Some years ago I was diagnosed with a very severe sleep disorder. All my organs being stressed and on the verge of heart failure the treatment improved my life. Further reliance on spiritual healing, for which my job was terminated and I lost my health insurance, significantly reversed certain conditions. The medical process was expensive and follow-ups left me with bills beyond my immediate means.
We never received food stamps or government assistance but I did apply to the hospital for debt relief. It was a complicated detailed procedure that required a significant investment of time. I detested the process and shrugged off the lurking feel of entitlement. After all I had to do a lot to get the relief. It covered my future medical expenses for the next six months and issues existed for which I could have gone through testing but I stayed away from the doctor and refused to milk the system. I take supplements and spend up to ten hours a week in a variety of fitness activities for my health and even compete.
We currently cannot afford health insurance. My condition makes me ineligible for personal health insurance and would need to enter an insurance company pool policy at about $700/month to cover only myself. The policy does not allow me to create a Health Savings Account (HSA). People comment there are all sorts of ‘programs’ but I find the whole process corrupting and just hope nothing will come up that we need to look for assistance.
This qualifies me as one of the unfortunates the democrats cry over and say insurance must be provided for. So let me give you the plan I want to see. I wouldn’t be surprised if something similar has already been proposed somewhere and it can be compared to the idea of just giving the Katrina victims mass pay outs rather than running relief programs. I imagine it is like one of those inventions where everyone says I had that idea. Here it goes and I’ll take the democrat approach that the government must force people to have health insurance and spend a lot of money doing it.
It allows everyone to have an HSA. For those of low income the government can provide matching funds up to $50 mth/person (a family of four could receive up to $200/month). For those under the poverty level just put $100/month in their HSA. Half the population could be covered for less than the cost of Hillary’s plan. This would create funds that could be claimed by hospitals for emergency care even if they couldn’t collect the full cost per lack of funds or federal guidelines.
In fact force everyone from the age of 18 to start in the program. If they are not working I’m sure mommy and daddy would be happy to contribute on their behalf and a minimum of $5/month would qualify. The matching fund level would increase with inflation but not for those who rise above a certain income level. Those of the next level of income would be required to purchase catastrophic insurance from the government to keep receiving the locked in matching funds. Ala Mitt Romney these policies would be negotiated by each State.
If we go to a national sales tax this creates incentives to contribute to HSAs and eliminates the need for additional bureaucracy, a new job for the IRS. Income would still need to be monitored and the funds distributed. The IRS could also investigate medical fraud that is costing all of us as well as frivolous lawsuits. Why don’t we see those caught in medical fraud made an example of in the courts and media as Martha Stewart was for lying to investigators where no underlying crime existed?
Why would people buy private insurance? The federal program would allow only an interest bearing account. By dropping the government catastrophic policy, loosing the matching funds, purchasing a private policy would open the account to greater investment tools to achieve a higher gain. In fact the HSA can double as a retirement account with a provision that after reaching a prescribed age, up to 5% of the fund could be removed annually for personal use. With a national sales tax the incentives for retirement accounts become obsolete.
OK that’s a lot of money going to a lot of people who will misuse and abuse the system. The costs would be high and improvements to the system small for years to come, but what happens after 20 years, 30 or 40 years? You will have tens of millions of consumers, if not more, with massive amounts of money under their own control shopping for medical services. It’s a good thing.
And that’s all I ever wanted was an HSA. Why? Because it would be mine.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
The Pope's Nuts
As Pope Benedict the XVI insults Islam with Byzantine references, proclaims some are simply destined to eternal hell fire, throws the Church back into the dark ages by reviving the Latin rites and now declares only Catholics have the 'means of salvation', one must wonder whether he is all there. Does he want to throw the world into a multifaceted religious conflagration? What could he possibly be thinking? In fact attacks on the Pope and Catholics have only risen in the blogoshere.
I am not a theologian and am hardly in a position to scrutinize centuries of writings by great minds in the Catholic Church or Christian tradition but problems with Christian thought in general are apparent. As people of faith decry the devaluation of human life legalized abortion has created (something the Catholic Church absolutely opposes) every time a newborn is killed by its mother or animals gain more sympathy than ones fellow man, do they realize how their own beliefs shape society?
