Our Failing Healthcare System

I must say, that with each passing day, I become more and more disgusted with our healthcare system. Yeah yeah yeah…we have the most technologically advanced system in the world…but is it really worth it when not all of our citizens are granted access to it??

It seems that lately I’ve been hit with a barrage of incidents where I hear about people going bankrupt because of medical bills they were unable to pay. That’s disgusting to me…and it SHOULD NOT be happening in America! And as if this isn’t enough, we have these idiots out there demonizing all forms of Universal healthcare. Let me just clear something up for the many of you that try and parallel Universal healthcare and Socialized medicine. Universal healthcare is just a system of providing healthcare for everyone…no matter what their income status, or pre existing conditions, citizenship status…everyone! Socialized medicine would be an aspect of allowing the government to control the healthcare industry. Doctors, nurses, hospitals, etc…would all be owned and run by the government. Since Barack Obama’s election, I’ve heard many of my conservative friends say that they will never become a socialist (or other naïve comments similar to these)…but let me just point out some socialized organizations that you use everyday!

Libraries!!
Fire Department!!
Police Department!!
K-12 Schools!!
And perhaps the one that everyone is using today….OUR MILITARY!!!

Perhaps you should think about these the next time your house is on fire…because if you’re not a socialist…you better have a big hose! I’m not saying that we need to socialize our healthcare system…I’m simply saying that we are the only capitalist democracy that currently denies people the right to healthcare!

In his recent welcoming address to Pope Benedict XVI, our lovely and oh-so-caring president Bush said “Americans believe that the measure of a free society is how we treat the weakest and most vulnerable among us. So each day citizens across America answer the universal call to feed the hungry and comfort the sick and care for the infirm.” Hmmm…perhaps as the said this he had forgotten about the 47 millions Americans that currently don’t have health insurance. Or the 9 millions children that don’t have health insurance. Or the 18,000 deaths that will occur this year due to lack of health insurance. Or the fact that over 50 percent of all bankruptcies occur because of medical bills!!

Another thing. I find it absolutely pathetic that people are actually saying that they don’t want to have to pay higher taxes to help out those that are less fortunate! I mean, I’ve always known that we are a selfish society, but to blatantly discriminate against the poor…wow! Especially when the truth of the matter is that anyone of us could see ourselves in their position at any moment! How do you plan for cancer? Or a car accident? Or the death of a loved one? Has anyone ever felt the pain of being denied a life saving surgery because your health insurance company refused to pay for it?

Here is my view on the longer waits that people allegedly experience in other countries. I would rather wait in line for a surgery, than know that I was getting a needed surgery that many are denied of because they can’t afford it. The thoght that we would not want a Universal healthcare system because we, the ones that are so blessed to be able to afford it, might have to wait a bit longer to get the medical treatments we need...is again...disgusting!

I don’t care how we fix, but it must be fixed! We can no longer sit idly by as our fellow American’s are denied what is rightfully theirs (Article 25 of the declaration of Human Rights).

Gay Marriage

This is an issue that I already know many of you will disagree with, but I feel obligated…meh….not obligated…I just like forcing my opinion upon all of you! J

California recently voted in favor of proposition 8 in order to “protect marriage”. First of all…I hate that word protect! Why do people feel that the way to protect the sanctity of marriage is through prohibiting those people that are in love from getting married? It’s absurd to me. I understand that our current definition of marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and that many (if not all) religions are widely against allowing gay couples to marry for this reason. This is not where my argument lies…

My argument lies with the fundamental right one should receive merely from being a human. Whether you agree with gay marriage or not, the privileges and rights that come from being legally “married” should very much so be distributed to gay and straight couples alike. The idea that we prohibit gay couples from important privileges like hospital visitation rights, the right to make medical decisions for their partners, the right to adopt a child, the right to file joint taxes (the list goes on) is hateful to say the least!! It’s also a blatant form of discrimination!

The recent vote in California to ban gay marriages angers me because of the mere fact that people were allowed to vote on it. People were and are allowed to vote on discriminating against a minority group of people and that’s shocking for a “civilized” country. Can you imagine if specific Supreme Court rulings in the past had been left up to the people to vote on?? Brown vs. the Board of Education (prohibiting racial segregation); Gideon v. Wainwright (which guaranteed a defendants right to legal counsel); or the insane number of cases that involved women’s rights! Let’s not forget the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Lincoln, and was HIGHLY unpopular at the time! Can you imagine if these important issues had been left up to a “majority vote”???

Prohibiting gay couples from obtaining the same rights offered to their “straight” counterparts is the simplest form of discrimination, and it shocks me that more people aren’t outraged at this! What’s even more shocking, are the ignorant ideas that a gay couple truly in love, is somehow still worse than those out there that have been married and divorced time and time again….where’s the sanctity of marriage there??

It’s ridiculous to me that religious people are at the forefront of this argument, denying these American citizens this right. Call it a civil union, domestic partnership…whatever you want that may help you sleep at night…but the idea that we’re taking away these people’s rights based on their sexual orientation is disgusting. Do we take away the rights of liars, adulterers, those that worship a different god than ours, or those that take the Lord’s name in vain? No. Why is this any different?

Since when do we have the right to force our beliefs, values, or opinions on others? If you don’t like the idea of gay marriage…don’t marry a gay person…but the idea that just because it’s against our religious beliefs, or it makes us uncomfortable, are ridiculous, petty, naïve, ignorant, pathetic (and whatever other synonyms I can think of) reasons to continue this discrimination.

