Whether or not you agree with Michael Steele is not important. Sure, he has made some controversial remarks. He has offended some folks. He tends to speak his mind. He makes an occasional mistake. He is human. Whether you like him or not doesn’t matter. What is important right now, with barely more than 100 days until the general election in Illinois, is strength and unity. There were many who were not happy with Mr. Steele becoming the RNC Chairman and they have been overtly and overly critical of him since his tenure began. It is time to stop!
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/07/04/republicans.steele/?hpt=Sbin
There is enough political controversy throughout this country between the various parties. With the usual array of Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Independents, etc., duking it out nationwide, the drama level is at an all-time high. However, the current slate of Republican candidates, particularly in Illinois, shows the most promise of electing conservatives to seats once thought impossible to win. If the Republican party is to succeed in November, it must keep its head, in more ways than one. While it is acceptable to disagree with their leader, calling for his resignation at this point in time would create utter chaos and cost the party even more credibility.
Chairman Steele should remain where he is, at least for now. He should, however, adopt a more cautious approach to his public comments for a while. There have been enough apologies, retractions, and mis-spoken words all around to last us all a lifetime. Say what you mean and mean what you say... please!
After the November elections are concluded, the party folks who are yelling for his resignation can sit down with him, yell at him, get into a boxing ring, or do whatever is necessary to work out their differences. But for heaven’s sake folks, let’s keep it together for a little while longer. Right now, conservatives need Republicans and Republicans need conservatives. Kudos to GOP Rep. Ron Paul for his outward support of his Chairman. He understands that your true conservative voter may just opt to stay home on election day if you can’t play nice on the playground with each other. I, as a first-time Republican candidate, am getting annoyed at the reaction of some party leaders to throw Steele under the bus.
There is something Mr. Steele has done for his party and himself that most others have failed to do. He has brought energy and awareness. I will qualify this in a very un-scientific manner.
My husband is not a politically active kind of guy. He actually hates it. He and I don’t discuss it much. He does pay attention to it, just usually with a narrowed eye. I asked him to tell me the name of the former RNC Chairman or any past Chairman. He could not name one. I asked him who the current Chairman was. He said, “Michael Steele. I like that guy, he has b**ls. But his glasses are crooked a lot.” This, from a blue-collar, former union guy who hates politics.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Saturday, October 10, 2009
1st Amendment Thoughts
In light of the ongoing argument over a cross that stands in honor of war veteran’s over the Mojave Desert, and the fact that I have been quiet for a couple of weeks, I felt the need to jump on this one. Here's a link to the story:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113575672&ps=cprs
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113575672&ps=cprs
First and foremost, those who erected the cross did so in honor of brave soldiers who gave their lives for this country. I doubt they had the opportunity to check the religious beliefs of those courageous men. As it has been said, there are no atheists in foxholes, so it stands to reason, no ill will or exclusion was intended. Yes, the cross is a Christian symbol, however, when it is used in this fashion, for this many years, it is ridiculous to presume that it was only intended for Christians.
Now, if you want to interpret the 1st Amendment simply, one could argue that by seeking the removal of the cross is unconstitutional in and of itself. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; etc.”
If we are to take the language, as it was written, this case should not even be in front of the Supreme Court. I am sure, in the mind of those who erected this cross in 1934, they merely thought of it as a way to honor the dead. All the dead, not just Christians. And the simple language in our Constitution has been so twisted, turned and manipulated, that one might not even recognize it as part of the argument.
I am a Christian who believes (to the dismay of some) that symbols and statues are important. They are a physical representation of that which we hold dear. While I do respect all religious symbolism, I do not worship symbols or statues, I simply look to them as a reminder of where I came from. I would like to think the same applies to the Jewish community with the Star of David, Buddha to the Buddhists, etc. I, personally, would have no problem with a Federal Building displaying the Nativity, a Menorah, or any other religious display commemorating a major holiday as long as the government itself is not trying to force any one religion on it’s people. I believe that was the intended meaning behind our founding father’s words. We are a free people. At least, for the moment…
I would challenge all those who argue over the Separation of Church and State a few questions. Are you prepared to remove every legislator with a Theological degree? Would you stretch the simple language so much that, at election time, you would actually stay out of the churches and stop the campaigning from the pulpit? Remove all the Ministers, Reverends, Evangelicals, and any other “Religious Leader” from Congress and the Senate. Make it unlawful to hold public office and maintain a congregation at the same time. I think not.
