During the time that Bill Clinton was campaigning for President, my wife worked for a company that was under contract with the Department of Energy. In her position with this company, she had to maintain a high security clearance. Her position allowed her to occasionally come in contact with FBI and Secret Service agents who were at her location conducting investigations. Conversations about the presidential race, Congress and such were often discussed on a casual basis with the agents.
During the course of one of these conversations an agent confirmed the fact that there ordered not to conduct an official background investigation on Bill Clinton. The agent commented that this was highly unusual and the first time in history, to his knowledge, that such an investigation was not conducted. For the agent, his agency and others aware of this fact, the order was somewhat unsettling. Who would have given such an order? A Republican was in the White House at the time. Was he aware of this, or was the Democrats or unforeseen others trying to cloud issues of importance? Possibly the answer will never be known.
Recently Donald Trump appeared on The View, where he brought up the issue of Obama’s refusal to have his birth certificate made public. Mr. Trump received his share of verbal abuse from his liberal leaning hosts who admonished him for making such statements. Yet, the question remains unresolved for many in this country. Was Mr. Obama born in Hawaii or some other place?
If Government today does not see fit to run background checks on potential Government candidates at the highest level, then why run a check on anybody for any job at any location. Are not the President, members of Congress or the Supreme Court in fact in tune or aware of this Nations most highly classified Government secrets?
Knowing the laxity of such background investigations, what would prevent a subversive movement from quietly and secretively fronting a candidate for high office? Such organizations with intent to harm or overthrow our Government would be patient, yet steadfast in their aim and intent. Begin him slowly at one level, and then move him to the next, then the next. How else might a community organizer with no real experience move quickly up a ladder and become the President?
Once their man has achieved his anointed position, the powers behind him, simply pull his strings. Be it for the personal gains of some, like giving billions to a Brazilian company for oil exploration while alternatively prohibiting new domestic drilling at home. What might be the ultimate goals behind such moves? Only those whose power one might only imagine, really knows. What we do know is that today, money can buy anything, possibly including, but not limited to the ultimate goal of world domination.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Game of Life
Now that I have reached the “Golden Years” of my life I find myself looking back across the years, reflecting upon my accomplishments, my mistakes and the many what-ifs that I’ve encountered. Sure we would all like to relive certain elements over, knowing what we know now, gaining from the misfortunes, and building on the achievements.
It occurred to me some time ago that our lives are much like a football game, where each quarter provides new and different problems or goals that have to be overcome to win the game. Consider for a moment that we divide our lives into four quarters, with each quarter representing around 20 years of your life.
The first quarter of most football games is a sparring match of sorts. Both teams are trying to feel out their opponent, look for weaknesses on their defense, through a variety of plays. Short runs up the middle, short passes to the flanks. Test, push and shove. In turn the defense is eyeing the quarterback, the runners and blockers. Putting into practice what they had learned and worked on during the preceding week. Simply put, the first quarter is a learning experience.
In life, we go through a similar pattern. In the first 20 or so years of our life we’re schooled. We’re taught how to play the game of life, how to prosper and meet our goals. We’re given the knowledge we need to win the game of life.
By the second quarter of the football game, a team’s game plan comes into play. What we’ve learned about our opponent in the first quarter is put to use in the second. The game opens up and becomes exciting.
In the second quarter of our life, let’s say between the years of 21 to 40 or 45, we’re striving toward the peak of our careers, our game. We’re energetic, excited and we’re opportunistic. We have a family. We learn responsibility. We climb the ladder of success through hard work. We take pride in our achievements.
Half time arrives and is a time for reflection. Has our game gone according to plan? Why are we losing? What are we doing wrong? What can we do better? The coach gives the team another pep talk, reassuring the players that they can and will achieve their goal. Victory is at hand if we work hard, do our job and maintain a positive attitude.
In life, the mid 40’s is also a time of reflection. Where am I? Am I where I want to be? Will I or can I reach my goals? What’s realistically in store for me in the years ahead? Hopefully we use this time productively to prepare ourselves for the second half of the game.
In the third quarter of the football game, the teams emerge from the tunnel with renewed spirit and fight. Confident in the fact that they can beat their opponent they reenter the game with added zeal. Quite often the game becomes a fierce battle at this point. Superiority must be achieved. The opponent must be neutralized, beaten and demoralized.
