggeration. I was raised to read what I signed. I signed an ARM but I read what I signed and for me it helped me stay in my home. Plus my ARM locks at 8 percent. I knew how it would work because I read it and I asked questions. See, unlike what government officials just did, I read what I was signing. There are crooks out there and when I was looking to refinance while going through school I met a few. One mortgage broker offered to put $3,000 into my checking so he could get the mortgage to go through and then I'd simply give him a check after it closed. Even though it was a great deal for me and would've solved a lot of problems, I walked away. Because it would have simply been wrong. But I was fully aware of what they were trying to do. I educated myself on what I was signing. No one made me sign anything. So to me "predatory lending" simply is a buzz word used to excuse irresponsible behavior.

So the stimulus package went through and thousands of irresponsible people are about to benefit while those who tried to do the right thing are passed over. To me President Obama, this is the loss of the "American Dream".

I'm not writing this to pat myself on the back, or provide some bitter rant. Everything worked out well for me and in the end, I wouldn't change the decisions I made because they got me where I am today and I love being an ER nurse. I have a lot of debt that I'm working to pay down and I will continue to do so. I simply wanted to share my experience with all of you because in situations like this it's easy to feel like you're the only one going through it. I know the temptation is there to choose to do the wrong thing simply because it's easy. But, chins up America, we can get through this and it's not going to be by doing the wrong thing; but for standing up for what is right! Get vocal America!!!

Is Barack Obama really fulfilling Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream?

2009-01-19T14:44:00.001-08:00

The media is going nuts proclaiming that Martin Luther King, Jr. would be so proud of the day that Barack Obama, a black man, is inaugurated President of the United States. But when I read his "I Have a Dream" speech, it makes me wonder if this is true.

The beginning line of this speech is the source of my question, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

Was Barack Obama really elected because the content of his character or the color of his skin? It is a question that many have, but few really voice. When we look at Barack Obama, we find that we really know little about him. Even now, the question of his birthplace is being challenged and the eligibility to be President. When one looks to his political record, we find that he voted "present" more than yes or no. When we look at his past we find again more questions than answers. It says that he led inner city groups...but doing what exactly? It is very much a mystery. And for a young man with very little political record to rise to the position that he has in such a short amount of time, one wonders how this is possible. So I have to ask the question, was he really judged for his character or his skin color? And I have to ask, just because the judgement is a positive one and the result of that judgement is a Presidency, is it not just as negative because that judgement was indeed made based on his color? And if that is the case, if it is his color that won him the election, and not his character, how can we proclaim that Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream has been realized?

On another note, Martin Luther King Jr. wanted equality. He spoke of this in his speech. He said, "Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring—when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children—black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics—will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" This does not sound like the Marxist nation that President Obama is encouraging. This does not sound like the "spreading the wealth" that he is proposing. It is equality plain and simple that he desired. It is that everyone regardless of race, religion, or gender be afforded the same opportunities. Not a hand-out, or a "robbing from the rich to provide to the poor", but an even playing field. I think President Obama has missed this point...and we all know that thanks to Joe the Plumber.

I pray for this President and I pray for the nation and I pray for the black community that they will not be disappointed when they realize that Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream is not realized in this President. For this President was indeed judged for his skin color and not for his character...whether the judgement was positive or not.

Government Illusions

2008-12-04T06:31:00.000-08:00

What do you see? What do they want you to see?

This picture is a great illusion and example of how ones eye can trick itself. This image actually contains two women. One woman is old and one woman is young. Amazing, isn't it?

Our country's leadership is doing this exact illusion when it comes to the state of our country.

According to dictionary.com, socialism is defined as, "a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole." If you heard President-elect Barack Obama's statement to Joe the Plumber, you might recognize the same theme of "spreading the wealth". And yes, it is unconstitutional. But it is happening. The American people are so focussed on change and looking at what is good for "we the people" that we're missing it.