McCain vs. Obama

How am I supposed to focus on homework when stuff like this is being posted?? This is a bulletin that was posted on myspace...and of course...my response to it! Enjoy! **warning...somewhat long***
In watching the late days of this presidential campaign, I am compelled to let you all know why I am voting the way I am, not so much in the hope you would agree with me, because your mother and I have raised you to be independent thinkers, but because bad things are about to happen to our country if and when Barack Obama is elected.I believe that if someone sees that bad things are about to happen, he has some measure of responsiblity to warn others about it before it happens so they can take evasive or corrective action should they choose to do so. I think there are two major issues in choosing who to vote for: character, and experience. I believe McCain has character, and integrity. I know he has experience, particularly in foreign policy.I believe that Obama's character is suspect at best, and I know he has no experience. I am voting for John McCain and Sarah Palin for President and Vice President because the paramount issue for me is our national security. McCain is experienced, courageous, and wise in the ways of today's world. He does not spend a lot of time trying to figure out who the bad guys are in today's world. Obama is by far the most inexperienced, least qualified person in American history to contend for the office of President.He literally has no clue about how to handle foreign aggression.When ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Russia invaded Georgia this summer, his response was to urge "both sides" to "calm down".McCain immediately denounced Russian aggression, and demanded that they pull out of Georgia.McCain supported the surge in Iraq, while Obama opposed the surge in Iraq.Obama still does not understand how wrong he was, or will simply not admit it. Our country has enemies, and they are watching this election.They are hoping Obama wins, and hoping McCain does not win.If Obama wins, look for a significant increase in terrorist attacks against U.S.interests both here and overseas.If Obama wins, be very careful about traveling abroad.American tourists (and ex-pats) will be less safe under an Obama presidency than they are today.If he wins, look for an international crisis to develop very quickly. If you have not done so, I strongly encourage you to read the 911 Commission Report.If nothing else, read the preamble and introduction to it.It is a very clear statement about the forces behind the 911 terrorist attack on our country.This was not "a tragedy", as Obama calls it.It was an act of intentional aggression against our country unprecedented since Pearl Harbor.The aggressors have not gone away - they are still there, and an Obama victory will encourage them greatly, because they will believe they will be able to attack us with impunity due to Obama's lack of experience or survival instincts.Unfortunately, I fear they may well be right in their assessment. If Obama wins, also look for significant increases in unemployment, in taxes, and in the rate of inflation.We will likely be taking large steps in the development of a welfare, socialist state - the philosophy that has failed the world over.Obama's economic policy in one word is "socialism". Obama is a socialist, and one of the most liberal, left-wing candidates our country has known in a long time.He is smooth, charming, politically adroit, and slippery.Socialism has failed in evey country where it has been tried. Our country cannot tax itself into economic recovery. Economic survival depends on working hard, and making a contribution, and getting paid for your contribution. Government does not produce anything. That doesn't mean that government is not needed. It is.But it is individual businesses and workers who produce things, create jobs, and who generate economic growth.A government that overly burdens individual enterprise and business success will discourage initiative, and bring the entire economy to a place of non-productivity. I suggest you read the article written by Grant Horner, who is an English professor at Master's College, in which he elaborates on Obama's socialism. I sent you each the article in an email. You have probably not heard about the Florida interview with Joe Biden, in which the interviewer read a quote presenting an economic philosophy, and dealing with economic issues, and then asked Biden whether that fairly represented Obama's views. Biden said, yes it did.The interviewer then told Biden that this was a quote from Karl Marx, in which he summarized his socialist philosophy.Strangely, there has been little or no coverage in the press about this. Obama's solution is higher taxes, and more government spending.This has never worked, and it won't work this time. Finally, Obama claims to be Christian, but I do not see how anyone claiming to be a Christian can be as vehemently pro-abortion as he is, or someone pro-abortion can claim to be a Christian.This is a moral issue to me, and while I know there are those who disagree with me, I do not know anyone who claims to be a Bible-believing Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ who is supportive of abortion on demand, for any reason or no reason, or who favors partial birth abortions. Obama does.While the effects of an Obama presidency as supportive of the abortion industry are not likely to be felt as a society any time soon, at least not directly, it is still a reprehensible position for our government to take.When the most vulnerable members of a society are not protected, that is a measure of the character of that society, and it is a sign of things to come. For a thorough review of Obama's pro-abortion politics, see the article by Professor Robert George, of Princeton University, titled "Obama's Abortion Extremism". This was part of Grant Horner's email as well. So, when I have said that emotion is a poor basis for making decisions, the above is some of what I am talking about.I know that he has many rabid, passionate followers - but I have not yet heard anyone explain to me why he is qualified to be president.I've heard a lot about 'dreams', and 'change' and 'hope', and great speeches, but very little about experience or character.He poses well, and he speaks well, and both of those things are important - just not as important as character and experience. I firmly believe that Obama is a lightweight, and a 'poser'. McCain is qualified, experienced, and courageous.He can lead this country effectively, I believe.At times he is frustrating, and at times I disagree with his stand on things.But in foreign policy matters, I trust him, and I believe our enemies will respect him and fear us, and those are good things. One of the amazing things about this election is the vitriol and venom directed at Sarah Palin for being "unqualified", when actually her experience and qualifications are greater than Obama's.Even more breathtaking than the audacity of Obama supporters using the "inexperience" argument at all is the fact that the argument - which is absurd on its face - gets some traction. Amazing. So, there you have it.If Obama wins, and he very well may, and the things I believe will happen as a result do actually happen, I will be saying "I told you so". That may be my theme for the next four years.In the meantime, 'batten down the hatches' because bad things may be about to happen.may God bless our country.
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While I respect everyone's opinion, and firmly feel that someone can vote for a particular candidate for whatever reason they deem most important, as many of you already know, I have an opinion, and I love sharing it with people whether they want to hear it or not. While there are certainly issues that I would love to jump to first in this "letter" because they made me laugh out loud, or vocally disagree while reading, I will simply go in order.
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First of all, the general assumption that "bad things are going to happen to our country" if Obama is elected is truly one of the most ignorant statements I've heard someone lay claim to. I'm sure it's not necessary to remind everyone that in 2001, when our country was attacked by terrorists, it was under a republican president. A president that was warned a number of times before the attack actually happened, and still took no precautions to protect our country. To make such a general statement and not back it up with concrete evidence it childish to say the least…but we'll get into more detail with this issue a bit later.

On character and experience, I have to laugh out loud while I read that this person believes that McCain has more character than Obama. McCain, the one who left his crippled wife and was engaged to the wealthy Cindy before his divorce was even final. McCain, the one that has people yelling out "kill him" when talking about Obama at his rallies, and simply keeps talking. Character is shaking a man's hand after a debate, and not referring to someone as "that one". Character is holding your head high as people attack the church you go to, your middle name, whether you are black enough, and your heritage. The first time I questioned McCain's character was when he set aside the safety of our country and announced that his VP was Sara Palin, chosen not for her experience or leadership qualities, but because of her gender. McCain does have more experience than Obama, but he threw that argument out the window when he chose Palin to run with him. I further argue that being qualified for a particular position requires much more than experience!

On the issue of foreign policy, a number of things were said that I firmly disagree with. When talking about McCain, this person said that "he does not spend a lot of time trying to figure out who the bad guys are in today's world". I must ask the obvious here….since when is this a good thing??? The more I hear about McCain's philosophy when it comes to our nation's security, I can't help but think that he has adopted the theme "bomb baby bomb". George Bush didn't spend a whole heck of a lot of time trying to figure out who the bad guys were either…and now we are involved in TWO wars, because he sent us to the wrong battleground! Since when is patience a bad thing? And to go on and say that he has no clue how to handle foreign policy because he voted against the surge, I must remind you that Obama voted against the war in the first place, while McCain voted for it. Why do people forget that? McCain said that the war in Iraq would be "quick and easy", 7 years and billions of dollars later, our country is still left wondering when exactly this quick and easy idea is going to start. Where was his judgment and experience then????

To make an assumption that our country will go through many terrorist attacks if Obama is elected president is disgusting. Where was this guy who claims to know so much about the future on September 10, 2001?? Does he not know that America is already one of the most hated countries in the world due to Bush's decisions? Two friends of mine that were able to study abroad had to watch in horror as riots burnt American flags in the middle of the streets. It's already unsafe for us to travel abroad because our country is involved in killing innocent women and children on a daily basis.

Quote: "If Obama wins, also look for significant increases in unemployment". AHAHAHAHAHAHA! Has this idiot not watched the news over the past couple of months? Our countries unemployment rate rises even higher with each passing month. When Clinton left office in 2000, our country saw a surplus. Today, the Time's Square National Debt clock is running out of room at over $10 trillion dollars!! On top of this, the republicans that support the war bitch about raising our taxes. They want a war…but they don't want to pay for it!! The author then goes on to say that "Obama's solution is higher taxes, and more government spending. This has never worked, and it won't work this time." REALLY? Because it appears that lower taxes and an insane amount of government spending by our republican president isn't working very well for us either!