In the game of life the third quarter is one of reality. Between the years of 40 and 65 the game must be played at all cost. Goals must be met before the fourth quarter begins. You’re at the peak of your career, and things should be going your way. Retirement looms ahead, will you be ready for it?
In the third quarter the reality of life begins to set in. You realize you’re no longer indestructible. The youthfulness you once cherished is gone forever. The thought of preparing for retirement sets in. Time is running short. Decisions about money, your family and your health become more important. With renewed strength you push toward your final goal.
In many a football game the fourth quarter is questionable. As a team you’ve peaked, and now you’re tired. But the game is not over. Victory is not yours until the final horn signals the game’s end. Your goal obviously has been to beat your opponent solidly before it became too late, hopefully letting your quarterback simply take a few knees, until the clock runs out.
In the fourth quarter of life, retirement should be the ultimate goal. Like the football player or team, you’ve peaked and now you’re tired. Yet for many of us, reaching 65 is not a celebration of victory. Reality tells you that you cannot sustain yourself on Social Security payments and possibly a small monthly pension. Life continues into an often unsustainable overtime period. Certainly an event that was not in the game plan you predicted.
But like the game of football, the final gun eventually ends the game. Are you prepared for it?
It occurred to me some time ago that our lives are much like a football game, where each quarter provides new and different problems or goals that have to be overcome to win the game. Consider for a moment that we divide our lives into four quarters, with each quarter representing around 20 years of your life.
The first quarter of most football games is a sparring match of sorts. Both teams are trying to feel out their opponent, look for weaknesses on their defense, through a variety of plays. Short runs up the middle, short passes to the flanks. Test, push and shove. In turn the defense is eyeing the quarterback, the runners and blockers. Putting into practice what they had learned and worked on during the preceding week. Simply put, the first quarter is a learning experience.
In life, we go through a similar pattern. In the first 20 or so years of our life we’re schooled. We’re taught how to play the game of life, how to prosper and meet our goals. We’re given the knowledge we need to win the game of life.
By the second quarter of the football game, a team’s game plan comes into play. What we’ve learned about our opponent in the first quarter is put to use in the second. The game opens up and becomes exciting.
In the second quarter of our life, let’s say between the years of 21 to 40 or 45, we’re striving toward the peak of our careers, our game. We’re energetic, excited and we’re opportunistic. We have a family. We learn responsibility. We climb the ladder of success through hard work. We take pride in our achievements.
Half time arrives and is a time for reflection. Has our game gone according to plan? Why are we losing? What are we doing wrong? What can we do better? The coach gives the team another pep talk, reassuring the players that they can and will achieve their goal. Victory is at hand if we work hard, do our job and maintain a positive attitude.
In life, the mid 40’s is also a time of reflection. Where am I? Am I where I want to be? Will I or can I reach my goals? What’s realistically in store for me in the years ahead? Hopefully we use this time productively to prepare ourselves for the second half of the game.
In the third quarter of the football game, the teams emerge from the tunnel with renewed spirit and fight. Confident in the fact that they can beat their opponent they reenter the game with added zeal. Quite often the game becomes a fierce battle at this point. Superiority must be achieved. The opponent must be neutralized, beaten and demoralized.
In the game of life the third quarter is one of reality. Between the years of 40 and 65 the game must be played at all cost. Goals must be met before the fourth quarter begins. You’re at the peak of your career, and things should be going your way. Retirement looms ahead, will you be ready for it?
In the third quarter the reality of life begins to set in. You realize you’re no longer indestructible. The youthfulness you once cherished is gone forever. The thought of preparing for retirement sets in. Time is running short. Decisions about money, your family and your health become more important. With renewed strength you push toward your final goal.
In many a football game the fourth quarter is questionable. As a team you’ve peaked, and now you’re tired. But the game is not over. Victory is not yours until the final horn signals the game’s end. Your goal obviously has been to beat your opponent solidly before it became too late, hopefully letting your quarterback simply take a few knees, until the clock runs out.
In the fourth quarter of life, retirement should be the ultimate goal. Like the football player or team, you’ve peaked and now you’re tired. Yet for many of us, reaching 65 is not a celebration of victory. Reality tells you that you cannot sustain yourself on Social Security payments and possibly a small monthly pension. Life continues into an often unsustainable overtime period. Certainly an event that was not in the game plan you predicted.
