My mother just sent me a message. They are locked down at there school. A couple of gun men have killed a bunch of people with allot of wounded as well. I guess the military went in and killed them, but it will be a bad thing for may families to deal with.
I guess I will get on the news website and see what is going on.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Secretary Napolitano??
I have not seen anything on here about Secretary of Homeland Security calling returning Veterans (Americans hero's) as Terrorist Threats to America.
What do you on the left have to say about her.
This, in my opinion, is the left returning to the Vietnam era of spiting on returning veterans. I think she should have lost her job over this. Because she did not, I can only assume that the President agrees with her. I would like to see wrong called wrong.
As a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars it is always a privilege to help in the grave side military rights of a fallen veteran (it doesn't matter if in war time or peace time). All who have served should be considered hero's. I know that Timothy McVeigh was a veteran and the worst American terrorist. Use the exception to the rule if you wish to defend what she said, it won't go far.
All gave some, some gave all.
What do you on the left have to say about her.
This, in my opinion, is the left returning to the Vietnam era of spiting on returning veterans. I think she should have lost her job over this. Because she did not, I can only assume that the President agrees with her. I would like to see wrong called wrong.
As a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars it is always a privilege to help in the grave side military rights of a fallen veteran (it doesn't matter if in war time or peace time). All who have served should be considered hero's. I know that Timothy McVeigh was a veteran and the worst American terrorist. Use the exception to the rule if you wish to defend what she said, it won't go far.
All gave some, some gave all.
Question of the day
If the federal government steps in to help combat a swine flu pandemic does that constitute socialised medicine?
White House causes terror scare
An Air Force One lookalike, the backup plane for the one regularly used by the president, flew low over parts of New York and New Jersey on Monday morning, accompanied by two F-16 fighters, so Air Force photographers could take pictures high above the New York harbor. Continue...
Specter says he's switching from GOP to Dems
WASHINGTON (AP) - Veteran Republican Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania abruptly switched parties Tuesday, a move intended to boost his re-election chances that also pushed Democrats within one seat of a 60-vote filibuster-resistant majority."I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans," Specter said. Continue...
Monday, April 27, 2009
Rick Perry, After Raising Secession, Calls For Fed Help With Swine Flu
Less than two weeks after raising the prospect of seceding from the union, Texas Gov. Rick Perry is calling on the federal government to come to his state's aid in the midst of the swine flu outbreak. Continue...
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Something To Take Your Mind Off The Economy
We were put on alert about this today by our local Health Department.
Mexico swine flu deaths spur global epidemic fears
World Malaria Day April 25th, 2009
World Malaria Day is commemorated on April 25, the date in 2000 when 44 African leaders met in Abuja, Nigeria, and signed the Abuja Declaration, committing their countries to cutting malaria deaths in half by 2010. Malaria is a preventable and treatable parasitic disease transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito. Malaria continues to cause approximately 1 million deaths worldwide each year, with nearly 90% of these deaths occurring among young children in Africa.
Here is a press release from the US Malaria Coordinator.
And, here is where you can go to help by purchasing a mosquito net to save a life.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Quotes of the Day
"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." -Charles Darwin
"If I hadn't believed it, I never would have seen it with my own two eyes." - Dr. James C. Kroll
"If I hadn't believed it, I never would have seen it with my own two eyes." - Dr. James C. Kroll
Follow the Money UPDATE
Posted by Sean on Feb 18
Follow the money
Chris Matthews is a "journalist" for MSNBC who openly declares his job to be to make Obama's presidency a success. Before the elections, it was obvious the whole network was in the tank for the democrats.
MSNBC is owned by GE.
GE manufactures medical equipment, healthcare IT, energy infrastructure (Smart Grid)and has finacial wing.
How much do you think they stand to gain by the recovery act? It is one thing for companies to lobby congress to their benefit, it is quite another when the so-called free press does everything they can to ensure an outcome to their advantage
UPDATE:
Fox News reports on the GE ShareHolder meeting today
http://www.foxnews.com/search-results/m/22146957/talking-points-4-23.htm
Follow the money
Chris Matthews is a "journalist" for MSNBC who openly declares his job to be to make Obama's presidency a success. Before the elections, it was obvious the whole network was in the tank for the democrats.
MSNBC is owned by GE.
GE manufactures medical equipment, healthcare IT, energy infrastructure (Smart Grid)and has finacial wing.
How much do you think they stand to gain by the recovery act? It is one thing for companies to lobby congress to their benefit, it is quite another when the so-called free press does everything they can to ensure an outcome to their advantage
UPDATE:
Fox News reports on the GE ShareHolder meeting today
http://www.foxnews.com/search-results/m/22146957/talking-points-4-23.htm
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Happy Earth Day!
Here is a great read on the subject!
“Green Hell: How Environmentalists Plan to Ruin Your Life and What You Can Do to Stop Them”. By Steven Milloy! READ IT! It will awaken you!
“Green Hell: How Environmentalists Plan to Ruin Your Life and What You Can Do to Stop Them”. By Steven Milloy! READ IT! It will awaken you!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Reflection, The family portrait
Thank you Becki for the comment, and for bringing to mind something.
Yes, the family portrait.
Every one looks for something when they walk into someones house.
Some look for the medicine cabinet, "what is in there".
Some at the decor, what kind of art is in the house.
Some to the family pet, others outside to the back yard.
All these tell allot about the people in the house.
I look for the family portrait.
Yes, the family portrait.
Every one looks for something when they walk into someones house.
Some look for the medicine cabinet, "what is in there".
Some at the decor, what kind of art is in the house.
Some to the family pet, others outside to the back yard.
All these tell allot about the people in the house.
I look for the family portrait.
POTW - An occasional spot of water.
This isn't a Guam shot but its current. This is the "Harbor View" scene from my hotel room in Hong Kong.