The idea that eternal hell fire is preserved for some, and for those who believe in absolute predestination guaranteed, has immense implications for world peace that contradict the Christian vision. The very idea nurtures an inherent inequality among humankind, and though a Catholic belief many protestant churches take it to a much greater extreme. It is no wonder Christians become a target and people feel they want to force their beliefs on others as they stand before the lost sinner with absolute faith that they are going to heaven and the unbeliever to an eternal lake of fire. A good percentage of Christians spending much of their time deciphering exactly who will go to hell.
In the same vein how can there be any resolution between Judeo-Christian tensions or the current struggle with Islam that our President describes as taking decades but which has been on going almost since its inception. It is easy, very easy, to criticize the teachings of Islam as fostering violence and intolerance when not a Muslim. It is far more difficult to criticize ones own beliefs especially if those who would criticize you are conveniently damned for eternity or simply an anti-christ. Or are Christians asking Muslims to do what Christians cannot? Can Christianity work for peace while predicting Armageddon?
Or how can we bring religious and other freedoms to communist China and divert a real possibility of cataclysmic war? Communism with its ideology of social justice for all rolled over Christian cultures. Even now can we say the presumptive declaration of victory over communism had anything to do with Christian thought or even practice? Or did communism implode of its own inherent flaws? Well there were those Catholics again in Poland which may well have prevented the communist block from seeking a military solution to its problems but was not the reason for communism's failure; just look at South America or current day Russia. Without God the ideals of communism quickly turned to elitism with a ruthless ruling class. Without its inherent elitism, combined with practices inspired by a living relationship with Christ, how far could Christianity go? If the devote Christian finds the idea that the likes of Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin will eventually enter Heaven irreconcilable with their beliefs do they really know God as the ultimate parent? If we cannot accept the fact that God created all, the suicide bomber and those he killed, to enter heaven together in love and harmony how can we understand the true tragedy of the event?
When Galileo proved the earth revolved around the sun disrupting Catholic doctrine eventually changes had to be made. Yet Christian teachings are put forth with an absoluteness that has and does justify continuous evil deeds against ones fellow man to a lesser or greater degree though out history. No reconsideration of the validity of said beliefs required. All from a book filled with parables and metaphor with thousands of interpretations.
The United States was founded on the Christian faith of its founding fathers. It was a faith that did not ignore the naturalism of the day. Their faith reached beyond denominationalism uniting together colonies often divided by religious affiliation and if there was any significant influence it was Universalism, the belief that all are some day destined to Heaven or a more liberal Unitarianism. The issue of slavery finally boiled over in the Civil War showing our nations Christian emphasis on social justice. ‘Manifest Destiny’ was the cry that took the United States to its present boundaries as a continuation of a strong belief in providence that filled the Christian faith of our nation from its founding; not exactly Deism which revisionists claim as a predominant influence.
In our modern age the League of Nations and eventually the United Nations were formed centering on the United States under the auspices of world peace. Is it any wonder that many in the United States see no value in our participation in the UN? While Christian missionaries went forth with a fervor to reach the far corners of the earth, now that its been done where has the passion gone? If a prominent Christian such as Franklin Grahm proclaimed a campaign to bring peace and prosperity to all men wouldn’t he be ridiculed by other Christians? As history moves forward and we literally have the ability, the technology and economic resources, to feed the world, cure disease and to give everyone a comfortable life Christianity teaches the goals are futile. Rather than believing in the reforming powers of Christ and trying to convert the UN into an instrument of Christian charity they seem intent to wait for the last day that appears imminent and exclusive.
Perhaps not as clear as the models and calculations of Galileo, but does not God’s work in history give evidence to His greater plan? Are the great blessings upon the United States where all men are created equal merely a coincidence? What kind of mind does God have to give man everything he needs to solve the problems that have plagued him since the first human family only to bring destruction to His children and this world, as if the creation ever did anything wrong? I guess this is just the point God has been waiting for to bring down His judgment and end it all. End meaning eternal hell for many. Did God preserve Himself a front row seat? Crazy me, who am I to think I could possibly understand God.
As far as the Pope, he is very different in character than his predecessor but I believe an equally good man, which is important for a church that puts all its eggs in one basket, declaring one individual the standard bearer for the entire faith. I'd stand clear of any Catholic tour buses but this Pope has done what too few do, clearly express the beliefs of his faith and is willing to take the heat for it. It takes courage and conviction, and contrary to appearances stimulates thought. Benedict the XVI has a real pair.