Like it or not, we need God and faith in this country, and unless you are ready to do the aforementioned, the Courts and the legislators need to keep their noses out of the religious debates. These lawsuits should be considered frivolous as they appear to be nothing more than mean-spirited. And may I point out that we, the taxpayers, have to pay for them.
Now, let the rants begin as I say, God Bless you all and guide you back to a path of morality!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Perspective
Certain events take place in our lives that really put things in perspective. Bare with me as I explain.
I had a very busy week speaking with a variety of people about welfare, healthcare, and the overall political atmosphere of our country right now. You see, I am contemplating a run for public office because I feel I could bring some good ideas to the table and I really want to help people. I met some politicians during the week that I was very impressed with and some that I was not. I thought the week went great. I have always loved politics and the exchange of ideas that takes place through debates. It seemed, this past week, that when I wasn’t working, my mind was consumed with politics.
And then, I had the opportunity to be a part of a welcome home ceremony for a local soldier yesterday. It was at the Alsip VFW that he was welcomed home by veterans from different generations. Seeing the veteran’s in attendance at the VFW brought back memories of my own father, a 6th Division Marine who served during WWII in the Asiatic Conflict.
Army Sgt. Jaime Mariscal is a friend of my daughter’s from high school, yet I had not met him until last night. What a great young man he is! I had to choke back tears while listening to the words of his friends and family as I thought about how wonderful it was that this young man made it home when so many others did not. He is humble when you thank him for his service to our country. He will tell you there is nothing to thank him for. He will tell you he’s just doing his job. He will tell you how much he loves his country. And he will tell you something else. He’s going back.
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1701178,080509homecoming.article
http://www.southtownstar.com/neighborhoodstar/oakforest/1706570,080809homecoming.article
He is the type of Patriot that people need to know about. The kind of man who is willing to give of himself for his country in order that we may always remain free. To maintain the freedom that was earned many years ago by those who came before him comes as a natural duty to this young man.
Sgt. Mariscal and all those who continue to serve need to be remembered as we debate the very important issues facing our country today. They are the ones fighting for freedom, liberty and the American way much like my father and his generation did. It is, and was, through their blood, sweat and tears that we are free. That freedom gives us the ability to choose how we live our lives. The freedom that says we can speak our minds whenever and wherever we choose without fear of repercussion. We need to work and fight as hard as those men and women to ensure that we keep our freedom.
It is up to us to step up to the plate and show them that they did not fight for a bunch of lazy, subservient , give-it-to-me-now people who want everything handed to us by our government. It is our duty to take care of ourselves and our neighbor.
Our legislators need to remember that they were elected "BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE" and that without we, the people, they would be unemployed.
Remember the words "I AM MY BROTHER’S KEEPER" and take them to heart. This is our country because of men like Sgt. Mariscal. While he and others like him fight our battles on foreign soil, we are fighting at home to hold on to our country. It should not be given away to special interests for the sake of profit. We need to argue and debate in an intelligent and enlightened fashion. We need to make sure that our voices are never silenced, but we also need to display the same honor and dignity these soldiers display on the battlefield. No name calling, just honest, heartfelt Americanism.
I had a very busy week speaking with a variety of people about welfare, healthcare, and the overall political atmosphere of our country right now. You see, I am contemplating a run for public office because I feel I could bring some good ideas to the table and I really want to help people. I met some politicians during the week that I was very impressed with and some that I was not. I thought the week went great. I have always loved politics and the exchange of ideas that takes place through debates. It seemed, this past week, that when I wasn’t working, my mind was consumed with politics.
And then, I had the opportunity to be a part of a welcome home ceremony for a local soldier yesterday. It was at the Alsip VFW that he was welcomed home by veterans from different generations. Seeing the veteran’s in attendance at the VFW brought back memories of my own father, a 6th Division Marine who served during WWII in the Asiatic Conflict.
Army Sgt. Jaime Mariscal is a friend of my daughter’s from high school, yet I had not met him until last night. What a great young man he is! I had to choke back tears while listening to the words of his friends and family as I thought about how wonderful it was that this young man made it home when so many others did not. He is humble when you thank him for his service to our country. He will tell you there is nothing to thank him for. He will tell you he’s just doing his job. He will tell you how much he loves his country. And he will tell you something else. He’s going back.
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1701178,080509homecoming.article
http://www.southtownstar.com/neighborhoodstar/oakforest/1706570,080809homecoming.article
He is the type of Patriot that people need to know about. The kind of man who is willing to give of himself for his country in order that we may always remain free. To maintain the freedom that was earned many years ago by those who came before him comes as a natural duty to this young man.