TESLA
I would just like to back up a bit for those of us that appreciate the sciences and scientist, such as N. Tesla.
Those of you that are interested aught to google “Tesla, Edison’s Medicine”. Then click onto the ‘YouTube of Edison’s Medicine’. It’s Rock’n!
Just to give you a brief history of the lead singer of the rock group Tesla. The lead singer, AKA J.K. actually lived on Guam for about 7 years, did the bar scene gig with his band, and was a local truck driver on the rock. Later he moved to Sacramento at the same time I was living there back in the early 90’s. I ran into him several times with his wife at the local grocery store. He is a rocker, but is so frick’n smart. JK loves science. This is why he called his band ‘Tesla’.
This is some good Guam history here folk’s.
Those of you that are interested aught to google “Tesla, Edison’s Medicine”. Then click onto the ‘YouTube of Edison’s Medicine’. It’s Rock’n!
Just to give you a brief history of the lead singer of the rock group Tesla. The lead singer, AKA J.K. actually lived on Guam for about 7 years, did the bar scene gig with his band, and was a local truck driver on the rock. Later he moved to Sacramento at the same time I was living there back in the early 90’s. I ran into him several times with his wife at the local grocery store. He is a rocker, but is so frick’n smart. JK loves science. This is why he called his band ‘Tesla’.
This is some good Guam history here folk’s.
Our president shakes hands with dictators...
while planning to prosecute fine Americans who serve to protect us from Islamic extremists.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Reflection, Who stole my bike?
A preacher was outraged that someone stole his bicycle. It was his only form of transportation.
Seeing one of his elders walking down the street, the preacher found it to vent out his anger onto a listening ear.
"Oh, you just wait", The preacher grumbled, "I will give a sermon this Sunday that will compel the thief to confess.
Well Sunday rolled around, and the preacher stood at the pulped, arms just a flailing around. Red faced and veins a pop'n out of his head like an atlas of West Virginia. The sermon was on the 10 Commandments, and oh, what a sermon.
The elder kept looking around for the guilty party. Waiting for that sign of regret and repentance. However, no faces changed through out the whole sermon. They all sat affixed to the preacher. No one's gaze changed.
Look at the comment to see the end of the story.
Seeing one of his elders walking down the street, the preacher found it to vent out his anger onto a listening ear.
"Oh, you just wait", The preacher grumbled, "I will give a sermon this Sunday that will compel the thief to confess.
Well Sunday rolled around, and the preacher stood at the pulped, arms just a flailing around. Red faced and veins a pop'n out of his head like an atlas of West Virginia. The sermon was on the 10 Commandments, and oh, what a sermon.
The elder kept looking around for the guilty party. Waiting for that sign of regret and repentance. However, no faces changed through out the whole sermon. They all sat affixed to the preacher. No one's gaze changed.
Look at the comment to see the end of the story.
Long-Delayed Dan Brown Novel Now Due in September
Dan Brown, the author of the mega-bestselling novel “The Da Vinci Code,” has finally delivered his long-awaited new novel, “The Lost Symbol,” and it will be published Sept. 15. Continue...
Monday, April 20, 2009
Reflection, Just helpful advice
Lets step back form the Bible for a bit.
I received these from a friend. (Hey, they don't call me a friend for nothing,....I have to pay them good)
Sometimes just sitting back realising some simple facts can help.
Read the first comment.
I received these from a friend. (Hey, they don't call me a friend for nothing,....I have to pay them good)
Sometimes just sitting back realising some simple facts can help.
Read the first comment.
Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – Defending his brand of world politics, President Barack Obama said Sunday that he "strengthens our hand" by reaching out to enemies of the United States and making sure that the nation is a leader, not a lecturer, of democracy. Continue...
Sunday, April 19, 2009
An Evangelical Declaration on the Care of Creation
The Earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof - Psalm 24:1
As followers of Jesus Christ, committed to the full authority of the Scriptures, and aware of the ways we have degraded creation, we believe that biblical faith is essential to the solution of our ecological problems. Continue...
As followers of Jesus Christ, committed to the full authority of the Scriptures, and aware of the ways we have degraded creation, we believe that biblical faith is essential to the solution of our ecological problems. Continue...
Pope to turn Vatican into Commune
Only a few days after Roman Catholic Easter, the tradition's faith leaders announced a plan to care for God's Creation by harvesting energy from sunlight. Solar photovoltaic (PV) power exists in a small scale all over the world, from arrays less than 1 kW to a couple dozen MW. But the Holy See just announced that they intend to build what would today be the world's biggest solar PV system at 100 MW. Continue...
Aryan Nations recruiting again in northern Idaho
(AP) COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho – The Aryan Nations has returned to northern Idaho with what it is calling a "world headquarters" and a recruitment campaign.
Coeur d'Alene resident Jerald O'Brien, who has a large swastika tattoo on his scalp, is one of the leaders of the white supremacist group and said he expects membership to grow because of the election of President Barack Obama.
He told The Spokesman-Review newspaper that the president is the "greatest recruiting tool ever." Continue...
Coeur d'Alene resident Jerald O'Brien, who has a large swastika tattoo on his scalp, is one of the leaders of the white supremacist group and said he expects membership to grow because of the election of President Barack Obama.
He told The Spokesman-Review newspaper that the president is the "greatest recruiting tool ever." Continue...
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Official Site of the Alaska Climate Change Sub-Cabinet
Governor Palin signs Administrative Order 238 creating the Climate Change Sub-Cabinet on September 14, 2007. The Sub-Cabinet advises the Office of the Governor on the preparation and implementation of an Alaska climate change strategy.
http://www.climatechange.alaska.gov/
The impacts of climate warming in Alaska are already occurring. These impacts include coastal erosion, increased storm effects, sea ice retreat and permafrost melt. The villages of Shishmaref, Kivalina, and Newtok have already begun relocation plans. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has identified over 160 additional rural communities threatened by erosion. Click here to see photographs of some of the Alaska climate change issues.