I am not a theologian and am hardly in a position to scrutinize centuries of writings by great minds in the Catholic Church or Christian tradition but problems with Christian thought in general are apparent. As people of faith decry the devaluation of human life legalized abortion has created (something the Catholic Church absolutely opposes) every time a newborn is killed by its mother or animals gain more sympathy than ones fellow man, do they realize how their own beliefs shape society?
The idea that eternal hell fire is preserved for some, and for those who believe in absolute predestination guaranteed, has immense implications for world peace that contradict the Christian vision. The very idea nurtures an inherent inequality among humankind, and though a Catholic belief many protestant churches take it to a much greater extreme. It is no wonder Christians become a target and people feel they want to force their beliefs on others as they stand before the lost sinner with absolute faith that they are going to heaven and the unbeliever to an eternal lake of fire. A good percentage of Christians spending much of their time deciphering exactly who will go to hell.
In the same vein how can there be any resolution between Judeo-Christian tensions or the current struggle with Islam that our President describes as taking decades but which has been on going almost since its inception. It is easy, very easy, to criticize the teachings of Islam as fostering violence and intolerance when not a Muslim. It is far more difficult to criticize ones own beliefs especially if those who would criticize you are conveniently damned for eternity or simply an anti-christ. Or are Christians asking Muslims to do what Christians cannot? Can Christianity work for peace while predicting Armageddon?
Or how can we bring religious and other freedoms to communist China and divert a real possibility of cataclysmic war? Communism with its ideology of social justice for all rolled over Christian cultures. Even now can we say the presumptive declaration of victory over communism had anything to do with Christian thought or even practice? Or did communism implode of its own inherent flaws? Well there were those Catholics again in Poland which may well have prevented the communist block from seeking a military solution to its problems but was not the reason for communism's failure; just look at South America or current day Russia. Without God the ideals of communism quickly turned to elitism with a ruthless ruling class. Without its inherent elitism, combined with practices inspired by a living relationship with Christ, how far could Christianity go? If the devote Christian finds the idea that the likes of Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin will eventually enter Heaven irreconcilable with their beliefs do they really know God as the ultimate parent? If we cannot accept the fact that God created all, the suicide bomber and those he killed, to enter heaven together in love and harmony how can we understand the true tragedy of the event?
When Galileo proved the earth revolved around the sun disrupting Catholic doctrine eventually changes had to be made. Yet Christian teachings are put forth with an absoluteness that has and does justify continuous evil deeds against ones fellow man to a lesser or greater degree though out history. No reconsideration of the validity of said beliefs required. All from a book filled with parables and metaphor with thousands of interpretations.
The United States was founded on the Christian faith of its founding fathers. It was a faith that did not ignore the naturalism of the day. Their faith reached beyond denominationalism uniting together colonies often divided by religious affiliation and if there was any significant influence it was Universalism, the belief that all are some day destined to Heaven or a more liberal Unitarianism. The issue of slavery finally boiled over in the Civil War showing our nations Christian emphasis on social justice. ‘Manifest Destiny’ was the cry that took the United States to its present boundaries as a continuation of a strong belief in providence that filled the Christian faith of our nation from its founding; not exactly Deism which revisionists claim as a predominant influence.
In our modern age the League of Nations and eventually the United Nations were formed centering on the United States under the auspices of world peace. Is it any wonder that many in the United States see no value in our participation in the UN? While Christian missionaries went forth with a fervor to reach the far corners of the earth, now that its been done where has the passion gone? If a prominent Christian such as Franklin Grahm proclaimed a campaign to bring peace and prosperity to all men wouldn’t he be ridiculed by other Christians? As history moves forward and we literally have the ability, the technology and economic resources, to feed the world, cure disease and to give everyone a comfortable life Christianity teaches the goals are futile. Rather than believing in the reforming powers of Christ and trying to convert the UN into an instrument of Christian charity they seem intent to wait for the last day that appears imminent and exclusive.