I just finished watching the alleged Florida interview that this author mentions, and he should be ashamed and embarrassed, because it's obvious that he hasn't watched the interview either, and if he has, then he's just flat out lying. Joe Biden in no way said that this is Obama's philosophy. In fact he laughs out loud when she reads it and asks if she is joking. He never once says that this quote depicts Obama's philosophy, and goes on to explain their plan for tax cuts for the middle class. So it's actually not "strange" that the media has chosen not to show it. I have to wonder where this person is getting their facts from?

Ah. And we now get to my favorite part of this lovely "letter". I love it when people place it upon themselves to decide what constitutes being a Christian and what doesn't. Who does this guy think he is? Jesus incarnate? Chosen by God to lay judgment on others? To make accusations that Obama is not a Christian, is the very reason that Christians turn people away from the word of God everyday. To pick out verses of the bible that you like or want to live by, and leave others out is not only hypocritical, but childish and down right nasty! Let's not forget that Bush is pro-life and nothing has been done to ban abortions! To make the accusation that Obama is vehemently pro-abortion, as if Obama is advocating for more abortions, is a hint to the authors character! Obama has said more times than I can count that active steps need to be taken to lower the rates of abortions!! I don't see how someone can claim to be a "bible-believing Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ" and take it upon himself to be the decider of what deems someone a Christian. Am I not mistaken that "we ALL fall short of the glory of God"…yes…that's right…even the jerk that made these comments! It's disgusting to me that Christians are at the forefront of spreading nasty lies, and passing judgment on everyone!

After making so many false and sickening statements, this author then has the audacity to say that the vitriol (anger) and venom directed at Sara Palin is amazing! HA! Did he not read his very own letter? Does he not realize that many of his poorly researched claims are downright lies and smears?! Some of the nastiest lies and comments have originated from so-called Christians this election, on both sides! No one has the right to say that one issue is more important than another when deciding who to vote for, or that "emotion is a poor basis to make decisions". One of the wonderful things about our democracy is that each individual person is given the opportunity to vote for someone that they feel will work hard to uphold their beliefs and values. For someone to claim that certain values should be deemed more important than others, goes against the very fundamentals that a democracy is built upon.

To the author of this letter: I will not tell you that the foundations for which you choose to hold more essential than others in this election are mundane or unimportant., because you have that basic right to vote on the issues that are important to you. I will say that your letter was poorly researched, dim-witted, foolish, and simply false in many aspects. If you make statements like the ones in this letter, you had better be able to back them up with ample evidence, and true quotes not taken out of context. I would also like to remind you that God did not appoint you to sit on the thrown of judgment, and to make accusations like the ones you did is disrespectful to my faith. I also feel compelled to remind that you that humility is a wonderful virtue!

I'm Still Voting Obama/Biden

Palin vs. Biden

Meh. Palin did alright. She certainly held her own, but the longer the debate went on, the better Biden did and the worse she got. She certainly exceeded expectations, but she still didn’t impress me. She’s running for the Vice President and it’s pathetic that our expectations for her were so low to begin with.

Of course it wasn’t long before she started to delve into those annoying clichés that we’ve been hearing for the past five weeks. There were quite a few things that she mentioned that I just didn’t agree with. For instance when they were both asked if they would be willing or forced to give up any of the things that they had promised in their campaign due to the current crisis that we are seeing, and our ever increasing deficit, and she said that they would be able to keep ALL of their promises, because she’s “only been running for 5 weeks”. Yeah…don’t remind us all of how inexperienced you are.

I wanted to throw something at the TV every time I heard the word Maverick come out of her mouth. She needs to discover the synonyms button on Microsoft and come up with a wider variety of clichés that we can tire of all over again. John McCain certainly didn’t show us his “Maverick” capabilities when he voted for the $700 billion bail out plan that included earmarks like a $2 million tax credit for makers of wooden arrows! Or $100 million tax credit for auto racetrack owners! Or $192 million rebate on taxes for Puerto Rican and Virgin Islands rum industry! I guess he forgot that little pen of his! Because we’ve heard all too many times the quote he loves repeating, “I’ve got a pen, and I’m going to veto every single spending bill that comes across my desk. I will make them famous, you will know their names.” But to the man’s defense he is getting old…and perhaps a little forgetful. Or maybe it’s the fact that he doesn’t have a desk in the white house yet…so it doesn’t count right??? Ugh.
*Oh. And we all remember when McCain brought up the $3 million dollars we spent studying the DNA of bears in Montana. Perhaps he forgot about the $3.2 million that Palin requested to study the mating habits of crabs! OOOPS!

I completely disagree with “Goose” and “Maverick’s” health care plan. Can you even call it a plan?? You’re going to tax the health care benefits that people already have?? Hmm…sounds like a tax increase to me!! Let me break it down for you. Say my hubby and I make $60,000 a year, and Nate’s employer pays him $12,000 a year (which is the average) in health care insurance. When Nate and I go to pay our taxes, we won’t be paying taxes on $60,000 a year…we will be paying taxes on $72,000 a year!! This is going to throw a lot of people into a higher tax bracket than they would normally be in. Along with this, it annoys me when Palin and McCain try and make a Universal Health Care plan sound like the absolute worst thing that could happen to the US! They make is sound “sickening”. You know what’s sickening to me? It’s sickening that American’s are willing to stand by while millions of their fellow citizens go bankrupt due to medical bills that they can’t afford to pay. It’s sickening to me that fellow Americans across the nation have to decide on a monthly basis whether or not they should pay for the medicine that they need, or make a rent payment. It’s sickening to me that private health insurance companies are among the richest in the world! Why are we the only democratic nation in the western world that looks at health care as a sort of privilege for the wealthy, rather than a fundamental human right???

My favorite part was when Joe Biden threw it back in Palin’s face that he could “relate” to the American people just as much as she could and said “But the notion that somehow, because I’m a man, I don’t know what it’s like to raise two children alone. I don’t’ know what it’s like to have a child you’re…you’re not sure is going to make it. I understand. I understand. As well as, with all due respect, the governor or anybody else, what it’s like for those people sitting around that kitchen table. And guess what. They’re looking for help….they’re looking for help. They’re not looking for more of the same.” It certainly tugged at my heart strings, but more than that, it was refreshing to hear some emotion about what American people are going through. Rather than the smug little smirk that Palin had on her face during the entire debate…no matter what she was talking about!!

Did Sara Palin impress me? No. She wondered a lot, avoided questions, and when she didn’t know how to answer, she returned to her all too familiar “talking points”. I’m still a bit confused on her stance about same sex civil unions?? She kept using the word tolerant, which doesn’t mean that she would support gay couples having the same civil rights as any other couple, and when she was asked to clarify all she said was that she didn’t support gay marriage…and again avoided another “straight talk” answer.

I don’t think that she did well enough to give McCain a boost. All the headlines today talk about the bailout, which goes to show that she really didn’t change any dynamics of the race. They’re running out of time to prove to us that they really are different than the Bush administration…and as Biden and Obama say…we really don’t want another 4 years of Bush!