EPA: Global warming a health hazard
I thought I'd beat you guys to the punch. This should be good for a few circle the wagon rants I'm sure. Read the story here.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Reflection, Glory
Becki, You said it better than I could have.
It doesn't matter to what Deity or religion someone tries their best to follow. The final outcome is to glorify.
I am a Christian, but if a Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu or even that of an Agnostic were to be honest, to bring glory is our goal. Even an atheist will look for something to give glory to. That could be something as simple as a car, work, him/her self......
Who or whatever you serve, that is your god. That is why Jesus said, "no one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other....." (Matt 6:24) Regardless to whom or what you bow, you will glorify. But that is a deliberate act. Pain and suffering is not always. In 2 Corinthians the 12 chapter, Paul has cried out to God for the removal of a "thorn in the flesh". First of all, we are not sure what the thorn in the flesh was. It is believed with good credence to be a physical problem. We know from contemporary historians, such as Josephus, Paul had problems with his eyes. He even mentions it in Galatians Chapter 6, "see how large a letter I have writ en.....". Paul usually used a scribe to pen his letters. The "thorn" could have also been spiritual. It says that it was a "messenger of Satan to buffet me,..." None of that really matters as much as Gods reply to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you,". In all things give Glory.
A couple of definitions for Glory used in the Bible that can help put this in perspective are:
Daxa-which is honor, praise and worship
Kauchaomai-Boast, glory, joy, and rejoice.
It doesn't matter to what Deity or religion someone tries their best to follow. The final outcome is to glorify.
I am a Christian, but if a Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu or even that of an Agnostic were to be honest, to bring glory is our goal. Even an atheist will look for something to give glory to. That could be something as simple as a car, work, him/her self......
Who or whatever you serve, that is your god. That is why Jesus said, "no one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other....." (Matt 6:24) Regardless to whom or what you bow, you will glorify. But that is a deliberate act. Pain and suffering is not always. In 2 Corinthians the 12 chapter, Paul has cried out to God for the removal of a "thorn in the flesh". First of all, we are not sure what the thorn in the flesh was. It is believed with good credence to be a physical problem. We know from contemporary historians, such as Josephus, Paul had problems with his eyes. He even mentions it in Galatians Chapter 6, "see how large a letter I have writ en.....". Paul usually used a scribe to pen his letters. The "thorn" could have also been spiritual. It says that it was a "messenger of Satan to buffet me,..." None of that really matters as much as Gods reply to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you,". In all things give Glory.
A couple of definitions for Glory used in the Bible that can help put this in perspective are:
Daxa-which is honor, praise and worship
Kauchaomai-Boast, glory, joy, and rejoice.
CNN beclowns itself
By Michelle Malkin • April 16, 2009 12:42 AM
Call the wah-mbulance.
So, the Tea Party protests are “not fit for family viewing” according to one very unhappy CNN reporter, Susan Roesgen, who also fumes over what she calls an “offensive” anti-Obama sign that compares Obama to a fascist. (And yes, I told you this was going to happen.)
But guess what? Newsbusters caught the same indignantly indignant Susan Roesgen covering an anti-Bush rally in New Orleans in which she blithely refers to a huge Bush puppet with horns and a Hitler mustache as a “lookalike.”
She called today’s events “anti-CNN.”
No, just anti-stupid.
CNN earns the Tax Day Tea Party Big Loser Award:
Biased. Busted. Beclowned.
Call the wah-mbulance.
So, the Tea Party protests are “not fit for family viewing” according to one very unhappy CNN reporter, Susan Roesgen, who also fumes over what she calls an “offensive” anti-Obama sign that compares Obama to a fascist. (And yes, I told you this was going to happen.)
But guess what? Newsbusters caught the same indignantly indignant Susan Roesgen covering an anti-Bush rally in New Orleans in which she blithely refers to a huge Bush puppet with horns and a Hitler mustache as a “lookalike.”
She called today’s events “anti-CNN.”
No, just anti-stupid.
CNN earns the Tax Day Tea Party Big Loser Award:
Biased. Busted. Beclowned.
Speaking as a DC righty
I am appalled by RAC's statements to Dave about his retirement and salary benefits.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Is it you?
I heard it said that 1 out of 3 Americans is ugly.
Please look to your left and right. If the people on ether side of you are good looking..........Sorry
One out of four Americans have a mental disorder. Please think of your 3 best friends, if they seem okay...................sorry
Why does the bank charge you for "insufficient funds" when they know you don't have the money to begin with???????
Why did Kamikaze pilots wear helmets??????
If you think of some, leave them.
Please look to your left and right. If the people on ether side of you are good looking..........Sorry
One out of four Americans have a mental disorder. Please think of your 3 best friends, if they seem okay...................sorry
Why does the bank charge you for "insufficient funds" when they know you don't have the money to begin with???????
Why did Kamikaze pilots wear helmets??????
If you think of some, leave them.
Looks like I missed some stuff.
We have been going through a DOT audit for the last couple weeks. I know when I talk to Ric if he is going through a government audit. He talks in some sort of Martian dialect by someone who has had a stroke. Bro, I am there with you.
I am back, will be a bit more on the busy side for a bit getting things the way they should be,
I am back, will be a bit more on the busy side for a bit getting things the way they should be,
Reflection, WHY???!!!!
The most common word directed to any Deity is "why".
Why me?
Why did this happen?
Why are things the way they are?
Why do bad things happen to the inocent?
Why..................?
You can come up with a hunderd questions we want answers to.
Why me?
Why did this happen?
Why are things the way they are?
Why do bad things happen to the inocent?
