Archive for June, 2007

See SiCKO (b4ubasicko2)

June 26, 2007

I have been privileged to view a private screening of Michael Moore’s new film, SiCKO, which will be released to the general public this Friday, the 29th.  I know it has already been onslaught with negetive publicity but indulge me while I give you my take on it’s theme.

 Everybody knows our health care system sucks.  There just isn’t any other way to describe it.  The fact that we can spend billions of dollars on foreign aid and/or conflicts but can’t take care of our own citizens at home is apalling to me.  I can’t understand how we can justify letting our own people suffer and go without care while we parade under the premise of offering a better way of democracy to the rest of the world.  And to top it all off, we ain’t even that healthy.

Everybody knows how corrupt the the system is, we can’t buy cheaper drugs from Canada because of “safety” issues, (the identical product, mind you) we can’t get decent coverage on insurances without paying through the nose and when there is a claim the industry tries their damnest to wiggle out of paying. 

But the part that gripes my fanny most is the fact that other countries can offer free health care to all.  Canada, England, France, even Cuba and Venezula  (the so called “evil” places opposed to us) not only provide it for their citizens but to foreigners as well.  I’m not claiming their system is perfect, but WE could have a BETTER system than theirs, if we WANTED to.

Everybody knows the problem is legislators and lobbyists, the profits going to the shareholders and prejudice against the poor.  Health care for the elderly erodes while the costs continue to escalate.  People have to choose between buying food and getting their meds.  This is what they work their entire life for?  It is discusting how we treat our senior citizens.  Ofcourse, some may think that better planning on their part would’ve prevented the problem in the first place, but how many thousands have lost the pensions they have payed into through no fault of their own while executives  pull down huge bonuses?  You hear of it time and again, so who didn’t plan?  Not the employee who put faith in the system, the system failed us.  And it continues to do so.

Why not, for a change… try something that seems to work for others?  I know people are going to argue that it will cost us more in taxes but we pay taxes now for things that don’t benefit us, I don’t think too many folks would mind paying into something that will provide for the common good.

I know I haven’t touched on much about the movie, and since it is Michael Moore many will try to discredit it but think for a moment… if EVERYBODY KNOWS the system needs fixed it is not about who heralds the message, it is about what we are going to do about it.

One comment I will take from the movie and share with you.  One gentleman said that “in a democracy, the government should fear the people,  the people should not fear the government.  … Americans fear their government.”

I reccomend the film, even if it stirs a debate… at least that is a step in the right direction.  People change governments, they will not change on their own.

peace.

Posted in advantages of mutual respect and fair play, life, musings, peace, politics, pursuit of happiness, rants, soap box, Uncategorized, undercurrent with my big toe, understanding, what is a category and why do we care? | 8 Comments »

Hello Hillary

June 10, 2007

gosh Ms. President elect,

     I am sorry it has taken me so long to get back with you but alot of things have been on my mind lately.

     I’m not exactly sure why a presidential candidate had to take issue with Don Imus’ remark about “nappy headed hos” but I guess one must make their press anyway they can and you are no exception.

     I saw you on CNN the other night and you were responding to a question from the audience.  To paraphrase,  you responded by saying you would appeal to the American public by intitating the feeling that “we are all in this together” which is good, I believe I suggested you do that some months ago.  (see archives under:  Hillary Clinton)

Let me further suggest the following:

If  I  were the President I would:

 1)     always appeal to the American people before I would make a decision by educating the public freely and without bias because… 

2)     forgo consulting with Senators or Congressmen knowing these people are influenced by vote getters and lobbyists.

3)     be more concerned about American citizens than foreign governments, peoples or politics.  My decisions would always be for the common good because I would  have no political agenda or alliance with any foreign entity, parties, businesses or groups.

4)    give a general accounting for monies spent here and abroad every month.  Any successful endeavor must know where the spending is going and if we are “all in this together” people have a right to know now, not after the venture fails.  

5)     also not allow favoritism to any one conglomerate, party or social arena.  I would always be of the people, by the people and for the people.

6)     keep an official White House blog that I attended to at least once a week.  I would answer my own e-mail no matter how unfavorable or critical it was of my administration even if it meant maintaining a FAQ section.

7)     make a weekly progress report to the people either via television or radio or both on the issues I have agreed to resolve, start or continue from prior administrations.  

8)     not have a spokesperson or speech writer.  If I am supposedly smart enough to lead the free world I should be able to do my own research, convey my own thoughts and defend my own decisions without fear of reprisals (though there may be many) or rebuttal (though there may be many more).

9)     lead by my own example.  If I am asking the American people to cut fuel consumption I would do my part by riding a bike, driving a hybrid vehicle, carpooling, taking public transportation or walking.

10)     admit my mistakes.  If I got caught with my hand in the cookie jar it would not cause me to publicly condemn cookies or the people that account for them.  I would merely come by them honestly, partake of them openly and praise the virtue of cookies candidly.

