Change IS Happening!

I was sitting in a sandwich shop this afternoon, by myself of all things....no kids! Ahhh, relaxation! I guess that's why I had actual thoughts! ...So, I was sitting there, and of coarse they had a TV on. Yes, you guessed it! Fox News was on. I about loose my appetite when I find Fox News on in the same place where I have to eat! While I was "watching" there were two attractive women, discussing Obama. The conversation was entirely about how Obama is cold, arrogant, and out of touch with "real America." They aired, very edited, clips and pictures with Obama's head held high to back up their portrayal. They then began to bash his "incapability" of turning our country around. "Where's all the change?", they patronized.

I sat with this propaganda portrayal for awhile, really trying to dissect the attitude. Also including, into my dissection, a recent incident with family with the same hate filled, factless, superiority complex as the witnessed show before me. Of coarse the right has an agenda to fill. They have to portray the "other side" as the enemy so they may lift themselves a little higher. It's like the bully in the school yard putting everyone down, just so he can build himself up and fill his void of self confidence. But, for some reason, put the bully in the arena of politics, and suddenly everyone is blinded as to who he really is. He's loud, mean, twists the facts, and is in our face so much, that it's hard to see around him to the truth!

"Where's the change?" the two women cackled from their "news" desks. Remember, we inherited this mess. We inherited 2 wars, one of the worst recessions brought on by the deregulation of our market, $482 billion deficit (actually more, as it doesn't reflect war cost and such), a destroyed regulatory structure of the government as inspectors, administrators, and regulators were replaced with corrupt cronies, a neglected healthcare system, educational system, energy policies, environmental issues and more.

It took eight loooooong years to consistently dissolve America. We have to remember that it's only been two years of working to restore and build America to at least what it once was and hopefully better. Only this time, there is actual foresight in place! That's not arrogance that's intelligence! Our president is looking to the future and investing in it. Tomorrow, September 23rd is a big step in restoring health care! Children will no longer be dropped for pre-existing conditions and college kids (at lease until the age of 26) will have the peace of mind of staying on their parent's policies. College kids can also expect some financial relief for their education. Yes, money is being spent now, but will eventually relieve us in the end. You have to spend money to make money, right!?! I agree, change isn't coming fast enough, but it IS happening. The bullies can continue with their bashing, name calling, and twists of truth...but, we're rubber and they're glue! Whatever they say, bounces off us and sticks on them! So...stick that in your crayon box!

Health Care and the Abortion Language

As I sit here waiting for the historic health care vote, the news is bombarded with the GOP's outrage over "funding for abortion!" The bill says in clear black and white that "government funds SHALL NOT pay for abortions!" It makes my blood boil as we can all clearly see that this is just a cop out...a way to change the subject and create more fear mongering. It's ludicrous to me to think that the GOP and the Tea-baggers truly have some sort of moral struggle with a health care bill that would help millions of Americans who need health care now more than ever! Trashing a good (not perfect) bill is unacceptable, especially over some language that does not exist! And, over a subject that is....last time I checked, is totally legal in our country!

This holier than thou, religious high horse routine is really getting old from the right! This morning, as I watched the news, there was footage of Tea-baggers and conservative republicans (although, there isn't really any difference in the two) lining the halls of the congressional office building, spitting on congressmen, cursing, yelling racial slurs and so on, to those that support the health care bill. There were also some mothers holding on to their toddlers as they participated in the behavior. And, I venture to say, that these extremist exude this behavior all the while holding tight to their bible! I thought we were past the 1960's mind-set and such discrimination!

I am reminded of the saying, "What is right, is not always easy!" Stand tall Democrats! Face the wave of opposition and sadly misinformed, brainwashed Americans, and do what is right for our country! The majority is behind you, for this is why we have elected you!