But like the game of football, the final gun eventually ends the game. Are you prepared for it?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy
It was a little more than a year ago that I discovered I had a problem. I arose from bed that particular Sunday morning and headed to the bathroom to relieve myself. It was immediately clear to me that something was wrong when I noticed that the color of the stream was red, and indication that I had blood in my urine. I monitored the condition throughout the remainder of the day, noticing no improvement. On Monday morning I immediately called the doctor and scheduled an appointment for later that morning.
During my visit, the doctor performed a variety of tests, gave me a script for antibiotics and commented that the office would contact me as soon as possible with the test results. I was told that blood in the urine is usually caused by either kidney stones or a cancerous bladder. Since I was not experiencing any type of pain, the early assumption was that I probably had a cancerous tumor. Hearing the word cancer was obviously quite disturbing to me and my family. There is something very finite and final about that word.
Upon receiving the test results I was referred to a urologist. He performed a series of additional tests which ultimately included a cystoscopy, a test that sent a minute camera into the bladder to look for the tumor. This test reaffirmed all previous assumptions, as the tumor was readily visible to both the doctor and me on the adjoining monitor. What followed was a lecture on this type of cancer, the need for surgery to remove it, the vulnerability of the growth reoccurring, and the necessity of after surgery treatments like chemotherapy. All of this was not assuring to me. It’s as if life is over for you, as you once knew it.
One of the benefits we have today is the capability of using the Internet to do research on a subject. I began a serious and deliberate search on-line to learn more about this type of cancer and some of the treatments that were available. Certainly many of the leads in this search pattern led me to such sites as the American Cancer Society, medical journals blogs and, to some extent, homeopathic cures or solutions. Never being one to fully believe in what the Government, the FDA, or those connected in one form or another with Government endorsed or affiliated research has to say, my search began to lean more toward some of the homeopathic solutions that were available. It was here that I stumbled on Hydrogen Peroxide as a potential cure for this deadly disease. The more I read about the benefits of h2o2 therapy, the more I became convinced that this was not only a logical but realistic solution to curing or preventing future cancerous growths within my body.
I learned in my research that tumors grow within the body because of an oxygen deficiency. Ingesting hydrogen peroxide into your system at safe and recommended levels increases the level of oxygen within the body which prevents the formation or growth of the tumors. In addition, h2o2 also prevents or alleviates a host of additional ailments and diseases the body can acquire from many internal or external sources. For further information on such benefits please visit this website: http://drinkh2o2.com/.
I went forward with the surgery which was quickly scheduled, a mere two weeks after the visit to the urologists. It was an outpatient ordeal where I went in at noon and back home by six the same day. The surgery and the recovery were both uneventful. The following day I began my h2o2 ingestion regime.
When I returned to the urologist a few weeks later for my post-op visit, I told the doctor that I was refusing chemotherapy treatments, relying instead on the h2o2 therapy. He told me to “Go for it”, and that he would see me in four months to review progress.
On my return visit I was greeted with the fact that they would perform another cystoscopy to determine the current condition of my bladder. The doctor was amazed that he could not even find a scar where he had removed the tumor from the bladder wall. My bladder was fully healed and healthy, with no sign of recurring tumor growth. A follow up visit was scheduled for six months later, where the same test was preformed, with similar results.
I continue to take the h2o2 as a prevention measure. My daily dose is a mere 15 drops in a small glass with my morning juice. It is certainly painless and cheap prevention.
One of the additional side benefits I soon noticed was that the arthritic pain in my left thumb had gone away. Prior to beginning the regime, the pain was such that I could barely hold a pen, (I’m left handed) nor open a jar or lid by twisting. And after my wife began taking the product, she soon obtained similar results with the arthritic pain in her back and shoulder.
We began discussing and introducing our h2o2 success with our friends and family. One friend in particular had throat and lung cancer in the latter stages. He was given three months or less to live with Hospice ready to step in and take over. He began taking the drops and the tumor(s) began shrinking. I spoke with him recently and the tumors had decreased in size to the point that his life is no longer in danger. His oncologist could not believe the turn around. His next follow up visit is six months away.
Another friend of ours had arthritis so bad that it was becoming impossible for him to work at his trade. He could not use or hold the tools he needed in his work. Walking was also a major issue for him. Within a matter of a few weeks, the pain was gone. He wrote me an email a few weeks ago telling me that he and his daughter had just completed a five mile hike together, something he could not have done a couple of months ago. Needless to say he’s elated.