Sgt. Mariscal and all those who continue to serve need to be remembered as we debate the very important issues facing our country today. They are the ones fighting for freedom, liberty and the American way much like my father and his generation did. It is, and was, through their blood, sweat and tears that we are free. That freedom gives us the ability to choose how we live our lives. The freedom that says we can speak our minds whenever and wherever we choose without fear of repercussion. We need to work and fight as hard as those men and women to ensure that we keep our freedom.
It is up to us to step up to the plate and show them that they did not fight for a bunch of lazy, subservient , give-it-to-me-now people who want everything handed to us by our government. It is our duty to take care of ourselves and our neighbor.
Our legislators need to remember that they were elected "BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE" and that without we, the people, they would be unemployed.
Remember the words "I AM MY BROTHER’S KEEPER" and take them to heart. This is our country because of men like Sgt. Mariscal. While he and others like him fight our battles on foreign soil, we are fighting at home to hold on to our country. It should not be given away to special interests for the sake of profit. We need to argue and debate in an intelligent and enlightened fashion. We need to make sure that our voices are never silenced, but we also need to display the same honor and dignity these soldiers display on the battlefield. No name calling, just honest, heartfelt Americanism.
WE NEED TO MAKE OUR SOLDIERS AS PROUD OF US AS WE ARE OF THEM.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Clunkers for Charity
Here is an idea. Instead of cash for clunkers destroying the trade-ins, have the dealers that accept them check them out, and of the ones that run, have them donated to a variety of charitable, high maintenance organizations. These could be women’s shelters, homeless shelters, etc. The cars could then be used in a productive fashion to assist those with NO CHANCE of obtaining an auto loan. The vehicles could be registered to the organizations willing to obtain them and arrange at least state minimum liability insurance on all such vehicles. They could then be used by the organization to assist their members in seeking employment, collecting donations, obtaining groceries, etc.
Stipulations would need to be in place such as:
In order to qualify for use of the vehicle, an applicant applying for use must:
1. be actively seeking employment and show proof of same.
2. at all times, maintain a valid driver’s license in the state from which they are seeking such assistance
3. At the request of the providing facility, return the vehicle
In exchange, the dealerships can receive an additional tax credit as a charitable contribution equal to the NADA Guide fair market value for the vehicles they donate, based on verification of same. This would result in far less money being spent by the Federal government, a fair and equitable tax return for dealers and a tremendous assistance to those organizations that are so desperately in need.
I am sure there is more to be added to my idea, but it’s a start. Those of you who know, better than I, how these administrations work, please chime in!
Stipulations would need to be in place such as:
In order to qualify for use of the vehicle, an applicant applying for use must:
1. be actively seeking employment and show proof of same.
2. at all times, maintain a valid driver’s license in the state from which they are seeking such assistance
3. At the request of the providing facility, return the vehicle
In exchange, the dealerships can receive an additional tax credit as a charitable contribution equal to the NADA Guide fair market value for the vehicles they donate, based on verification of same. This would result in far less money being spent by the Federal government, a fair and equitable tax return for dealers and a tremendous assistance to those organizations that are so desperately in need.
I am sure there is more to be added to my idea, but it’s a start. Those of you who know, better than I, how these administrations work, please chime in!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Top Ten Ways To Cut Healthcare
The Top Ten Ways Healthcare Costs Could Be Cut, in my humble opinion:
10. Let all medical providers complete a questionnaire to determine a range of pre-established fees for services. An x-ray is an x-ray. The cost should not vary that much because the setting changed. There needs to be more uniformity with these fees and those who choose not to participate would have to live with the decisions of those who took the time to help establish a fair range of fees.
9. Tax credits to those who donate to pharmaceutical research and development. If the tax breaks were comparable to those of charitable contributions, the wealthy, who are the main contributors, would still benefit from the tax breaks. In addition, the pharmaceutical companies could continue to go about the business of developing life saving drugs, while still being profitable, which would hopefully help cut the cost passed on to patients.
8. Regarding the pharmaceutical companies, encourage them to spend less money advertising prescription drugs on television and divert that money to educating the medical community on the proper and best uses for their products.
7. Reduce the cost of medications dispensed in hospitals. I understand the need for higher costs of drugs administered intravenously, etc, but there is no reason ANYONE under ANY circumstances should be charged $4.00 for an aspirin.
6. Fix Medicare first! The president has stated that "many people" are happy with the current Medicare system. That may be so, but I’ll bet just as many are unhappy and some are just plain disgusted. Medicare needs to be updated to include more preventative care.