Why..................?
You can come up with a hunderd questions we want answers to.
And Your Point Is ?
rac said...
I would also add Dave, that of all the folks on this blog, you are the only one who recieves a government pension... for life.
April 15, 2009 3:56 AM
I would also add Dave, that of all the folks on this blog, you are the only one who recieves a government pension... for life.
April 15, 2009 3:56 AM
Don't Piss off Republicans
Texas governor suggests state might want to eventually leave the union, though says he sees no reason to do it
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
More on Healthcare Reform
I'm going to brag about where I work...
Members of the Native Community in Anchorage, AK, are both customers and owners of their health care. Together, they have created a relationship-based system known as Southcentral Foundation’s Nuka Model of Care. The Nuka Model has gained international recognition as a leading, world class health care system focused on customer/owners and prevention. This model has resulted in a 91 percent customer and employee satisfaction rating, while significantly improving health outcomes for the Native Community.
Read more about it: http://www.scf.cc/nuka.pdf
Members of the Native Community in Anchorage, AK, are both customers and owners of their health care. Together, they have created a relationship-based system known as Southcentral Foundation’s Nuka Model of Care. The Nuka Model has gained international recognition as a leading, world class health care system focused on customer/owners and prevention. This model has resulted in a 91 percent customer and employee satisfaction rating, while significantly improving health outcomes for the Native Community.
Read more about it: http://www.scf.cc/nuka.pdf
Must Watch TV
Season 5 of the Deadliest Catch starts tonight on the Discovery Channel. If any of you have not watched it, Deadliest Catch is a documentary television series that documents the events aboard fishing boats in the Bering Sea during the Alaskan king crab and Opilio crab fishing seasons. I started watching it when I was married to my shrimp boat captain and have been a huge fan ever since. From the previews shown, it will be another mesmerizing season.
Gov. Perry Backs Resolution Affirming Texas’ Sovereignty Under 10th Amendment
*NOTE: If you're having trouble watching this due to high server traffic, you can watch Gov. Perry's speech here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LHrIxc-QyE
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today joined state Rep. Brandon Creighton and sponsors of House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 50 in support of states’ rights under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.“I believe that our federal government has become oppressive in its size, its intrusion into the lives of our citizens, and its interference with the affairs of our state,” Gov. Perry said. “That is why I am here today to express my unwavering support for efforts all across our country to reaffirm the states’ rights affirmed by the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I believe that returning to the letter and spirit of the U.S. Constitution and its essential 10th Amendment will free our state from undue regulations, and ultimately strengthen our Union.”
A number of recent federal proposals are not within the scope of the federal government’s constitutionally designated powers and impede the states’ right to govern themselves. HCR 50 affirms that Texas claims sovereignty under the 10th Amendment over all powers not otherwise granted to the federal government.
It also designates that all compulsory federal legislation that requires states to comply under threat of civil or criminal penalties, or that requires states to pass legislation or lose federal funding, be prohibited or repealed.
HCR 50 is authored by Representatives Brandon Creighton, Leo Berman, Bryan Hughes, Dan Gattis and Ryan Guillen.
To view the full text of the resolution, please visit:
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HC00050I.htm
Liberals' dirty shame (Jonah Goldberg)
They'll fight for porn, but where's their ire when the Obama administration says it's OK to ban books.
http://feeds.latimes.com/~r/JonahGoldberg/~3/kcajQPOQrng/la-oe-goldberg31-2009mar31,0,4294477.column
http://feeds.latimes.com/~r/JonahGoldberg/~3/kcajQPOQrng/la-oe-goldberg31-2009mar31,0,4294477.column
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Federal agency warns of radicals on right
The Department of Homeland Security is warning law enforcement officials about a rise in "rightwing extremist activity," saying the economic recession, the election of America's first black president and the return of a few disgruntled war veterans could swell the ranks of white-power militias. Continued...
Why Our Current Healthcare System Sucks
Okay Matt..you have forced me to respond. First of all if your doctor tells you that you have a cold and offers you antibiotics, don’t take them. A cold is caused by a virus and antibiotics won’t do a thing for you. It’s the overuse and misuse of antibiotics that has produced these “super bugs” like MRSA that have become resistant to the usual antibiotic treatments. The 5th leading cause of death in our country is hospital-acquired infections..many of them caused by these multi-drug resistant bacteria that are very difficult to treat!!
Books can be and have been written about why our health-care system is in a crisis, I’m going to attempt to list just some of the issues that I know about and understand. I’m not guaranteeing that all of these statements are 100 % correct, yes I found most of them on the Internet, but I did try to do my research and I can provide references and resources if you need them.
Costs are out of control:
*Health care spending is 4.3 times the amount spent on national defense.
*Although nearly 46 million Americans are uninsured (including 8.7 million children ) the US spends more on health care than other industrialized nations, and those countries provide health insurance to all their citizens.
*Premium costs are rising 3 times faster than wages or inflation.
*Every 30 seconds someone files for “medical bankruptcy”. ¾ of those filings are people with health insurance.
*As costs increase, employers that offer health coverage are finding it harder to compete with companies in countries that have universal coverage and employers in America that don’t offer benefits. Health insurance expenses are the fastest growing cost component for employers.
*National surveys show that the primary reason people are uninsured is the high cost of health insurance coverage.
But Insurance and Drug companies are profiting:
*Profits for drug companies are almost 20% compared with 6.3 % for all Fortune 500 Companies.
*Health insurance company profits have increased 1,084 % in five years.
*There are 4 times as many health care lobbyists in Washington as there are members of Congress.
Our System is wasteful and inefficient.
*Administrative costs account for 31 % of our health care expenditures, the average overheard for U.S private health insurers is 11.7 percent, compared to less than 3 % for public plans like Medicare.