Hydrogen Peroxide therapy is nothing new. It has been around for hundreds of years, and in several European countries, Cuba and elsewhere, its treatments and benefits are commonly prescribed by doctors. One can read or hear that ingesting h2o2 is dangerous. This is a common misnomer, since in fact most drugs can be dangerous if not properly taken. Frankly, the non-acceptance of h2o2 therapy by the medical profession here in the US, is one of money. If such treatments could cure even the greater percentage of cancer patients, think what would happen to all of the cancer related hospitals and research facilities, the Susan B. Anthony breast walks, the promoters and others who make money off of the misery of others. It’s a billion dollar industry. And consider that under Obamacare, such patients may ultimately be cast aside and left to die, because the treatments are ultimately too expensive to cover?
Probably one of the best things about Hydrogen Peroxide therapy is the cost. More than a year ago I purchased a quart of the 35% food grade product form a Florida source over the Internet for $18.00 a bottle. We’re still using the same bottle today. Note that this is a different form of h2o2 that varies from the type sold at your local drugstore. Drug stores sell 3%, non food grade products which are decidedly different.
Take time to read the information on the link I attached above. Learn all the wonderful benefits this product has to offer. Realize that under nationalized health care we may have to be more responsible for our individual health and that of our family. Take this step now to learn more about this wonderful product. It could save your life or that of another.
If after careful thought and consideration you decide to purchase the product, you might try this seller: http://www.dfwx.com/h2o2.htm. To your health!
During my visit, the doctor performed a variety of tests, gave me a script for antibiotics and commented that the office would contact me as soon as possible with the test results. I was told that blood in the urine is usually caused by either kidney stones or a cancerous bladder. Since I was not experiencing any type of pain, the early assumption was that I probably had a cancerous tumor. Hearing the word cancer was obviously quite disturbing to me and my family. There is something very finite and final about that word.
Upon receiving the test results I was referred to a urologist. He performed a series of additional tests which ultimately included a cystoscopy, a test that sent a minute camera into the bladder to look for the tumor. This test reaffirmed all previous assumptions, as the tumor was readily visible to both the doctor and me on the adjoining monitor. What followed was a lecture on this type of cancer, the need for surgery to remove it, the vulnerability of the growth reoccurring, and the necessity of after surgery treatments like chemotherapy. All of this was not assuring to me. It’s as if life is over for you, as you once knew it.
One of the benefits we have today is the capability of using the Internet to do research on a subject. I began a serious and deliberate search on-line to learn more about this type of cancer and some of the treatments that were available. Certainly many of the leads in this search pattern led me to such sites as the American Cancer Society, medical journals blogs and, to some extent, homeopathic cures or solutions. Never being one to fully believe in what the Government, the FDA, or those connected in one form or another with Government endorsed or affiliated research has to say, my search began to lean more toward some of the homeopathic solutions that were available. It was here that I stumbled on Hydrogen Peroxide as a potential cure for this deadly disease. The more I read about the benefits of h2o2 therapy, the more I became convinced that this was not only a logical but realistic solution to curing or preventing future cancerous growths within my body.
I learned in my research that tumors grow within the body because of an oxygen deficiency. Ingesting hydrogen peroxide into your system at safe and recommended levels increases the level of oxygen within the body which prevents the formation or growth of the tumors. In addition, h2o2 also prevents or alleviates a host of additional ailments and diseases the body can acquire from many internal or external sources. For further information on such benefits please visit this website: http://drinkh2o2.com/.
I went forward with the surgery which was quickly scheduled, a mere two weeks after the visit to the urologists. It was an outpatient ordeal where I went in at noon and back home by six the same day. The surgery and the recovery were both uneventful. The following day I began my h2o2 ingestion regime.
When I returned to the urologist a few weeks later for my post-op visit, I told the doctor that I was refusing chemotherapy treatments, relying instead on the h2o2 therapy. He told me to “Go for it”, and that he would see me in four months to review progress.
On my return visit I was greeted with the fact that they would perform another cystoscopy to determine the current condition of my bladder. The doctor was amazed that he could not even find a scar where he had removed the tumor from the bladder wall. My bladder was fully healed and healthy, with no sign of recurring tumor growth. A follow up visit was scheduled for six months later, where the same test was preformed, with similar results.
I continue to take the h2o2 as a prevention measure. My daily dose is a mere 15 drops in a small glass with my morning juice. It is certainly painless and cheap prevention.