President Palin. Now There's a Scary Thought!

Wow. It’s been a while. Between trying to climb and toil my way through books that I only understand after re-reading each paragraph 12 times, trying to keep up with the presidential “race” and what the idiot (this is a hint of things to come) Sara Palin has said lately, and trying to remain at least a decent wife to my hubby…I have had to ignore my urges to blog…but alas…to the disappointment of the many who disagree with me…I have more than a few minutes to catch up on things.

Thanks to Megan, I have been able to keep up with the latest Sara Palin “bloopers”. I’ve been able to watch her stumble through answers that clearly remind me of the young lady from North Carolina that was running for Miss Teen USA (we all remember that right?), and I have to force myself to remember that this is not funny. Although I giggled at first at how absurd she sounded…those giggles quickly turned into nervous bits of confusion as I reminded myself that she could merely be a heartbeat away from becoming MY president.

On top of being able to watch her try and dig herself out of the crater that she is currently in, I’m also stunned at the excuses that people are coming up with to defend her. Excuses like, “Don’t be too hard on her, she’s had a lot to learn in the last month” or “Interviewers are clearly asking her ‘gatcha’ questions, trying to get her to slip up”. WHAT?!? I am so sick and tired of hearing these. If she cannot handle sweet little Katie Couric, then how is she going to handle Putin, if he “rears his head” into the US? What is she going to do if we go through an economic crisis like the one we’re seeing now? It’s pathetic that the media is expected to “go easy” on her. It’s pathetic that more Americans aren’t outraged at John McCain for this GAME that he is playing with the US. We have a fundamental right to ask her these questions, and we have a right to get angry when she gives answers like the ones that she has given. We have a right to demand that the future leaders of this country be knowledgeable about the things that keep this country running. We have a right to demand that John McCain fess up and admit that he picked her merely as a political ploy. Again, it truly does baffle me that more people aren’t outraged at John McCain. It’s clear now John McCain, that she is not qualified to be our VP, swallow your pride, and get her out of there!

The Vice Presidential debate is tonight and I feel like I’m the only one that is demanding that Palin do more than merely “hold her own”. After all of the ridiculous things that she has done…she had better knock this out of the park if she wants to convince me that she can even remotely measure up to the leadership and experience that Joe Biden CLEARLY portrays. The media has been forced to set the bar so low, that it seems like we’ll be content if she is able to even finish a sentence. I’m confused as to why the media is accused of being “biased” when it comes to Sara Palin. I’m confused that the advice people are giving Biden is to not be too hard on her, because then he will appear sexist. He’s proven to us time and time again that he can lead this country, he can actually answer a question, he can state Supreme Court cases that he doesn’t agree with, he can actually list ONE newspaper that he reads…and Palin…well she’ll get back to us on that one…pathetic! Ugh. I’m embarrassed for the woman.

I have lost all respect for John McCain over the past week alone. It’s disgusting and shameful that he is willing to put all logic and reason aside…simply to win an election.

I'm Disgusted by Ignorance

I am absolutely floored when I hear people get angry about the proposed bill 99 from the Illinois Senate that talks about “age-appropriate” sex education in elementary school that COULD start as early as kindergarten.

First off, this bill was never passed. Secondly, the very first line in this bill is:

No pupil shall be required to take or participate in
any class or course in comprehensive sex education if the
pupil's his parent or guardian submits written objection
thereto, and refusal to take or participate in such course or
program shall not be reason for suspension or expulsion of
such pupil.

So. For parents or people out there that don’t like the idea of their children learning age-appropriate sex education from their public school teacher…WE DON’T HAVE TO WORRY….so seriously….seriously…shut up!

I swear, the next time I hear somebody complain, or gripe about this bill…I am going to ask them for their phone number. I am then going to give this phone number to the counselors…nurses….and psychiatrists that are left to try and pick up the pieces of the child’s world that fell about around them because they were sexually molested. I will then ask these counselors to give the phone number to the next child that walks into their office that has been sexually molested…and these people can then try to explain to this child WHY this happened to them. These people can explain to the child that there may have been a way for this to be prevented, but they stood in the way of it happening….and then these people can apologize to the child for being so damn selfish to realize that if this bill could save just 1 child from being sexually mistreated…1 child….it would be worth it. Then perhaps….JUST PERHAPS…these naïve idiots will then experience a fraction…a tiny fraction…of the pain…heartache…confusion…hate…rage…sadness…emptiness….that these children must go through.

And with and estimated 80,000 children being molested every year…I have a feeling that these people may be on the phone for a while.

So to the parents out there that don’t like this idea…remember how blessed your children are to have parents who put their best interest first. How blessed they are that you’re very concerned about the types of things that they could be learning at school. Then take a drive to the nearest foster home…or orphanage…or downtown street…and remember that for every “lucky” child out there…there are probably 10 more that aren’t so lucky. Children that are left to fend for themselves because of a parent that was too selfish…or because of a father that beat them…or a grandfather that went too far…or because of a mom that thought TV was a suitable babysitter…or because of a teacher, that never taught them that it was ok to say no. A teacher that never taught that what was happening to them was not ok. A teacher that never held them and said “we can get help”.

It disgusts me that there are people out there that are willing to turn their backs on the children that need them the most. It makes me sick that there are parents that are so ignorant to what’s really going on in the world…that they would be willing to deprive a child of getting an education that could end up saving their life.

United we stand??

talk radio debut...

Henry Weinhard is currenly in the process of helping me to calm down after the grueling miles of circles that I had to run today. Yes...that's right...I'm medicating myself into a state of oblivion...and hopefully I won't be feeling anything in just a few short hours (ok...I'm exagerating). But he is helping to take the edge off none the less.

My day was filled with many surprises...some that left me a bit shaken...others that left me sobbing hysterically...and others that left me laughing my butt off (even though I was alone in my car).

In order to go to University of Washington, I have to show them proof that I've had my MMR (measels, mumps, rubella) vaccinations. So. I call my mom...and she no longer has them. The University then tells me there is a test that can be done that will tell you whether or not you have had the vaccination. I called up my good ole doc a few weeks ago and said "Yo...I need to get this test done"...they get me in right away and tell me I will get results in 3-4 days. A WEEK AND A HALF later...I'm still pleading with them to give me the results.

10:00am: I trot into the doc's office to pick up my blood test results that they promised would be in my this morning. I wait for about 10 minutes before a nurse calls me to her and explains to me that this test shows that I'm 1/10 of a point off on the measles....AND THAT I HAVE TO GET ANOTHER VACCINATION!!! I politely tell her this can't be accurate, since my mom promised that I had the vaccination. She then informs me that "these tests really aren't that accurate, so even if you had the vaccination, it could still show up as you needing another"!! WHAT?! Inside I'm screaming, but on the outside I keep my cool...and I again politely exclaim "I'm still fairly new to the area so where would someone in my dire situation go to get this vaccination".
The nurse rudely (in my opinion) responds, "You can't get it here since you are 25. But there is a health center in Bremerton that you can go to".
"Great", I say. "Could you tell me where exactly this is at so I can run over there right now and get it done?"
"Oh, you can't get it done today. They aren't open are Fridays".
I then politely excused myself...walked every so calmy to my car...and cried like a baby. I called my mom hysterical...telling her that the forces of nature were against me getting my degree! She attempted to reassure me...but some ultamite "woo-saw" was definitlely needed.
So after rubbing my earlobes and focusing on my breathing (ok...not really), I finally called the admissions office in Tacoma and asked them for help. I explained my situation, and they gave me an address to a clinic in Puyallup that was open today!