"We are not here to win; we are here to be true!"
- Abraham Lincoln

What Is Wrong With This Picture

I am baffled, but not surprised due to the large amount of ignorance in this country, that health care reform has become this hard to pass! I mean, we are the ONLY civilized nation in the world that do not take care of their own citizens!! We offer universal healthcare to the Iraq citizens, but not for our own....where is the rational? It also baffles me that we can give eight years to the biggest village idiot, G. Bush, but after ONLY 1 year of Obama being in office, people "feel" that our country is going in the wrong direction and quickly elect a republican to fill Kennedy's seat! What is wrong with this picture! We want "change" but then we don't give change time to happen!

Health Care System Blocks Andrea's Diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome

What is wrong with a country that is considered to be the wealthiest nation in the world but does not provide medical care to their own citizens? For those of you that feel that you are safe because you have insurance, I must point out that you have a false sense of security! It's no secret that insurance companies can dump you at any time, they can pick and choose what they want to cover, and they can leave you high and dry when you might need them the most.

Last night I watched the show, Mystery Diagnosis. I often watch this show and see first hand what is so wrong with our health care system. However, last night I watched a particular disturbing episode. A mother soon realized after bringing her new born baby home that something was very wrong with her daughter, Andrea. Andrea could not keep any food down and always seemed to be in pain after eating. Doctors chalked it up to colic. This went on for months, and doctors continuously told the mother that she needed to "just deal with it." The last time Andrea saw the doctor, he insinuated that Andrea was suffering from neglect and that the mother needed to step up to the plate and take care of her daughter. Andrea's mother was in shock that nobody took her cries for help seriously and even placed blame on her. After finally having enough, Andrea's mother called the doctor's office and demanded that she see the chief of pediatrics. She got an immediate appointment with one of the top specialist, and he could see in an instant that there was something very wrong with Andrea as her head had not grown, she wasn't reaching developmental mile stones, she could not keep food down therefore becoming very malnourished and very underweight for her age, and she had an unusual disposition for her age coupled with very jerky movements. He referred her to a pediatric developmentalist, but quickly found out that her insurance would not cover this and was told that there was absolutely no further help that could be given. Andrea's mother was left at a dead end with a child that so desperately needed medical attention!

The insurance company made a very conscience decision that Andrea didn't need a diagnosis. They make these decisions every day in our lives! What is wrong with a system that allows an infant to suffer? What is wrong with a system that first looks at the dollar signs before even looking at a very obviously sick little girl? With out this mother's persistence, Andrea would have for sure died! In the end, Andrea's mother took her to the Albany Medical Center ER which was two hours away from their home. There, Andrea finally received the medical attention that she deserved and finally received the appropriate diagnoses of Angelman Syndrome. It is a chromosomal disease that was easily diagnosed with a blood test!

This family came very close to loosing a child. This did not happen to a family that didn't have insurance, BUT it happened to a family that did have insurance. Who is really looking out for us? We, as a people, need to advocate for our health and for our future. The insurance companies are so obviously not in the business of doing this for us. This very issue's future is currently in the hands of our government. Will we finally have the health care in this country that is very much over due, or are we going to receive more of the same? Are we going to continue to allow the health care industry to buy congressional votes with the money they profit on from our premiums? This should not be a political issue that divides us! This is an issue that should unite us! There is a blatant crime going on, and innocent lives are being lost every day!

Below is a link to the show that I watched last night, although not a very good quality picture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DVci92VLYQ

& below is the last half of the show

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IROaxf2HF4k

Open Letter to Texas Senators

This is an open letter to Texas Senators Hutchison and Cornyn from a concerned citizen and constituent:

Dear Senators,

I am very concerned about the statements being made by the republicans on health care. It is as if all of you are in lock step and refuse to budge. Let me tell you my take on this subject.

1. If the sales of insurance policies across state lines is such a good idea, why didn't the credit card rates fall when Congress exempted banks from state regulation? Instead of lowering rates, the consumers were charged more! The system became more corrupt, rather than being fixed.

2. The GOP always talks about TORT Reform. Were our insurance rates lowered after TORT Reform was passed in Texas? No, our rates did not go down! Instead, Texans are paying more than any other state for health insurance. Also, our rates are increasing faster than almost any other state.