*Most of our current system of storing and recording healthcare data is out of date and results in medical errors that cause thousands of deaths and injuries to patients every year. In his 2005 State of the Union address President Bush included “a call for improved information technology to prevent medical error and needless costs”. Since the VA implemented a bar-coding system they have seen a drastic reduction in medication errors. The system needs to be implemented in all U.S. hospitals.
*Providing preventative and primary care to everyone is less expensive than treating illnesses that result from not having those services.
With our Current System of Profit Over People are we healthier???
* The infant mortality rate for the U.S. is now higher than for many other industrialized countries. For example infant mortality rate for Detroit is 15.5 compared to El Salvador’s rate of 9.7 (shameful, isn’t it?)
*Canadians live 3 years longer on average than we do.
* Study in the Journal of the AMA found that older Americans are significantly less healthy than their British counterparts-we have more diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, lung disease and cancer. The study found that people in the top income and education level in our country have similar rates of heart disease and diabetes as the poorest and least educated Brit.
*18,000 people die each year because they are uninsured.
*The CDC reports that chronic conditions account for 75% of healthcare expenditures and that many of these conditions could be prevented and managed with primary care and intervention.
*When uninsured and underinsured people in our country cannot get the medical care they need, particularly primary care, they get very sick or die from manifestations of chronic conditions, complications, or untreated acute disease. Much of the costs of their treatment is at our expense….Note to Matt: There is no such thing as FREE care, someone always pays….WE pay.
Okay, so I’m going to get off of my soap box now. If any one still wants to debate me about why our healthcare system needs fixing, don’t bother..I’ve made my points. Just one last fact to add:
90 % of Americans believe the American health care system needs fundamental changes or needs to be totally rebuilt and 2/3 of Americans believe the federal government should guarantee universal health care for all citizens.
Books can be and have been written about why our health-care system is in a crisis, I’m going to attempt to list just some of the issues that I know about and understand. I’m not guaranteeing that all of these statements are 100 % correct, yes I found most of them on the Internet, but I did try to do my research and I can provide references and resources if you need them.
Costs are out of control:
*Health care spending is 4.3 times the amount spent on national defense.
*Although nearly 46 million Americans are uninsured (including 8.7 million children ) the US spends more on health care than other industrialized nations, and those countries provide health insurance to all their citizens.
*Premium costs are rising 3 times faster than wages or inflation.
*Every 30 seconds someone files for “medical bankruptcy”. ¾ of those filings are people with health insurance.
*As costs increase, employers that offer health coverage are finding it harder to compete with companies in countries that have universal coverage and employers in America that don’t offer benefits. Health insurance expenses are the fastest growing cost component for employers.
*National surveys show that the primary reason people are uninsured is the high cost of health insurance coverage.
But Insurance and Drug companies are profiting:
*Profits for drug companies are almost 20% compared with 6.3 % for all Fortune 500 Companies.
*Health insurance company profits have increased 1,084 % in five years.
*There are 4 times as many health care lobbyists in Washington as there are members of Congress.
Our System is wasteful and inefficient.
*Administrative costs account for 31 % of our health care expenditures, the average overheard for U.S private health insurers is 11.7 percent, compared to less than 3 % for public plans like Medicare.
*Most of our current system of storing and recording healthcare data is out of date and results in medical errors that cause thousands of deaths and injuries to patients every year. In his 2005 State of the Union address President Bush included “a call for improved information technology to prevent medical error and needless costs”. Since the VA implemented a bar-coding system they have seen a drastic reduction in medication errors. The system needs to be implemented in all U.S. hospitals.
*Providing preventative and primary care to everyone is less expensive than treating illnesses that result from not having those services.
With our Current System of Profit Over People are we healthier???
* The infant mortality rate for the U.S. is now higher than for many other industrialized countries. For example infant mortality rate for Detroit is 15.5 compared to El Salvador’s rate of 9.7 (shameful, isn’t it?)
*Canadians live 3 years longer on average than we do.
* Study in the Journal of the AMA found that older Americans are significantly less healthy than their British counterparts-we have more diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, lung disease and cancer. The study found that people in the top income and education level in our country have similar rates of heart disease and diabetes as the poorest and least educated Brit.
*18,000 people die each year because they are uninsured.
*The CDC reports that chronic conditions account for 75% of healthcare expenditures and that many of these conditions could be prevented and managed with primary care and intervention.
*When uninsured and underinsured people in our country cannot get the medical care they need, particularly primary care, they get very sick or die from manifestations of chronic conditions, complications, or untreated acute disease. Much of the costs of their treatment is at our expense….Note to Matt: There is no such thing as FREE care, someone always pays….WE pay.
Okay, so I’m going to get off of my soap box now. If any one still wants to debate me about why our healthcare system needs fixing, don’t bother..I’ve made my points. Just one last fact to add:
90 % of Americans believe the American health care system needs fundamental changes or needs to be totally rebuilt and 2/3 of Americans believe the federal government should guarantee universal health care for all citizens.
Republicans Plan Tax Day Sex Party
Walking out of my local grocery store today I was accosted by an attractive young woman handing out fliers. She said a group of Republicans were planning a Tax Day tea-bagging party and asked if I would come. Needless to say I was a bit surprised by this unexpected turn of events. All this time I thought conservatives were a bunch of frigid old fuddy duddies. Turns out they're a lot kinkier than I imagined. I can't wait for the Angry Dragon and Houdini parties. I wonder if this was the 'change' Sean was talking about?
Florida all-solar city planned
A Florida developer unveiled plans today to build the nation's first solar-powered city -- a cluster of homes, offices and factories less than 20 miles from Fort Myers on the Gulf Coast. Continued...
More from The Oracle
"You should invest in a business that even a fool can run, because someday a fool will." - Warren Buffet
Monday, April 13, 2009
Hunting Flies
A woman walked into the kitchen to find her husband stalking around with a fly swatter.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"Hunting flies," responded her husband.