Perhaps not as clear as the models and calculations of Galileo, but does not God’s work in history give evidence to His greater plan? Are the great blessings upon the United States where all men are created equal merely a coincidence? What kind of mind does God have to give man everything he needs to solve the problems that have plagued him since the first human family only to bring destruction to His children and this world, as if the creation ever did anything wrong? I guess this is just the point God has been waiting for to bring down His judgment and end it all. End meaning eternal hell for many. Did God preserve Himself a front row seat? Crazy me, who am I to think I could possibly understand God.
As far as the Pope, he is very different in character than his predecessor but I believe an equally good man, which is important for a church that puts all its eggs in one basket, declaring one individual the standard bearer for the entire faith. I'd stand clear of any Catholic tour buses but this Pope has done what too few do, clearly express the beliefs of his faith and is willing to take the heat for it. It takes courage and conviction, and contrary to appearances stimulates thought. Benedict the XVI has a real pair.
Friday, July 20, 2007
The Global Warming Debate
The Arctic Ocean may lose all of its ice cover by 2040 according to The Guardian. The cause? Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere of course, topped off with images of dieing polar bears and predictions of doom and gloom. And if that is what you want to hear it is a good place to stop reading. To continue is to find shifting wind patterns pushing ice flows out into warmer waters, melting and exposing more open water in the Arctic to the warming effects of the sun.
I guess the debate is over. So much so that the real reasons for warming can be stated outright as long as we first acknowledge man-made CO2.
Sounds like how Congress operates. See what happens when you mix politics with science?
I guess the debate is over. So much so that the real reasons for warming can be stated outright as long as we first acknowledge man-made CO2.
Sounds like how Congress operates. See what happens when you mix politics with science?
Friday, June 22, 2007
"Live Free or Die"
“Live free or die; death is not the worst of evils.” The famous words of General John Stark written for the 32nd anniversary of the 1777 Battle of Bennington that were in part adopted as the motto for the State of New Hampshire after another infamous struggle for freedom, the Second World War. In the same vein as the famous words of Patrick Henry do they evoke a spirit lost in the United States?
Many of our founding fathers invested all they had to forge a nation out of raw wilderness, aspiring to the highest ideals most simply stated as liberty. The signers of the Declaration of Independence, patriots of the same stock, are another shining example of what was required to lay the foundations of the greatest nation the world has ever seen to date. Putting their very lives on the line, many served the military struggle themselves. Several gave up their family wealth for the cause and the majority had their homes and properties destroyed by the British. Suffering not only financial ruin and imprisonment their sacrifices deprived many of health. A significant number continued in public service throughout their lives.
Today there are many that would eagerly deny us those hard won liberties. They breed distrust for ones fellow man and declare inherent supremacy on grounds of ideology, economic and social status, a supposed enlightened intellect and even the weather. As Islamo-fascists seek to destroy our very way of life those who would tell us how to eat, what we can drive and even what is or is not a sin, in both politics and media, seek to vilify and demoralize our troops fighting in this great and noble struggle. Yes, our troops are the noble ones in case any are confused. Our troops who risk life and limb giving up greater pay and benefits to serve our great country and make the world a better place for all.
I am not one to support violence but there is no peace through surrendering our liberty or allowing the freedom of others to be lost. On June 27th the movie “Live Free or Die Hard” is opening across the nation and I believe many across this blessed country are thinking as I am. As the Islamo- fascists threaten the freedom of all peoples, and their allies in the mainstream media shameless operate their propaganda machine, what better way to show our support for our troops and demoralize the enemy than to make this movie a record breaker at the box office. I am talking from the first showing being lined up and if you can’t get in buying a ticket for the next available show and showing up to watch it. Let the world know before the weekend even begins that those who think to terrorize the United States into submission face only one end. Say to the terrorists, their willing allies in the media and any who would deny another of freedom;
Yippee Kahee Eh.
Many of our founding fathers invested all they had to forge a nation out of raw wilderness, aspiring to the highest ideals most simply stated as liberty. The signers of the Declaration of Independence, patriots of the same stock, are another shining example of what was required to lay the foundations of the greatest nation the world has ever seen to date. Putting their very lives on the line, many served the military struggle themselves. Several gave up their family wealth for the cause and the majority had their homes and properties destroyed by the British. Suffering not only financial ruin and imprisonment their sacrifices deprived many of health. A significant number continued in public service throughout their lives.