11:40ish: I'm in my car, and my spirits are lifted because I'm thinking I can still get registered for at least one class in time. I'm listening to the Michael Medved show on talk radio and he brings up the subject of Sarah Palin (and for those of you who have read even one of my blogs....you know my feelings). He then goes on to quote a bunch of people and the cruel things they are saying about her (some of them really were far too harsh). He then tells us listeners that if we have something that we don't like about Sarah Palin...we should call his show. So I said to myself "ok". I called a few times....it was busy...same old story....but I kept trying.
Then it happened....the phone was ringing!! And I kid you not, my whole body literally started shaking. You know that weak feeling that you get when you pass a cop and you're going about 15 miles over the speed limit...you basically lose all feeling in your legs...your arms start shaking...your heart is beating faster...and you break out in a dead sweat due to the insane adrenaline rush you just had?? (just me??) Anyways...that's what I was feeling.
I hear this chick's voice and she says "Hi! Thanks for calling the Michael Medved show. What don't you like about Sarah Palin?"
And I'm thinking...sheesh...what an open ended question. So I decide last minute to go with the bit about it being a slap in the face to women who fought so hard to have equal rights, that she take the position knowing full well, that it was only offered to her because she was a woman...and then she interupts me right as I'm getting to the good part about the whole "cement ceiling"! And she asks "Ok. What's your name and where are you calling from?" I answer, and then she asks"can you hold for a second please". Silly me...I'm like OK...maybe I'm gonna get a free t-shirt or something for trying.
Then she puts me on hold, and I'm listening to a live feed of the show. Blah blah blah...I'm listening I'm listening....then HOLY CRAP BALLS...I hear the fella say "Alright, we're going live now to one of our listeners...Katie Greer from Poulsbo, WA...what makes you angry about Sarah Palin".
I kid you not folks....I literally about shat my pants righ then and there. I studdered through a long "hhhiiiiiiiii"...and he says again "you're live on the air...what makes you angry about Sarah Palin".
So I take a deep breath...and I go for. I go off on the whole slap in the face bit that I blogged on...and how it makes me sick everytime she says that she is going to shatter the glass ceiling once and for all, because she took the position....you get the point. At one point he interupts me and says "you know that there are reasons that she got offered the position other than the fact that she is female.
And I ever so quickly and calmly *wink wink* replied back "but you and I both know that one of the number one reasons that she was even considered was because she was female. Because John McCain and his group of advisors saw something to jump on the minute that Obama announced that he would not be picking Hillary to be on his ticket". I told him how I thought it "was a disgrace when McCain made so many speeches about how he would rather lose an election than lose a war...and then he had the audacity to pick someone that is clearly not qualified to be president of the united states...to be his running mate." I also added the fact that Karl Rove who used to be Bush's top advisor said only a few months ago that if Obama were to put kaine on a ticket...it would prove that he clearly did not have the United States best interest at heart because Kaine was only the govenor of a small state (on and on...you saw my other blog on that one).
Anyways...that's getting far too long. Before I knew it the "debate" was over...and by that time I was pulled over off to the side of the freeway so that I didn't kill anyone...and I was thinking to myself....did that really just happen???
Oh. And somewhere in the middle of my "talk radio debut", the Michael guy made some comment about how Regan had chosen a female on his ticket and asked if I though that it was a step backwards for women then...and I was like "uhhhh"?? For a minute there....I totally emphasized with Sarah Palin when she was asked if she agreed with the bush doctrine. Yikes!!!

Nate just got home...and we're eating pizza and drinking some beers to unwind after a long day for both of us...so this will be continued tomorrow....

hope.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3mOyuJvX8U

When the negativity of the election start to boggle me down…when I start to question what it was that I first saw in Obama that literally drew me to him…I watch this video…and I remember.

I remember the change that he stands for. I see the look of determination on the faces of those that are watching him. I see the way that he is able to inspire even the weakest people…and it’s in this inspiration that I see a true leader. I hear the determination in his voice…a determination that we will no longer be content with the status quo, and it gives me hope.

I’ve been called naïve for believing in this change that Barack Obama promises. I’ve heard the accusations that “young America” doesn’t realize that these changes are “impossible”. That we are “inexperienced” in the ways of politics, and that we don’t “understand”. I’ve been told that it’s naïve to think that we can solve problems with other countries without going to war. But to these people I say, where would we be without hope? Where would we be if people did not have the courage to stand up and say “enough”? Our country was founded upon a list of “childish dreams”, and our country continues to thrive off of “foolish hopes”.

As for me, I will continue to cling to these “naïve” dreams that my Mom will one day get the same health care that George Bush and his millionaire friends do! I will continue to cling to the dream that my Dad will be taken care of for the rest of his life by his government, because he fought bravely for his country! I will continue to cling to the hope that we will no longer blatantly discriminate against fellow American’s due to their sexual orientation! I will continue to cling to the dreams that our troops will never again be sent to die for something that isn’t absolutely necessary! I will continue to cling to the hope that American’s don’t consider helping those that are less fortunate as “welfare”, but rather an honor…a duty…and a need! And yes…I will continue to cling to the hope that one day…I will be able to look at my President with an admiration and pride that I have yet to experience…

Unreliable Emails: "Potential New First Family"

This email just irritates the crap out of me. I can't even copy the entire thing, because most of you will quit reading as you get lost in the authors endless lies...misquotations...and simply stupid remarks.

It begins like this: "ARE THERE ENOUGH BEDROOMS IN THE WHITE HOUSE TO PUT ALL THESE FAMILY MEMBERS UP WHEN THEY VISIT OBAMA ??????"

First question: Since when does coming from a large family have ANYTHING to do with ones ability to run a country? Let's not forget that Sarah Palin has 5 children...one with special needs...and one that is about to have a baby of her own. And these children won't just be visiting...they will be taking up residence in the white house. Now don't get me wrong. I am not opposed to Palin having a large family...but it shoots down any absurd argument that coming from a large family somehow makes you less qualified to run the US, you pinhead!

This email then goes on to show a number of different photos of Senator Obama's family. And it asks the question "How come we haven't seen or known about some of these....?" I have included some of them here:

Now. If you have not "heard" or "seen" some of these...then you must not watch the news...ever! Why would someone who is trying to "hide" from his past (as this email is depicting) write a book that is over 400 pages long titled "DREAMS FROM MY FATHER"?? Again...I say to the child that wrote this email...and to the children who actually forwarded it...watch the news...read the book...and then you can have an opinion.

To continue. Below the picture of Obama's father smoking a pipe it reads "Barack's father, Muslim, hard-drinker,Was married three times, attended Harvard and returned to Kenya. Obama claims he was an atheist, But he was raised Muslim and was Given a Muslim burial at Barack's family's request."