Senators, these are only two of the republican mantras on health care. The other "excuses" are just as debatable. Rather than trying to answer all of the republican "ideas", let me try another tact. Ethics and Morality are the basics that are missing in the republican playbook. It is not ethical, nor moral, for people to be dying because of the lack of health care insurance. I am not telling you something you don't know....you have heard the stories. You have read the facts. You know that Texas ranks 50th in the number of people who are uninsured.

There are so many more facts I could write about, but you already know them. If those who died defending this country could talk.....do you think they would say that they are proud of the way we treat those without insurance and those who are under insured? Do you think they would be proud to know that the country they died for are letting loved ones suffer while the insurance industry CEOs and CFOS are pulling down tens of millions of dollars and more? Do you believe that these heroes would be heartened to hear Rep. Cantor tell a constituent, that if a loved one needs a life saving operation, there must be some type of program or charity that would help? Charity?!?! Forget charity!! It is time for you and the other responsible members of congress to stand up and say NO to your right wing base.

Sincerely,
Robert W. Tomlinson

What's Good Enough for Iraq, Isn't Good Enough for America

Quick thought,

Why is it that as we were/are helping to build Iraq, one of the things our country set in place was universal health care for Iraqis? Why is universal health care good enough for Iraq, but not for Americans? There's a thought to ponder on over your morning cereal...

"Billionaires for Wealthcare"

The "Billionaires for Wealthcare" marched with the teabaggers Saturday in an effort to mock them. Actually, I see as an effort to present obvious facts and to point out the ridiculousness of the right wing plight. If you have 6 minutes, click on the link and watch the video. I find it amusing, and a little pathetic as the protesters can't figure out that they are being mocked! Goes to show you the mentality!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHVwrCzRUX0

& here's another, shorter video. Rachel Maddow presents the music video version of the "Billionairs for Wealthcare" This is great!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NDzA7nChB4

Enjoy!

Health Care Rally

I was at a rally for health care yesterday, Sept. 2nd, in front of Houston's City Hall. There were about 1,300 people there, with a hand full yelling against health care. It amazed me to see that the ones who were against the health care reform, were the ones that STILL believed in the lies their party told them. They had signs saying that abortions would be paid for out of the proposed health care and that death panels did in fact exist. Must I say thing again? Not one federal penny would be spent on an abortion. Not even private insurances will pay for abortions unless the mother's health is at risk. And, there is no such thing as a death panel...unless of course you were a prisoner at Gitmo under the Bush administration and endured never ending water boarding, electric shock, starvation, thirst, shackle and suspension, and beatings. No, this reform is here to help the American people. We've waited long enough. We call ourselves the best nation in the world, but we aren't taking care of our people. 28 other industrialized nations are ahead of us. We're the only modern country who doesn't believe that health care is a right! It's TIME to change that! The rally last night was a great example of people ready for change! Congressman Al Green was the final speaker of the night, and he gave one of the best speeches in history! He left with the words that he had the great honor of going to the hill to vote in honor of our voice! Our voices are loud and clear, and CHANGE is here!

The Great Health Debate, As I See It..

As I sit here listening to the uproar over health care, I am completely amazed. I hear the side that desperately wants the new proposed health care plan, which is also the side that overwhelmingly voted Obama for mainly this one particular issue that we’ve struggled with for decades. Polls show that 60-75% of Americans would like a universal health care system. From the other side, I hear a bunch of yelling. All I hear is “no!” No explanation, no logical reasoning…just, no! I struggle to understand, therefore I began to really research. What are the points that the party of NO has for not wanting health care? (Although, I really wonder if they even want some sort of health care refrom at all. Seems to me they say that we need it, but then lie to their constituents and trash any kind of propsed health care reform, all they while offering no solutions of their own.)