One of the additional side benefits I soon noticed was that the arthritic pain in my left thumb had gone away. Prior to beginning the regime, the pain was such that I could barely hold a pen, (I’m left handed) nor open a jar or lid by twisting. And after my wife began taking the product, she soon obtained similar results with the arthritic pain in her back and shoulder.
We began discussing and introducing our h2o2 success with our friends and family. One friend in particular had throat and lung cancer in the latter stages. He was given three months or less to live with Hospice ready to step in and take over. He began taking the drops and the tumor(s) began shrinking. I spoke with him recently and the tumors had decreased in size to the point that his life is no longer in danger. His oncologist could not believe the turn around. His next follow up visit is six months away.
Another friend of ours had arthritis so bad that it was becoming impossible for him to work at his trade. He could not use or hold the tools he needed in his work. Walking was also a major issue for him. Within a matter of a few weeks, the pain was gone. He wrote me an email a few weeks ago telling me that he and his daughter had just completed a five mile hike together, something he could not have done a couple of months ago. Needless to say he’s elated.
Hydrogen Peroxide therapy is nothing new. It has been around for hundreds of years, and in several European countries, Cuba and elsewhere, its treatments and benefits are commonly prescribed by doctors. One can read or hear that ingesting h2o2 is dangerous. This is a common misnomer, since in fact most drugs can be dangerous if not properly taken. Frankly, the non-acceptance of h2o2 therapy by the medical profession here in the US, is one of money. If such treatments could cure even the greater percentage of cancer patients, think what would happen to all of the cancer related hospitals and research facilities, the Susan B. Anthony breast walks, the promoters and others who make money off of the misery of others. It’s a billion dollar industry. And consider that under Obamacare, such patients may ultimately be cast aside and left to die, because the treatments are ultimately too expensive to cover?
Probably one of the best things about Hydrogen Peroxide therapy is the cost. More than a year ago I purchased a quart of the 35% food grade product form a Florida source over the Internet for $18.00 a bottle. We’re still using the same bottle today. Note that this is a different form of h2o2 that varies from the type sold at your local drugstore. Drug stores sell 3%, non food grade products which are decidedly different.
Take time to read the information on the link I attached above. Learn all the wonderful benefits this product has to offer. Realize that under nationalized health care we may have to be more responsible for our individual health and that of our family. Take this step now to learn more about this wonderful product. It could save your life or that of another.
If after careful thought and consideration you decide to purchase the product, you might try this seller: http://www.dfwx.com/h2o2.htm. To your health!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
On Politics
Like many Americans, I share a deep concern for the blatant, lack of concern for their constituents’ mentality that most members of Congress have today. Even the brightest and most trustworthy of candidates we send to Capitol Hill is all too quickly caught up in the power struggle, corruption and underhandedness of the political process. How soon they forget that it is “We the People” who elect them to an office, to serve us, and not their own self interests.
Apparently, the life of a Congressman or Senator is pretty cushy. Once they settle into that big easy chair and surround themselves with an array of “yes” people, an air of superiority, power and egotism takes hold.
To become a player in the Congressional club, one must carefully select his or her political allies early on. You learn that you must become a team player, not an individualist. Quite often in the process, you sell your soul. However, choosing correctly has its perks, which ultimately bring with it more power and notoriety. And, in the end, it’s all about power and money, not the constituents.
It doesn’t matter whether a Republican or Democrat sits in the chair. Both parties are equally corrupt and out of touch with the reality of what their constituents want from Government. During the Clinton administration, it was the Republicans, who abused their majority and office to promote their agenda on the will of the people. Today, much like then, it is the Democrats, who are following a similar pattern by enacting programs through an ill guided, misdirected agenda of their own making.
It is no wonder that the Tea Party is gaining momentum and fortitude among the people. Let us elect people to an office that believe in this Nation and its principles, not simply a left or right wing radicalism endorsed by a political entity that is largely fueled by large corporate donations. One must remember that donations to political parties or candidates by corporations are considered an investment, not a charitable contribution. Simply put, they’re buying the votes they need to assure favorable legislation.
I sincerely believe that even elected Tea Party candidates cannot change the Washington pattern. Only through new legislation and constitutional amendments can this process be turned to effectively bring “We the People” back into the equation.
One of my first suggestions would be a constitutional amendment to enact term limits on all members of Congress. Corruption in Government comes easier with longevity in office. Limit members of both houses to two terms each, no longer. Eliminate the healthy pensions and Cadillac healthcare. We cannot afford it!