      I am looking forward to seeing you incorporate these suggestions in your campaign during the coming months.

Sincerely,

                                                        John Q. Citizen                     

Posted in advantages of mutual respect and fair play, Hillary Clinton, humor, If I were the President of these United States, life, musings, peace, politics, rants, soap box, Uncategorized, undercurrent with my big toe, understanding, what is a category and why do we care? | 12 Comments »

…and still more pet peeves!

June 9, 2007

Well shucks, pilgrim… here it is just one week end after Memorial Day and guess what?  gas prices start to drop!  a miracle? naw… just greed.  It ticks me off that we have no recourse over these roller coaster surges and gouges but what are the alternatives?  don’t drive? I don’t drive, I don’t work and so the vicious cycle goes.  So though it has appeared numerous times on this blog… it still gripes my fanny.

I don’t like cigarette butts along our roads, sidewalks, beaches and parks either.  Why are people so inconsiderate?  don’t they see what we all see?  Perhaps the nicotine short circuits their brain and makes them blind but I sure wish they’d come out with a biodegradable filter for those things, cigarette smokers are a blight to society… they think the world is their ashtray.  If the government banned filtered cigarettes maybe more people would quit, it sure would help clean up the landscape.  Lets face it, smoking kills… why not hasten it along a little bit, ban filters and save the environment?

I loath seeing Jesus Christ in advertising.  Like the Good Lord cares that your sprinkler pipes are “spirit filled”.  I can’t imagine the Apostle Paul hanging a shingle outside his tent making enterprise stating something like “Jesus chose me, you should, too.”  I know these people think it is their way of proclaiming the Word of God, but I don’t recall any scripture saying it was a Christian’s privilege to use God’s favor to sell cars, carpet or candy bars. But these people sure manage to find a way to make all that is holy a way to make a buck… which is discusting to me.  I’d rather hire a honest heathen than a enterprising evangelist any day.

The term, “Life coaches” irks me.  They say that those who cannot play the game… coach.  Does that mean that those who cannot handle life coach?  I wonder… what makes a coach in the game of life?  “C’mon, kid! we need a touchdown! get in there and give ‘em hell!”  Isn’t it better to lead by example?  “What do you do for a living?”  “I’m a life coach!”  “Got any credentials?” ”Well, I’ve made it this far!”  Gee,  haven’t we all?  I don’t need to pay someone $250.00 an hour to hear them tell me, “You can do it!”  I know I can do it, other wise I wouldn’t try…  if I can’t… it wasn’t that important anyway.

I don’t like those little skater/tennis shoes the kids are wearing now.  I can’t count how many times I’ve seen young people whirling around on their heels and slamming into store displays, shopping carts, walls or people.  What are parents thinking?  Especially if a child is unruly in the first place.  This apparatus allows them to speed away faster than before.  If kids are going to wear these shoes they need wide open spaces not places where people congregate..

I hate seeing lawyers advertising, hate it! hate it! HATE IT!  I think part of the reason our society is in such a bad way is because of lawyers advertising.  “No fee unless we are successful in your behalf!”  Gee, I’ve got nothing to lose, maybe I’ll sue.  “Nursing home abuse! stop! smell! listen! call toll free!”  Hey, Grandpa was 99 years old and ready to go but maybe we can squeeze a few bucks from his caregiver.  “Don’t trust your insurance company, call us before you give any kind of statement.”  Well, it may have been a hit and run but somebody has got to be responsible, we’ll blame law enforcement.  And my favorite, “You may be entitled to compensation!”  for what?  being the eyes, ears, nose and throat of some lawyer who recruits thousands of people to be on the look out?  People think now that they have a right to money just because they had the kahounas to call an ambulance chaser?  … I hate it, it has been a detriment to society since the government lifted the ban, everybody thinks they have a free ride coming and lawyers are in the drivers seat.

Make money in foreclosures!  Doesn’t that sound appealing? Cash in on someone else’s misery!  Joe lost his job and his family is out on the street but you can make a killing buying foreclosures on properties like his!  What are we, circling sharks waiting to tear into the helpless and afflicted?  Why not be offering a helping hand instead of assisting in giving Joe the boot?  Couldn’t make any money! that’s why.

I can’t figure out why people can’t return shopping carts to the designated area in the parking lot.  I mean, they can run all over the mall or grocery store pushing the damn thing but would rather leave it to wander around by itself bumping into parked cars or blocking a parking space instead of returning it.  The places we shop at are considerate enough to offer these carts as a convenience, why not show appreciation by taking care to make sure they are put back?  Also, why do they have to rush for a parking place right up front?  Most of us could use the exercise and there is no overcrowding in the rear.  Why not give the elderly or the infirm a chance at saving a few steps and enjoy the walk in the fresh air and sunshine?  Also, if you see a person has finished unloading their shopping cart, why not offer to take it back for them if you are heading in?   You would be amazed at the surprise and gratitude you’ll receive from this little token of consideration.