Our government has stepped in and "bailed-out" the financial and auto industry. So who owns these "means of production and "distribution of capital"? That's right, the Federal Government. And who is proposing that we make changes to healthcare and education? And who would be in charge of these "community" resources? That's right, the Federal Government. And with a President that believes in taking from those who are successful and giving to those who are not, (e.g. "Spreading the wealth"), will they not also be "distributing the wealth" as well? Yes. My fellow Americans, compare this paragraph to the above definition of "socialism"...what do you find?

And when socialism fails, what is next? Welcome Karl Marx to the United States of America.

Digital Television-What a Waste

2008-11-27T19:45:00.000-08:00

With the economy in the state it is in, with corporation after corporation pleading with the government for money to save their investments, I have to ask...is this really the time to worry if US television is digital or analog?

You might be asking what the government has to do with this digital television transition. Congress approved releasing money in the form of coupons to US citizens. Each household in the US can receive two coupons valued at $40 each towards the purchase of the converter box. I've priced the boxes and you can get a nice box for $40-60. This is nice for the US citizen, because I'm only out of pocket for around $10-20.

So why am I complaining?

It's the timing. With all we have to think of...the housing slump, the war, the stock market falling, inflation, taxes, etc. is now REALLY the time to be focussing on the clarity of our signal? Is now the time to be offering who knows how much money to US citizens so we can purchase frivilous boxes? Shouldn't we be more concerned with people keeping their homes and providing food on their tables?

It's just a question and one I wish Congress asked before they approved this program.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/AboutProgram.aspx

A Poor Man and His Antique Mercedes

2008-11-24T12:02:00.000-08:00

The other day I was volunteering at the local food bank. With the economy being what it is, the line was quite long. The people in line were hard-working American citizens that simply needed a helping hand. Many of them were laid-off or out of work; but some held jobs and simply weren't making enough to make ends meet.

In an effort to calm the people while they waited, I worked my way through the line, smiling, chatting, and handing out snacks. The line was quite long that day and wound out into the parking lot as people stood in the rain. There were men, women, and children; all of obviously humble means, and all feeling ashamed to being asking for food. I helped them understand that there was no shame in what they were asking for, and told them that they would be able to take enough food home to have full bellies that night and several to come. That brought smiles to the parents' faces as they looked down at their children who were obviously hungry.

I started back into the building when I saw a man in a beautifully maintained antique mercedes pull into the parking lot. I let out a small laugh at the thought of more donations to help these sad, poor souls. The man stepped out of his car, (worth more than probably the net worth of the entire line of about 60 people), in a tailored Armani suit, wool coat, and leather gloves, with shoes polished so that I could see my reflection in them. The man burst past me and headed to the front of the line, knocking a poor child over in his wake. I stood there in the rain; baffled, as I watched him talking to one of the volunteers at the desk. I made my way back into the building to find out what this man needed. As I entered I saw the volunteers loading boxes of food for this man. And not just some food, but all of it. When I questioned the volunteers, they stated that this man wanted the food, said that he needed all of it, and they were simply complying with his demands. I asked this man why he couldn't sell off some of his possessions and assets and purchase food with the money. The man replied that he had a standard of living to uphold and that although he had made some bad investments, he can't be held accountable and he would simply have to take what he needed.

He left the shelter with his boxes of food as hungry children cried, and adults stood forelorned at the thought not being able to provide for their children. Their Thanksgiving tables would be empty again this year.

Although this story is fictional, it perfectly describes how I felt when the auto makers arrived in their private jets and their tailored suits to ask for OUR hard earned tax dollars in the form of yet another government bail-out.

It makes one wonder where Nissan and Toyota and other car companies were the day they had this meeting in Washington...oh wait, that's right...THEY know how to manage money, turn a profit, and plan for the future. Isn't it sad that American businesses can't keep up with their global competitors? But hey, with an example like the government to reference, why not just keep spending even though you have nothing in the bank?

And so it begins...