"Oh. Killing any?" she asked.
"Yep, three males and two females," he replied.
Intrigued, she asked, "How can you tell?"
"Three were on a beer can, and two were on the phone," he replied.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"Hunting flies," responded her husband.
"Oh. Killing any?" she asked.
"Yep, three males and two females," he replied.
Intrigued, she asked, "How can you tell?"
"Three were on a beer can, and two were on the phone," he replied.
Doug, BEWARE!
Watch out for that nasty Chinese drywall. Don't let your contractor hose you. Call your insurance company and insist on genuine gypsum board made in the USA.
Happy Easter
I just finished sending out my best wishes for a happy Easter But realized I don't have everyones E-mail adress. So to Doug and RAC and Cindy and everyone else. Happy Easter! It's a blessed day. I shall reflect on all that is good in my life and learn from everything that may not be so good. Everyone have a great day off.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Back to the Future with Secretary Gates
On Monday, April 6, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced his long-awaited plans to reshape the U.S. military. He had foreshadowed many of his specific plans in an article in Foreign Affairs in which he argued that more attention - and money - needed to be directed towards the current fight against global terrorism, less money devoted to improving the military's conventional warfighting capability and the acquisition system reformed. Continue...
POTW - Lunch at parents in Merizo
This is actually from a little while ago but my friend just uploaded it to Flikr and I thought it might be a fun local pic.
Treaty of Tripoli
In an effort to combat piracy in the Mediterranean Sea, the U.S. ratified in 1797 the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the United States of America and the Bey and Subjects of Tripoli of Barbary - otherwise know as the Treaty of Tripoli. Over 200 years later we are again fighting piracy from a North African country. As the administration mulls over a solution, I wonder what the blog would suggest we do. For me the immediate answer is a blockade; blow up anything that ventures into international waters from the Somalia Coast. The long term solution might be just to blow up all of Somalia. It's not like they haven't been a pain in our ass before. ARGHH!!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Lefty's Home Turf
Lefty never lets silly things like facts get in the way of their campaign winning sales pitches.
Let's take a look at the "Home Turf" of the democrats:
"Poverty" - giving money to people does nothing to end poverty. Otherwise, wouldn't it be gone by now? Keeping a class dependant on the government is just the new slavery.
"Racism" - the democrats have bamboozled their voters into thinking that they are on their side to fight racisim and discrimination, but history tells otherwise (southern democrats instituted Jim Crow laws and segregation, fought against the civil rights bill). For how many more generations will democrats push affirmative action? (You would think that all of these affirmative actions would have some results by now).
"Healthcare" - the American healthcare system is not broken. We produce more miracle drugs, more medical technology, more medical techniques than anywhere. The costs come from the regulations that surround healthcare:
lawsuites drive the costs by forcing doctors to spend *hundreds of thousands* each year on malpractice insurance
healthcare is seen as a right (something bestowed upon us by employers) we don't think about the cost as long as it is "covered"
we have millions flooding into the country to take advantage of "free services" in our emergency rooms
we demand the FDS guarantee absolute perfection in all of our drugs at the cost of billions for each new drug, yet we complain about high costs of prescription drugs.
"Energy" - if there are any "green jobs" created by this policy of folly, they won't begin to make up for the jobs and productivity lost due to artificially inflated energy costs through the cap and trade system.
"Global Warming" - agenda driven pseudo science akin to crystals, healing magnets and pyramid beds
Let's take a look at the "Home Turf" of the democrats:
"Poverty" - giving money to people does nothing to end poverty. Otherwise, wouldn't it be gone by now? Keeping a class dependant on the government is just the new slavery.
"Racism" - the democrats have bamboozled their voters into thinking that they are on their side to fight racisim and discrimination, but history tells otherwise (southern democrats instituted Jim Crow laws and segregation, fought against the civil rights bill). For how many more generations will democrats push affirmative action? (You would think that all of these affirmative actions would have some results by now).
"Healthcare" - the American healthcare system is not broken. We produce more miracle drugs, more medical technology, more medical techniques than anywhere. The costs come from the regulations that surround healthcare:
lawsuites drive the costs by forcing doctors to spend *hundreds of thousands* each year on malpractice insurance
healthcare is seen as a right (something bestowed upon us by employers) we don't think about the cost as long as it is "covered"
we have millions flooding into the country to take advantage of "free services" in our emergency rooms
we demand the FDS guarantee absolute perfection in all of our drugs at the cost of billions for each new drug, yet we complain about high costs of prescription drugs.
"Energy" - if there are any "green jobs" created by this policy of folly, they won't begin to make up for the jobs and productivity lost due to artificially inflated energy costs through the cap and trade system.
"Global Warming" - agenda driven pseudo science akin to crystals, healing magnets and pyramid beds
Romney: Don't root for Obama to fail
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) said Wednesday that Republicans shouldn’t oppose President Obama as a reflex and should praise him when he succeeds. continue...
GOP's Christian Right Pact Costs Votes
Forbes: Going back to 1980, Christian conservatives have been the most loyal of voters for the Republican Party. They were keys to Ronald Reagan's success and stayed with George H.W. Bush to help him succeed Reagan. continue...
a recent New York Times/CBS poll that found just 31% of respondents said they had a favorable view of the Republican Party, the lowest figure in 25 years.
Our Zogby polling and that of others finds growing concern among young Evangelicals about global warming and poverty, issues that are the Democrats' home turf. Among all 18- to 29-year-olds, our post-election poll found 65% voting for Obama. Republicans are currently losing an entire generation.
Economists Raise Grades for Obama, Geithner
WSJ: President Barack Obama and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner may not have moved to the head of the class in the latest Wall Street Journal forecasting survey, but at least they’re no longer failing. continue...