I must say. I come from a "broken" family of "hard drinkers, and different religions", and I will be damned if anyone EVER tells me I am not qualified for ANYTHING because of narrow minded reasons like this. Since when does coming from a diverse background make you unsuitable for a position, rather than a more well rounded person that has had to overcome obstacles to get to where they are....and therefore making them stronger??

On top of this, since when does simply being a Muslim make one a bad person?? My friends, there is a huge difference between being a "radical" Muslim...and simply being a Muslim. How very ignorant and rude to those Muslim American Citizens who have earned their right to be treated with dignity and respect.To put stereotypes on any group of people, is childish to say the least...the very least!

Moving on: The email also gives the illusion that Barack Obama being an African American somehow makes him "less American" than his white counter parts! Also. Why are pictures that he had taken while he visited his family in Kenya a bad thing? Does it not make him more keen on foreign policy and insight. Experiencing first-hand what living in a 3rd world country is a bad thing?? Am I the only "middle class" American that would much rather have someone who fought his way to the top, and overcame adversity as my President...than someone who loses track of the number of houses he owns???

It disgusts me that people would continue to forward an email that disgraces the very fundamentals of our nation....that undermines the very morals that our nation was founded on...and plays to the stereotypes that our troops continue to fight and die for everyday...America...the land of the free.

Barack Obama has said several times that "in no other country would my story be possible". What humility to realize how blessed he truly is to call the US his home. What dignity it takes to continue to hold your head high as people demean your family.

And how shameful those Americans should feel for letting nonsense like this continue. We should hold ourselves to higher standards than these...

Unreliable Emails: "Christian Nation"

Here is a copy of the email:

**Dear Friends, As I was listening to a news program last night, I watched in horror as Barack Obama made the statement with pride. . ."we are no longer a Christian nation; we are now a nation of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists . . . As with so many other statements I've heard him (and his wife) make,I never thought I'd see the day I would hear something like that from a presidential candidate in this nation. To think our forefathers fought and died for the right for our nation to be a Christian nation--and to have this man say with pride that we are no longer that. How far this nation has come from what our founding fathers intended it to be. I hope each of you will do what I'm doing now - - send your concerns, written simply and sincerely, to the Christians on your email list. With God's help, and He is still in control of this nation and all else, we can show this man and the world in November that we are, indeed, still a Christian nation! Please pray for our nation!**

I've touched on this issue before...but I feel compelled now to delve into this issue.

First. This quote is ONCE AGAIN taken out of context...and it is altered to sound more appealing to the naive folks out there...that are willing to take anyone at their word.
"Given the increasing diversity of America's population, the dangers of sectarianism have never been greater. Whatever we once we, we are no longer a Christian Nation, AT LEAST NOT JUST, we are also a Jewish Nation, a Muslim Nation, and a Buddhist Nation, and a Hindu Nation, and a nation of non-believers."

Let's remember what sectarianism is: "A strong or excessive devotion to a particular form of religion, often leading to a resolute prejudice against other beliefs "

I've blogged on this issue in the past, but I guess it's time that I re post my response.

God was the center of our nation during the time of our founding fathers. He still is the center of our nation to more than 70% of Americans. I pray daily that those that are not saved will come to know God as I know Him...I pray daily that our nation would once again put the faith and trust in God that our forefathers did. I remember how blessed I am that I can practice my faith as I see fit. I also remember that thousands of people have died, and continue to die, to ensure that our nation remains "the land of the free". A place where Muslims, Jews, Mormons, Buddhists, etc....are welcome to practice their own faith. The minute that we choose to force our beliefs on others...we can no longer call ourselves the land of the free...and I think that would greatly disappoint our forefathers.

As Christians, I think its due time that we remind ourselves that we all fall short of the glory of God. Remind ourselves that God did not put us on this earth to persecute those that have different beliefs and values, but rather we are to love them as Christ loves the church! Remind ourselves that it is not our duty to judge others!! Remind ourselves that the more intolerant we become of these "other" religions...the farther we drive them away! Step down from the thrown Christians...and perhaps we can get back to the very basic challenge of loving one another!

Let's also remember our forefather Thomas Jefferson, who in 1802, saw the need for a "wall of separation" between Church and State. A separation that would protect Jews, Mormons, Buddhist, Muslims, and non-believers from being persecuted due to their religious beliefs. A separation that would protect the Muslim child from being forced to pray to a God that she does not know....a separation that allows Buddhist to choose how to worship, and not be forced into worship as they are in other countries.

Look. I don't know, or claim to know a lot about other religions. But I do know that Christians are NOT called to condemn...we are called to pray...to hope...and to love. And I think that the best way to bring people to the Lord...is to love them to Him.

So I agree with Obama. People "seek" out our county with the profound desire to experience the freedom that we take for granted everyday...

Unreliable Emails: Obama's Plane

Many people have quit forwarding me e-mails that portray Barack Obama in a negative light...mainly because I pick these e-mails apart and expose them for the lies that they are. People no longer forward these e-mails to me, because they have adopted the theme "ignorance is bliss", and it's much easier to simply believe these stupid emails, and pass them on...rather than doing the noble thing....the respectful thing...finding out the truth! Alas...thanks to Grandma Phyllis...I am now getting them by the truck loads. Quite a few new ones have come out...so it appears as if I might have my work but out for me.

WARNING: There are a lot of e-mails circulating, so I have decided to break this up into different parts.

Let's begin:

Here is a picture of Senator Obama's plane. The rumor circulating in this e-mail accuses Obama of removing the American Flag from the tale of the plane, and replacing it with this picture. Hey idiots! The flag that was on there was the corporate logo for North American Airlines!! Is the idiot who really started this e-mail more concerned with airplanes than...oh...let's see...health care, the economy, foreign policy, abortion, gay marriage....ANYTHING?!?! Furthermore...here is a picture of Senator McCain's plane:

Where is this great American war hero's flag? And
why did he use the colors yellow and blue?? Perhaps
he has a secret alliance with the Ukraine??
See how ridiculous it sounds?!?!?!

The Cement Roof

Senator Joe Biden is getting a lot of attention for a comment that he made that was somewhere along the lines of "I assume she agrees with the same policies that George Bush and John McCain think, and that's obviously a backwards step for women".

Ugh. Again, I wish that people would stop "grasping" for quotes to take out of context. Both sides are doing it...and I'm sick of all of it.

Biden is referring to women's right...and the right to choose when it comes to abortion. I'm pro-life...so I don't agree that we should have the right to choose...but this is clearly what he is referencing.

I have another take on the "backwards step for women". I think that the mere fact the Sarah Palin is even on the ticket with McCain is a HUGE step back for women. The McCain campaign, after discovering that Obama didn't choose Hillary as his running-mate, jumped at the opportunity to pick up those female voters out there that are willing to vote primarily based on gender. Disgusting! And not just one "backwards step" for women...but a giant leap!! Women have fought so hard to gain equality rights, to be treated fairly by their male counter parts, and for the right to not be "counted out" simply for being a female. So it's appalling to me that she is willing to be "counted in" just because she is a woman!