Trade Deficit

2008-11-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

These are my father's hands and they represent the United States. My father entered the Navy at age 17, served his country, learned a trade, was discharged from the service, and has worked for the same company as a field mechanic on heavy machinery for 36 years. Every single day, rain or shine, my father leaves around 5:00 am and goes to work. He never complains, serves his company well, and works hard for a living. Even when he was being treated for colon cancer, he would go to chemo or radiation in the morning and still make it to work on time...even put in overtime as needed.

My father represents a dying breed. In this country we don't know how to work and sweat, or use our God-given talent and able bodies. We have become a service industry country. We have ceased to use our hands. And it is because of this that we have a trade deficit. To put this term simply, we import more than we export. Now, this may not sound like a big deal, but financially, it is. Let's say that we export 8 billion dollars in goods and we import 16 billion dollars in goods, that creates a deficit of 8 billion dollars. And this needs to be paid. So, the American people pay it EVERY SINGLE DAY. In order to create an analogy, I will draw upon my experience in Papua New Guinea. Suppose I go to the market and I've made fresh pumpkin bread. The bread could yield me one dollar. Now, what I need is beef and the beef costs two dollars. Suppose I find someone who is willing to trade me the beef for the bread, but I am a dollar short. How will I pay that? Well if the beef merchant knows that I will bring pumpkin bread every week and the beef merchant knows that I am good for the money, he will probably continue trading with me until it is no longer financially feasible for him to do so. And the beef merchant also knows that although I may not have it now, I do have savings that I can rely upon to pay this deficit. So the trading continues. Let's bring it back to the trade deficit. The United States is an established country. We have great credit with the rest of the world. Although we really don't produce anything, (except scrap metal---which by the way is our third largest export), countries will trade with us because we are good for it. And they know that we have reserves in the social security funds and can use that to pay the deficit. And ladies and gentlemen, that is exactly what is being tapped to pay our debts to those with which we are trading. Eventually, the world is going to get tired of trading us "beef" for "pumpkin bread" and they are going to call our debts and we will be out of luck, money, and time.

The only thing that will change our country is to go back to being an industrial nation and actual "make" things again. We need to get our hands dirty again and start producing rather than servicing. It is sad that it is cheaper for us to import our cars than to make them ourselves. It is sad that our auto makers, (in the country where the auto was born), are asking the government for bail-out funds simply to pay the salaries of their employees. It's one of the last industries in which we actually work with our hands and make something worth exporting...and it's slowly dying.

How can we fix our country? Put our minds to good use and figure out ways to make things again. Create and build. Only through these two things will we build our economy and fix the daily trade deficit that is draining our social security and threatening the retirement of our baby boomers...people like my father who have truly worked their entire lives. If anyone deserves retirement it is the baby boomer generation...upon whose backs we experience the freedom and advancements in this country today.

My father's hands are cracked, scarred, and rough from work; but nothing makes me more proud then to see them and hold them and know that my life is possible because of them. He and his hands deserve retirement and if our generation does not heed the call and find ways to become industrial again, all that work will have been for nothing. And nothing makes me more sad than that thought.

After I wrote this post, my brother wanted to weigh in on the subject:

What happened? My Dad, who is close to retirement was greatly affected by this wall street mess. My dad has worked hard his whole life. Served in the Navy, learned a trade and has worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for the same company for over 34 years. He did what everyone told him to do, work hard, raise your family well, adore your spouse, save your money and put all you can into retirement. He followed all the rules that our country has told us to do. God, service, family and work hard. While all the fat cats are getting rich off of the wall street mess and all the congressman’s special interests groups are in line for the next bailout my dad is out working somewhere on a heavy piece of equipment at a strip mine, in the snow with 28 degree wind chills. My dad isn’t in line for any bailouts and he isn’t crying a river. He has accepted the fact that he has lost money in his 401K. You know what he is doing about it? He’s going to work and praying. My dad like many of us aren’t represented by anyone. We are the silent majority. Why are we silent? Probably because we would rather give of our time and God given skills to someone in need instead of organizing a “save the green lizard” fund raiser. We would rather spend time with our families instead of going to a seminar on how to get rich off the stock market. We would rather listen to our Pastors advice on how to best raise a good family instead of Dr. Phil. We would rather go camping with our kids instead of buying them the latest in video games and sticking them in front of the TV.