A second and equally important change must be the stemming of corporate cash flow into the coffers of Congressional members through campaign donations and / or the lobbyists. Big money buys votes and steers a personal agenda, which may or may not be in the best interest of the Congressman’s district or this Nation. Restructure how campaigns can be financed. Limit contributions to individuals, with a set limit imposed.
Taking big money out of the campaigns might actually encourage others with greater talents and ambitions to run for political office. Serving ones’ peers in Congress should be an honor and privilege, not a career motivated step into personal wealth at the taxpayer expense.
Apparently, the life of a Congressman or Senator is pretty cushy. Once they settle into that big easy chair and surround themselves with an array of “yes” people, an air of superiority, power and egotism takes hold.
To become a player in the Congressional club, one must carefully select his or her political allies early on. You learn that you must become a team player, not an individualist. Quite often in the process, you sell your soul. However, choosing correctly has its perks, which ultimately bring with it more power and notoriety. And, in the end, it’s all about power and money, not the constituents.
It doesn’t matter whether a Republican or Democrat sits in the chair. Both parties are equally corrupt and out of touch with the reality of what their constituents want from Government. During the Clinton administration, it was the Republicans, who abused their majority and office to promote their agenda on the will of the people. Today, much like then, it is the Democrats, who are following a similar pattern by enacting programs through an ill guided, misdirected agenda of their own making.
It is no wonder that the Tea Party is gaining momentum and fortitude among the people. Let us elect people to an office that believe in this Nation and its principles, not simply a left or right wing radicalism endorsed by a political entity that is largely fueled by large corporate donations. One must remember that donations to political parties or candidates by corporations are considered an investment, not a charitable contribution. Simply put, they’re buying the votes they need to assure favorable legislation.
I sincerely believe that even elected Tea Party candidates cannot change the Washington pattern. Only through new legislation and constitutional amendments can this process be turned to effectively bring “We the People” back into the equation.
One of my first suggestions would be a constitutional amendment to enact term limits on all members of Congress. Corruption in Government comes easier with longevity in office. Limit members of both houses to two terms each, no longer. Eliminate the healthy pensions and Cadillac healthcare. We cannot afford it!
A second and equally important change must be the stemming of corporate cash flow into the coffers of Congressional members through campaign donations and / or the lobbyists. Big money buys votes and steers a personal agenda, which may or may not be in the best interest of the Congressman’s district or this Nation. Restructure how campaigns can be financed. Limit contributions to individuals, with a set limit imposed.
Taking big money out of the campaigns might actually encourage others with greater talents and ambitions to run for political office. Serving ones’ peers in Congress should be an honor and privilege, not a career motivated step into personal wealth at the taxpayer expense.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Medicine for Better or Worse
Quite often I reminisce about the fifties and sixties, the eras in which I grew up. Life was a lot simpler then. We didn’t have or know about all of the complexities that life in the eighties, nineties or even the new century would bring.
Sure I enjoy some of the luxuries life offers us today. I often wonder what I would do without my computer, my cell phone, my HD television or of course the remote control. Yet other times I think I would give it all up in a minute to return to that simpler life where crime in the neighborhood was not an issue, people took responsibility for themselves and their families and idiots from the Middle East were not running around the world instigating jihads or holy wars for their own political purposes.
Back then families could nearly all afford health coverage at sensible rates. Your family doctor was a family friend. You could call him at almost any hour of the day to discuss your health concerns. In many cases if you were too sick to make an office visit he would come to your home to take care of you.
I still remember many of the office visits I made to Dr. Barnsback’s office. The ole’ guy could simply look at you and make a fairly accurate determination of your health problem. He checked your fingernails, used a tongue depressor, looked at your eyes, and then took your temperature, pulse and blood pressure. Quite often his recommendation was a simple home remedy, not a script for medication.
Measure that against health care in the modern world we live in today. We must acknowledge that today our health care is utterly governed by the insurance companies who institute most of the rules and guidelines. Whether you have an HMO, PPO, Medicare supplement or some similar type of insurance coverage, stipulations within the policy govern the quality of health care you will receive. Your family doctor has been replaced by a gate keeper who makes the necessary medical decisions in your behalf, under guidelines established by the companies.
Medical insurance policies are quite similar to automobile policies in as much as one can specify the limits of coverage based upon the premium you’re willing to pay or can afford. And like any other commodity you get what you pay for. In life threatening situations that may require for example, critical surgical procedures or an organ transplant, the limits on some policies might be reached or surpassed. Should this occur, the medical team, the hospital and the insurance company must agree on the allocated dollars.