Eminem Cashes in on Righty
Seems Righty doesn't have enough to bitch about lately so he's taken aim on Eminem's new video mocking, among many others, Sara Palin. Apparently Righty thinks the video is "Totally obscene. Totally inappropriate. Nothing good about it." I'm sure Eminem appreciates the endorsement. You can bet his cash register is about to blow up with that kind of press. Watch the video
Catching up
Seems I missed a few things while on vacation this week. During my absence Matt reiterated Sean’s ridiculous claim Venezuela was once a thriving, self supporting democracy. Matt was then able to conclude I was supporting a tyrannical dictator when I pointed out Venezuela has a long history of corruption and political turmoil. I’ve also learned that after accusing me of wearing rose colored glasses, Sean is unable to find anything he can approve of in the thousands of directives from the new administration (talk about blood stained welding goggles). It seems Sean also has a new derogatory name for those who disagree with his point of view – LEFTIES. And from Ric we discover America is now a nation of wimps and idiots. We've also discovered that holding hands with a man in a dress is not weird but rather good foreign policy. You see, this is what I love about this blog – just when you think it can’t get any more absurd, someone - including myself - manages to push it off the charts.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Sent To my Facebook Page Today
Eric invited you to "George Washington Senior High School Alumni Reunion" on Wednesday, June 10 at 8:00pm.
Event: George Washington Senior High School Alumni Reunion
"Join the Home of The World Famous Gecko & WarriorAlumni"
What: Reunion
Host: GUAM GECKO WARRIOR ALUMNI
Start Time: Wednesday, June 10 at 8:00pm
End Time: Saturday, June 13 at 11:55pm
Where: Sahara Hotel & Casino
Event: George Washington Senior High School Alumni Reunion
"Join the Home of The World Famous Gecko & WarriorAlumni"
What: Reunion
Host: GUAM GECKO WARRIOR ALUMNI
Start Time: Wednesday, June 10 at 8:00pm
End Time: Saturday, June 13 at 11:55pm
Where: Sahara Hotel & Casino
GUAM gets stimulus funds for port, environmental cleanup
PACIFIC DAILY NEWS • NEWS@GUAMPDN.COM • APRIL 9, 2009
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded the Port Authority of Guam with $1.2 million for port security improvements.
The $1,223,644 is part of the $43.2 million the island has received so far as part of President (wear's zories) Obama's multibillion-dollar economic stimulus plan. The grant will help the port improve its current infrastructure to meet port security requirements associated with its increased utilization during the military buildup, according to Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo's office.
Additionally, the Government of Guam received $138,000 today for the assessment and potential clean up of underground storage tanks on Guam, Bordallo's office announced.
Under the stimulus plan Guam is eligible for more than $140 million in formula grants, in addition to $60 million in tax credits from the U.S. Treasury.
from: Guam PDN ONLINE,
BAMm &
ISM !
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded the Port Authority of Guam with $1.2 million for port security improvements.
The $1,223,644 is part of the $43.2 million the island has received so far as part of President (wear's zories) Obama's multibillion-dollar economic stimulus plan. The grant will help the port improve its current infrastructure to meet port security requirements associated with its increased utilization during the military buildup, according to Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo's office.
Additionally, the Government of Guam received $138,000 today for the assessment and potential clean up of underground storage tanks on Guam, Bordallo's office announced.
Under the stimulus plan Guam is eligible for more than $140 million in formula grants, in addition to $60 million in tax credits from the U.S. Treasury.
from: Guam PDN ONLINE,
BAMm &
ISM !
Our president declares that "America has been enriched by Muslim Americans"
and appoints a radical gay pope basher to America's faith based initiatives board.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/04/obama-brings-muslim-heritage-and-basketball-diplomacy-to-turkey.html
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=46192
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/04/obama-brings-muslim-heritage-and-basketball-diplomacy-to-turkey.html
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=46192
Our president gifts the queen of England with an iPod
and bows down before the king Abdulla of Saudi Arabia.
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/04/02/video-obamas-deep-bow-to-the-saudi-king/?print=1
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/04/02/video-obamas-deep-bow-to-the-saudi-king/?print=1
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Jim's Big One
Jim Fuqua asked me to post this pic for him of a giant Catfish he caught while bass fishing this last weekend.
Hi
I haven't been on as much as usual these last few days. Last week here in Tallahassee we had another one of our wrath of God type rains we're sometimes known for and unfortunately we got water in the house. Carpet had to be removed in all 3 BR's, drywall removed and walls dried with these jet engine type fans and so now we're in the process of getting bids on drywall/carpet/paint and all that. Drainage diversion alone will be 8 grand. I don't know what all the other stuff will cost but I'm pretty sure that it will be bigger than a bread box. So I have no internet at home, my family is spread across three corners of the county and oh by the way no flood insurance.
Anyways just an update as to why I've been kind of scarce. I imagine it will be a good month or so before I get my shit back together. Maybe longer, maybe never, who the hell knows. I will check in as I can from the salt mine but in the meantime remember that you all suck.
Monday, April 6, 2009
To my wise dear friend...
Yes, my simple friend, but the answer is the reverse of easy; many more doubts arise about this than about our previous conclusions. For the practicability of what is said may be doubted; and looked at in another point of view, whether the scheme, if ever so practicable, would be for the best, is also doubtful. Hence I feel a reluctance to approach the subject, lest our aspiration, my dear friend, should turn out to be a dream only.