I’m convinced that the path my Dad has chosen is the right one. Here is why. He has been told by many Doctors he is healthy as an ox. Even thru colon cancer and a major back surgery he had last year he has fought thru what most people his age wouldn’t have. I saw his reunion picture, he was the only one that wasn’t 260 pounds with no hair. He has the joy of knowing that he does his job well and he can rest assured that he is one of the best in his trade. He adores my Mom, and oddly enough and contrary to the liberal patrons, I adore my wife as well, hmmmm wonder where I got that from. He has raised his children to love God, work hard, save your money, rely on no one but yourself and listen to your elders. I am truly blessed to have had such a wonderful father. He felt it more important to teach me about the value of the dollar than how to get one, he taught me that you should help people with your time and skills instead of just handing them money, he taught me to respect people and their opinions, even if you don’t agree with them, he taught me that winning the baseball game meant nothing if your weren’t humble and respectful in your victory and he taught me that no matter what comes my way I can always rely on God to help with my struggles.

I will leave with one question? What if every child had a Dad like mine?

Here we go....

2008-11-13T09:56:00.000-08:00

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."-Second Amendment of the Constitution, Second Item in the Bill of Rights.

I may not be a politician, elite of the academic world, or attorney. And sometimes complicated information can confuse me. But when I read this, I feel it is pretty straight-forward. Simply put, (not that this is necessary), as a a citizen of the United States it is not only my priviledge, but my God-given right to own a gun. It's that simple. If I understand this simple concept, why can't politicians?

I am now speaking of our President-elect, Barack Obama. According to sources at the NRA Illinois chapter, Obama's team posted a plan on their "transition" website that detailed plans to enact four changes that would make it difficult for gun makers and buyers together. These changes include making the EXPIRED assult weapons ban permanent, repealing the Tiahrt amendment (the amendment allows ONLY law enforcement to trace guns to their owners), close the non-existent (but they say there is one) gunshow loophole, and enact impossible and expensive design changes all in the name of "childhood safety." (You can read the article at http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/node/6192).

After the article was posted on November 10, and covered extensively by the news, this information was removed from the transition website. This is according to the Washington Times. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/11/exclusive-obama-deletes-agenda-from-transition-web/

So basically then, Barack Obama is not only going back on his campaign promises of enforcing the second amendment, he is refusing to admit it, in effect enacting these changes in secret. Well, I guess he did promise change...just wish the citizens of this country asked for specifics. Sorry, I'm just listening for the jackboots.

Guest Writer-Jeff Robb

2008-11-12T06:37:00.000-08:00

Below is a posting from my brother and fellow-truth-lover, Jeff. His posts are like as my friend Mike says (alwaystilting.blogspot.com), raw or sushi politics.

