Do you know what these buzzwords refer to?
If you don't, let me inform you...
This phrase refers to the consideration of a public option in the health care bill. What does that even mean?
I myself have been digging around to find some answers to this question as I don't completely understand it myself.
Generally the words "public option" have been used by political sides who are both for health care reform. One group, mostly democrats, want to make a "taxpayer-based medical insurance plan" an option for everyone (Greenman). In essence, this plan would compete with private insurance companies for business. Check out this article:
(http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/06/19/2009-06-19_whos_afraid_of_a_public_option_health_care_debate_is_stuck_on_a_strawman.html)
Pitting government health care insurance against private insurance companies? What do you think?
According to my own understanding, private insurance has only gotten MORE expensive and tends to continually cover less and less. Perhaps they could use a little competition from the government?
Here's another entertaining reference to the public option:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMuZWSvlIMY
I suppose I wouldn't make so much to-do about these things if I didn't know how widespread their effect can be. So I'm choosing to fight in small ways and hope that others are inspired to do the same.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
NewsWorthy
I recently watched the new documentary by a certain Mr. Moore entitled "Capitalism".
There were many interesting facts and points in this movie, however, what I mainly gained from it was that for a while I have not had any clear ideas about what is really going on in our government and country.
For example, did you know that recently some "rogue" democrats attempted to commit voter fraud by falsely filling out absentee ballots for residents who never actually filled out any such ballot? (Fox News)
Or that President Obama attempted to essentially boycott Fox news from interviews with key people because of their viewpoints on certain issues? Lucky for Fox all the other news networks stood up for Fox essentially because they all felt that no matter Fox's viewpoints, the President had still crossed a line. (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/23/eveningnews/main5415921.shtml?tag=stack)
Another plant is closing down in Iowa, in Webster City. Over 800 jobs are going to Mexico where workers are paid $2.50 an hour. Because of the unions, workers in Webster City were paid over $16.00 an hour. (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091024/NEWS/91024005/1001/)
Perhaps Mexicans would be better off going back to Mexico. At least they would have a job, only if it does only pay $2.50 an hour.
And you know the irony in all this, the workers in Webster City weren't even outraged or surprised, they knew it was coming. Although the news is disappointing, no one even thinks to bat an eye.
I recently watched another documentary on HBO about the clothing and fashion industry and with shows like "America's Next Top Model" and "Project Runway" one would gather the impression that the glimmer of fashion is lucrative and well off. Not so much. The documentary "Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags" documents the growth of the garment production in New York and the eventual failure of the factories as everything was outsourced. Now, about %5 of all clothes bought in the US are made in the United States. No big deal, though, right? ( http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/schmatta/synopsis.html )
Does anyone ever stop to think about the fact that America is setting itself up for failure? We have imposed many sanctions in the past on other countries whose policies or actions we didn't agree with. We had the power to do so because of our production. But what would happen if suddenly these countries producing all of our goods suddenly decided to impose sanctions on us? Who would remember how to make cars, clothes, toys, machinary?
In Miami many condos and homes are sitting empty as a result of foreclosers. You would think someone would be around to buy up the properties. Not so much. Instead these homes sit empty and people are starting to take back what the banks have taken from them. By squatting, by protesting, by remaining in their own homes despite the foreclosures and evictions. And how are local authorities reacting to people who enter and live in borded up homes? They aren't. ( http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x264995 )
There is a rally in Chicago I wish I could go to on Tuesday. Although I cannot attend, I will be following the events closely. Check out what's going on at http://www.showdowninchicago.org/
Whatever your viewpoints, it's important to at least try and sort through what's going on and take a stand for something. Because we, the American people, are the ones who are losing out. We are losing our jobs, our homes, and our sense of independence. Your job may be next. As may your home.
Take a stand.
For something anyways.
There were many interesting facts and points in this movie, however, what I mainly gained from it was that for a while I have not had any clear ideas about what is really going on in our government and country.
For example, did you know that recently some "rogue" democrats attempted to commit voter fraud by falsely filling out absentee ballots for residents who never actually filled out any such ballot? (Fox News)
Or that President Obama attempted to essentially boycott Fox news from interviews with key people because of their viewpoints on certain issues? Lucky for Fox all the other news networks stood up for Fox essentially because they all felt that no matter Fox's viewpoints, the President had still crossed a line. (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/23/eveningnews/main5415921.shtml?tag=stack)
Another plant is closing down in Iowa, in Webster City. Over 800 jobs are going to Mexico where workers are paid $2.50 an hour. Because of the unions, workers in Webster City were paid over $16.00 an hour. (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091024/NEWS/91024005/1001/)
Perhaps Mexicans would be better off going back to Mexico. At least they would have a job, only if it does only pay $2.50 an hour.