Is it cost?
A very legitimate concern, but the fact is, the new system would actually cost less than the current system due to lower administrative costs. Right now the US spends about 40% more per capita on health care than any other industrialized/developed countries with universal health care. According to studies the new health care plan would actually save 100 to 200 billion dollars per year.
We already have the single payer health plan with Medicare and with the veteran health care system. The plan is widely popular with those that already use this system. We are talking about expanding the same health care our vets, elderly, and disabled already get, and that doctors are already familiar with, to the rest of America. That means we would only have to pay 33% more than what we already pay, but we’re also saving money if we are lowering the administrative costs. This also means: NO MORE out of pocket payments, NO MORE co payments, NO MORE deductibles, NO MORE employee contributions to premiums, which would also get many companies off the hook and could free up more money to possibly go to higher salaries. Look, the cost for this single payer health care system cost even less than what we spent/ing on the war in Iraq. If we can afford a pointless war and national security for another nation, then we can take care of our own American citizen’s health needs here at home!!!

Is this socialism?
First of all, those that scream “socialism”, are the same ones that enjoy free public education, free emergency services, and free highways. Yet, even with these services, capitalism has not gone away. Second of all, to be a truly socialist plan, that would mean the government provides your health care for free, and everyone is on the same exact plan. That would also mean that the health care providers would be employees of the government, which would not be the case under this plan. Under this plan, you would have the freedom of choice and everyone would contribute to it. Unlike our current system in which people are forced to see providers on the insurer’s panel to obtain benefits. With the new system you could stay with your own health care provider, or you could go with another private provider. The government would simply limit what they could dump on you and make sure there was no such thing as preconditions to receiving health care. There’s also the choice that you could buy public health care, similar to Medicaid. Which leads to even more choices. The party of NO trying to shut down this option are simply removing a choice from your plate and forcing you to go with private, even if you don’t want it. Truly socialist programs do not offer choices...

Will this increase wait times at the ER?
Truthfully, the new single payer health plan would do a lot to cut down on wait times in the ER. Those that are uninsured now, go to the ER as their form of primary health care. With this plan, they could go to the doctor to not only take preventive measures, but also take care of any health care needs before it becomes dire enough to have to go to the ER. If anything, providing health care, reduces wait time in the ER. If you've experienced anything with our current health system, then you would know that our current ERs are obsene! I remember waiting from 3:00pm until 9:00pm with my own son on a weekend. He had a 103 fever, he wouldn't eat or drink, and fever reducing medicines were not working. At 9:00 the nurses still couldn't tell us when he would be seen, so had to finally leave as he fell asleep in our arms! That is just rediculous, and that's with private insurance! Making sure people have insurance, would help unclog the ERs for true emergency cases.

Will my tax dollars pay for abortions?
Absolutely not! Not one federal dollar will pay for an abortion. And, I have to add, that most current insurance companies don’t even pay for abortions unless, for example, a mother’s health is at risk.

Is there really such a thing as “death panels” that will tell the elderly when to die?
Absolutely not! This is an out and out myth! The provision would create no such panel. It calls only for “consultation between individual and practitioner.” The intent for this measure is not for doctors telling patients what to do, but to give doctors more incentives to talk to patients about all of their options. It calls for primary doctors to be better compensated for the time they spend offering advice to seniors who have questions about the thorny issues surrounding their end of life care. This was actually added in by a republican. He wanted to make sure that DNR (do not resuscitate) power of attorney, and such was explained to those facing end of life care.

Health insurers have 41 million in campaign contributions to congress since 1989 and increasing everyday by the millions. The conflict of interest is deafening. 70% of bankruptcies in this country occur with those with health insurance. We need to put a human face to this issue, and really live to the statement “United We Stand.” We are in this together. The fear that is being bread by those with a conflict of interest will do anything and say anything to detour from real fact. Will this plan be perfect? Probably not, as nothing is perfect, and we might have to revisit some issues to make it the best possible plan. Are we taking a step in the right direction? Absolutely! Even though this hasn’t passed yet, we are at least talking about it. I only wish there was less yelling, a whole lot less lying, and a lot more of us working together. This is an investment in our future! Out of the 28 industrialized nations, the US is the only nation that does not guarantee access to health care as a right of citizenship. Folks, making sure I receive health care, especially when breast cancer runs so rampantly through my family, is my right….not a privilege! And, yours and my health should not be making companies multi-millions in profit! Think about it….