How 1 Autistic Young Man Runs a Business
Joe Steffy is off to Overland Park, Kan., this week to do a PowerPoint presentation on his business, Poppin' Joe's Kettle Korn. He's a 23-year-old small-business man with a goal of $100,000 in sales by 2012. Joe also has autism and Down syndrome and is nonverbal. When he gives his talk, he will push buttons on an augmentative speech device to deliver the words. His audience will be parents who fervently hope their own special-needs children will be able to work, too. continue...Venezuela
RAC - if you think we aren't on the road to ruin, take a look at Venezuela. This used to be a thriving, self supporting democracy. Look at it now. Did this happen overnight? Nope, it happened a little at a time. A change here, a freedom lost there and one day the citizens woke up to find themselves without liberty, without freedom of speech and in the control of a totalitarian dictator. But, this could never happen here, right?
Censorship - Discussions reinvigorated to implement fairness doctrine to silence conservative talk radion. Proposals on the table to prop up newspapers - oh, sure, they'll be able to write political articles but not make endorsements of candidates.
Taxation without representation - when the tax burden is progressively applied to that only a few pay the bulk of the burden, but all have the same vote then the "rich" are no longer represented equally. Add in to this that illegal imigrants already affect the allocation of congressional seats and most likely even vote in elections, this further dilutes the votes of the few.
Rationing of resources - when the cap and trade scheme is enacted we will have rationing of our natural energy resources and the feds will use this to control who will succeed and who will fail.
Central control of healthcare and education - when all we learn in school is dictated by the federal government, how we our children know any better? Already the majority of voters clearly do not have a grasp on our history, our consititution and our place in the world.
Transfer of power - when the president and congress can act to sieze control of private corporations, to determine how much we can earn and who will run these companies. When the feds determine what sort of cars we can manufacture and purchase. When the president exerts direct control over the census beureau. When the "free press" does nothing to question these actions Then what is left.
We aren't there yet, but we are on the road to something else. These changes have been and will continue to be disastrous for the America we know.
Censorship - Discussions reinvigorated to implement fairness doctrine to silence conservative talk radion. Proposals on the table to prop up newspapers - oh, sure, they'll be able to write political articles but not make endorsements of candidates.
Taxation without representation - when the tax burden is progressively applied to that only a few pay the bulk of the burden, but all have the same vote then the "rich" are no longer represented equally. Add in to this that illegal imigrants already affect the allocation of congressional seats and most likely even vote in elections, this further dilutes the votes of the few.
Rationing of resources - when the cap and trade scheme is enacted we will have rationing of our natural energy resources and the feds will use this to control who will succeed and who will fail.
Central control of healthcare and education - when all we learn in school is dictated by the federal government, how we our children know any better? Already the majority of voters clearly do not have a grasp on our history, our consititution and our place in the world.
Transfer of power - when the president and congress can act to sieze control of private corporations, to determine how much we can earn and who will run these companies. When the feds determine what sort of cars we can manufacture and purchase. When the president exerts direct control over the census beureau. When the "free press" does nothing to question these actions Then what is left.
We aren't there yet, but we are on the road to something else. These changes have been and will continue to be disastrous for the America we know.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Myrtle Beach Bound Baby!
Teresa and I will be heading out for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina tomorrow. We will be staying at Teresa’s old mentors house. Their back yard just so happens to be the fare way of the golf course. I don’t play golf (well maybe just miniature golf), but was told second hand, that I’ll be playing golf by Monday. I hope her mentor’s hubbies caddie knows how to carry my favorite beer, ‘Hamm’s’!
On our road trip back, we will be stopping by Charlotte, NC to visit with my daughter who attends the Art Institute of Charlotte.
Chat with you all in about 2 weeks!
On our road trip back, we will be stopping by Charlotte, NC to visit with my daughter who attends the Art Institute of Charlotte.
Chat with you all in about 2 weeks!
Va. boy drove 1,300 miles to Texas rodeo grounds
JETERSVILLE, Va. – A 13-year-old Virginia boy apparently loaded his family's pickup truck with food, clothes and his dog, hitched up a trailer with two horses in tow and drove nearly 1,300 miles to Texas, police said. The teen's parents found him safe Friday. Continued...
Our grandfather did something similar at about the same age. Only he started in Texas and it was on horseback rather than a pick-up. His story was told in the 1928 book Cowboy by western artist and writer Ross Santee.
Dead Cat Bounce or Road to Recovery?
I wonder what the panel thinks about the recent March runup in the markets. Was this just a bear market rally or was it an early sign of economic recovery. Is it possible our investments in Spam and ammo would have been better served by jumping into the market on March 6th when the S&P 500 hit its low of 666? Or is the worst still yet to come? I guess the simple question is should we buy the puts or the calls?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Recent cuts in budget
Funny how all these huge organizations are receiving loads of money from the government when the small company I work for was counting on a grant from Home Land Security to finish a project that THEY REQUESTED was cut. I was told we have to finish the project on a "shoe string" which means, no raises, layoffs and fear for the future of the company. I am not happy with what is happening in this administration and I fear the worst. Two years of research, money and brain power to get this project started, all may be flushed down the toilet. Now what?
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Obama Pulls Plug on NASCAR for GM and Chrysler
Car and Driver - In a move sure to spark outrage, the White House announced today that GM and Chrysler must cease participation in NASCAR at the end of the 2009 season if they hope to receive any additional financial aid from the government ... A complete withdrawal from America's premier racing series is expected to save more than $250 million between GM and Chrysler, a substantial amount considering the drastic measures being implemented elsewhere. Full story here...
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
POTW - Ultimate grease bomb
Yesterday I had an "Inside out Burger" at the Harmon driving range (golf). They pump an Angus burger paddy full of cheese and the grease oozes.
Anyone remember the DC10 burger at the Continental Hotel? It was another classic. I remember sitting in the open air lobby after landing a DC10 to smoke cigarettes in the ga-donk-a-donk chairs.
Anyone remember the DC10 burger at the Continental Hotel? It was another classic. I remember sitting in the open air lobby after landing a DC10 to smoke cigarettes in the ga-donk-a-donk chairs.
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