Category Archives: Obama

One Story About Healthcare – Part I

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    This is an election year.  One of the major issues that is analyzed and discussed every day is healthcare.   President Obama’s health care plan was approved, only to have it questioned.  The Supreme Court has determined that it is not unconstitutional, but it continues to be challenged by those who do not believe that it is a viable plan.  I don’t know enough of the specifics to make that conclusion, but I do know that something needs to be done to provide affordable healthcare options.  How do I know this?  I have a medical history that had it not been covered insurance, would have cost me approximately $250,000. 

    Anyone who has had a major illness or condition knows that it involves scans, tests, biopsies, surgeries, treatments, and many appointments.   I experienced two major medical issues in the past 17 years that required all of this, and none of it was unnecessary.  Due to good treatment and care, I am healthy and living a good life.   I had a positive attitude during each of these trials, but I wonder how I would have felt if I had to worry about payment.  Would I have received the quality of care that I experienced?  How would I have fared if I had to worry about large bills?   Would I have done as well?  I don’t think so,

    I once had a colleague who was considering going off the insurance plan at work because of the mandatory payroll deduction.  He stated that he never got sick.  I shared my costs for treatments.  His response was, “Well, when it comes to your health it is worth it.”   Sure, but how do you pay for it?  How do you get ahead in life if you are constantly being hit with expenses?   How do people with chronic conditions handle the costs?   He was among the many who don’t believe they would ever have an ongoing condition, or major illness.  A few years later, he underwent heart surgery.

   No one ever wants to become ill.  It isn’t something we envision as part of our life plan.  When it happens, we need access to quality care.  Most of us cannot afford the staggering cost of surgery, MRI’s, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medication, etc.  So many conditions are treatable.  If I didn’t have access to the doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians, labs, and hospital personnel that all provided excellent care, there would have been only be one outcome.  Let’s just say I wouldn’t be here to write about it.

The Flag Flies at Half-Mast

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American Flag

Article first published as The Flag Flies At Half-Mast on Technorati.

For the past couple of weeks, I have noticed that the flag has been flying at half-mast.  Although it is always noticeable when lowered, it has been this way for what seems longer than usual.  The reason is there has been more than one loss of a young soldier in a short period of time.  As time moves on, as the war spreads over years, we can become complacent in our realization that lives are being lost every day due to wars in another part of the world far away from the United States.   A country that many of us will never know, never visit, and will never understand.  President Obama  has announced that troops will begin withdrawing from Afghanistan, and 30,000 will  be  sent to the U.S. by next summer.   For Americans, the time has come to bring our people home.

Summertime has arrived.  School has ended.   The children are experiencing carefree days filled with relaxation and fun.  We go off on vacations, spend time swimming, and have barbecues.  The days are longer and the pace is slower.   Life for many is enjoyable, and yet that flag flies at half-mast.  I can only imagine the magnitude of the loss felt for these young people.  The family and loved ones they left behind.  The hope for the future they held, and the promise they gave to serve their country.  It was a promise which most likely would have continued in some capacity upon their return.

Equally important are the soldiers who returned but have been physically injured or mentally impaired.  They left  Afghanistan, but are still dealing with the effects of war.   So much has been given in order to fight an evil that destroyed a country, and threatened ours.  For many, the memories of this war will linger long after we move on.

In this period between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, we should remember all those who served to provide us with the freedoms of which we are accustomed, and often take for granted.   Next summer there will be many others who will join us in our celebration of hope and happiness, of liberty and justice.  In the meantime, we must continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers for a safe return, and never forget the sacrifice they made for the love of our country.

The Trump Card

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Donald Trump in February 2009
Image via Wikipedia

     Donald Trump is contemplating a run for the presidency. Based on the little I have seen of him lately, he might as well save his money. In one interview, he started talking about his beliefs about the economy. All was well until he shifted gears and started going after the birthplace of Obama. In that split second, I no longer had any interest in what he had to say.
     I have written before about my displeasure in candidates that go on the attack rather than set about what they stand for, and how they plan to accomplish the goals they wish to accomplish. For some reason, Trump is the leader of the candidates now posturing to run. Sure he has made a fortune in Real Estate, hotels, golf courses, etc. He probably understands the economic climate and the stock market extremely well, but what else?
     I remember not too long ago when the President was criticized for not having enough experience in the areas of foreign affairs and leadership in general. Does running your own company qualify you to run a country? Does he have any better understanding of our military?
     Trump has made the birth issue his number one item of discussion. I find this to be ridiculous. No one would ever have been elected in this country if he or she were not a citizen. Does he really think it slipped by? It is insulting and highly disrespectful. He has the right to disagree with the policies or agenda being set forth by Obama, but he not right in his questioning of the man’s citizenship or education.
     My guess is the Republicans are letting him have his show so that when the more serious candidates appear, they will seem like much better choices. In the meantime, Trump will have a field day with the press and the throngs of people who show up to hear him speak. After all, it fuels the attention he craves, and pushes the ego to believe that he has what it takes to lead a nation.