And I throw up a little in my mouth every time I hear her speech that women all over the country "aren't finished yet...and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all!" Forget shattering the glass ceiling Palin, you added a cement roof!!

So quit...quit with the claims that people are being "sexist", because the only "sexist" person that I can see in this election is Sarah Palin...and if you can't stand the heat Palin...get out of the kitchen. (oh no...was that a sexist comment?)


~~~~~Just something I wanted to add~~~~~
Sarah Palin knows very well that she was chosen as the VP candidate because of her gender. Why else, when she was asked whether or not she thought that Obama regretted not picking Hillary as his running mate...would she get this little twinkle in her eye and nod "oh...I think he's regretting it now". What a slap in the face for us women that she is "ok" with not being chosen due to her qualifications but rather the fact that she was born with the right chromosomes!! She should be ashamed of herself!

Nasty Campaigns

Ugh. I'm officially disgusted with how both of the candidates are running their campaigns!! I'm sick of hearing about lipstick, lobbyist, and "he-said she-said" CRAP taken out of context!!

The stock market just saw the largest drop since 9/11!! Two banking giants just went bankrupt!! We are seeing the worst federal deficit ever!!

How are YOU going to fix this??

Quit telling me that you're going to lower my taxes...because NEITHER of you are going to be able to do that...save our economy...and get the US out of debt!!!

Quit attacking each other, and let's start attacking the issues!! PLEASE!

Obama Waffles

Awe. The GOP at it again.

Why is it that Barack Obama can make a comment about lipstick and pigs, and 3 minutes later the Republican party puts out an ad saying he is sexist....yet the Republican Campaign can sell "Obama Waffles" at a public forum that clearly plays to racial and religious stereotypes (Aunt Jemima, Obama wearing an Arab-like headdress, and another photo wearing a sombrero) yet he turns the other cheek...refusing to even comment on them??

Because, as American's so desperately want…he remains focused on the "real" issues.

And I wonder...how do Hispanic American Citizens, Arab American Citizens, and African American Citizens feel knowing that their ethnicities are being used as negative connotations to disparage Obama??

P.S. The socially conservative public policy groups American Values and Focus on the Family Action co-sponsored the summit.

Myspace Reply

I got a comment to my "McCain's View" blog on myspace:

Katie, Katie, Katie, I totally disagree. Through Obama's smug expression and body language while he made that comment, it is obvious that he meant it as a direct jab at Sarah Palin. Not only that, but Obama is a master orator, who selects his wording very carefully, and I find it hard to believe that he was not referring to Governor Palin. Also, about teaching sex education to kindergarteners, I definitely wouldn't want my five year old learning anything about sex or touching, or anything of that sort. That is something that needs to be taught in the home, at the parents discretion, not as CURRICULUM in the kindergarten classroom. If we were lucky enough to have the people in Washington see the constitution as our forefathers interpreted it, how much greater would our country be?! We'd have smaller government, which means lower taxes, and more money in all our pockets. We'd have a place where same-sex marriage is taboo, not accepted.Above all, we'd have a place where God is the center piece of our nation, just as our founding fathers intended!
Posted by Annie on Sep 13, 2008

To which I replied:
Oh Annie Annie Annie! ;) A smug expression and body language are now indicators that a comment was directed or intended to insult another person?? You're right when you say that Obama is a "master orator", and had he wanted to take a direct jab at Palin, he would have done so in a more obvious tone. He clearly was directing it at McCain...who has now wrapped himself in a campaign that promises reform....yet has voted with Bush on 90% of the issues...where is the reform?? On top of that, remember that Obama was the first person to stand up for Palin and tell the media that her family was off limits...give the guy a little credit. If we're going to talk sexism and disrespect let's remember that McCain has been quoted calling Chelsea Clinton "ugly"...too bad he didn't have the same ideas that Obama has that family should be off limits.

More importantly, I completely agree with you...I would not want my five year old to be learning about inappropriate touching or sexual predators from their kindergarten teacher...I will take care of that. But let's please remember that not everyone is blessed with parents who have their children's best interest at heart...a sad truth that we must accept. It is our fundamental responsibility to make sure that children from broken and diverse backgrounds are taken care of. Yes Annie, in a perfect world, conversations about sex would not exist outside of the household...but we do not live in a perfect world...and it's naive to think that every child will get the education they need. One day, when I have children, and a permission slip comes home asking whether or not I would like my child to be present during the "sex" talk...I will politely decline...but I will also rest easy knowing that the option is available for those children that are less fortunate.

If we were "lucky" enough to have people in Washington that see the constitution as our forefathers interpreted it, how much greater would our country be?? Let's not forget that 27 amendments have been made to the constitution since it's original draft. Among these we include slavery, child labor, equal rights, voting rights...need I go on? Gay marriage a taboo?? Are we really a society more concerned with what Bill and Ted down the street are doing, than the fact that there are over 55 million people in the United States that don't have health care?? Are we really more concerned with putting more money in our pockets, than helping out those in our own country who are less fortunate? You're right. God was the center of our nation during the time of our founding fathers. He still is the center of our nation to more than 70% of Americans. I pray daily that those that are not saved will come to know God as I know Him...I pray daily that our nation would once again put the faith and trust in God that our forefathers did. I remember how blessed I am that I can practice my faith as I see fit. I also remember that thousands of people have died, and continue to die, to ensure that our nation remains "the land of the free". A place where Muslims, Jews, Mormons, Buddhists, etc....are welcome to practice their own faith. The minute that we choose to force our beliefs on others...we can no longer call ourselves the land of the free...and I think that would greatly disappoint our forefathers.

I'm also grateful that we are allowed to have different opinions and views! :) Hope all is going well.

The Facts

Ugh. It seems that every time I turn around the "Grand Ole Party"...that consists of people who consider themselves to be conservatives...christians...or of having high morals...are using smear tactics to try and win over votes. And...even more ridiculous than that...they're working!

I just watched a video where a rapper wrote a song smearing Obama...bringing up issues that included the following:

"the surge worked, but Obama won't give McCain any credit". People seem to be so pissed off that Obama didn't vote for the surge...and it appears now that the surge worked, simply in the sense that violence is down. I heard someone use a great analogy the other day. Imagine a child running around on top of a table, obviously somewhere he shouldn't be. The kid proceeds to knock over a glass of juice. Saying that the surge "was successful" is like saying that the child then goes to find the right towel to clean up the juice. THE CHILD SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. Do people just ignore that fact? And by what standards do we measure success? Are we forgetting that over 4,000 American troops have died so far??? I support my troops...I'm thankful everyday that there are so many selfless Americans out there that are willing to die in order to keep me safe. But I also trust that the person that we elected to lead our country would not be willing to send us into a war unless it was the last option...clearly not the case here!
"In modern war there is no such thing as a victor and vanquished...there is only a loser, and the loser is mankind."
-U Thant, Burmesse UN Secretary General

Along these lines, in this absurd video I watched, there is a clip that comes up and states "Change. We cannot Afford".

Of all the issues that people are taking into account during this election...this one just irks the crap out of me! "Change we cannot afford"?????????? This coming from those that support the war!! It's outrageous! We are a country so willing to risk American lives on a daily basis to restore diplomacy in other countries...yet we have the audacity to turn our hearts away from the millions of people that need our help...IN OUR OWN COUNTRY! It's sickening...truly. Here...maybe this will put it into prospective for those of you McCainians....