In situations where the procedures will not be fully covered by insurance, the medical team and the hospital must make a hard decision. One must realize that doctors and hospitals alike are in the business to make money. And each can only write off a percentage of their bad debts to taxes. Truly ones’ financial status comes into play in such a situation. Those with inadequate insurance coverage or an inability to pay the freight could be expendable. It’s nothing personal, just a sound business decision on the part of those involved in the decision process.
Further, we no longer can go to the doctor of our choice because he or she may not be on the insurance company’s “preferred” network list. Doctors who agree to abide by the rules imposed on them by the insurance companies may be added to the company’s list of preferred practitioners. Those of us, who choose to use doctors that are out of “the network”, pay dearly for the service.
The doctor or gate keeper of today does not share many similarities to the family doctor I knew as a child or young adult. First, he or she works solely from an office. Home visits are out of the question and hospital visits, if required, are handled by a specialist to whom you’ve been referred. Second, in most cases he or she is quite aloof in their interaction with you. One might call this a professional approach, but I believe it often goes way beyond that.
Rarely does the doctor check your ears, your throat or fingernails to determine your measure of health. Instead he relies upon a barrage of tests to tell him such things. Some tests such as urine or blood analyses are good and important, others quite often are questionable. I often wonder why doctors schedule as many tests as they do. Could it be that they’re not otherwise competent to make a diagnostic decision or could it be that the test alone filters additional monies into their bank account? I’m also sure there is a liability factor in play here. The test result is the “CYA” factor.
Today, doctors are all too quick to write scripts for medications. No longer would they ever suggest a home remedy or homeopathic solution to an ailment. The reason here is obvious to anyone who has sat for a period of time in the waiting room. Doctors are inundated with visits by drug company salesmen. They provide the doctors with product samples and an array of other incentives to help push their products. And, it must be worthwhile because the doctor will certainly let you sit while they chitchat with the sales person.
I’m sure another generation twenty years from now will look back on today and remark about how great medical coverage was “back then”. I certainly don’t foresee it getting any better. It is almost a certainty that the new regime in Washington will socialize the system even further, therein depleting even more the quality of the system as we now know it. I only hope common sense will prevail in any Fed action, but that is highly unlikely.
Sure I enjoy some of the luxuries life offers us today. I often wonder what I would do without my computer, my cell phone, my HD television or of course the remote control. Yet other times I think I would give it all up in a minute to return to that simpler life where crime in the neighborhood was not an issue, people took responsibility for themselves and their families and idiots from the Middle East were not running around the world instigating jihads or holy wars for their own political purposes.
Back then families could nearly all afford health coverage at sensible rates. Your family doctor was a family friend. You could call him at almost any hour of the day to discuss your health concerns. In many cases if you were too sick to make an office visit he would come to your home to take care of you.
I still remember many of the office visits I made to Dr. Barnsback’s office. The ole’ guy could simply look at you and make a fairly accurate determination of your health problem. He checked your fingernails, used a tongue depressor, looked at your eyes, and then took your temperature, pulse and blood pressure. Quite often his recommendation was a simple home remedy, not a script for medication.
Measure that against health care in the modern world we live in today. We must acknowledge that today our health care is utterly governed by the insurance companies who institute most of the rules and guidelines. Whether you have an HMO, PPO, Medicare supplement or some similar type of insurance coverage, stipulations within the policy govern the quality of health care you will receive. Your family doctor has been replaced by a gate keeper who makes the necessary medical decisions in your behalf, under guidelines established by the companies.
Medical insurance policies are quite similar to automobile policies in as much as one can specify the limits of coverage based upon the premium you’re willing to pay or can afford. And like any other commodity you get what you pay for. In life threatening situations that may require for example, critical surgical procedures or an organ transplant, the limits on some policies might be reached or surpassed. Should this occur, the medical team, the hospital and the insurance company must agree on the allocated dollars.
In situations where the procedures will not be fully covered by insurance, the medical team and the hospital must make a hard decision. One must realize that doctors and hospitals alike are in the business to make money. And each can only write off a percentage of their bad debts to taxes. Truly ones’ financial status comes into play in such a situation. Those with inadequate insurance coverage or an inability to pay the freight could be expendable. It’s nothing personal, just a sound business decision on the part of those involved in the decision process.