And you know the irony in all this, the workers in Webster City weren't even outraged or surprised, they knew it was coming. Although the news is disappointing, no one even thinks to bat an eye.
I recently watched another documentary on HBO about the clothing and fashion industry and with shows like "America's Next Top Model" and "Project Runway" one would gather the impression that the glimmer of fashion is lucrative and well off. Not so much. The documentary "Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags" documents the growth of the garment production in New York and the eventual failure of the factories as everything was outsourced. Now, about %5 of all clothes bought in the US are made in the United States. No big deal, though, right? ( http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/schmatta/synopsis.html )
Does anyone ever stop to think about the fact that America is setting itself up for failure? We have imposed many sanctions in the past on other countries whose policies or actions we didn't agree with. We had the power to do so because of our production. But what would happen if suddenly these countries producing all of our goods suddenly decided to impose sanctions on us? Who would remember how to make cars, clothes, toys, machinary?
In Miami many condos and homes are sitting empty as a result of foreclosers. You would think someone would be around to buy up the properties. Not so much. Instead these homes sit empty and people are starting to take back what the banks have taken from them. By squatting, by protesting, by remaining in their own homes despite the foreclosures and evictions. And how are local authorities reacting to people who enter and live in borded up homes? They aren't. ( http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x264995 )
There is a rally in Chicago I wish I could go to on Tuesday. Although I cannot attend, I will be following the events closely. Check out what's going on at http://www.showdowninchicago.org/
Whatever your viewpoints, it's important to at least try and sort through what's going on and take a stand for something. Because we, the American people, are the ones who are losing out. We are losing our jobs, our homes, and our sense of independence. Your job may be next. As may your home.
Take a stand.
For something anyways.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Babies.
As of this month I will have gone to three baby showers. Awe. One for my good friend. One for a coworker and one for a cousin. I went to target and got little booties and other gift registered baby things.
The irony of this all is that at my job early in the mornings I work with infants every day. And it turns out they are not so scary as I once thought. Granted, my current expertise are two-three year olds, but I do love the babies too. I have never thought so much about pregnancy, babies, and motherhood!
Although I know I'm def. NOT READY for the HUGE responsibility that comes with birthing and raising a child, it's def. something I'm able to picture more easily. Minus the birthing. Of course.
I am happy and excited for these new moms and I'm so very excited to babysit for my friend Sarah when her little one happens along. To hold brand new life in my hands reminds me not only of where I come from, but also of how fast it all goes. Even my two and threes grow bigger and change every single day.
Even I am getting older too.
Someday I'll have white hair and be all wrinkly and unable to do much for myself. We all return to where we started. My hope is that I will look back on my youth with humor and kindness toward myself and be able to see that somehow my mistakes were made into miracles. And that in turn, I can tell my grandchildren about the young me and all things past. And they will shake their heads and go "whatever grandma".
As of this month I will have gone to three baby showers. Awe. One for my good friend. One for a coworker and one for a cousin. I went to target and got little booties and other gift registered baby things.
The irony of this all is that at my job early in the mornings I work with infants every day. And it turns out they are not so scary as I once thought. Granted, my current expertise are two-three year olds, but I do love the babies too. I have never thought so much about pregnancy, babies, and motherhood!
Although I know I'm def. NOT READY for the HUGE responsibility that comes with birthing and raising a child, it's def. something I'm able to picture more easily. Minus the birthing. Of course.
I am happy and excited for these new moms and I'm so very excited to babysit for my friend Sarah when her little one happens along. To hold brand new life in my hands reminds me not only of where I come from, but also of how fast it all goes. Even my two and threes grow bigger and change every single day.
Even I am getting older too.
Someday I'll have white hair and be all wrinkly and unable to do much for myself. We all return to where we started. My hope is that I will look back on my youth with humor and kindness toward myself and be able to see that somehow my mistakes were made into miracles. And that in turn, I can tell my grandchildren about the young me and all things past. And they will shake their heads and go "whatever grandma".
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