People that won’t allow me to merge in traffic should be forced to the curb and made to wait for everyone else to fly by.  It is almost like they are thinking, “You’re not going to get in front of ME!”  They challenge you to run into them instead of following the rules of the road.  Courtesy is contagious, folks.  Give a little, get a little.

It bugs me when I scan people’s blogs only to read that they “have nothing to say”, or their “life is boring”, or “nobody’ll read this anyway” or, “blah, blah, blah…”  why bother?  I’ll admit that 99% of what I have to say may not be that profound but if it isn’t remotely interesting why trouble yourself?  no one else will get it either…

(did I say 99%?  that may have been a gross overstatement…  this is all groundbreaking, earth shaking, soul searching and eerily relevant, isn’t it?  …please say yes … )

peace.

Posted in advantages of mutual respect and fair play, humor, life, love, musings, peace, politics, rants, soap box, Uncategorized, undercurrent with my big toe, understanding, what is a category and why do we care? | 7 Comments »

The illegal immigration solution, conclusion… a.k.a Illegal Immigrant for President! (he’ll do the work George Bush won’t)

June 2, 2007

 ***Please note:  This is the conclusion of an ongoing commentary.  To better understand this entry it is suggested that you scroll back and read Parts 1 and 2 first.

.     .     .     .     .     .      .      .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .    

Pretend you own a house.  You live in a nice neighborhood.  You work hard, pay your bills and taxes.  Your neighbors are a bit envious of you because of your success, but you are involved with the community.  You give to charity, you donate your time to worthy causes, you try to set a good example.  In other words, you are an upstanding, law abiding citizen.

Then one day, you discover someone has invaded your home and set up residence without your permission.  You call the authorities, but they are reluctant to do anything about it.  Not only that, but you find out that your neighbors have been employing this person who has no license, pays no taxes, has no insurance and has been using your materials for his own profit.  To add insult to injury he has also brought his family into your house without asking, and now they are questioning your ability to run your own home, they are making demands, they want compensation.

Now the homeowners association decides that the person that has come to your house illegally should be given part ownership of your home and your representative in government wants to grant him legal status and make you pay the costs of his indoctrination. 

Impossible?  No.

If a person was convicted of being a drug dealer, not only would he be imprisoned but all the material possessions bought with his profits would be confiscated as ill gotten gains and sold at auction.   Yet illegal immigrants could cost the United States more than we spend on the war on drugs.  White collar crimes like Enron could pale against the cost of illegal immigrants in the United States.  In fact, blue collar crimes like armed robbery will not cost Americans as much as illegal immigrants.  We should allow for more armed robbers to go free because though that is a crime, that activity will not cost the taxpayers as much as allowing illegal immigrants to stay in this country. 

Why should one illegal activity be favored over another?  Bank robbers pay into the system, they buy cars, food and bullets.  They’ll do the crime that the rest of Americans won’t do.

The United States is Mexico’s welfare system.  According to a recent USA Today article, 40% of Mexicans live in poverty.  Now money illegally earned here by it’s citizens is being sent back to Mexican relatives.  It is the second largest source of income for Mexico next to oil production.  Yet Mexico supplies the U.S. more oil than Saudi Arabia and Venezuela combined.  We are it’s best customer but the Mexican government has not been a strong ally to the U.S.   I think that country’s politics needs more of an overhaul than ours.

I am a small business owner.  It is getting more and more difficult to maintain my business with the cost of insurances, taxes and paying a fair wage to my employees.  I have to do these things in order to stay in business by law regardless if I make a profit or not.  This idea of allowing illegal immigrants to stay here because they will do the work that Americans won’t is a LIE.  I have been on huge job-sites with hundreds of workers and not one of them spoke English.  Yet there is plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, drywall,  masonry and heavy equipment work being done.  You can’t tell me that there aren’t unemployed Americans out there who wouldn’t rather be working those jobs than sitting at home watching Oprah.

Like I have said before, I have empathy for these victims of Mexico’s inept and corrupt government.  I don’t blame anyone for wanting a better life and it would be hard to stay clear of prosperity because of an imaginary line that separates one country from another.  But they are refugees and in accordance to how we have dealt with that issue in the past we have not forsaken the laws of this land to accomedate them.

Big businesses and politicians are the only ones that will benefit from allowing this crisis to go on.  The majority of citizens do not want an amnesty bill, they want law enforcement and protection from criminals.  The federal government has failed us in this regard.  Millions of people have become American citizens by following the law, millions more are applying and willing to follow the guidelines set by law.  Should the law change because some want to cut in line before those who play by the rules?  I don’t think so.

The war in Iraq will not cost as much to taxpayers as the allowing for illegal immigrants to stay in these United States. 

Some say we should invade Mexico and overthrow their government.  Some think an invasion has already begun.

peace.

Posted in advantages of mutual respect and fair play, humor, life, musings, peace, politics, rants, soap box, Uncategorized, undercurrent with my big toe, understanding, what is a category and why do we care? | 14 Comments »

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