Further, we no longer can go to the doctor of our choice because he or she may not be on the insurance company’s “preferred” network list. Doctors who agree to abide by the rules imposed on them by the insurance companies may be added to the company’s list of preferred practitioners. Those of us, who choose to use doctors that are out of “the network”, pay dearly for the service.
The doctor or gate keeper of today does not share many similarities to the family doctor I knew as a child or young adult. First, he or she works solely from an office. Home visits are out of the question and hospital visits, if required, are handled by a specialist to whom you’ve been referred. Second, in most cases he or she is quite aloof in their interaction with you. One might call this a professional approach, but I believe it often goes way beyond that.
Rarely does the doctor check your ears, your throat or fingernails to determine your measure of health. Instead he relies upon a barrage of tests to tell him such things. Some tests such as urine or blood analyses are good and important, others quite often are questionable. I often wonder why doctors schedule as many tests as they do. Could it be that they’re not otherwise competent to make a diagnostic decision or could it be that the test alone filters additional monies into their bank account? I’m also sure there is a liability factor in play here. The test result is the “CYA” factor.
Today, doctors are all too quick to write scripts for medications. No longer would they ever suggest a home remedy or homeopathic solution to an ailment. The reason here is obvious to anyone who has sat for a period of time in the waiting room. Doctors are inundated with visits by drug company salesmen. They provide the doctors with product samples and an array of other incentives to help push their products. And, it must be worthwhile because the doctor will certainly let you sit while they chitchat with the sales person.
I’m sure another generation twenty years from now will look back on today and remark about how great medical coverage was “back then”. I certainly don’t foresee it getting any better. It is almost a certainty that the new regime in Washington will socialize the system even further, therein depleting even more the quality of the system as we now know it. I only hope common sense will prevail in any Fed action, but that is highly unlikely.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Presidential Elections
Another presidential election year has drawn to a close. From my perspective it has been one of the most annoying, exasperating events that I have endured in my adult life. What used to take nine months from start to finish has now been elongated into a two year process.
More than a year ago I was already annoyed by the deluge of political television commercials. During both the morning and evening prime time, candidate ads were consistently repeated. Adding to my annoyance was the nearly constant, mostly biased commentaries from media sources that aired, day in and day out. Frankly, my tolerance of it all had peaked well before New Years had arrived. At the time, I was certainly not looking forward to the spring primary season where I knew the campaigns would intensify in both ads and media coverage.
The passion of the fall campaigns was merely the prelude of what was to come in the months ahead. Once the primaries were in full swing, fueled by the energy of the Obama –
One point of note that set this campaign apart from historical others was the amount of money raised and spent. I recently read that Obama raised more than 750 million dollars prior to the convention. In contrast, candidates in the 04 election raised only half that amount. One needs to look at the industries that profit from all this money. Obviously some goes to pay staff, office supplies and such. But that amount is a mere drop in the bucket when compared to the amount of money that is funneled for printing campaign material or to ad agencies, newspapers, radio and TV advertising. Is it a wonder that the guy spending the big bucks on media advertising gets the most favorable press?
In addition, think of the millions of dollars spent by the states and counties for their roll in conducting the elections. Such direct costs include not only the purchase of the voting machines but the computers, materials and staff needed to run the election.
After the infamous “hanging chad” fiasco of the 2000 Bush – Gore election, counties in
It is my opinion that in this automated, electronic, 21st century that we live in there has to be a cheaper procedure for holding such an election. From seeking qualified candidates that may not have the financial resources or star power to rise to the top, to one’s ability to campaign and conduct an election more economically, a solution should be found.
For example, think how simple and unsophisticated the voting is for shows such as American Idol or Dancing with the Stars. Millions of votes are electronically cast each week to choose winning contestants. Obviously such systems as currently set up are not fool proof since they allow voters to cast multiple ballots for their favorites. Yet I’m sure with American ingenuity such issues could eventually be overcome.
Instead of the long drawn out primary process we now endure, the political parties could hold a series of televised debates for their candidates. The debates would focus on the pertinent issues with each candidate being given an opportunity to state or argue their position. After several debates an elimination process would begin where each week, the candidate collecting the least amount of votes, would be eliminated. Once each party has selected their candidate a new series of debates begins to select the ultimate winner.
Such a solution is probably too idealistic and not doable since it eliminates those who make their riches off the election process. Yet I can certainly think of better, more charitable ways to spend 750 million than on a political candidate. Investing such money in cancer or heart research are two points that come to mind.
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