Musings from the edge of Madness

Its one of those weeks where I have nothing profound but hundreds of niggling burr-under-the-saddle items that I just have to put on "cyber-paper" to get them out of my spinning head.

First - Regarding the Obama/Joker picture - What is that accomplishing for ANYONE? The message is obvious but also very broad and looking like an attack and I believe some would see a "reverse negative" of the old Sambo caricatures rather than the more current Heath Ledger Joker deal.

I STRONGLY believe that EVERY TIME someone uses that or other form of PERSONAL attack on the President, rather than a specific policy argument, all they do is shoot the conservative cause in the foot and add fuel to the "angry racist old white rich redneck astroturfers (etc)" labels and arguments. If we talk about policies, then we are talking about our broken Federal Government which IS quickly moving toward Tyranny... but is beginning to fear the people, so Liberty still breathes! If instead we negatively attack specific people - we are feeding conspiracy chocolate into their already biased brains.

Second - Regarding Health Care (Insurance) Reform - I believe that the cart is so far ahead of several horses! Why is this even being considered at this time? I understand that the President is determined to fulfill a campaign promise that he ramped up on during the campaign after Hillary started focusing on it again. However - a cautious man would understand that it did not need to be done this quarter when we are just catching our breath from near collapse of our economy...which is still on teetering legs. Ideas - use some of the $700 Billion unused stimulus money to create a one year pool from which the legal, working uninsured citizens of this country could purchase an incredibly low cost one year policy. Take that year to study effective pinpoint adjustments to IMPROVING not OVERHAULING our existing system. You don't have to burn down the house to remodel the bathroom.

When the economy has TRULY rebounded - because Congress has at least provided tax cuts to those who are working REALLY hard for 30-60K a year, incentives and a decrease of regulations for small/medium businesses - when unemployment has dipped below 7.5% for at least a quarter AND when Tort Reform has been passed on a stand-a-lone basis......THEN and ONLY THEN should this administration move forward with Health Care IMPROVEMENT.

Third - Regarding Death Panels If there is no "pull the plug on granny" policy planned - why in the world does H.R. 3200 specify the following? You would think if they were serious about really ADVISING people as to options for long term care etc rather than controlling how and when the end happens, they would want all discussions and information while the person is in good health and in full possession of their faculties. But instead they said this on page 142 (Sec 1233)

(3)(A) An initial preventive physical examination under subsection (WW), including any related discussion during such examination, shall not be considered an advance care planning consultation for purposes of applying the 5-year limitation under paragraph (1).
`(B) An advance care planning consultation with respect to an individual may be conducted more frequently than provided under paragraph (1) if there is a significant change in the health condition of the individual, including diagnosis of a chronic, progressive, life-limiting disease, a life-threatening or terminal diagnosis or life-threatening injury, or upon admission to a skilled nursing facility, a long-term care facility (as defined by the Secretary), or a hospice program.

Yeah, Charles Grassley says that part is dead in the Senate. However - Millions of Americans will carefully search out any sign of this nonsense in whatever version of Health Care Reform eventually makes it to a vote in the House and then the Senate. If this or many other questionable policies in H.R. 3200 are included and the bill becomes law..... THOSE Senate and House offices will have new occupants in 2010.

Fourth- Regarding Back to School
I know, I know big change on the subject board but actually connected. This summer I have been able to deal with the all of this madness WITHOUT losing my mind, but it has been close some days. Now, in one week, I will begin teaching 500 students twice a week each with all of the planning and home research that entails. My weekday computer time will be very limited. I truly don't know how I will deal with what is happening to my country without my nightly Twitter marathon with the MOB, without having the time to research and compare information. Without having Fox News in the background during all waking hours so I can hear the other shoe dropping.

Yes my Christian friends - I know where my help comes from and I depend on it. I know who is in control. BUT even walking faith, this nightmare just appears to get deeper by the moment. Next protest stop, Orlando Florida United anti Health Care Reform Rally 8/22.

--Gordon--