5. Medicare’s fees to physicians need to improve. A doctor I know charges $60 for an office visit, low by today’s standards, and yet Medicare pays him only $24 of that. How can this government expect to maintain quality in healthcare and providers with rates like that?
4. Medicare needs to get their hands out of the bank accounts of physicians. If I were a physician, I doubt that I would even accept Medicare patients because I would never turn over my account info over to any government agency and give them the ability to withdraw funds in the event of an error. Their error would not be my problem.
3. Medicaid needs to be more closely scrutinized to ensure one state isn’t paying for another state’s medicaid eligible patients as has happened in the past between Illinois and Indiana. As our President likes committees, czars, etc, the occurrence of Welfare/Medicaid/SSI fraud needs a lot more attention than it gets. I would not even want to venture a guess as to how much fraud actually costs this country each year.
2. Any Medicaid/Welfare recipient treated and/or hospitalized during the commission of a crime, whether it be a misdemeanor or felony, should have those costs charged directly to them and render them ineligible for benefits for a specified time period thereafter.
And #1 way to help cut healthcare costs:
TORT REFORM - If attorneys were subjected to the same type of scrutiny and lawsuits that physicians are, perhaps those lawmakers would be more inclined to take on this seriously overlooked issue. Medical malpractice insurance rates need to be brought down to reasonable levels and awards need to be capped at some point. Workers Comp has managed to put price tags on body parts, maybe the Medical Malpractice Insurance guys could get together with the Worker’s Comp guys over a beer and figure something out.
http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou090729_mh_medicare-fraud-busts.8a853763.html
http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:gWHQ3Hc90tYJ:oig.hhs.gov/oas/reports/region5/50600069.pdf+illinois+medicaid+eligibility&cd=9&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
10. Let all medical providers complete a questionnaire to determine a range of pre-established fees for services. An x-ray is an x-ray. The cost should not vary that much because the setting changed. There needs to be more uniformity with these fees and those who choose not to participate would have to live with the decisions of those who took the time to help establish a fair range of fees.
9. Tax credits to those who donate to pharmaceutical research and development. If the tax breaks were comparable to those of charitable contributions, the wealthy, who are the main contributors, would still benefit from the tax breaks. In addition, the pharmaceutical companies could continue to go about the business of developing life saving drugs, while still being profitable, which would hopefully help cut the cost passed on to patients.
8. Regarding the pharmaceutical companies, encourage them to spend less money advertising prescription drugs on television and divert that money to educating the medical community on the proper and best uses for their products.
7. Reduce the cost of medications dispensed in hospitals. I understand the need for higher costs of drugs administered intravenously, etc, but there is no reason ANYONE under ANY circumstances should be charged $4.00 for an aspirin.
6. Fix Medicare first! The president has stated that "many people" are happy with the current Medicare system. That may be so, but I’ll bet just as many are unhappy and some are just plain disgusted. Medicare needs to be updated to include more preventative care.
5. Medicare’s fees to physicians need to improve. A doctor I know charges $60 for an office visit, low by today’s standards, and yet Medicare pays him only $24 of that. How can this government expect to maintain quality in healthcare and providers with rates like that?
4. Medicare needs to get their hands out of the bank accounts of physicians. If I were a physician, I doubt that I would even accept Medicare patients because I would never turn over my account info over to any government agency and give them the ability to withdraw funds in the event of an error. Their error would not be my problem.
3. Medicaid needs to be more closely scrutinized to ensure one state isn’t paying for another state’s medicaid eligible patients as has happened in the past between Illinois and Indiana. As our President likes committees, czars, etc, the occurrence of Welfare/Medicaid/SSI fraud needs a lot more attention than it gets. I would not even want to venture a guess as to how much fraud actually costs this country each year.
2. Any Medicaid/Welfare recipient treated and/or hospitalized during the commission of a crime, whether it be a misdemeanor or felony, should have those costs charged directly to them and render them ineligible for benefits for a specified time period thereafter.
And #1 way to help cut healthcare costs:
TORT REFORM - If attorneys were subjected to the same type of scrutiny and lawsuits that physicians are, perhaps those lawmakers would be more inclined to take on this seriously overlooked issue. Medical malpractice insurance rates need to be brought down to reasonable levels and awards need to be capped at some point. Workers Comp has managed to put price tags on body parts, maybe the Medical Malpractice Insurance guys could get together with the Worker’s Comp guys over a beer and figure something out.
http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou090729_mh_medicare-fraud-busts.8a853763.html
http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:gWHQ3Hc90tYJ:oig.hhs.gov/oas/reports/region5/50600069.pdf+illinois+medicaid+eligibility&cd=9&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
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