Today there are many that would eagerly deny us those hard won liberties. They breed distrust for ones fellow man and declare inherent supremacy on grounds of ideology, economic and social status, a supposed enlightened intellect and even the weather. As Islamo-fascists seek to destroy our very way of life those who would tell us how to eat, what we can drive and even what is or is not a sin, in both politics and media, seek to vilify and demoralize our troops fighting in this great and noble struggle. Yes, our troops are the noble ones in case any are confused. Our troops who risk life and limb giving up greater pay and benefits to serve our great country and make the world a better place for all.
I am not one to support violence but there is no peace through surrendering our liberty or allowing the freedom of others to be lost. On June 27th the movie “Live Free or Die Hard” is opening across the nation and I believe many across this blessed country are thinking as I am. As the Islamo- fascists threaten the freedom of all peoples, and their allies in the mainstream media shameless operate their propaganda machine, what better way to show our support for our troops and demoralize the enemy than to make this movie a record breaker at the box office. I am talking from the first showing being lined up and if you can’t get in buying a ticket for the next available show and showing up to watch it. Let the world know before the weekend even begins that those who think to terrorize the United States into submission face only one end. Say to the terrorists, their willing allies in the media and any who would deny another of freedom;
Yippee Kahee Eh.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Why Scooter Libby cannot be Pardoned
To pardon Scooter Libby may free him from any consequences of his conviction but it certainly does not erase it or the precedent set. The idea that lack of proper recollection can be grounds for imprisonment could obstruct testimony of any kind under the Fifth Amendment or cross-examination that may attack ones faculties. Well maybe that is a slight stretch but the trend of our federal government to severely prosecute seemingly minor offenses dealing with cases that lead to no charges such as the Martha Stewart case requires the attention of our higher courts.
More importantly as the danger of activist judges to our judicial system becomes more and more apparent the even greater danger is that our judicial process become a tool to enforce political vendettas. O.J. is the premiere example how personal perception or bias can sway justice. The Duke rape case is a shining example of our judicial system being manipulated for political gain. Though not part of our judicial branch of government the impeachment process rightfully imposed on President Clinton can be seen as the sole reason for continual calls for President Bush’s unfounded impeachment hearings. To give in to such dangerous passions, creating a new operating procedure for our federal government is beyond dangerous. What next, will people be disappearing or dieing at an extremely disproportionate rate among political movements before we open outright political gulags? (Perhaps next was not the appropriate word)
Justice is said to be blind but our media and a political party that cannot separate fantasy from reality have ripped the blindfold away exposing her to political polls and continuous flashes of mind altering video images that distort reality and lack basic attributes of good character or civilized culture.
The reality is individuals and families have suffered willingly and deeply to create this great nation of the United States and the road back to health requires no less. Though Scooter Libby may face apparent personal destruction in the entire process I believe both he and President Bush, men of exceptional character, understand what is required to lead this nation down the right path. And why should President Bush pardon Scooter Libby before the appeals process is complete? To do so would be an admission of guilt. If any presidential candidates of either party had any real balls they would give their support to Mr. Libby in the appeals process.
More importantly as the danger of activist judges to our judicial system becomes more and more apparent the even greater danger is that our judicial process become a tool to enforce political vendettas. O.J. is the premiere example how personal perception or bias can sway justice. The Duke rape case is a shining example of our judicial system being manipulated for political gain. Though not part of our judicial branch of government the impeachment process rightfully imposed on President Clinton can be seen as the sole reason for continual calls for President Bush’s unfounded impeachment hearings. To give in to such dangerous passions, creating a new operating procedure for our federal government is beyond dangerous. What next, will people be disappearing or dieing at an extremely disproportionate rate among political movements before we open outright political gulags? (Perhaps next was not the appropriate word)
Justice is said to be blind but our media and a political party that cannot separate fantasy from reality have ripped the blindfold away exposing her to political polls and continuous flashes of mind altering video images that distort reality and lack basic attributes of good character or civilized culture.
The reality is individuals and families have suffered willingly and deeply to create this great nation of the United States and the road back to health requires no less. Though Scooter Libby may face apparent personal destruction in the entire process I believe both he and President Bush, men of exceptional character, understand what is required to lead this nation down the right path. And why should President Bush pardon Scooter Libby before the appeals process is complete? To do so would be an admission of guilt. If any presidential candidates of either party had any real balls they would give their support to Mr. Libby in the appeals process.
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