WAR COSTS IN PERSPECTIVE
With $872.6 billion, the cost of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan so far, the United States could fund...
...a year's worth of health care for 117 million Americans ($7,439/person)
...one year of public elementary school for 116 million children ($7,500/child)
...four years of public university tuition for 35 million students ($6,185/student)
...145 billion mosquito nets to help stop malaria in the developing world ($6/net)
...4.6 billion laptops to promote literacy in the developing world ($188/laptop)

Source: http://armscontrolcenter.org/policy/securityspending/articles/supplemental_war_funding/

I don't care whether or not you support the war that we are currently suffering through. But for those of you that support the war, and then say that we cannot afford change in this country...its truly sickening.


Onto another issue. What's with the photos of Obama wearing a Muslim turban? Just to clarify, his grandfather was a Muslim. Since when does that make him a Muslim? I'm sure that somewhere one of my great relatives was a racist...heck...I'm sure somewhere down my ancestry...someone in my family once owned a slave. Does that make me racist? NO! Enough with the "guilty by association" tactics....they're stupid and naive...used only when "searching" for arguments that have nothing to do with the important issues at hand.

Now onto the dear dear Reverend Wright. Sheesh. I won't even begin to go into the number of things he has been quoted saying that are very controversial (as I'm sure you've heard them all), and Obama attended his church for 20 years. He was forced out of his church by his fellow American's that couldn't grasp where Rev. Wright was coming from. First of all many...MANY...of his quotes were taken out of context, and everyone knows the harm that can be done when only portions of a dialogue are provided. As Americans, I would like to think that we seek out the entire truth...not portions of it. There is one sermon in particular that I would like to discuss.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sfu2P6cGhWo **sorry couldn't figure out how to put it on here**

Did we already forget that only 50 years ago, this man had to step off of the sidewalk to let a white man pass, this man had to get off of a bus if there weren't enough seats for white people, this man had to live in fear EVERYDAY that one of his "fellow Americans" could torture him, burn him at the stake, or beat him to death...and nothing would be done about it??

My Pastor once told me during marriage counseling, that we should never "expect" forgiveness (from other people)...but rather we should hope for it....pray for it...ask for it. I truly think that applies to this situation. We have no idea what this man...and millions like him...had to endure on a daily basis...no idea. So I don't understand why people are so shocked, when they hear, that perhaps ...a black man is still a bit PISSED OFF, when he remembers what his family went through. His anger truly is justified. How do we put a time limit on when he should "forgive and forget"? Its us who have forgotten. Every time we get angry or offended when we hear words like this, we have forgotten the anguish...torment...hate...torture...fear...that our fellow Americans encountered everyday because of us....we have forgotten.

So. There is my latest annoyance. I understand that people have different opinions. That life experiences allow people to put more value on certain issues than others. It simply shocks me when these values are based on outright lies...or "portions" of the truth.

Through these blogs...I'm only hoping to separate truth from fiction.

McCain's "View"

Disgusted. Enraged. Above all: disappointed.

These are my feelings as I watch Senator McCain on the View. As a presidential candidate, McCain has continually credited himself for raising the bar on “dirty campaigning”. Yet, when he was asked why he has two campaign videos currently out, that portray out right lies…he lies again!!! Anyone can go to youtube and find the entire speech that Obama gave when he used the phrase “lipstick on a pig”. Anyone can clearly see that he meant NO harm or offense and in no way was referring to Palin’s comment about lipstick and pit bulls. For McCain to sit there and deny the fact that his own campaign took Obama’s phrase out of context was disgusting and simply stupid!! I’m very disappointed in how McCain chose to handle this issue…very disappointed. I understand more than anything that campaign videos are meant to gain voters, and they must catch the eye or those who are still undecided. I also understand that many times they are put together quickly…but for McCain to deny the fact after it’s been on the air for about a week…like I said…disappoints me. Especially when McCain used the VERY PHRASE himself a few months ago!!!
As if that isn’t enough…there is a video out saying that Obama supports sex education given as early as kindergarten. Anyone who sees this and doesn’t research the truth behind this would be appalled. What they fail to mention in that video is that the “sex education” they are speaking of, is helping children decipher whether or not they are being molested. Whether by an adult, or even another child! What type of touching is appropriate touching! With an ever increasing number of child molesters growing daily, why is this a bad idea?? Witch children being left continually with TV’s as their babysitters, we should be help accountable for “leaving no child behind”!!
On top of this, he also made a comment about bringing people into DC that want to see the constitution interpreted as our forefather would have interpreted it. Are you nuts??? Does this mean that African American’s should fear being forced back into slavery?? Will women no longer be allowed to vote?? My views might sound a bit drastic, but when you are running for president of the United States, vague comments like these will get you in trouble!

Hockey Mom's and Lipstick

I’m thoroughly disappointed in the GOP’s pick for VP. I, like most of the country, was enthralled at the beginning. She gave a very well crafted speech at the RNC (aside from the part where she criticized being a community organizer…like giving back to our communities is a bad thing??) and I was excited to find out more about her stance on certain issues…so I waited…and waited….She was given her first chance to prove herself as a rational candidate last night, in her first interview since being nominated, and she flopped in my opinion. It was a very cynical move on McCain’s part, picked simply for political purposes with no regard to the actual well-being of our nation. What happened to the quote that he loves repeating…”I’d rather lose an election, than lose a war.” Well its obvious now, that he would rather put our country in disasters way, than lose an election. If come November, and they are voted into office, and (heaven forbid) something happens to the 75 year old man…the woman who will then lead our country is one with ZERO experience on foreign policy, which is critical at this time! It was very terrifying to me last night when she didn’t even know what the Bush Doctrine was…and then went on to contradict what McCain has said on using Military force to come to the aid of Georgia! It reminds me of a horrible high school student body election!

She doesn’t believe in sex education being taught in public schools…and in places where it is taught, should be abstinence only! We see how well teaching her own family those beliefs worked through her 17 year old pregnant daughter (no offense intended what-so-ever…I know that teenagers will be teenagers). Proof that perhaps abstinence only doesn’t work as well as she thought it did???? On top of that, very very few children are blessed these days with parents who take the time to teach their children about sex. Through a failing economy, and an insane unemployment rate, parents seems to have too many other things on their plates (as horrible as it may sound). Where I would LOVE it if more parents took the time to educate their children about sex, the reality is it just doesn’t happen and its very naïve to think it does. Then where are those children left? Learning about sex from peers on the playground?? Through movies they see on TV??

John McCain has now thrown out the argument that Obama is not experienced enough!!

I would like to be clear that I believe that America is a land of endless opportunity. A place where a hockey mom from Alaska, can run for VP of the United States…IF SHE IS QUALIFIED TO DO SO! Last night confirmed in me that she is not qualified…that she is in no way ready to lead our country to the change that is so needed. I am shocked that more people are not outraged by this pick on McCain’s part. But…I will do my best to keep an open mind…she has two months to convince me that she can get the job done!!