We as Americans thrive on conflict and controversy, as long as we are not involved with it personally. Every 4 years as a nation we are given 2 candidates, which have opposing believes and ideologies. A Republican and Democrat are chosen to represent us. Who are these candidates chosen by, Republican and Democrats which are endorsed by the democrats and republicans that we voted into office, senators, congressman ect.
We do this every 4 years even though we KNOW that it is choosing the lesser of 2 evils. Why is it that we have 50 choices for Miss American but only 2 choices to run our country? I believe it is anchored in our government. They don’t want us to have more than 2 choices. The party lines are what separates our country. It keeps Americans divided. It allows our Government to easily blame the other party for an important issue not being handled. Imagine there were no parties. This would be a politicians worse nightmare. Without a party to hide behind then each individual would be held accountable and responsible for their own decisions. The politician would then have to make decisions based upon their individual beliefs, not what the party has spoon fed to them, or what is favorable in the party that they represent. Imagine how this would work in real life. What if you lived on a street where you had the “West” side of the street and “East” side of the street. The title alone would cause a conflict. You would befriend your own side and outcast the other side. Trash would be picked up on different days, you would use different landscapers just to spite your neighbors and you would have social gatherings that only included your side of the street. No one would want to live in this kind of neighborhood, but this is exactly what we have created in our government.
You would never see a defensive football player allow the other team to go unblocked and get a touchdown just because he was mad the quarterback threw an interception that put them in that position, Never! However, that same football team has all walks of life, black , white, gay, straight and yet every Sunday they have one goal, win for the “team”. They put all other issues aside and play for the team. Wow, what a concept. And what happens if the team leader doesn’t win a game that year? He is fired and replaced with someone that will.
Until we stop the party controversy we will NEVER have people that truly represent us. We stay on our party lines even when that party is wrong. As a nation we are ignorant when comes to understanding what each candidate stands for, we vote for president, congress, representatives and local officials right down party lines. I know one way to prove this, remove the (D) and the (R) from all voting ballots. Hmmm, very thought provoking, huh?
If being Republican or Democrat is so important that we allow this system to control our government, then next time I greet someone, or sign a contract or buy a car instead of saying hello, how are you, how’s your family, how’s work going, should I ask right away if they are Republican or Democrat?, nah, I will leave that callous, uncaring, thoughtless personality to the politicians.

The Media

2008-11-12T05:14:00.000-08:00

Okay my fellow-Americans, what are we doing? We are allowing the media to determine what news we want to hear.

I went to Yahoo today to search for something and instead of seeing a news update about the meetings with President George W. Bush and President-elect Obama; I see a news article on which dog breed might be the official one in the White House with the Obamas. And yesterday one of the lead stories was which code names were picked for the Obamas.

Now to be fair, I don't really look to Yahoo as my main source of national news. But I'm sure there are those that could tell you the code names selected for the Obamas, but have no clue that China is authorizing a stimulus package that could have grave effects on the American people. And we let the media do this to us. We are satisfied with only bare-bones reporting and fluff pieces. We settle for mediocrity in media and let even national news reporters dictate which side we listen to...right or left.

We live blindly being led like lambs by shepherds of the media who couldn't care less if we fall off a cliff or are fed to the wolves. As long as we are quiet sheep who follow and do not create a debate or question the news we receive, we will not suffer attack. If you doubt the prowess of the media, talk to Joe the Plumber who simply asked a question of the President-elect Messiah and had his life investigated more than if he himself were running for office. And isn't it sad that we Americans know more about Joe the Plumber's personal beliefs, financial information, and actions than the man whom we just elected leader of the free world?

Stand up my fellow Americans, don't be lazy, do the research, and demand that we receive news that is accurate, relevant, educational, and unbiased. Until we do, we will see headlines that entail the fluff of which dog will be in the White House next; and not a word about our President-elect turning our nation into a socialist republic.

Uneducated American

2008-11-12T04:43:00.000-08:00

I admit it...I'm guilty. I am one of millions of Americans that had dug my head into the sand and didn't pull it out for fear of knowing the true state of our country. I voted blindly based on party lines...I used to say, "When in doubt, vote Republican" and that was my stance. Only in this past election did I take the time to truly research who and what I was voting for; and what the outcome of those decisions may entail.

And as I realized how empowering it was to be educated and to take a stance based on facts and not on others' opinions and conjecture, did I realize that I could take this further and actually have educated opinions on things like the economy, taxes, and education. I could actually spend some time researching and know what is going on in my own country. It's interesting because what I have found is that although the information can be scary, I am less fearful because the truth is staring me in the face. And I'm still naive enough to believe that when people educate themselves on the issues, they can form an opinion, take a stance, and exact REAL change.

So, that being said, I will endeavor through my small blog here to educate, inform, and hopefully together we as a nation can pull our heads out of the sand, face the truth in the face, and make real change that will affect generations to come.